Vacations are a great way to recharge your mind, body and spirit. Need a quick break but don’t want the hassle (or cost!) of planning a vacation? A staycation might be in order.

Make the most of your staycation with these suggestions.

• If you are looking for an international escape, try experiencing a new culture. There are a wide variety of festivals featuring art, music and food from around the world, such as the Chinatown Summer Fair (July 19) or Taste of Latin America (August 1-2).
• Recharge your batteries. Turn off the electronics and spend some time exploring nature. Kankakee State Park and Perry Farm both host beautiful picnic spots, parks and walking paths.
• Let your mind explore! Read a new book or attend a play. Cats the Musical comes to 555 Mulberry Street in Manteno on July 30- August 2. The Millennium Park Summer Film series runs every Tuesday night until August 25, 2015.
• Try exploring these various unique festivals:

  Merchant Street Music Festival
  July 24–25 | Kankakee Depot

  Gladiolus Festival
  August 5–9 | Downtown Momence

  Chicago Jazz Festival
  September 3–6 | Grant Park

  Herscher Homecoming and Labor Day Celebration
  September 5–7 | Downtown Herscher

  Fall Art Stroll
  September 13 | Depot Park

  Manteno Oktoberfest
  September 24–26 | Downtown Manteno