As summer approaches, people are keeping a close watch on their wallets in order to save for vacations and outings during warmer weather. Keeping an eye on our wallets doesn’t mean you need to eat peanut butter and jelly for lunch or stay in all the time. Here in Chicago, there are plenty of ways to get out and enjoy what the city has to offer, all under $10:

• What better place to grab a Chicago style deep dish pizza than Chicago? Right here on the Gold Coast, you can head over to Lou Malnati’s and enjoy a personal deep dish pizza for under $10. Lou began his career at the first place in Chicago to offer deep dish pizza, so he knows a thing or two about the business!
• Chicago has a lot of museums, many of which are free. One example is the Garfield Conservatory. Their Spring Flower Show is open until May 8th. Drop in during the Conservatory hours and check out this season’s theme: colorise. The LED lights and Fluorescent ceiling enhance the colors of the flowers.
• It may seem a bit “touristy,” but the Cloud Gate is a fascinating structure that we take for granted. It’s made out of stainless steel plates, and if you stand back, you can see the distorted view of the Chicago skyline. It’s fun to get a different perspective every now and then!
• The Jane Addams Hull House Museum is a memorial for the first American woman (Jane Addams) to receive the Nobel Peace Prize for her time social work. There is a suggested donation of $5 for entry.
• Another example of different Chicago cuisine can be found at Nhu Lan Bakery. For under $10, you can grab some of their Banh Mi and a soft drink, and since it’s spring, you might be able to head outside and have a mini-picnic!
• Speaking of picnics, another idea is to go exploring one of Chicago’s local parks. Burnham Park stretches along Chicago’s lakefront, and offers multi-purpose trails, fishing, and even a skate park. For more information on Burnham Park’s events and other Chicago Parks, you can visit the Chicago Park District website here.
• It seems impossible to create a list of budget-friendly, fun things to do in our city without mentioning the Lincoln Park Zoo! It’s a perfect day out for the family, group of friends, or even as a solo adventure! If you want to do some research to see what attractions are open, check out their website before heading over.
• Another potential family outing is the Brunk’s Childrens Museum. This educational experience focuses on immigration and is a part of the Swedish American Museum. The cost of admission is $4 for adults and $3 for kids, which grants you access to both the Swedish American Museum and the Brunk’s Childrens Museum!
• Are you an Illinois resident? Every Thursday from 5-8 p.m.the Art Institute of Chicago offers free admission to state residents. Check out their website for more information about their current and upcoming exhibitions (note: the Van Gogh’s Bedrooms Exhibit is not included in the free admission package, it’s an extra $15).
• The second Saturday of every month, there’s a Handmade Market on Western Ave. Featuring unique products from over 30 vendors, this market is a new way to enjoy a different sort of windowshopping!

These ten ideas only scratch the surface of budget-friendly outings in Chicago. Even if you’re trying to save up for a bigger vacation later on this summer, you can still have some fun along the way!