Planning a summer picnic? Here’s how to do so safely
Having a picnic or cookout at a park or beach may be a summer tradition, but the warm weather can turn tasty treats into nasty bacteria in a short amount of time. Consumer Reports’ food safety experts have tips for making sure you keep food poisoning off the menu.
Canyon Lake officials to limit park areas due to concerns with overcrowding, trash left behind
Canyon Lake officials are taking steps to prevent overcrowding and pollution at the park. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers said large crowds in recent weeks have caused concern for public safety and the environment.
5 things that happened this summer that you probably already forgot about
Somehow, summer 2021 has come to a close (hello, sad girl fall!), so we’re going to take a look back at all the major things that happened this summer that you probably already forgot about, because this summer went by way too fast.
Sanitizing your pool will cost you more this summer due to limited availability
A halt in production at one of a few chemical plants in the U.S. that produce chlorine used in pools is causing prices to climb. San Antonio pool experts say there’s no shortage, but the limited availability is costing customers more.
Texas State Parks expand capacity, remove group limits in time for spring, summer camping
SAN ANTONIO – The Texas Parks and Wildlife on Wednesday said state parks will return to normal capacity in time for spring and summer camping seasons. Texas State Parks “have begun a strategic and thoughtful process of expanding capacity statewide” as Gov. “We’re excited to welcome more visitors to our parks,” Rodney Franklin, director of Texas State Parks, said in a news release. “We want Texans to know that the safety of our visitors and our park staff is our top priority as we increase visitor capacity. Texas State parks closed at the beginning of April 2020 as the state began shutting down due to the first wave of coronavirus cases.
From heat to snow: Rocky Mountains see 60-degree plunge
Heat and strong winds also hit California and parts of the Pacific Northwest over the holiday weekend, triggering destructive wildfires. Snow fell in Colorado, Montana and Wyoming, where portions of Interstate 80 closed and forecasters predicted up to a foot (30 centimeters) in the mountains and temperatures in the teens (-7 Celsius) overnight. Several northern Utah school districts canceled classes, and officials warned people to stay inside if possible to avoid flying debris, downed power lines and other dangers. Several semitrailer trucks blew over on northern Utah highways. Freeze and frost warnings also were posted for parts of Montana, Idaho, Colorado, Nebraska, North Dakota and Minnesota.
Nearly a dozen ideas for summer fun at home
Inflatable fun : Unicorn Hopper: Unicorn fans will love bouncing around on this Hedstrom hopper. Inflatable Seesaw Rocker: Rock out with a bestie on a giant inflatable seesaw. Inflatable Easel: Turn your play space into a wonderland and paint masterpieces with the Giant Inflatable Easel with Paints! Hoovy Giant Fun Inflatable Roller: Roll around, with this Inflatable fun roller wheel which can be used by kids and adults to play games, interact as a family or simply let your kids roll around in the yard. Game Time: Indoor Golf Pool: Get the whole family in on the fun of playing this exciting indoor game that combines the challenge of golf with the game of pool.
San Antonio man loses job, starts new family business
SAN ANTONIO – Sunday marked day one for the Cabrales family’s new chapter — a shaved ice business to fight back against the impact of COVID-19. Days after the shutdown began in mid-March due to the growing concerns surrounding the pandemic, Ismael Cabrales said he received a call from his supervisor. The couple's children help make the strawberry drizzle that tops the Berry Fun shaved ice option. RELATED: Only in San Antonio: Mangonada with hot cheetos, pickles & chamoyThe Cabrales family is eager for the San Antonio community to try their cool treats. Businesses interested in renting out an area for the food truck can contact the family at linastreatsandcafe@gmail.com.
Look to the sky on 4th of July to see the first full moon of summer
SAN ANTONIO – Fireworks won’t be the only reason to look to the sky on the Fourth of July! According to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the first full moon of the summer, otherwise known as the Buck Moon, is taking to the skies just before the midnight hour on Saturday. There will also be a partial penumbral lunar eclipse, NASA officials said. This process is known as a partial penumbral eclipse. The moon will appear full for about three days around the eclipse, from Friday evening into Monday morning, and NASA officials said this will be a full moon weekend.
A mangonada with hot cheetos , pickles & chamoy, only in S.A.
SAN ANTONIO The South Texas sun is like no other, so it takes a specific type of treat to cool us down during this heat. Ice Ice Baby at 2113 Bandera road is just what San Antonio summers called for. Shaved ice and snow cones are just the start. They have tons of topping to take your treat to the next level and then even the level after that. They are know for their over-the-top mangonadas - a delicious shaved ice topped with gummy bears, rainbow ribbons, hot cheetos, pickles, and chamoy - its a sweet and sour dream.
This virtual camp includes 1,200 videos and experiences -- and they’re all free
Summer camp might not be an option this year, but YouTube has created a free #CampYouTube, so as to re-create common camp experiences through YouTube videos. These include arts and crafts, sports, writing workshops, photography tutorials, mental health exercises, exploring the outdoors and SO much more — seriously, there are about 1,200 videos in total. Any interest in learning how to make a ping pong ball float? Plus, YouTube uses resources for its videos from partners like the BBC, Imagination Library, Code.org, Breakthrough Junior Challenge, Google Arts and Culture, National Geographic Society, Sesame Street and others. “These resources are not meant to replace homework assigned by teachers, but meant to complement that work,” YouTube states on its camp website.
The must-have summer essentials for your dog
The shop pretty much has everything - toys, clothes, skin care, and their homemade treats and dog food. Cooling bandanas - soak it in water and the bandana will retain the water and help keep your pet cool. It will keep away the mosquitos but is safe enough for your dog to lick and a Lavender/Peppermint Shampoo for when they get stinky. Stay cool out there. Get Your Dog Ready for Your Return to the Office - click here
Health experts discourage large holiday gatherings, encourage rethinking summer vacations
SAN ANTONIO San Antonio health experts are encouraging residents to avoid large gatherings during the upcoming holiday and to rethink how they would want to spend their summer vacations. This concern comes after the increase of positive COVID-19 cases after Memorial Day weekend when the state was reopening. We started seeing people getting out, said Dr. Mandie Svatek with UT Health San Antonio. They were having large social gatherings. If we do the same we did for Memorial Day in which we had large group gatherings, we are going to continue to see an uprise in cases, Svatek said.
3 ways to sweeten up your summer at home
SAN ANTONIO Milkshake Mode is not your average shake shop. Owner Alexandra Moya specializes in over-the-top treats inspired by South Texas. While the pandemic has shaken-up some of her plans, shes still offering these impressive goodies, and better yet shes showing you how to make some yourself. If you want to check out more and find out how to order your own, check out Milkshake Mode here. Click here for Recipe: microwave mug cakes for the kids
2 new local businesses in one space | SA Live | KSAT 12
2 new local businesses in one space | SA Live | KSAT 12Published: June 20, 2020, 9:57 amHot new place opens up by the University of Texas San Antonio. The Study Space is a fun new place to hang. They have a full coffee bar, restaurant and full bar. Don't forget about Dario's Bakery that just opened up inside. Chef Dario serves up a delicious key lime pie for summer.
Keep an eye on your toddlers splashing in the pool. Drowning is the leading accidental cause of death for kids 1 to 4
An average of 379 children under age 15 die in reported drownings linked to pools or spas each year, the CPSC said. Widening the scope to include young people under the age of 20, drowning remains a major threat, ranking as the third leading cause of death among that age group. Nearly 1,000 young people succumbed to drowning in 2017, according to a policy statement published by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Although drownings have long been a leading cause of death, childhood drowning rates have been more than halved in the last three decades. Most young children who drown in pools had only been left unsupervised for minutes or less, according to a CPSC study.
Schlitterbahn sets reopening date for New Braunfels, Galveston parks
SAN ANTONIO The hottest, coolest time in Texas" has set a reopening date following coronavirus-forced closures. Schlitterbahn will reopen its New Braunfels and Galveston parks on Saturday to season pass holders. The park will open in phases, and its website does not state when parks will open to the public. As Texas businesses reopen, COVID-19 case totals are rising. Both indoor and outdoor waterparks can operate at 50% capacity, as allowed in Abbotts Phase 3 of reopening Texas.
