If you’re not heading out of town for spring break, you don’t have to to break the bank on entertainment to have a fantastic staycation. Lake County libraries and other favorite spots have plenty of free or cheap entertainment options for families. Here is a five-day plan of things to do to keep everyone from saying, “I’m bored,” over spring break.
Monday – Make something
If you’re the type that likes to outsource your crafting, head to the Lake Forest Public Library, which offers a different craft every Monday. This month is all themed around spring crafts.
If you’re a DIY darling, use Monday to ease into spring break and get inspired with Chicago Parent’s Get Crafty Pinterest board. Or try setting older kids loose in the kitchen and have them make muffins or banana bread, so you also have breakfast for the week!
Tuesday – Travel back in time
Every day over spring break, the Raupp Museum in Buffalo Grove offers free drop-in activities from 1-3:30 p.m. On Tuesday, kids can make their own kites. Raupp offers the free programs so children can learn something new and get hands-on with local history.
You can also spend the day immersed in city history at the Chicago History Museum. Children can turn themselves into a Chicago-style hot dog (hold the ketchup!) or hop on the city’s first L car. The museum is free for children 12 and under.
Wednesday – Get wet
You might not be in Florida, and it might only be 40 degrees, but you can still splash in a pool.
The Lakeview Fitness Center Indoor Pool (Vernon Hills) features a water slide and children’s play structure, and (bonus!) it’s always a toasty 82 degrees inside. During spring break, they offer special open hours, so check the online schedule. Drop-in rates are $7 for children ($5 for residents) and $11 for adults ($9 for residents).
Thursday – Tinker
Fuel your kiddo’s imagination, and learn something new! The Ela Area Library has a “maker space” called Forge that allows children to tinker and create with technology and crafts.
Explore the chemical world at the Zion-Benton Public Libraries “Close Encounters of the Chemical Kind.” On March 30 from 3-4 p.m., children can watch as a scientist presents exciting chemical reactions and plays with liquid nitrogen.
Friday – Step into a fairytale
Because you’ve saved so much money this week, you can splurge on Friday and go to a show. The Kirk Players are presenting the imaginative world of Narnia in The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. The show opens on Friday, March 31 and runs all weekend at Mundelein High School. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for children.
