Great Weekend City Ideas to Spend Your Refund Check on

Americans are expecting bigger than usual tax refunds this year! When that check from Uncle Sam finally arrives, why not do something memorable with it: explore a new city or enjoy some local culture. If you live in Illinois or southern Wisconsin, you’re in a geographical sweet spot for accessing awesome weekend events that balance fun, discovery, and budget-savvy planning.

Related reading: View our blog on spending your refund wisely and other smart financial tips.

Prepare to Spend: ATMs & Check-Cashing Services at CCEA Currency Exchanges

The best refund-check weekends aren’t always the flashiest. They’re the ones where simplicity is part of the attraction — having cash in hand, transportation sorted, and small tasks handled before you go. Services like check cashing and transportation assistance will turn your plan into a reality.

So before hitting the road, make sure your refund check is ready to use. A stop by your local Community Currency Exchange can help you cash checks without long waits and get what you need in hand before departure. They also offer money transfers, ATM services, and even foreign currency exchange if you’re thinking about a getaway with an international twist.

Explore Chicago: Transportation Passes to All the Best Sites

Even for longtime residents, Chicago has no shortage of “I keep meaning to do that” experiences. A refund check can cover museum entry, a neighborhood food crawl, or a show you wouldn’t normally splurge on. Pair that with a weekend CTA pass or rideshare budget, and suddenly the city feels more accessible without the pressure to overplan.

Handling Ventra cards or your Pace transportation plans ahead of time can make these spontaneous weekends smoother and more affordable.

Load Your Prepaid Debit Card & Visit Springfield, IL

Illinois’ state capital is often overlooked as a leisure destination, but Springfield offers a calm, walkable environment with history, local dining, and open green space. It’s a solid option for people who want a change of scenery without crowds or high prices. Whether you’re visiting historic sites or just enjoying a quieter pace, it’s the kind of place where a modest refund check can comfortably cover a full weekend.

Update Your License Sticker & Drive to Kenosha, WI

If you’re close to the state line, Kenosha, Wisconsin is one of those places that feels just far enough away to count, but not far enough to require a spreadsheet. It’s the kind of town where you can walk the lakefront, wander into a small museum on a whim, and grab a solid meal without committing to a full “trip mindset.”

It’s also a good excuse to make sure the unglamorous stuff is handled first, like checking that your license plate sticker and registration are up to date, so your weekend detour doesn’t come with an unexpected roadside lesson.

Other Illinois Ideas (No Hotel Required)

Not every refund-funded weekend needs a destination. Some people put that money toward experiences closer to home, like:

• Tickets to a local event
• A day trip to a nearby downtown
• Or finally fixing small annoyances like expired vehicle documents.

Taking care of license plate renewals or city stickers ahead of time can actually free up future weekends — which is its own kind of upgrade. Bonus: it protects you from potential hassles, tickets and fines.

You could also use the refund to combine practical errands with something fun. Think, morning appointments followed by an afternoon out, or a necessary errand day capped with dinner somewhere new. These blended weekends tend to feel productive without being exhausting.

Enjoy a Beer Tour in Milwaukee

Milwaukee’s proximity to Illinoisans as well as Wisconsinites makes it a logical choice for a city weekend. As any local can tell you, this town blends craft brewing traditions, riverfront trails, and a robust arts scene that includes museums and live music. What’s not to love?

Load up your prepaid debit card at a CCEA or use their ATM so you can pay for a historic walking tour followed by local eats – or maybe even catch a Brewers game if you’re lucky.

Find the Closest Currency Exchange in Illinois or Southern Wisconsin

At the end of the day, a refund check is about flexibility, and we can help you get your cash ASAP. Whether you spend it on a city experience or something else, the goal is the same: a weekend that feels intentional, not rushed — and one that actually fits real life in Illinois.

Find your CCEA Currency Exchange Location to cash your tax refund and manage your licensing needs today!