The months between winter and spring break seem like an eternity.  The quizzes, tests, assignments, and papers that pile up in just over three months can take a huge toll on a student’s already jam-packed schedule.  Envisioning an entire day spent on the beach in balmy Florida weather makes the struggle of school increasingly bearable.  However, many people find themselves stuck in the frigid and cold Chicago suburbs for the entirety of the break.  With no planned vacations, what is supposed to be a seven day period of relaxation can quickly take a turn into monotony and boredom.  Instead of succumbing to idleness, take a peek at the following suggestions for a staycation; remaining in the area may be the best idea with the countless activities within an hour from Gurnee.

1.Visit a college

Rising seniors might as well take the opportunity to embark upon the journey of visiting schools.  Northwestern University is located in Evanston, Illinois, roughly 40 minutes from Gurnee.  Take a walk around the campus and get a feel for the lakeside location that the school is known for.  If Northwestern isn’t of interest, Marquette University is another great school to visit in 45 minutes away in Milwaukee.

2. Day in Lake Geneva

Downtown Lake Geneva has great shopping and a great view.  Cute boutiques and cafes line the streets, with a little store for each person to grab a treat at.  Take a few extra bucks and splurge on a new outfit, or perhaps buy a book at the local bookstore. For all the sweets fanatics, there are great chocolate shops in Lake Geneva famous for their giant blocks of fudge and chocolate coated Oreos and pretzels.

3.  Overnight Stay in Chicago

Living in the northern Illinois suburbs has its perks, among them is its close proximity to Chicago.  Grab a group of friends or family members and rent a hotel room for the night as there are a multitude of reasonably priced rooms available at a moment’s notice upon making a search online.

4. Museums

On the Chicago note, museums are a great way to learn a little information while still letting loose.  Free museums include the Adler Planetarium, Art Institute of Chicago, and the Chicago History Museum.  Other options include the Shedd Aquarium and Field Museum; while you have to pay to get in, the admission tickets are certainly worth the vast knowledge you’ll learn and fun time you’ll have.

5. Lunch Date with Friends

No matter how simple an action it is to go out for coffee or for a nice brunch, making a lunch date is a way to stay occupied and ensure that you get do some socialization on the hiatus. Getting dressed up and making a day out of it is an even better way to beat those spring break blues.

6. Plan a Trip for the Summer

Sometimes, having a break in the middle of the school year can be a blessing and a curse.  With conflicting schedules, it can be difficult to plan a vacation that doesn’t inconvenience any member of the family.  Use spring break as time to plan in advance and schedule a trip that works for everyone.  Being months in advance, there is generally some wiggle room for everyone to see what days they are available or when they can take off.

Once the spring break staycation is conquered, summer is mere weeks away.  Power through those lasts months of school until the greatest break of all comes: summer.