As Spring Break is blooming right around the corner, here are a couple ways you can spend your week off either alone or with family and friends on a $20 budget.

Self-care night

After months of tackling the rigors of second semester, a much needed self-care night could be just what you need. Indulge yourself in some of your favorite snacks (all under $20 of course), along with renting/streaming your favorite movie/show. If interested, stores like Target, Ulta, Sephora, and Walgreens sell face masks. Pick some up for a great way to refresh your skin! It is also important for your body to rest and regenerate. Catch up on all of the lost sleep from those constant nights of studying. 

“For Spring Break, I am going to get a lot of rest and am going to go to Complimentary Cafe,” senior Amor Ambubuyog said. “They write cute compliments on your cup.” 

Enjoy the outdoors

As much as resting is important, it is also important to keep your body moving. Here are some places in Illinois that you and your friends/family can tour around!

• Lincoln Park Zoo: Lincoln Park Zoo is a family favorite. The zoo is home to 200 different and unique species from tropical birds to species you thought were extinct, along with more than 1,200 species of beautiful plants and flowers. The zoo also has frequent events that they post on their calendar, such as their upcoming event, Sound Meditation with Jay Taylor this Sunday. The cherry on top of this amazing zoo is that the entrance fee is completely free for everyone.
• Millenium Park: Millenium Park is where the Chicago classic, The Bean (Cloud Gate), is located. Not only is The Bean located there, but there’s also the Lurie Garden, Crown Fountain and the Jay Pritzker Pavilion. There is also an outdoor public art walking tour that starts at 12 pm every first and third Saturday of each month until Oct. 7. Millennium Park is completely free.
• Navy Pier: One of Chicago’s top attractions, Navy Pier has events and activities for all ages. The pier blooms during spring. Navy Pier also has the 200 feet Ferris wheel, the Centennial Wheel as well as mazes and museums. And don’t forget about the amazing array of food and drinks. The entrance fee is completely free, and a ride on the Ferris Wheel only ranges around $12-$15 depending on your age!
• Starved Rock State Park: The beautiful state park is located in Oglesby. The 13 miles of trails with beautiful waterfall scenery is the perfect place to take a hike and take in nature. Don’t worry about getting hungry since the state park also has quality food for good prices. The park also has activities to quench any boredom you may have such as music tribute shows, trolly tours and waterfowl cruises. There is no fee to visit, but fees vary depending on the activities you chose to do. 
• Chicago Botanic Garden: The Chicago Botanic Garden has 28 beautiful gardens that stretch the 385-acres land. Each garden is unique with different plants and flowers. If you get tired of strolling through the grounds, they have a variety of classes such as art, yoga, fitness, gardening and even tai chi. The admission fee ranges from $9.95 to $15.95 and the parking fee for cars is $8. 

Pick up a new hobby

Being at home for a week can get repetitive. This is the perfect time to pick up a new hobby that you’ve been meaning to try. A hobby that is known to be peaceful and can bring out your creativity is painting. Stores like Michaels, Hobby Lobby, Target, Walmart, or even Dollar Tree sell mini canvas and starter paint kits that fall around $20 or less. Also, as the weather is getting better, you can spend some time outside by bike riding to ease up your mind. If you own a bike, this should be budget friendly. Baking your favorite treats or cooking one of the meals you enjoy the most can also be a great way to learn how to do something new and fun! Go to your local grocery store and pick up different kinds of baking mixes which usually are under $10. To switch it up a bit, invite a friend or two over and go head to head in a baking competition!