Gurnee Mills may seem like a clichéd place to go, but it can still be fun to hang out there whether you are shopping or just walking around and talking. If you are craving something sweet, head to It’s Sugar in the heart of the mall. You’ll walk out with a huge sugar rush. Since warm weather is coming soon, grab a few friends and look for a new summer wardrobe at stores like American Eagle or Charlotte Russe. Even if you don’t buy anything, it’ll still be fun shopping with friends.

Downtown Antioch is another fun place to hang out over break. If the weather is nice, you can window shop along Main Street or just spend time watching the puppies in Best Pets‘ window. There are also delicious restaurants for a lunch date, such as Las Vegas and Oliverii North. The movie theater is downtown as well, which is a great place to hang out and see a new movie. Check out Divergent, based on the popular young adult novel by Veronica Roth, which opens in March. 

Café Book, also downtown, is a newer place to hang out that has already become very popular. The coffee shop is a fun place to grab a cup of joe and chat with friends in a relaxed setting.

This spring break, instead of sulking alone in your room, grab some friends and plan a “staycation.” You can have just as much fun as the people on vacation—and probably be far less sun burnt.