Kid-Friendly Chicago Staycation on a Budget: Your Ultimate Money-Saving Guide

Our Staycation Guide offers a variety of options for affordable fun with your family. And here are some tips for your planning!

A Chicago staycation with the family promises adventure, discovery, and quality time without the hassle of long-distance travel. Discover how to have an amazing local adventure without overspending! Our Staycation Guide offers the best money-saving tips for a kid-friendly Chicago staycation, proving you can enjoy all the incredible attractions and create lasting memories while keeping your budget in check. Say goodbye to travel hassles and hello to affordable family fun right here in Chicago!

Visit our Staycation Guide to find the inside scoop on weekend getaways, tours and sightseeing, Chicago hotels and more, and check out the following fantastic ways to save money on your kid-friendly Chicago Staycation:

Embrace Free Activities and Parks:
Chicago boasts incredible free attractions perfect for families. Millennium Park with Cloud Gate ("The Bean") and Maggie Daley Park's playgrounds and climbing walls offer hours of entertainment without costing a dime. Explore the Lincoln Park Zoo, one of the last free major zoos in the country. Pack a picnic and enjoy the scenic beauty of Grant Park or the lakefront trail.
Tip: Visit the ChicagoKids.com Calendar of Events and Place to Go directory to find free family-friendly activities.

Look for Package Deals and City Passes:
Bundling your attractions can lead to significant savings. Consider purchasing a Chicago CityPASS and save up to 49% on several top Chicago sights, like the Field Museum, Art Institute, Adler Planetarium and more.
Tip: Explore activity options on Viator to find the best prices on tours, attractions and activities.

Take Advantage of Free Museum Days:
Many of Chicago's world-class museums offer free admission days or evenings for Illinois residents (and sometimes for everyone). Plan your staycation dates around these opportunities to experience culture without the usual ticket price.
Tip: Visit the ChicagoKids.com page on Free Museum Days and see when you can visit some of Chicago's world-class museums for free.

Explore Public Transportation:
Navigating Chicago with kids is easier and cheaper using public transportation. Purchase a Ventra card or utilize contactless payment options for the 'L' train and buses. This avoids costly parking fees and gas expenses associated with driving.
Tip: Consider a day pass or a multi-day pass if you plan on using public transportation frequently. Children under a certain age often ride free! Check the CTA (Chicago Transit Authority) website for fare information and family travel tips.

Consider Accommodation Alternatives:
While Chicago has fantastic family-friendly hotels, consider finding a vacation rental if you need more space or a kitchen to prepare some of your own meals. Staying slightly outside the immediate downtown core can also offer more budget-friendly options with good transportation links.
Tip: Check out your options on VRBO to find a more home-away-from-home place to stay.

Cook Some of Your Own Meals:
Eating out for every meal can quickly add up. If you opt for a vacation rental with a kitchen or even just utilize your hotel's mini-fridge and microwave, prepare some breakfasts, lunches, or snacks yourself. Visit local grocery stores or farmers' markets for affordable food options.

These money-saving strategies will help you create a memorable and fun-filled Chicago staycation with your kids without overspending. Start planning smart, explore the free and discounted options, and enjoy all the amazing experiences that Chicago has to offer!