Summer Stay-cation
Guide
Your Garden Oasis Tips Fun Activities Pages for Kids Family Fun Time Tips
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Great American Backyard Camp-out Day June 27, 2020 Each year the National Wildlife Federation sets up a day for families to explore the great outdoors in their own backyard. Camping is a great way for families to re-charge, de-stress, and communicate with each other again. According to the National Wildlife Federation website, the average American child spends more than seven hours a day in front of an electronic screen, but as few as 30 minutes in unstructured outdoor play. Taking to the backyard is proven to reduce stress, improve sleep, and even leads to higher test scores. Tips for family camping trips For nature lovers, perhaps nothing is more enjoyable than packing up the camping gear, traveling to a favorite campsite and getting away from it all while sleeping under the stars. Such an experience can be transformative, turning first-time campers into lifelong enthusiasts. The opportunity to turn youngsters into nature enthusiasts who can’t wait to spend time outside may be one reason why so many families go camping. A 2018 report Kampgrounds of America found that 52 percent of campers have children, making camping among the most popular and family-friendly ways to enjoy the great outdoors. Camping with youngsters can help families make lasting memories. Parents who have never before taken their children camping may benefit from employing a few strategies to make the trip as fun as possible. • Make a trial run in the backyard. A night camping in the backyard won’t be exactly the same as a night in the woods, where wildlife, and particularly insects, may be less welcoming hosts. But a backyard camping night can acclimate children to their sleeping bags and their tents. A fun night sleeping under the stars in the backyard also may make kids more enthusiastic about an upcoming camping trip in the woods. • Go over safety early and often. Use every opportunity to explain camping safety measures to youngsters in advance of your trip. Emphasize the importance of staying together in the woods, and teach youngsters how to identify potentially harmful plants like poison ivy, making sure they know to avoid coming into contact with these and other poisonous plants. Contact your local parks department, or the campground where you will be staying, for some additional advice on camping safety. • Let kids help when choosing camping equipment. Youngsters may be more excited about camping if they’re allowed to choose certain equipment, including their sleeping bags and tents. Before visiting your nearby camping retailer, explain to kids that tents come in various styles because they’re designed to protect campers from certain elements that may be more common in certain areas than others. Such an explanation can make it easy to explain to youngsters why you’re purchasing certain items, even if those items weren’t kids’ top choices. • Plan the family menu in advance. Plan the menu in advance so you can ensure everyone will continue to eat healthy. But make sure to include a few kid-friendly camping classics, like s’mores, in the meal plan as well. • Prepare a camping-friendly first-aid kit. Bandages and topical antibiotic creams are part and parcel of any first-aid kit, regardless of where you’re going. But the elements pose a different set of challenges that require a more extensive first-aid kit. When designing a first-aid kit for your camping trip, be sure to include all the usual items but also over-the-counter medications that can treat pain, allergies, constipation, and diarrhea. An extra gallon or two of water
also makes for a wise addition to campers’ first-aid kits. Family camping trips can instill a lifelong love of the great outdoors in youngsters. A few simple strategies can help parents make such trips safe and memorable.
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Safe and Fun Things to do… Litchfield Sky View Drive-In
Maryville Farmers’ Market Drive -Thru
Take a drive up historic Route 66 to Litchfield to enjoy a movie with the family from the safety of your car.
Maryville Village Hall, occurs every Thursday from 5 to 6 pm
OUTDOOR MARKETS
Downtown Litchfield (400 North State Street) Occurs every Thursday starting in July
Alton Farmers’ & Artisans’ Market
Carlinville Market Days
Yes, they are open for the season! Open every Saturday 8 to noon. Located at Henry Street & Landmarks Blvd. Alton. Convenient shopping in drive-thru event.
On the Square in Carlinville, first Saturday of every month beginning in June
Bethalto Market in the Park (opening in June)
902 S. State St., Jerseyville (Outrageous Outdoors Parking lot) Every Tuesday 4 to 7 pm beginning in June
Located at East Central Street, Bethalto (Central Park) Open 9 am to 1 pm on Sundays beginning in June
Brighton Farmers’ Market (postponed) 414 N Maple St. Brighton. Occurs weekly on Thursday evenings 4 to 7 pm
Land of Goshen Market Online shops open for ordering Friday to Tuesday and pick-up on Thursdays 11 – 3 at 222 Main Street, Edwardsville
Litchfield Farmers Market
Jerseyville Farmers Market
Grafton Riverside Flea Market Located at the Loading Dock in Grafton. Held 4th Saturday & Sunday of the month. Postponed opening but check website for details.
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Staycations have grown in popularity in recent years A 2018 poll from YouGov Omnibus found that 53 percent of the more than 100,000 participants had taken a staycation at some point, proving that forgoing traditional vacations for relaxing respites in the comfort of home is a wildly popular trend. While they might not be as exotic as venturing off to parts unknown, staycations need not be limited to days spent lounging by the backyard pool or laying out on the living room couch. The following are a handful of activities that can help people make the most of their staycations. 1. A day on the links: The opportunity to test one’s mettle on a new course in an idyllic setting is one golf lovers simply cannot pass up while vacationing. A similar challenge can be found when staying at home. Do a little homework to find the most challenging course within driving distance of your home and then book a tee time, treating yourself even further by indulging in a good meal in the clubhouse once your 18 holes are up. 2. The wonders of nature: Professional and personal lives can make it hard to enjoy the great outdoors, even when it’s steps from your front door. During a staycation, commit to exploring local parks, hitting the trails to hike or mountain bike or renting a boat or kayak and taking to the water. 3. Go camping: Parents of young children can make a staycation more special by spending a night camping in the backyard. Leave your devices indoors as you sit around the firepit telling stories and making some delicious s’mores. Then set up the tents and sleep under the stars for a memorable night in the “wild”. 4. Rainy day: If the weather is not cooperating during your staycation, create a backup plan to add a little life to rainy days. Plan a daylong film festival in which each member of the family gets to choose a movie everyone can watch together. Make sure you have plenty of popcorn on hand and order in a few pizzas so everyone can focus on the films. 5. Families planning staycations can make these relaxing respites at home more enjoyable by incorporating a few unusual activities throughout the week.
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at Alton ay, June 2, 2018 Reading Under The Sun Square Mall 6 SUMMER FUN
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Kid-friendly staycation ideas
Dig Deeper: Read, Investigate, Discover! With our annual summer reading program With Our Annual Kick- off and Registration Date Begins: Summer Square Mall Saturday, June 2, Reading 2018 at AltonProgram
o If patrons
Adults may see staycations as great opportunities to catch up on summer reading and finish projects around the house. Children, however, may not always approach time off at home with Ifcome participants in to that same enthusiasm. register register on Parents confronted with the challenge of keeping kids happy and engaged during staycations can the 8th they try these kid-friendly ideas to ensure everyone enjoys their time off, even if the bulk of it is spent between 9-4 will receive a at home. they can ticket for a • Hit the carnival circuit. Traveling carnivals are a staple of summer in many small communities. register for a prize basket. These special events feature rides, games and, of course, food. Families can make a night of it at a gift basket. nearby carnival (one is no doubt within driving distance on just about any night in July and August). Budget-conscious staycationers can attend carnivals on bracelet nights, when both adults and kids can typically enjoy endless rides for one set price as opposed to having to purchase tickets for each individual ride. • Find a place to swim. Whether it’s a nearby lake or a day at the ocean, a weekday afternoon spent swimming is a great way to remind the family that a staycation is still a vacation. If swimming in a lake or in the ocean is not possible and you don’t have the luxury of a backyard pool, purchase an inflatable pool (or two) that the whole family can enjoy. • Embrace your inner artists. Parents can visit a local arts and crafts store and spend a day painting or making projects with their children. Choose a theme, like making jewelry or painting a family portrait, and then exchange your masterpieces or create a family art exhibit when the session is over. Highlights of this years program Location: • Go fishing. Fishing can be a fun activity for the whole family and a great way to get out of the • Craft Times • Puppet Shows Hayner Library, Alton Square Mall Kids• Stories & TeenTimes Summer Reading • Game Days program runs Monday, June 8th- Thursday, July 16th. house without breaking the bank. Create a competition to see who can catch the most and/or 9 a.m. This year the• Prizes activities will be online using beanstack.com or theTime: beanstack App.to 4 p.m. • Performers • Parties the biggest fish. If you catch fish that you’re allowed to take home, involve the whole family in Participants without computers may come by the library to register on making a delicious fish dinner that night. Monday’s and Thursday’s from 10-2 Staycations can be fun for the whole family, especially when parents take time to organize a host Kick-off is Monday, June 8th. of kid-friendly activities.
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2020 Summer Reading Activities
KidsSpace online activities will be as follows:
Monday’s - Online Stories and Puppet Show 10 a.m. on Hayner Libraries Facebook page Tuesday’s - Online Stories and Art 10 a.m. on Hayner Libraries Facebook page Wednesday’s - Online Performers 10 a.m. on Hayner Libraries Facebook page Thursday’s - Crafts will be distributed at our Alton Square Location 10-2 pm First come first serve. Only have 50 for each week.
Location his years program Hayner Library • Puppet Shows Square es •Alton Game DaysMall Time 9•a.m. to 4 p.m. • Prizes Parties
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Location:
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Hayner Library, Alton Squa Time: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m 3400 Fosterburg Rd. - Alton, IL 62002
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Time to Get Wet! Don’t have a beach in your backyard? Don’t fret. These fun backyard games are sure to be a hit and a great way to cool off this summer. 1. Grab a hose and play Water Limbo 2. Water Balloon Pinata, replace the pinata with water balloon 3. Sponge Dodgeball, grab a wet sponge and play 4. Water Balloon Volleyball, try not to “spike” this ball 5. Sponge Water Race, who can move the water from one bucket to another using just a sponge. 6. Tug-o-War Game over kiddie pool 7. Splash Tag, play tag using spray bottles of water to ‘tag’ the next person 8. Jump Rope Splash, jump rope holding a plastic cup full of water 9. Slip-n-Slide is more fun with added Water Balloons 10. Big Hill Slide for the older kids, grab some plastic and wet it down and have some fun 11. Water Balloon Slingshot 12. Backyard Dunk Tank, make a dunk tank from pvc pipe and a bucket
July 24th - August 2nd
Evenings 7:30 p.m. • Matinees 2:00 p.m. Box Office: (618) 462-3205 • Monday - Friday 10 a.m. to 2 p,m, www.altonlittletheater.org
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Everything in our lives has changed, and yet Alton Little Theater remains grounded in the belief that GREAT Theater is about challenging how we think and encouraging us to fantasize about a world we aspire to….Yes, we ASPIRE to return to Live Entertainment in July , FINALLY bringing all the Glory of BRIGADOON to the stage with its incredible Musical score and the premise that the Truest of Loves can cross the boundaries of Time and Space……...July 24th through August 2nd. EIGHT Performances with NEW Seating plans for ALL of ALT’s Season Ticket Holders and Pre-Paid Tickets. Just call the ALT Box Office 462-3205 and make sure to Reserve the Performance you want if you already are holding on to a ticket from the postponed shows in the Spring. Then Tickets will go on sale to the Public, July 14th through the 24th (if seats are available) AND we may add Additional Performances. ALT is pulling out all the stops, instituting safety measures and making GOOD plans for the GOOD people of the Riverbend. We ALL need a little Entertainment to Look forward to –so plan on coming to the Showplace in July!
