It’s that time of year again. You can park your car without ramming it against a mountain of snow, the grass is starting to make its transition from brown and crunchy to green and lush, and you can actually feel warmth from the sun. Spring is coming.

For many of us, the change of season brings a need for a change of scenery. The city can get pretty depressing during the winter—wet, gray, wet, cold, and did I mention wet? —And with the promise of better weather teasing us, many are ready and raring to go somewhere, anywhere. Some of us got our fix by going away for Spring break, but many stayed in the Chicago area.

Fortunately, you don’t have to be stuck in the urban jungle this spring if you don’t want to be. Surrounding Chicago are little escapes of fine weather fun, relaxation and a nice break from the city and all of its trappings. They are called the suburbs, and while many of their residents are flocking to Chicago for the sights and sounds of the big city, some of their towns have plenty to offer the weary urbanite, wanting a break from honking horns and expensive parking meters.

While all of the suburbs have their “must-see” attractions, some offer more than others. These five are the “best of the best,” offering the widest range of fun and fair-weather activities for students looking to get away for a day.

St. Charles

Furthest from Chicago at 33 miles, St. Charles is definitely the place for the outdoor enthusiast of any stripe. Nestled in the Fox River Valley, this town prides itself in its beautiful parks, scenic riverside, and miles of bike trails. If it’s an outside activity, you can do it here: canoeing, biking, hiking, horseback riding, paddle-boating or just lying in the grass next to the Fox River. The town is a bit sparse in terms of shopping or dining—though it has a healthy antique and curio market—but it has two impressive theaters: the stately, old-fashioned Arcada, which made St. Charles famous in the early 19th century for its shows, and the newer Steel Beam theater, which specializes in off-beat, fun shows.

Oak Park

Here’s a trivia question for you: what famous writer and famous architect lived in this Chicago suburb?

Answers: Ernest Hemingway and Frank Lloyd Wright, respectively.

For those of us who are arts fans, or if you just want some culture in a quieter setting, Oak Park is the place for it. The Ernest Hemingway Museum, Ernest Hemingway birthplace and the world’s largest collection of Wright’s architectural projects are all practically in the same four-block radius. Because all but one of the Wright houses are private residences, the regular walking tour—$12 for students, is limited to exteriors only, but organized tours of home interiors can be found ontheir web schedule. However $8 and a student ID will get you not one, but two visits to the Hemingway exhibits (credit cards are accepted if you get the passes at the museum, cash is preferred if you start at the birthplace house). After your dose of history and the arts, stroll to the town center to browse through local favorites like Magic Tree Bookstore or the Marion Cheese Market.

Evanston

Thriving nightlife? Check. Great restaurants fitting all budgets and cuisines? Check. Busy music and theater scene? Check and check.

If you’re looking for a fun night out, without the immense crowds and overpriced door covers, Evanston offers an accessible alternative to Chicago. The close proximity to Northwestern University means the area is geared towards marketing to the student budget. Many establishments, including several restaurants and the cinema, provide student discounts with a valid ID. Evanston’s thriving music and arts scene means that there are almost always shows happening somewhere in town. One popular venue, SPACE, hosts concerts and events of all varieties, and general admission tickets start at around $10.

Glencoe

To regain some Zen, or just enjoy something completely removed from all things city, head out to Glencoe. The town, while small, is located smack in the middle of the Cook County Forest Preserve district, and is home to an array of parks and green spaces, including the Chicago Botanic Garden. Admission to the Garden is free, but parking a car costs $20, so here is a tip for the frugal student: take the Metra to the Glencoe station (from the Ogilvie Transportation Center about $8 roundtrip, from Evanston about $5 roundtrip) and pick up the trolley. Service starts in April, and two dollars can get you to and from the garden. Even better, bike up the lakeshore to Glencoe and lock your bike in the Garden parking lot for free—great exercise, great scenery, and great for your wallet.

Naperville

Want a bit of everything? Look no further than Naperville. This sprawling town has something for everyone: parks and a beach for those who want fun in the sun, a lively nightlife and shops and dining options ranging from local favorites like Anderson’s Bookstore and Cookie Dough Creations (get the Mint Avalanche with peanut butter cookie dough) to mainstream giants like the Barnes and Noble and Lou Malnati’s. Despite their close proximity—some local eateries and shops are literally around the corner from their chain competitors—this mix of small town and big city variety seems to coexist very peacefully. At 32 miles from Chicago, you’ll need wheels to get to Naperville. Fortunately, parking is abundant (and free or cheap, depending on where you go,) or you can take the BNSF Metra line from Union Station to Naperville station for only $5.