--- title: Your Spring Break Bucket List (on the Cheap) description: Looking for something exciting to do for spring break, but not sure you have the budget? We've put together a bucket list for your time off (on the cheap). image: https://blog.jjc.edu/hubfs/Blog_Images/spring%20break%20banner.jpg --- [Joliet Junior College Home Page ![Joliet Junior College Home Page](https://blog.jjc.edu/hubfs/RGB%20JJC%20Wolf%20Outline%202-Color%20Purple%20White.svg)](https://jjc.edu/) - [Apply Now](https://jjc.edu/getting-started/admissions/apply-now) - [My JJC](https://stujjc.sharepoint.com/) - [iCampus](https://icampus.instructure.com/) - [Technology Resources](https://www.jjc.edu/technology-resources) - [Giving](http://www.jjc.edu/giving) Open Search ![](https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=224127874799132&ev=PageView&noscript=1) ![](https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=224127874799132&ev=PageView%20&noscript=1) - [Getting Started](http://www.jjc.edu/getting-started) - [Admissions](http://www.jjc.edu/getting-started/admissions) - [Admitted Students](https://www.jjc.edu/getting-started/admitted-students) - [Pay for College](https://www.jjc.edu/getting-started/pay-college) - 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[Institutional Effectiveness](http://jjc.edu/about-jjc/institutional-research-effectiveness) - [Locations](https://jjc.edu/about-jjc/campus-locations) - [Places of Interest](https://jjc.edu/about-jjc/places-interest) - [Police & Safety](https://www.jjc.edu/about-jjc/college-leadership/administration/finance-administrative-services/police-and-safety) - [Strategic Plan](https://jjc.edu/about-jjc/strategic-plan) - [Apply Now](https://jjc.edu/getting-started/admissions/apply-now) - [My JJC](https://stujjc.sharepoint.com/) - [iCampus](https://icampus.instructure.com/) - [Technology Resources](https://www.jjc.edu/technology-resources) - [Giving](http://www.jjc.edu/giving) Open Search # JJC Blog Learn more about student life and what you can accomplish at Joliet Junior College in our blog. # Your Spring Break Bucket List (on the Cheap) Posted by [Sam Sottosanto](https://blog.jjc.edu/author/sam-sottosanto) on Mar 6, 2017 8:45:58 AM ![Sam Sottosanto](https://app.hubspot.com/settings/avatar/d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) ![spring break banner.jpg](https://blog.jjc.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog_Images/spring%20break%20banner.jpg?width=640&name=spring%20break%20banner.jpg)  Looking for something exciting to do for spring break, but not sure you have the budget? You don't have to spend a lot in order to have fun this year! Below, we've put together the ultimate bucket list for your time off (on a budget that won't break the bank).  **1. Visit a state park.** **COST: FREE** As a resident of northern Illinois, there are a lot of state parks within driving distance. From [Starved Rock State Park](http://www.starvedrockstatepark.org/) in Utica to [Illinois Beach State Park](https://www.dnr.illinois.gov/Parks/Pages/AdelineJayGeo-KarisIllinoisBeach.aspx) in Zion and [Matthiessen State Park](https://www2.illinois.gov/dnr/Parks/Pages/Matthiessen.aspx) in Utica/Oglesby, you have plenty to choose from. Go on a hike, enjoy the scenery and soak in the fresh air. [Click here](https://www.google.com/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=state+parks+in+illinois&rflfq=1&rlha=0&rllag=41871747,-88398909,78629&tbm=lcl&tbs=lf_msr:-1,lf_od:-1,lf_oh:-1,lf_pqs:EAE,lf:1,lf_ui:1&*&rlfi=hd:;si:;mv:!1m3!1d712311.7731028233!2d-87.64686319296874!3d41.669049827294614!3m2!1i1314!2i717!4f13.1;tbs:lf_msr:-1,lf_od:-1,lf_oh:-1,lf_pqs:EAE,lf:1,lf_ui:1) to view a list of state parks in the Illinois area. [via GIPHY](http://giphy.com/gifs/rdeKuT0N1bD5m) **2. Ride bikes or take a walk.** **COST: FREE** Spend some time outside! Taking a walk or biking around your neighborhood is not only refreshing, but it's [also a great de-stresser](http://www.bikeradar.com/us/gear/article/cycle-away-from-stress-22726/).   [via GIPHY](http://giphy.com/gifs/happy-smile-perfect-LgM4hmSkW6jhC)   **3. Rent a TV series or movie from your local library.