Issue date: 3/8/10 Section: Entertainment

Media Credit: Joelle Halon The Brookfield Zoo might not be a bad place to visit.

Media Credit: Joelle Halon Chinatown always has something going on.

Midterms Week is upon us, which can only mean one thing: Spring Break is right around the corner at PUC. Because it is still cold outside (how cruel of a joke is that? Spring Break during winter?), many of you take the opportunity to visit warmer locales, but others may not have the means or the funds to do so.

Fortunately, for those who cannot afford to visit Florida, California or Cancun over Spring Break, the Midwest region has plenty to offer in terms of fun if you know where to look. Best yet, these activities are not expensive and only involve a tank of gas. Buckle your seatbelts and let us go!

Shopping

If shopping is your thing, then NWI and the Chicagoland area can provide you with plenty of shopping opportunities. For starters, Michigan City is home to Lighthouse Place Premium Outlets and Marquette Mall. Lighthouse Place is home to 120 outlet stores including Vanity Faire, Banana Republic Factory Store and Bath & Body Works Outlet.

Marquette Mall always has events planned during the weekends if you check their website (http://www.marquettemall.com/events/index.htm).

Chicago's Magnificent Mile, located on North Michigan Avenue in Chicago, always has plenty to offer shoppers. If you are looking for antiques, jewelry or something for your pet, the Mag Mile has something for everyone.

If you are a fan of Asian art and clothing, Chicago's Chinatown also has a lot to offer in terms of shopping.

Zoos

If you have children or if you just love animals, there are plenty of zoos in the area to visit. Of course, Chicago is home to both Lincoln Park and Brookfield Zoos, but there are also the Indianapolis Zoo and Binder Park Zoo, which is located in Battle Creek, Michigan.

For Lincoln Park Zoo, admission is free, whereas at Brookfield, Indianapolis and Binder Park, admission is $13.50, $8.50 and $11.95 respectively. Each zoo offers different animals and a different experience, so take the time to visit one of these great places.

Although not a zoo, Chicago's Shedd Aquarium has plenty of activities that you and your kids may enjoy, especially their new show "Fantasea," a should-not-be-missed extravaganza featuring Beluga whales and Pacific White-sided dolphins.

Art Museums

Many of you know about the Field, Science and Industry Museums and The Art Institute of Chicago, but some may not know about the several smaller museums that dot the region. For example, at Valparaiso University, the Brauer Museum of Art plays host to several events and exhibits. Currently, you have the opportunity to visit the Thomas H. Kapsalis: Artist's House exhibit, which is open until March 21.

Admission to the Brauer Museum is free, but donations are accepted.

In Chicago, The National Museum of Mexican Art invites you to stroll through the galleries and learn more about Mexico's history and colorful culture. Exhibits include performing arts, philosophy, radio art and education. Admission is free.

For more information about region museums, visit http://local.yahoo.com/results?stx=art+museums&csz=Chicago%2C+IL.

Indianapolis

Ind.'s capital deserves a category all its own. Teeming with museums, shopping centers and nature, Indianapolis is Indiana's Emerald City rising in a field of corn and cows.

While in Indianapolis, enjoy the central Ind. Ghosts by taking a tour with the Historic Indiana Ghost Walks and Tours. Learn some of Indiana's storied history at the Colonel Eli Lilly Civil War Museum, Morris-Butler House Museum and Eitlejorg Museum of American Indians.

Indianapolis is also home to fantastic night-life activities including comedy clubs. Additionally, if you enjoy art and frequent Chicago's fantastic museums, Indianapolis has many more art museums to its name, so you will not be disappointed.

For more information on what to do in Indianapolis, visit http://attractions.uptake.com/indiana/indianapolis/77340245.html.

Water Parks

If you are staying in the region yet want to get your feet wet, Key Lime Cove, located in Gurnee, Ill., is an indoor water park and resort designed for "daycations" or nighttime fun. For a romantic getaway, visit Sybaris Pool Suites in either Northbrook or Downer's Grove Ill.

Do not forget the Wisconsin Dells, which has several indoor water parks for you to enjoy.

Remember, Spring Break is suppose to be fun, so take the time to relax and enjoy yourself before heading back into the grind of school.

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