Joliet · Will County, IL
Cheap things to do in Joliet
Scout analyzed 55 Joliet places and surfaced the ones that actually fit cheap day out.
Places analyzed
55
Matches
24
Typical spend
$30
Typical visit
1.4 hr
Scout-verified spots
Outdoors
Route 66 Park
Route 66 Park is a free outdoor spot good for an hour-long family stroll, perhaps combined with an ice cream treat from the stand. It pairs well with other local historical sites or as a quick stop on a road trip.
Cathedral Area
Home Cut Donuts, Inc.
This is a quick stop for fresh donuts and coffee, suitable for a casual breakfast or an afternoon treat. Expect to spend under $10 per person for a few items and a drink.
Food & Drink
Clancy Brothers Coffee Roasters
This coffee shop is suitable for a quick solo stop or a casual meet-up, taking about 30 minutes. Expect to spend $5-$15 per person for coffee and a light snack.
Food & Drink
Jitters
Jitters is a local coffee shop good for a quick stop to grab a drink and light bite. Expect to spend 30 minutes and around $5-15 per person.
Food & Drink
Brewed Awakenings
Brewed Awakenings is a classic coffee shop for a quick stop or a relaxed hour with a drink and light bite. Expect to spend $5-15 per person for coffee and a pastry.
Food & Drink
CUT 158 Chophouse
This upscale chophouse is suitable for a romantic date or a celebratory meal. Expect a visit of 1.5 to 2 hours, with a typical spend of $75-$150 per person for food and drinks.
Outdoors
Pilcher Park Nature Center
Pilcher Park Nature Center offers a mix of indoor wildlife displays and extensive outdoor trails for hiking and biking, making it a good, free option for a family or solo outing. Plan for a 2-3 hour visit, especially on a nice day.
Outdoors
West Park
West Park is a free park best for a casual family outing or solo stroll. It can be paired with a picnic or a visit to a local ice cream shop, typically lasting 1-2 hours.
River Bluffs
Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park
This riverfront park is good for a relaxed outdoor outing, especially when there are free or low-cost concerts or shows. Expect to spend an hour or two enjoying the scenery or entertainment, with costs ranging from free to about $20 if attending a ticketed event.
Outdoors
Nowell Park
Nowell Park is a free city park suitable for family outings, solo walks, or a casual sports game. Expect to spend 1-2 hours enjoying the outdoors and various recreational facilities.
Arts & Culture
Joliet Iron Works Historic Site
Visit this historical site for an hour or two to explore industrial ruins and enjoy a walk. It's a free outdoor activity that pairs well with a picnic or other local park visits.
Outdoors
Hammel Woods - DuPage River Access
This forest preserve and river access point is ideal for a few hours of walking, exploring nature, and enjoying river views. It costs nothing to enter and can be paired with a picnic lunch.
Outdoors
Hadley Valley - Gougar Road Access
This nature preserve is good for a free outdoor excursion, offering trails and wildlife for a few hours. It can be paired with a packed lunch for a picnic.
Food & Drink
Gost Coffee Roasters
Gost Coffee Roasters is a good stop for a quick coffee and pastry, or to grab a bag of beans. Plan for 30 minutes and expect to spend $5-$15 per person.
Food & Drink
McBride's on 52
This tavern is good for a casual meal of American comfort food and drinks, especially for sports fans. Expect to spend 1.5 hours and $20-40 per person for a relaxed outing.
Food & Drink
Ten Drops Coffee
Ten Drops Coffee is suitable for a quick solo stop or a casual catch-up, usually taking about 30 minutes and costing $5-$15 per person for coffee and a light snack. It pairs well with local errands or before starting work.
Nightlife
Metro Grill & Bar
Metro Grill & Bar is a relaxed spot for American fare, suitable for a casual meal or drinks. Expect to spend $15-35 per person and stay for about 90 minutes.
Food & Drink
Hamburgerseria
Hamburgerseria is a casual spot for a quick and affordable meal, good for lunch or dinner with family. Expect to spend 45-60 minutes and about $10-$25 per person.
Warwick
Rosemary Cafe
Rosemary Cafe is suitable for a casual, affordable meal, typically taking about an hour and costing $10-$25 per person. It can serve as a standalone breakfast or lunch stop, or part of a longer day of local errands.
Nightlife
On The Rocks Joliet
On The Rocks Joliet is a casual bar for an evening drink or quick bite, suitable for a relaxed solo outing, date, or gathering with friends. Expect to spend $15-40 per person for drinks and appetizers during a 1-2 hour visit.
Food & Drink
Happy Place Cafe
This cafe is good for a casual breakfast or lunch with family or as a solo stop, pairing well with local errands or a relaxing start to the day. Expect to spend $10-25 per person for about an hour.
Family
Haunted Trails Family Entertainment Center & Picnics
Haunted Trails is a family entertainment center offering rides, go-karts, and mini-golf. It's a good standalone outing for 3-4 hours, with individual activities costing around $10-20 each, plus food.
Outdoors
Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve
Goodenow Grove Nature Preserve is ideal for a free outdoor family outing or a solo walk, offering trails and nature views. Plan for a 2-3 hour visit and expect significant walking.
Food & Drink
Texas Roadhouse
Texas Roadhouse is a casual, lively steakhouse great for family dinners or a relaxed date night. Expect to spend 1-1.5 hours and around $25-45 per person for a meal.
Under $35
Cheap dates and low-spend afternoons.
Worth the splurge
When the night needs to land.
Outdoors
Patio, trail, or open-air.
No reservation needed
Walk in tonight.
What Scout found
- 55 of the 55 analyzed Joliet places fit cheap day out.
- 31% of matches are outdoor or partly outdoor.
- 89% have easy parking.
- Dominant moods: Relaxed, Social, Playful, Adventurous, Scenic, Quiet.
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