Watch: At-home family activity ideas for the summer and blue button jellyfish at the coast
SAN ANTONIO – School is officially out for summer and KSAT Kids wants to make sure you have fun. If you are bored at home, Spurs Give has launched a new virtual coding for kids. This week’s critter is the blue button jellyfish. The ocean is full of so many different species and this jellyfish washed up in Port Aransas last week. To stay on top of the latest KSAT Kids content, sign up for our newsletter or follow the KSAT Kids pages on Facebook and Twitter.
Six Flags Fiesta Texas to reopen on June 19
SAN ANTONIO – Six Flags Fiesta Texas is the latest theme park to announce a reopening date. The theme park will gradually increase attendance and open to all guests on June 22. New reservation system put in place at Six Flags Theme parks to ensure proper social distancing“The extensive new safety measures we are implementing allow us to return to the business of providing thrilling family memories in a safe and fun environment," Six Flags Fiesta Texas Park President Jeffrey Siebert said. This ’new normal’ will be different in some ways, but we believe these additional measures are appropriate in the current environment,” Six Flags President and CEO Mike Spanos said. Six Flags announces face masks will be required for guests, employees once parks reopenGuests can make reservations to visit the theme park starting June 4.
Fun ideas, possible trips for San Antonio families during summer 2020
SAN ANTONIO – The COVID-19 pandemic may have put a damper on what we can and can’t do this summer, but there are still ways your family can get out and have fun safely. KSAT.com has a wide array of articles and lists to guide you through summer 2020. There are over 20 state parks for camping within driving distance of San Antonio and overnight camping is now allowed. This is the perfect idea to get outside and still maintain social distancing. 11 glamping spots you have to visit near San AntonioTexas is also home to many beautiful places to swim like Jacob’s Well and Krause Springs.
Top summer toys of 2020
SAN ANTONIO Whether you have a creative kid, or an active one, The Toy Guy, Chris Byrne, has found something to make sure every child has a fun summer break. $21.99Available at WalmartDino Mazing Dino Egg Decorating KitFrom: Hey Buddy, Hey PalAges 3 and up. $27.99Available at www.eggmazing.comHog Wild MLB PoppersFrom: Hog WildAges 4+$9.99Swirl and Style Tie-Dye StudioFrom: YuluAges 6 and up$19.99Available at TargetZuru X-Shot Fast Fill Water BlasterFrom: ZuruAges 3 and up. $9.99Available at TargetMarshmallow BlasterDouble Barrel BlasterFrom: ZingAges 8 and up. $30.99Available at Zing StoreClick here for more summer gadgets and games
Unplug at one of these secluded vacation spots near San Antonio
SAN ANTONIO – While many of us may still be too nervous to travel long distances, there are some spots near San Antonio that will make you feel like you are far away from everything. We’ve compiled a list of some secluded spots that are perfect for a couple’s getaway, a family vacation or even a solo trip. Secluded in the hills this is a perfect way to unplug and relax. Willow Point Resort: Located on Lake Buchanan this resort is a great way to escape. Escondida Resort & Spa: This adult-only hotel and spa is located in Medina.
Summer is not completely canceled. Here are 100 things we can do with or without kids.
Make your summer listIt's time to write down a list of activities you and your family want to do this summer. Here are 100 fun-in-my-opinion things to do this summer collected from colleagues, friends, family and me. Then everyone can come back to the family book club to report what they liked about the book (and eat cookies together). Your kid's story: Have your kids write and illustrate a book about the day they were born. Good night!
Texas wildlife experts warn of ticks as more people head outdoors and the summer heat rolls in
The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service is warning campers of the dangers of ticks as warmer weather makes its return. Ticks like to attach to the head, hair, chest, armpit, groin, waist and back of the knees, according to AgriLife. Ticks can be removed with tweezers by grabbing them as close to its head as possible and pulling straight out. Experts warn states to prepare for cicada infestationAgriLife says there are 11 common tick species found in Texas, with the American dog tick being the most common. If you come into contact with a tick and need to identify it, you can use the TAMU Tick App.