We all want to occupy our summers with fun, but often that gets very expensive. While your friends are jetting off to some expensive island, you can take a small vacation that will cost you almost nothing! Take a look at these close-by vacation spots that will not disappoint!

 

KANSAS CITY

• Kansas City is two to three hours away from Springfield, and boasts a plethora of exciting opportunities.
• A huge summer hit is the Plaza shopping center downtown. Here you can find many upscale shopping stores, boutiques, and restaurants. Not to mention the setting of abundant fountains, horse-drawn-carriage rides, and occasionally lives music.
• Right around the corner you will find Union Station, located conveniently near Crown Center Shopping, Science City, and the Coterie Theater. All of these tickets are inexpensive and worth a day of exploration!
• Not to be topped is the power and light district in the heart of downtown. Here you will experience live music, pulsing nightlife, and a vibrant theatrical scene. Home to Kansas City Repertory Theater in H&R Block, you can see a show followed by a delicious dinner in one of the five-star dining locations.
• If theater is your thing, don’t forget about Kansas City’s amazing assortment of theaters. Located near the Kansas City Zoo, Starlight theater hosts several Broadway shows each year. If you’re looking for something a little less expensive, be sure to visit Shawnee Mission Park’s The Theater In The Park. Here you can spread out blankets to watch top-notch community theater from the comfort of the lawn.

CHICAGO

• Chicago might be a bit of a drive, but you can also take an inexpensive bus or train to avoid dealing with crowded highways and streets. Once there, you can purchase a temporary EL ticket and use their elevated train transportation system to visit any location of your choosing.
• Popular tourist sights are available, such as the bean, Navy Pier, or the Chicago Theater. However, there are many other activities you shouldn’t miss!
• Shedd Aquarium and the Art Institute both host amazing sights, and have inexpensive admission. Downtown life is always bustling, and it is not hard to find festivals and events to attend.
• If you need a break from city life, you can take a short trip on the EL to Evanston, a quaint town home to Northwestern University. A truly quintessential college town, this community boasts cute boutiques, amazing local and organic dining, and quieter access to beach time on lake Michigan. Fun fact about Evanston: Several scenes from the movie, Home Alone were filmed here. You may recognize some of the houses and churches that are featured in the film.

MILWAUKEE

• Also nearby, this city has a unique arrangement of activities to occupy your time. The Harley Davidson Museum is renowned, and definitely worth a visit.
• In addition, you can cure your wildlife curiosity by stopping by the Mitchell Park Horticulture Conservatory. Another popular tourist location is the Pabst Mansion. This mansion is open to the public and displays the late Pabst family and their contributions to the town and society.
• There are many beautiful churches to look into in Milwaukee, specifically the beautiful Basilica of Saint Josephat.
• If you are in the mood to shop, stop by the amazing Southridge Mall. Don’t forget to be wise with your spending!
• And above all, be aware of Milwaukee’s amazing community life. Summer promises many festivals in the parks in the beauty of the downtown area, often of which are free.

All of these amazing locations provide inexpensive vacation options that will save you time and money this summer. Don’t waste your money or drop loads of cash. Look into the opportunities that these can provide!