As the snow melts and flowers begin to peek out from the earth, spring break inches closer and closer. Some are stuffing tank tops and tanning oil into their suitcases in a mad scramble to prepare for a warm, sunny ten-day escape to paradise. Others are sighing at the thought of spending their break hiding from the harsh Midwestern weather and binge-watching “Orange is the New Black.” However, despite the seemingly unfavorable circumstances, a few Naperville North students have plans to make the most of their break at home. Here’s our staycation bucket list:

 1. Take a day trip

Junior Matt Pillastch has been wanting to take a day trip to the Adler Planetarium since the summer, but he never got the chance. However, the stars have since aligned, and he decided that spring break would be the perfect time to finally pay a visit. Since it’s still chilly in the Windy City, Pillastch feels that visiting a museum would be a perfect way to enjoy break while beating the weather.

“Chicago is still too cold to do much outside,” Pillatsch said. “If you’re not crazy about outer space, there are numerous museums and cultural sites in Chicago and surrounding areas to fit a wide spectrum of interests.”

 2. Be productive

Although it’s tempting to stay in PJs all day and catch up on movies over a bowl (or three) of ice cream, spring break can serve as a period of productivity. Especially for juniors, many of whom will begin the college application process in the near future, a break from school is a great opportunity to work ahead. Junior Sammy Bellasario plans to visit a few nearby colleges, including DePaul University, University of Illinois at Chicago and University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. According to Bellasario, visiting colleges will be a great way to get familiar with various campuses.

But aside from college visits, there are endless ways to be productive over spring break: read a book, accomplish a goal, learn something new, reorganize. Vegetation feels good for the time being, but productivity will feel better in the long run.

 3.Treat yourself

According to sophomore Maddy Thorne, with warm weather in sight, it’s about time to ditch the bulky coats and boots. She kept this in mind when planning her visit to the Oakbrook Shopping Center over break.

“The best thing about spring break is having time for yourself,” Thorne said.

If shopping isn’t your style, there are countless ways to make time for yourself over break: take a yoga class, eat your favorite dessert or see a movie you’ve been wanting to see. With ten stress-free days rapidly approaching, it will be easy to find time to indulge.

 4. Get active

 According to Kids Health Online, 60 minutes of exercise per day can significantly increase happiness. Senior Dan Hill plans to get active by going to a high ropes course with the NNHS boys volleyball team over break.

“It should be a really fun escape from the contest gym,” Hill said.

If you’re acrophobic, there are plenty of ways to get moving on ground level: go for a run, organize a soccer game, try pilates. Not only will you break a sweat, but you’ll boost your mood as well.