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. ​