Arts & Entertainment

Patch Picks: Nobody Move! Chicago Staycation

Why go anywhere else when Chicago has so much to offer?

The Greater Chicagoland area is a destination spot for families from all over the world. For those of us who live here, it seems we never make it into the city enough.

If you can't get away for a big vacation this year, why not take advantage of what we have right here? Chicago is a great place for a staycation.

Take a few days off. Sleep with your favorite pillow. But plan day trips into the city.

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First of all, there are too many sites to choose from. Some have hefty entrance fees. If you want your staycation to be a knockout, then the one-two punch is Metra and the CityPASS.

Getting There

The Metra trains are a great resource to Chicagoland. From Joliet to LaSalle Street, you let somebody else do the driving. With today's gas prices, there is no smarter way to travel. Schedules are convenient.

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During rush hour, express trains shave off 20 minutes if you are willing to be a little crowded toward the end. Total time is 70-90 minutes. Click here for a complete schedule.

If you have kids, consider sitting upstairs for the extra cool factor. Or you can move to the front car for a special view out the front window as you approach downtown.

The seat backs flip to accommodate larger groups. If the weather allows, you can also bring your bikes on the non-express trains. The train schedule will indicate which times allow bikes.

The price per ticket is $6 for an adult one-way. The ten-ride ticket is $48.05 and can be shared. Kids ages 7 to 11 are $3 during the week. On weekends, up to three children can ride free with an accompanying paid adult. Also on weekends, young adults 12 to 17 are also $3. Students with a valid school ID are $3 as well.

Be sure to buy tickets at the station. Once on the train, there is an extra charge per ticket for purchasing from the conductor if the station ticket booth was open.

Getting Around

Once off the train, take the escalator down and you will find yourself under the famous Loop tracks. You can take the L anywhere in the city. However, you will already be within walking distance of the Art Institute and Millennium Park.

Before you head east toward the lake, take a moment and walk straight under the Chicago Board of Trade building. You'll end up at a great fountain and even better architecture. It's just a moment out of  your way, and well worth the wow.

You'll also be an inexpensive cab ride to Grant Park and all the major museums and sports arenas.

CityPASS

If you are planning to go to three or more of the following places within nine days, definitely consider the CityPASS. For a flat fee, you get VIP admission to five attractions.

They include The Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, and Skydeck Chicago (formerly Sears Tower). You also get a choice of either Adler Planetarium or the Art Institute. You get another choice of either John Hancock Observatory or the Museum of Science and Industry.

The price for Adults is $76 and kids 3 to 11 is $59. That's over 50 percent in savings. The pass is valid for nine days from the day of first use. In most cases, you can skip the line and go straight to the front VIP entrance. To purchase, click here.

Discount Theatre

If you have time and are don't mind the last-minute shopping, click to HotTix.org. They have great prices on last minute matinees and evening performances all over the city. That way, you can buy them only if the entire family is willing to go.

Chicago is one of the greatest cities in the world. We get so bogged down with our every day lives that it is easy to forget the riches Chicagoland has to offer. If you have a couple days, but are trying to save a couple bucks, stay right here.

Chicago has all the makings of a great staycation.


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