Now that the weather is getting warm and summer is just around the corner, many Chicagoans are looking for things to do. While hopping on a plane and going to a popular vacation spot like Miami or San Diego may sound nice, there is no reason Chicagoans should have to travel so far. There are plenty of things to do in and around Chicago and a staycation can be far cheaper than a vacation. A great place to start is by getting a season pass to Six Flags Great America in Gurnee. The season pass is usable at any Six Flags amusement park and includes admission to Hurricane Harbor, Great America’s neighboring waterpark. There is also Key Lime Cove, an indoor waterpark, which makes for a fun-packed weekend trip no matter what the weather.
For many, a vacation just is not a vacation without including a trip into nature. For a day trip, the Morton Arboretum or Chicago Botanic Garden are both beautiful places to visit. Both places have winding paths lined with flowers in bloom and large trees. If you are looking for somewhere to get away, Starved Rock State Park is a forest-covered mountainous area complete with waterfalls and canyons only hours away from Chicago. Closer to home, Chicago’s loop has a lot to offer. Navy Pier is frequently hosting a uniquely Chicago event like the upcoming Taste of Chicago, as well as its usual fun standbys like the boat rides and giant ferris wheel. Also in the Chicago loop is Millennium Park, the Magnificent Mile full of shopping opportunities, and Willis Tower Skydeck.
Chicago is also a huge sports town and in the spirit of the friendly rivalry, why not attend a game for one or both of Chicago’s baseball teams? If you are more of a one city, one team» kind of person, there is always an opportunity to bear down with the Bears fans.
Chicago also has many museums which make for enlightening and entertaining day trips. Some of the venues include The Art Institute of Chicago containing everything from modern paintings and ancient sculpture and everything in between. There is also the Museum of Science and Industry and the Field Museum as well as the Children’s Museum that is full of hands-on activities for all ages.
For those looking for more kid- friendly venues, a visit to Brookfield Zoo or Lincoln Park Zoo is always an engaging adventure. There is also the Shedd Aquarium that houses many different sea creatures that children dream of seeing. For days when the weather is too good to spend inside, a stroll through Millennium Park or a day at one of Chicago’s many beaches are both kid and adult favorites.
Whoever said we need to travel to get away was clearly not from Chicago. The Windy City has much to offer its residents and tourists, these were only a few. For more great staycation ideas, check out enjoyillinois.com.