Whether you're looking for cheap things to do in Chicago this weekend or just trying to find new ways to rein in your budget, this itinerary is for you. Follow it and you'll get to meet dinosaurs straight out of Jurassic World, play classic arcade games while sipping craft beer, and keep up with other Chicago events this month, all while keeping your budget under control. You'll even knock out a few errands each week, putting you well on your way to saving up to $100 a week on what you do every day.

Week 1: November 1–7

Weekend Idea: Jurassic World: The Exhibition (through Nov. 19)

The Deal: Child and adult tickets starting at $12, valid 5 p.m.–9 p.m. Thursday through Saturday
Amount Saved: $37 for two adults and two kids
The Story: Take a trip to Isla Nublar—AKA a climate-controlled tent next to the Field Museum building—to see model dinos up close in scenes inspired by the smash-hit film. The interactive exhibit was created in collaboration with renowned paleontologist Jack Horner, a technical advisor on all four Jurassic Park films.

Weeknight Idea: Drinks and Games at Emporium Arcade Bar

The Deal: $11 for two well drinks and $10 in tokens, valid Sunday–Thursday ($20 value)
Amount Saved: $18 for two adults
The Story: Play NBA Jam, Space Invaders, air hockey, and more beloved arcade games while sipping craft beer at this popular outlet with Logan Square and Wicker Park locations.

Get It Done: Housecleaning from Bubbly Cleaning

The Deal: $59 for two hours of housecleaning ($100 value)
Amount Saved: $41

Weekly Savings: $96

Week 2: November 8–14

Weekend Idea: Chicago History Museum

The Deal: $32 for admission for four ($64 value)
Amount Saved: $32
The Story: See Lincoln's deathbed, L car no. 1, World's Fair memorabilia, and more artifacts from the 22-million-piece collection the museum has amassed since its founding in 1856.

Weeknight Idea: Romantic Fondue Dinner at Geja's Cafe

The Deal: $25 for $65 worth of fondue dinner, valid Monday–Thursday
Amount Saved: $40
The Story: Dine on a four-course fondue meal made with brandy-spiked Swiss gruyere at a softly lit spot once voted the most romantic restaurant in America by USA Today readers.

Get It Done: Oil-Change Package at George's Automotive Repair

The Deal: $29 for an oil change, tire rotation, inspection, and fluid top-off ($60 value)
Amount Saved: $31

Weekly Savings: $103

Week 3: November 15–21

Weekend Idea: Hawthorne Race Course Buffet Package

The Deal: $35 for a race-day package including admission, lunch buffet, and $20 gift card, valid on specific dates only (up to $80 value)
Amount Saved: $90 for two adults
The Story: Take in live thoroughbred racing from the comfort of reserved seating while filling up at a lunch buffet with unlimited soft drinks and coffee.

Weeknight Idea: Sushi Dinner at Shine Restaurant

The Deal: $15 for $25 worth of sushi and Japanese cuisine
Amount Saved: $10
The Story: Head to Lincoln Park to enjoy signature rolls such as the spicy Flaming Maki or the creamy Hawaii Maki at a restaurant with a stellar 4.6-star rating on our site.

Get It Done: Threading at Sofia Beautique Salon

The Deal: $10 for one eyebrow threading session ($15 value)
Amount Saved: $5

Weekly Savings: $105

Week 4: November 22–28

Weekend Idea: Cider Tasting at North Shore Cider Company

The Deal: $16 for a cider tasting flight and take-home glasses for two ($24 value)
Amount Saved: $8
The Story: Sample drinks such as the Beacon Blend, made with Belgian ale yeast and organic Michigan apples, at this recently opened Evanston cidery.

Weeknight Idea: Cooking Class at Cooked Chicago

The Deal: $80 for a cooking class for two ($160 value)
Amount Saved: $80
The Story: Build your cooking skills during BYOB classes that zero in on mastering one specific item, from tamales to calzones to vanilla profiteroles.

Get It Done: No-Chip Mani at Pedicute Nails & Spa

The Deal: $27 for a no-chip manicure ($35 value)
Amount Saved: $8

Weekly Savings: $96

Total Monthly Savings: $400