5 great things to do when 'there's nothing to do'
Finding something fun and affordable for everyone to do during the summer isn't as difficult as families might think. Getting out of the house for a few hours with your family can sometimes be pricey, but local, one-day getaways can be fun while also allowing families to hold on to their money for bigger trips during the summer. From museums to zoos, to other forms of outdoor entertainment, having fun in the suburbs is possible if you're trying to pinch your pennies.
McDonald's First Store Museum
www.aboutmcdonalds.com/mcd/our_company/mcdonalds_history_timeline/museums/mcdonalds_number_one_store_museum.html
(847) 297-5022
This museum offers visitors something even cheaper than the dollar menu- free admission. Located in Des Plaines Illinois, the McDonald's First Store Museum is a replica of the original store that was torn down in 1984. The Museum features authentic signs from the first store as well as golden arches and a storefront that are designed to mimic the original McDonald's that once stood there. The Museum is also a great one-day getaway for the summer because it is only open during the summer months from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Movies in the Park
www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/events/movies
(312) 742-PLAY
Tickets to summer blockbusters are expensive when the whole family is looking for something to do. Instead, Movies in the Park offers free admission to guests. Movies are played at dusk throughout the Chicago Park District. Movies at the Park plays through September and will show more than 170 films total by the end of summer.
Volkening Heritage Farm
www.parkfun.com/spring-valley/heritage-farm
(847) 985-2115
Take a look back at what Schaumburg was like in the 1800s. The Volkening Heritage Farm in Schaumburg offers visitors a variety of trails and farm grounds to explore for free. The Farm also offers a variety of programs available to visitors by appointment. Appointments can be made through the Schaumburg Park District website.
Butterfly House
www.genevaparks.org/facilities/pfic_butterfly.html
(630) 262-8244
Without even taking flight for a miniature summer vacation, families can get acquainted with butterflies at the Butterfly House in Geneva. Part of the Geneva Park District, the Butterfly House asks for donations of $2 per person or $5 per family. The Butterfly House usually welcomes about 20,000 guests per summer and offers people the opportunity to watch butterflies float around them from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from noon to 5 p.m. every Sunday.
Randall Oaks Zoo
www.dtpd.org/Zoo/general-information.htm
(847) 428-7131
For families interested in animals, the Randall Oaks Zoo in West Dundee offers guests the chance to pet and feed different animals. Open all summer, the zoo only charges $3.25 per resident and $4 per nonresidents. The zoo staff also offers a variety of programs including an animal feeding for just an additional $1 or a hayride for an additional $3. The Zoo is open everyday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., through Oct. 8.