Amazingly Fun Family Friendly Day Trips in Lake County Illinois Area on a Shoestring Budget

May 28, 2022

School is rounding out to a close and Summer is just about to begin! For parents and caregivers it can be a little overwhelming to try and find ways to keep your kiddos occupied for weeks on end, especially if you’re working on a tight budget. That’s why today’s post is all about great excursions and day trips that you can take with the kids that won’t break the bank. Keep things fresh and fun all summer long with these budget-friendly ideas. And of course, feel free to add your own suggestions in the comments on our social media. We’d love to include your ideas in a future update!

The Lambs Farm in Libertyville is a great day out with your whole family. This non-profit organization helps folks with developmental disabilities connect with their communities. There’s a wonderful Farmyard on site with more than 300 animals that you can meet up close and personally! There’s also a Sugar Maple Candy Shop, the Cedar Chest Thrift Shop, the Dogwood Pet and Garden Center, and Magnolia Cafe & Bakery on site. Admission is reasonably priced at just $5, and the Farmyard ticket also includes mini golf!

Volo Auto Museum is located in Volo, and is perfect for car enthusiasts both young and old. Stop by and take a walk through history with cars from yesteryear through today. It has over 33 exhibits to explore along with special events throughout the year! Transportation nerds will be very excited to also check out the incredible boats on site, too! Tickets range from about $13 to $32 depending if you also couple it with an admission to Jurassic Gardens, also!

Waukegan Municipal Beach in Waukegan is a mile-long stretch of public beach with gorgeous natural sand-dunes! It’s a perfect family outing for swimming, sandcastle building, or even just a peaceful picnic on the beach to watch the sunrise or sunset. And check the local event calendar for local food sellers and food truck pop-us, sailing, and even kiteboarding. Parking may be a nominal fee on certain days, but the beach is free to residents with a Waukegan City Sticker.

Wildlife Discovery Center in Lake Forest is an incredible living museum, biological station, and animal conservation center on the border of the Middlefork avana wildlife habitat. There are 85 different species of animals, and if you’re there during regular hours of operation you may even get to enjoy a meet and greet with some of them! The facilities include opportunities to enjoy indoor and outdoor exhibits, demonstrations and feedings, nature-themed birthday parties, educational classes, and even summer camp options for kids 4 through 15. Admission is free but a donation is encouraged to help support events and animal caretaking.

The Tempel Lipizzans at Tempel Farms in Old Mill Creek is a one-of-a-kind day out! You and your friends and family can enjoy an incredible feat of showmanship with performance horseback riding! You’ll enjoy a full program of entertainment including dancing stallions, battle reenactments, classical riding and tricks, and other equine related performance art. You can join in the fun by auditing a clinic for a day, or perhaps taking a tour of the facilities to learn even more about the history and process. Discounts may apply for group bookings.

Par-King Skill Golf in Lincolnshire is a massive multi-course mini golf course ranked in the Top 10 Miniature Golf courses in the United States! With 36 greens, and 21 mechanical objects and obstacles, this is a delightfully unusual 18-hole golf course. It’s meticulously designed and maintained and is a wonderful, whimsical way to spend a few hours bonding with family and friends.

Other activities of note just a short drive away from Lake County in Illinois and Wisconsin: