Spring Break on a Budget: Frugal Families

Keeping children busy during spring break can be complicated and expensive.

Later this week, we are going to talk about area staycations. Those are things to do if you can't get away for a big vacation.

This week's Frugal Families is going to feature bigtime Chicagoland attractions so you can stay busy and save.

Chicago Children's Museum at Navy Pier

Save $1 on up to four admissions. Print the coupon here. The first Sunday of every month, and Thursday evenings from 5 to 8 p.m. are always free.

Field Museum

If you're planning a trip this week, you'll pay full price, unless you get the discount cards. If you can wait, April 11 and May 9 are free basic admission days.

Art Institute of Chicago

Like the Children's Museum, The Art Institute has free admission Thursday evenings from 5 to 8 p.m.

CityPASS

If you are planning to go to two or more of the following places within nine days, definitely consider the CityPASS. For a flat fee, you get VIP admission to five attractions.

They include The Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, and Skydeck Chicago (formerly Sears Tower). You also get a choice of either Adler Planetarium or the Art Institute. You get another choice of either John Hancock Observatory or the Museum of Science and Industry.

The price for Adults is $76 and kids 3 to 11 is $59. That's over 50 percent in savings. The pass is valid for nine days from the day of first use. In most cases, you can skip the line and go straight to the front VIP entrance. To purchase, click here.

Go Chicago Card

If you're planning to see more sites in a shorter amount of time, be sure to click here to to view the 28 attractions. Prices vary according to the one, two, three, five or seven-day choices. Attractions include both zoos, boat tours, bike and roller rentals, Kohl Children's Museum of Greater Chicago, LEGOLAND Discovery Center, Arlington Park and more.

Be sure to check out the Patch Picks on Thursday to plan your staycation right here in the Greater Chicagoland area.