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Why the water matters to novice kayakers Kayaking is a fun way to spend an afternoon, particularly in summertime. If smiles on the faces of kayakers aren’t enough to convince you just how fun this sport can be, perhaps statistics can convince you how enjoyable it is to paddle away in a kayak. According to the Physical Activity Council, which each year conducts the largest single-source research study of sports, recreation and leisure activity participation in the United States, recreational kayaking is the most popular paddlesport in the United States, attracting more than 11 million participants each year. People who have never before been in a kayak may be intrigued by those statistics and tempted to follow the example set by millions of kayakers who take to the water every day when the weather permits. Safety should be a top priority for all kayakers, and especially for novices. A kayaking course can be a great way for novices to familiarize themselves with the basics of kayaking, including the best practices in regard to staying safe on the water. Local watersports retailers and recreational organizations that take watersports enthusiasts out on the water may offer safety courses, and these courses can be great resources while also helping people get their feet wet before paddling away. When kayaking for the first time, it’s important that novices choose the right type of water for their experience level. Rough, choppy waters can prove challenging to even the most skilled kayakers, and these same waters can be deadly for novices. The following are some characteristics novice kayakers should look for in a body of water before pushing themselves and
their kayakers into the current. • Size: Novices should avoid vast bodies of water, such as oceans, rivers or large lakes, until they gain more experience. Large ponds and small lakes can be great places to gain some experience and familiarize oneself with the nuances of paddling. • Demeanor: Demeanor might not be a trait one normally associates with water, but looking at a body of water in this way can be a great way to determine if it’s the right place for a novice. If a body of water is raging, with choppy waters and rapid waves, then steer clear. If the water is calm, then it’s likely a safe spot for novices. • Traffic: Novices may be intimidated by crowds, but other kayakers can serve as something of a safety net for novices. Kayaking is a fun group activity, and novice paddlers should never go it alone. • Variety: Novices should steer clear of waters that allow power boats. Such vessels can alter paddling conditions quickly, and that can put novices in potentially precarious positions. Stick to waters that allow only canoes or other boats that won’t affect water conditions. • Access: Until they get more comfortable in their kayaks, novice kayakers should stay close to shorelines so they have quick and simple access to land should they struggle to get acclimate to the water and being in a kayak. Kayaking is a popular activity that even novices can enjoy, especially when they take certain measures to ensure their safety.
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Day Trippin’ Best Day Trips Great River Road head up River Road to visit the quaint little town of Elsah. Stop in the shops, admire the architecture, or picnic in the park. Head on up River Road to Grafton to enjoy the views from one of the seven wineries, pick up fresh fudge or shop the many stores that line River Road thru town. The fish sandwiches are fresh caught and if you keep your eye on the river you just may see an Eagle soar by. Calhoun County, go barn stormin’ a take a barn quilt tour where the pride of the heritage can be seen on barns throughout the county. Enjoy the roadside stands and visit the Center for American Archeology in Kampsville. Springfield, IL visit the state capital and take a walk back in history. Visit the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum and Library or the Old State Capitol Building. Cool off in the wave pool at Knight’s Action Park or enjoy a beverage at one of the amazing local wineries and microbreweries. Hannibal, MO visit the boyhood home of Mark Twain where you can visit the novelist’s childhood home or browse the extensive museum dedicated to the author and his works. Take a tour of the town to see monuments and art galleries or sit back and enjoy the sightseeing tour on the Hannibal Trolley. Meramec Caverns, MO One of the most intriguing natural wonders in the area, the Meramec caverns are one of the oldest attractions along Route 66. Once said to be the hide out for Jesse James. Hermann, MO Enjoy a day in wine country and take in the German heritage located along the Missouri River with beautiful, peaceful surroundings. Enjoy a glass of wine, shopping or tour a winery. Visitors can bike the Katy Trail from Hermann, the more adventurous can zipline above the vineyards. Shaw Nature Reserve; Gray Summit, MO 2400 acres of private nature reserve enjoy a day of hiking, bird watching, photography, biking, enjoy nature and relax. St. Charles, MO known for it’s historic architecture, specialty stores and antiques St. Charles is a great place to visit. Check out Kokomo Joe’s Family Fun Center or Adrenaline Zone for the kids or try your luck at Ameristar Casino.
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Make the most of your staycation with these activities Staycations have grown in popularity in recent years. A 2018 poll from YouGov Omnibus found that 53 percent of the more than 100,000 participants had taken a staycation at some point, proving that forgoing traditional vacations for relaxing respites in the comfort of home is a wildly popular trend. While they might not be as exotic as venturing off to parts unknown, staycations need not be limited to days spent lounging by the backyard pool or laying out on the living room couch. The following are a handful of activities that can help people make the most of their staycations. • Spa experience: Who doesn’t like the chance to engage in a little pampering when staying in a fancy hotel? That same luxury can be enjoyed during a staycation by booking an appointment at a local spa that offers all the amenities, including a sauna, steam room, beauty treatments, and, of course, massage services. • A day on the links: The opportunity to test one’s mettle on a new course in an idyllic setting is one golf lovers simply cannot pass up while vacationing. A similar challenge can be found when
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staying at home. Do a little homework to find the most challenging course within driving distance of your home and then book a tee time, treating yourself even further by indulging in a good meal in the clubhouse once your 18 holes are up. • The wonders of nature: Professional and personal lives can make it hard to enjoy the great outdoors, even when it’s steps from your front door. During a staycation, commit to exploring local parks, hitting the trails to hike or mountain bike or renting a boat or kayak and taking to the water. • City life: Just because you aren’t traveling far away doesn’t mean you cannot still get out of town for a day. Plan a day trip to a big city within driving distance of your home. See the sights, visit a museum and cap it off with a visit to a restaurant serving your favorite ethnic cuisine. • “Go” camping: Parents of young children can make a staycation more special by spending a night camping in the backyard. Leave your devices indoors as you sit around the firepit telling stories and making some delicious s’mores. Then set up the tents and sleep under the stars for a memorable night in the “wild.” • Rainy day: If the weather is not cooperating during your staycation, create a backup plan to add a little life to rainy days. Plan a daylong film festival in which each member of the family gets to choose a movie everyone can watch together. Make sure you have plenty of popcorn on hand and order in a few pizzas so everyone can focus on the films. Families planning staycations can make these relaxing respites at home more enjoyable by incorporating a few unusual activities throughout the week.
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Create Your Own Backyard Oasis • Make your deck your own destination place. Multiple layers make space for dining and relaxing. A pergola provides both shade and beauty to your deck. Dress up your deck with flower planters and bring bright fun colored cushions and pillows. • Patios can become an extension of your living space. Choose weatherproof furniture, outdoor kitchens and container gardens to brighten your otherwise drap slab of concrete patio. Consider covered patios for relief from the elements. Add a swing or hammock for more relaxing moments. • Outdoor kitchens create time savings with everything at hand and easy clean-up. • Ensure privacy with fences and garden walls to create that secluded space. You can even use lattice with vertical growing plants to shield the view from your neighbors window. • Pick the right outdoor furniture for your personal needs and include your own style with brightly colored cushions and pillows. • Include outdoor structures for more enjoyment. You can add a gazebo for reading that
favorite book or enjoying a cold beverage. • Add a hot tub or spa for relaxing soaks at the end of a busy day. Be sure to consider placement keeping in mind that the typical hot tub takes up about 30 square feet. Also consider these may weigh up to 2 tons when filled with water. • Plan you outdoor lighting for the tasks that you will be doing in your backyard; highlight walk paths, add drama and interest to landscaping, light up steps for safety, set the mood for dining areas and allow light for grilling. • Water features and fire pits can enhance the beauty and usefulness of your oasis. Fire pits and outdoor fireplaces provide both warmth on a chilly night as well as a place to gather for family fun. Water features such as fountains or ponds add to the tranquility and relaxation of your outdoor living space. Garden statuary help turn an ordinary spot into a personal space with your own special touch.
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