Indoor Recreation

East Alton Ice Arena

Is a City owned indoor rink that has open ice skating year round.

Great For: A chill time.

Don't Miss: The toddler times.

Hours: Check Calendar for public session times.

Price: $6 non resident admission $5 resident\senior citizen and $3 skate rental

Great Rivers Museum and Lock and Dam

View down into dam at Great Rivers Museum and Lock and Dam in Alton, IL View of walkway on top of dam at Great Rivers Museum and Lock and Dam in Alton, IL

Kid-friendly, interactive, and computer animated exhibits. There is an aquarium displaying the fish that inhabit the river. Kids can steer a towboat through a simulator, measure water consumption, or enjoy a guided tour. The lock and Dam tours are outside and give a behind the scenes look at the lock and dam. Tours are very informative. Kids should use the bathroom before leaving and be comfortable listening to speaker for a few minute presentations. Hours: From 9- 5, public tours at 10, 1 and 3.

Great For: A short tour for all ages.

Don't Miss: The Aquarium with fish

Drawbacks: The lock and Damn tour can get HOT!

Hours: Museum is open Monday-Thursday 9-4.
Dam tours at 10, 1 and 3.

Prices: FREE!

Jacoby Arts Center

Offers performance arts and art classes for all ages. Offers free art club.

Great For: Elementary and Middle school

Don't Miss: Free art club.

Hours: Class times vary. Generally Wednesday-Sunday.

Price: Class prices vary.

Post Commons



Pastries in display case. At Post Commons in Alton IL Pastries in display case. At Post Commons in Alton IL Little girl and boy playing with wooden toys and train set on table at Post Commons coffee shop in Alton, IL

I was impressed by the relaxed atmosphere which also felt high-end. They had a cute little water bar, great sandwiches, and french toast that my picky eaters devoured. Prices were also reasonable with a sandwich only costing $6. The kid's area and friendly staff made me feel welcome with kids while sitting back to enjoy a hot drink.

Great For: A relaxing meal or drink.

Don't Miss: The sandwiches.

Hours:
Monday-Thursday 7:00am-5:00pm
Friday and Saturday 7:00am-2:00pm

Alton Splash Pad (Alton)

is designed to provide water play amid nature-themed educational elements. We were thrilled to find slides, buckets, animal sprayers, lots of shade, comfortable seats for families, and a secure fence with a child-safe closure! The facility was very clean, and they opened right on time. The staff was incredibly kind and helpful each step of the way. They sell snacks, have a water bottle filler, a drinking fountain, and bathrooms. Located at 1 riverfront drive.

Cost: FREE

Best for Ages: Under 8

Great For: A hot day.

Drawbacks: Paint created a harsh surface. Wear pants or tights to avoid scrapes!

Glazebrook Parks and Splash Pad

3 fish shaped buckets in for ground and larger leaf shaped bucket in background at Glazebrook splash pad in Alton, IL Bear holding fish and spraying out water at Glazebrook splash pad in Alton, IL

Two story playground with ramps to first story and green tube slides at Glazebrook Park in Alton, IL

Glazebrook Park has two ponds, two playgrounds, two concession stands, three restroom facilities, two rentable shelters, a rentable gazebo, four soccer fields, a splash pad, and over 3 miles of walking trails. The splash pad has a large dump bucket, lots of smaller buckets, and lots of sprayers. There were 4 picnic tables with umbrellas and a fence with a child lock. Staff were attentive and came over when there was something that needed to be cleaned up. Glazebrook Park is located at 1401 Stamper Lane and is the site of all of the special events, including the Great Godfrey Maze in September and October.

Cost: FREE

Best for Ages: Fenced in with larger dump bucket to satisfy most kids.

Great For: A day at the splash pad!

Drawbacks: Chairs aren't very comfy. Bring some of your own for a longer stay.

The Nature Institute

has a number of shallow creeks to play in. Our family explored the Rock trail. There was not a crowd at the creeks. There is also "Beaver Falls" mentioned on the trail map. It is small, but worth the walk!

Cost: FREE

Best for Ages: All ages!

Great For: A relaxing day that all ages can enjoy.

Drawbacks: You might get dirty. NOT pet friendly. Closed Mondays. Restroom are closed at 4pm on weekdays and on weekends. elements.

GORDON MOORE PARK

is a 704 acre park with tennis courts, a lake for fishing, ball diamonds, soccer fields, football fields, a 27 hole golf course, oriental garden, picnic area, nature trail, and rose garden. Also has restrooms, an interactive fountain, several playgrounds for all ages, a rose garden, bell tower, and oriental garden.

Don't Miss: The oriental garden.

Great For: Bringing a book or sketch pad and relaxing.

Drawbacks: Difficult to meet a group. Be sure to give careful directions on which playground or field.

Trails: Paved trails with beautiful views.

HOMER ADAMS PARK

demonstration garden provided by the University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners program at Homer Adams Park in Godfrey IL. Parks in Godfrey IL boy and girl on two person swing at Homer Adams Park in Godfrey IL. Parks in Godfrey IL wire pyramid shaped climbing tower at Homer Adams Park in Godfrey IL. Parks in Godfrey IL has three rentable shelters, a restroom facility, playground, and a demonstration garden provided by the University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners program. I was impressed by the creative playscape that allowed my kids to climb and try however they were comfortable.

Don't Miss: The creative playscape.

Great For: A change of pace in a calmer place.

Drawbacks: A smaller park.

Trails: No trails.

TREEHOUSE WILDLIFE CENTER

is a place for sick, injured, or orphaned wildlife. Open to the public 365 days a year. Visitors view animals for FREE. Offers hands-on learning as well as an in-depth discussion to meet the needs of the group. Not Pet Friendly for the health and safety of on site wildlife. Open 10am-4pm, Fridays-Sundays.

Don't Miss: Guided tours with fantastic guides.

Great For: An educational time with wildlife.

Drawbacks: No pets allowed. (To protect injured animals.)

Trails: Some small trails around the site.

Alton Museum of History and Art (Alton): Open Weds.- Sat. 10-4PM and Sundays 1-4 PM. Features artifacts from the Civil War, urban legends, and notable past residents. Has a clothing exhibit that displays dresses from the 19th century. free

Alton Room Escape (Alton): Has a conference room and kitchen facilities that can be used before, during, and after the adventure.  Ages 10 and older are welcome (with one adult present at all times). ​Reservations must be made in advance and are subject to availability.

BRISTOW-PLEX (Alton): Indoor baseball, softball, laser tag, and golf simulator.

East Alton Ice Arena (East Alton): The city owned indoor rink typically has open ice skating year round.  

National Great Rivers Museum (Alton): Open daily from 9- 5, public tours at 10, 1 and 3.  Kid-friendly, interactive, and computer animated exhibits. There is an aquarium displaying fish that inhabits the river.  Kids can steer a towboat through a simulator, measure water consumption, or enjoy a guided tour.  Admission is free.

Riverbend Axe Throwing (Alton): Features a bar and lounge, pool table, multiple big screen TV's, free popcorn, and seven axe-throwing lanes.  Each lane can accommodate up to 12 people. Throwing coaches teach safety.  Ages 10+ (with parental discretion).

​Stained Glass Class (Alton): No experience needed.  They provide all the tools, supplies, and instruction are included in price.  Create a hand-made gift for any occasion. Classes are for ages 9 & up.  Classes cost $40 - 60 and take 2-4 hours. 

LEssons, teams, & clubs

Alton Academy of Dance (Godfrey)
Family owned business that offers dance instruction to beginner through advanced in a, positive, and motivating environment.

Alton Family Martial Arts (Alton)
High quality instructors to teach in a safe and friendly environment. Programs work to instill confidence, discipline, and respect. 

Alton Fighting Irish Soccer Club (Alton)
Providing youth soccer training and development in the greater Alton Illinois area.

Alton Little Theater Acting (Alton)

​Alton Music Exchange (Alton)
Its main purpose to buy, trade and sell music equipment. We also offer rentals and music lessons.

Baseball and Softball League (Godfrey)
Rookie Baseball for ages 3-5 and Youth Baseball/Softball for ages 5-18.  Seeks to teach fundamentals of baseball and softball while instilling good sportsmanship values.  Divisions will travel to surrounding communities.  2021 REGISTRATION

Brazillian Jiu-Jitsu Academy (Alton)
Learn self-defense, competitive grappling, build confidence, get in shape, or de-stress at the end of your day. For kids and adults.

