ATTRACTIONS KIDS LOVE

There’s plenty of fun for the kids in southwest Illinois. From splashing around in the waves at area water parks to cruising along the Mississippi River to climbing to new heights at local attractions, make time this summer to channel your inner child and enjoy a Kid’Cation escape!

Water Parks

Play in the sun at local water parks including Raging Rivers Water Park on the banks of the Mighty Mississippi and the Collinsville Aqua Park Splash around at local splash pads: Alton Splash Pad Splash Pad at Leon Corlew Park in Edwardsville and the new splash pad at Glazebrook Park in Godfrey

River Fun

Ahoy mateys! Sail the Mississippi River on board the Hakuna Matata in Grafton.

The 49-passenger excursion boat has an open top deck and enclosed lower deck. Or, rent a tritoon from Grafton Harbor and create your own river adventure with the kids.

Flying High

Rise to new heights along the Mississippi River on the Grafton SkyTour. Both enclosed gondolas and openair chair lifts carry passengers to the top of the Aerie’s Resort bluff where more adventures await including the Grafton Zipline and the Aerie’s Alpine Coaster

Hiking

More than 200 miles of hiking and biking trails run through the region. Explore Pere Marquette State Park or make a day of it on the Madison County Transit Trails with 10 different trails of varying lengths to choose from.

Wildlife

Meet the animals that call southwest Illinois home at TreeHouse Wildlife Center in Dow. The center is home to resident bobcats, foxes, American Bald Eagles and more. The Audubon Center at Riverlands in West Alton is the perfect place to discover native birds.

History

Learning about the past should be fun and the Lewis & Clark State Historic Site in Hartford and Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site in Collinsville are all about bringing the past to life in an interactive way. Take a journey 180-feet high to see the sights from the Lewis & Clark Confluence Tower in Hartford.

MUSEUMS & MORE

Let the kids explore their passions at the Edwardsville Children’s Museum or learn about local rivers at the National Great Rivers Museum in Alton. Visit Willoughby Heritage Farm in Collinsville for a look at farm life in the 1940’s and meet the animals that make the farm home.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE NATIONAL GREAT RIVERS MUSEUM AT THE MELVIN PRICE LOCKS & DAM IN ALTON. THIS INTERACTIVE MUSEUM TURNS 20 THIS YEAR SO GET READY TO PARTY!

The interactive museum showcases the Mighty Mississippi River and its impact on the local environment, economy and ecology. The museum is adjacent to the towering Melvin Price Locks & Dam, one of the more technologically advanced lock systems on the Mississippi River. Be sure to take a free guided tour of the lock wall and experience the thrill of watching towboats and other water craft lock through the wall.

PLAN YOUR VISIT TO THE MUSEUM AROUND A SERIES OF EVENTS INCLUDING REC FEST ON MAY 13

This full day of fun kicks off the outdoor recreation season and includes activity booths, outdoor games, wildlife education, a BB gun range, weather stations and more. For more information on museum events, go to RiversandRoutes.com

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