** **COST: FREE** *(with library card)* Now's your chance to catch up on that movie or TV show you've been hearing all about! [Click here](http://www.businessinsider.com/most-popular-tv-shows-2016-12/#3-abcs-pretty-little-liars-with-38-million-demand-expressions-per-day-this-teen-drama-had-a-devoted-following-through-seven-seasons-and-its-series-finale-in-october-3) to check out a list of popular TV shows. [Click here](http://www.boxofficemojo.com/yearly/chart/past365.htm) to see a list of the most popular movies of the past year. [via GIPHY](http://giphy.com/gifs/abcnetwork-d3LEhxhBBF1c7ZwA)    ****4. Get your friends together for a baseball/softball/kickball game.******COST: FREE** Spend some quality time with a group of friends or your family. Plus, sports are great exercise - and [exercise is a great mood booster](http://www.apa.org/monitor/2011/12/exercise.aspx)!  [via GIPHY](http://giphy.com/gifs/baseball-kids-butler-cat-uyWdIzToxYTYI)    ****5. Get a start on your spring cleaning.******COST: FREE** It may not sound fun right away, but just think of how refreshed you'll feel once everything's put away and organized! According to [this article from the Huffington Post](https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-new-you/201504/the-psychology-spring-cleaning), a clean space very well may be the key to an improved mood, decreased stress and enhanced creativity. [via GIPHY](http://giphy.com/gifs/cleaning-AhAysobj49aqQ)   ****6. Go on a picnic.******COST: $0-$10** *(depending on price of food)* Grab a few friends or family members, find your favorite blanket, make a couple of PB&Js and you're all set!  [via GIPHY](http://giphy.com/gifs/animation-summer-picnic-3o72F1wLFbNW4gjvri)   **7. Get crafty.** **COST: $0-$20 ***(depending on price of supplies)* [Check out this list](http://www.bigdiyideas.com/42-craft-project-ideas-that-easy-to-make-and-sell/) for craft ideas that are both easy and fun!   [via GIPHY](http://giphy.com/gifs/kittens-because-quQijRpxpy7UQ) **8. Try out a new recipe.** **COST: $0-$15** *(depending on price of ingredients)* Did you know that eating helathy, homecooked meals [actually makes you feel better](http://www.chatelaine.com/the-happiness-plan/how-cooking-at-home-makes-you-happier/) (opposed to dining at a restaurant)? Hop on [Pinterest](https://www.pinterest.com/) or ask a friend for a new recipe and enjoy a meal made from scratch.  [via GIPHY](http://giphy.com/gifs/happy-excited-5OgZGFfcPrcbe)   **9. Enjoy ice cream from a specialty shop.****COST: $2-$8 ***(depending on shop and size of treat)* Many speciality ice cream shops open in the spring. Stop in and treat yourself to an ice cream sundae or banana split. [via GIPHY](http://giphy.com/gifs/day-ice-hump-mbeBWFPtqdq36)     **10. Go to the zoo.** **COST: Lincoln Park Zoo: FREE Brookfield Zoo: $20** *(per ticket)* Revisit a childhood memory by taking a trip to the zoo! [via GIPHY](http://giphy.com/gifs/zoo-10OycNRSs0CyxG)     **11. Go to an "escape room."** **COST: $20-$40 ***(per person; depending on where you go)* Take part in the latest trend! [Escape rooms](https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/its-no-puzzle-why-escape-room-adventures-are-so-popular/2015/01/16/938370de-9b4f-11e4-96cc-e858eba91ced_story.html?utm_term=.fbfb6746adfa) are a fun and unique way to bond with your friends. You start out in a locked room and are tasked with finding clues that will lead you to the key. While this is the most pricey item on our bucket list, if you're interested and can afford it, we definitely suggest you give it a try! [via GIPHY](http://giphy.com/gifs/the-game-jeu-daventure-escape-1ZQkRjJNBow5q)   **Related Posts** [5 Books to Read this Summer](https://blog.jjc.edu/5-books-to-read-this-summer)[10 Reasons Why You Should Take a Summer Class](https://blog.jjc.edu/10-reasons-why-you-should-take-a-summer-class)[9 Relaxing Things to Do During Your Winter Break](https://blog.jjc.edu/9-relaxing-things-to-do-during-your-winter-break)[6 Ways to Unwind and Relieve Stress](https://blog.jjc.edu/6-ways-to-unwind-and-relieve-stress)[Top 5 JJC Outings for Couples (or BFFs)](https://blog.jjc.edu/top-5-jjc-outings-for-couples-or-bffs) \*\*\* **Like this post? 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