​East Alton Ice Arena (East Alton)
Year-round ice skating. For hockey, figure skating, public sessions, parties and lessons. Owned by the Village of East Alton and managed by a not for profit corporation. Home to the East Alton Skating Academy and Twin Bridges Hockey Association. 

​Elite Hockey Facility (East Alton)
Provides a training environment that helps players reach personal goals while becoming better people.  Focus on teams, small groups, and individual attention.

Godfrey Parks and Recreation (Godfrey)
Baseball leagues for 3 and up. Spring and fall youth soccer leagues for age 3-8th grade.  All soccer games are held at Glazebrook Park.  Basketball program for age 3-5th grade.  Participants have an opportunity to attend a clinic put on by local basketball teams.  League practices and play focus on teamwork, sportsmanship, rules and skill learning. 

Halpin Music Company (Alton)
Currently offers lessons for Piano, Guitar, Bass Guitar, Percussion, Violin, Viola, Cello, Voice, Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone, Trumpet, and Ukulele.

​Jacoby Arts Center (Alton)
Offers performance arts and art classes for all ages. Every Tuesday at 4pm there is a free virtual art club posting on youtube for students ages 7-15.  

Lewis and Clark Music Lessons (Godfrey)
Private instruction in voice and instruments. Students in 1st-8th grade can participate in a choral experience. Beginner group piano class are offered for children 5-7 years old. Classes are limited to four students. No experience necessary. ​

Lewis and Clark Swim Classes (Godfrey)
The Swim program offers year-round swimming lessons and water safety instruction for children ages 6 months and up in the heated Olympic-sized pool.

Yi's Martial Arts Fitness Academy (Alton)
Specializing in bully prevention, self-defense, and birthday parties.  Focus on respect, discipline, courtesy, integrity, and perseverance. To build a community of leadership role models while empowering lives.

Dogs

Glazebook Park (Godfrey)
120-acres with playgrounds, ponds, concession stands, restrooms, pavilions, soccer fields, and walking trails. There are picnic tables under trees by a water fountain.  Home to the Great Godfrey Corn Maze.  Pet friendly. 

Piasa Bird (Alton)
Pet friendly. 

Russell Commons Park (Alton)
Pet friendly. 

It's Raining Zen (Alton)
Tues.- Sat. from 11- 6pm and Sun. 12- 4pm.
Leashed pups can explore this shop full of oddities and interesting items. 

Party On Broadway (Alton)
Leashed pups are welcome inside to explore the shop and art studio.  

Shivers Frozen Custard (Godfrey)
Free Puppy Cones. Open year round.

Help or Get help

5 A's Animal Shelter (Godfrey)
A non-profit, no-kill shelter providing compassion and care to abused, unwanted and abandoned animals.

Alton Warming Centers (Alton)

Crisis Food Center (Alton)
21 East 6th Street
Mon-Thurs 8:30am - 4pm, Fri 7:30am-3:30pm, (618) 462-8201
Provides a 7 day supply of nutritionally-balanced food once a month to individuals and families in need. They operate the Nearly New Shop, which provides new and gently used clothing to clients at no cost.

Hope Animal Rescue (Godfrey)
An all volunteer rescue who saves dogs on their last day of life for animal controls.

Riverbend Community Food Bank (Alton)
Friday from 11AM–3PM. Signature Desserts! 

Salvation Army (Alton)
525 Alby Street
Pantry Tues. 9am - 11:30am and Friday 1 -3pm. (618) 465-7764 or [email protected]
​
Sleep in Heavenly Peace (Alton)
​Dedicated to building, assembling and delivering top-notch bunk beds to children and families in need.  Always looking for volunteers to build bunks, go on bed deliveries, be vocal advocates for our mission, and start new SHP chapters in unserved communities.

Treehouse Wildlife Center (Godfrey)
A place for sick, injured, or orphaned wildlife. Open 10am-4pm, Fridays-Sundays.  Offering hands-on learning as well as an in-depth discussion tailored to meet the needs of the group. ​