What teenager wouldn’t want a small, inexpensive vacation with their friends downtown? A family vacation, yes, still is memorable and enjoyable, but most Leyden students would agree that a small break away from your family would be nice too. Realistically, it could be possible. Chicago offers numerous activities one could do. Now if you want to add a budget for a day’s worth of adventurers, this easy guide can assure you of an affordable trip downtown with easy-to-get- to places as well.

1. With parent permission, I suggest the blue line. It’s affordable, and the route is easy to follow. You’d want to start the train ride from either O’Hare or Rosemont. The closest stop to Millenium Park that would suit you and the others from a long walk would be at the “Washington Blue” or more commonly known as “The Blue Loop” you’ll end up on Washington Street. The beauty it is that Millennium Park is only four blocks down, but on the way, window shopping and sight-seeing is highly suggested. ( Window shopping is free; real shopping will add to your budget!)

2. Once you reach Millennium Park, look around and explore! I suggest picking a Monday to visit the city so you could catch a free concert in the evening. After spending time there, cool down at the beach- grab a taxi. A beautiful, laid back beach not far from Millennium Park is down Michigan’s Magnificent Mile: Oak St. Beach. It’s not congested, and it’s spacious enough for a picnic.. Think of some activities to do there as well. The cost to and from Millennium Park would total up to $15.

3. The neat thing about going to Millennium Park is that it doesn’t always have to be about looking at its sculptures and gardens. Throughout the summer, there are various things to do that the park offers for free. This website has the whole list for easy access! It’ll come in handy choosing a day based on the majority’s interest. Coming back from the beach, you can catch a free concert there or engage in a free tour of the garden. They provide a variety of cultural performances: dancing, theatre, etc.. By then night should be approaching, but before you leave, catch a treat. Two unique ice cream/gelato shops that are found nearby are Park Grill’s Café (right across the Park) or Café Bacci (0.4 miles down Michigan Ave.). Park Grill Café offers smothered chocolate brownies and top-notch homemade ice-cream. Although Café Bacci requires a small trip down the street, it offers Chicagoans with gelatos, sorbets, flavored scoops, and authentic Italian ice for a cheaper expense at the same quality as any other ice cream parlor.

Here’s a budget breakdown for the trip described above: