When you are on a budget, and just need a day or two to get away, Chicago is the perfect place. There are plenty of free activities for the kids and you to do while there. 

Here are some ideas, thanks to Chicagokids.com

Every Thursday starting at 5:00 PM, kids and adults are admitted for free. It is only good for three hours and it ends at 8:00 PM. The sponsor for these free nights are Target.

This is a great place for kids to run off some energy. According to Chicagokids.com

"Maggie Daley Park is a new addition where Chicago kids can play. Kids can enjoy the Climbing Park with features on the wall for experts and beginners, the Play Garden, an Enchanted Forest with a mirrored maze and kaleidoscope, The Lagoon, The Sea and The Harbor play apparatus for toddlers, a Wave Lawn for recreation for all ages, and a Slide Crater with a spiral slide."

From 4-7 PM every Wednesday all summer, kids will be able to learn about nature, while getting a hands on experience. They have a soil kitchen, so you know the kids will get dirty.

When you kids are done getting dirty at the conservatory, you can head downtown and spend a good amount of time at the Crown Fountain. It will be really difficult to try and get your kids to leave, especially if it a hot day.

This is a perfect way to top the day off. On Wednesdays and Saturdays, they will shoot off fireworks on the pier. They are even set to music.

If you are looking for more activities, you can find them all here.

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