One of the money saving weekend escapes is the Chicago Water Works. The Chicago Water Works is a visitor welcome center that offers many attractions.

1. The center is fully staffed during the day with knowledgeable, friendly guides.

2. The adjacent restaurant offers good Italian sandwiches for a tad more than you’d pay at a fast-food chain.

3. Ask about free discount books that contain buy-one-get-one-free coupons.

4. Check on discount tickets for Broadway productions. We paid $25 USD/person to see Michael Nouri in South Pacific. There were plenty of seats available on a Sunday night.

A second solution: Chicago CityPass.

1. A flat fee entitles you to admission at six major attractions, without the wait in ticket lines.

2. It offers admission to all of the following: Adler Planetarium & Astronomy Museum, The Field Museum, Hancock Observation Deck, The Art Institute of Chicago, Museum of Science and Industry, Shedd Aquarium.

3. Adults pay $39 USD; Youth 3-11 $29.

4. To recoup the price of the pass, you need only visit about three of the attractions. Paying for them all separately would cost $72.50. It’s a good buy if you’ll be spending several days in the city.

5. Total Savings: $100 or more, depending upon how many of these deals you can take advantage of during your stay.