Site Seeing: Cheap and Fun Things to Do With Kids in Chicagoland

School's out and summers in! Time to explore your community through budget-savvy travels!

Has the economic downturn left you feeling "stuck" in a rut? Does it seem like everything fun for kids seems to break the bank? Check out the following Chicagoland gems that will leave your wallet thicker and your kids happier than ever before!

Library Storytimes and Programs: Libraries often offer a wealth of free programs to their patrons from storytimes, lego programs, puppet shows and even foreign language storytimes.  Don't worry  about the shushing of bespectacled librarians which is totally a thing of the past. So go ahead and give your local library a try!

Lincoln Park Zoo: A beautiful zoo nestled in downtown chic and happening Lincoln park that is just a car ride away.

 Historical Societies: Jump into history at local historical societies such as the Du Page County Historical Society in Wheaton. In July, you'll even be able to meet the lovable, mischievous monkey Curious George for free!  Visit: http://www.dupagemuseum.org/ for more details.

Park Districts: Generally most people think of park districts as places for sports and exercise enthusiasts to sweat out it out, but you'd be wrong! Park district's programs are a smorgasbord of kid-friendly programming that won't break your budget. From computer, sports and art programs the park district has you covered!

Forest Preserves: The Little Red Schoolhouse in Willow Springs, Illinois is one of the many fantastic forest preserves found in Cook County which offer a variety of classes for children and adults. Little ecologists will be mesmerized by their upcoming Spittlebug Nature Camp for 5-6 year-olds that costs a measly $25 or go native by creating a Native American Sand Painting. Make sure to take a trek to this naturalist's delight! Take a peek at the Forest Preserve's 2014 Summer Schedule for more enticing programs http://fpdcc.com/events/.

Cantigny (Wheaton, Illinois): Step back into time by visiting newspaper magnate Robert McCormick's estate, gardens and war museum that will leave you and your family breathless with glee! Events for children include a Vintage Baseball Match on June 8th and a bird walk for avid aviary experts 10 and over!  Vist http://www.cantigny.org/ to learn more.

Other Spellbinding Sites: 

Oak Lawn Children's Museum: http://cmoaklawn.org/

Naper Settlement: http://www.napersettlement.museum/ (Living History Museum in Naperville, Illinois)

*All Images from museum and zoo websites*