Spring Break Excursions, Locally

Consolidated School District 158’s spring vacation is just around the corner so what are your plans?

If you are still searching for things to do,  either for the day or for a getaway, here is this week’s Patch Picks topic: great staycation ideas.

1. CoCo Key Water Resort at Clock Tower Resort, Rockford

This is an indoor water park that has over 60,000 square feet of water park activities including a four story three 40-foot body and raft slides. You can get overnight packages or get a day pass.

2. Recreate Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, Chicago

Your kids may not know of the 1986 movie, but they’ll become fans of the eventual remake. Till then, you can recreate Ferris Bueller’s Day Off by visiting all the sites in the movie. You won’t be able to dance in a parade, but you can visit the Sears Tower and the Art Institute of Chicago. For a complete list of the places featured in the film, check out www.suite101.com.

3. Starved Rock State Park, 2568 East 950th Road, Oglesby, Il.

Spring is here, the ice has melted and the waterfalls are always a wonder. Illinois’ renowned state park is open year round and has lots of trails to follow. It’s one of those places you always want to visit but never have time.  If you book two nights at the lodge onsite, you get the third night free. Details are here. Nearby Grizzly Jacks Resort has a special, “Spring Break Splash,” that features a two-night stay, arcade tokens, pizza and breakfast. Good through April 2 and April 15-30. For details, check here. The resort also has rides from the old Santa’s Village amusement park location in East Dundee .

4. Odyssey Fun World, 3440 Odyssey Court, Naperville.

This family entertainment center is an easy drive for a day-long excursion. It has four indoor rides, an exploration adventure area with a four-story tunnel and pit ball area and Laser Trek, according to its website. There’s also two paintball fields where equipment can be rented. For prices and more information, click here.

5. Warp Skatepark, Lake In The Hills

 This skatepark is the ultimate for kids and teens who skateboard. A good time to go is during the week and there are lots of challenging obstacles for skaters of every skill level. Parents need to sign a waiver and the skatepark offers lessons for beginners.