Alton, East Alton, and Godfrey are full of family-friendly places to explore, whether you’re looking for rainy-day fun, hands-on learning, or outdoor adventures. Local families love visiting the Alton Museum of History & Art, the National Great Rivers Museum, and kid-friendly cafés that offer space to play indoors. When the weather cooperates, there are beautiful riverside parks and playgrounds perfect for exploring.
If you’re looking for more indoor options, check out the MCK inside page or browse other parks throughout Madison County. For treats or meals after your outing, take a look at our Kids Eat Free guide. No matter the season, Alton, East Alton, and Godfrey offer plenty of fun, affordable experiences for families.
If you’re looking for more indoor options, check out the MCK inside page or browse other parks throughout Madison County. For treats or meals after your outing, take a look at our Kids Eat Free guide. No matter the season, Alton, East Alton, and Godfrey offer plenty of fun, affordable experiences for families.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What can I do with kids in Alton on a rainy day?
A: Indoor museums, cafés, and indoor play areas are great options.
Q: Are there free things to do in Alton?
A: Yes! The riverfront, playgrounds, and seasonal events offer free fun.
Q: Where can I find upcoming Alton events?
A: Check the homepage for updated Madison County events.
A: Indoor museums, cafés, and indoor play areas are great options.
Q: Are there free things to do in Alton?
A: Yes! The riverfront, playgrounds, and seasonal events offer free fun.
Q: Where can I find upcoming Alton events?
A: Check the homepage for updated Madison County events.
Audubon Center at the Riverlands
(West Alton, MO)
8.5 miles of trails winding through the Sanctuary. Ellis Bay for kayaking, paddle boarding, canoeing and fishing. Picnic areas. Avian Observatory has intimate views of wildlife. Wrap-around deck set with rocking chairs. 301 Riverlands Way
Great For: All ages to dive into nature! With nice signage and some interactive pieces outside.
Don't Miss: The sand table and FREE educational programs.
Prices: FREE! Donations are appreciated.
Trails: Tons of paved and unpaved trails.
Glazebrook Park
(Godfrey)
120-acres with playgrounds, 2 ponds, concession stands, restrooms, pavilions, splash pad, free library, seasonal corn maze, soccer fields, and 3 miles of walking trails. Pet friendly.
Don't Miss: Relaxing views by the lake
Great For: A lot to see in one park
Drawbacks: Some litter
Trails: Wide paved paths with lots of shade.
Gordon Moore Park
(Alton)
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 and relaxing.
Drawbacks: Difficult to meet up with group.
Trails: Paved trails with beautiful views.
Homer Adams Park
(Godfrey)
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.
The Nature Institute-John M Olin Preserve
(Godfrey)
has approximately 300 acres located along the bluffs of the Mississippi River with educational programming, a large playground, and ample parking. Rock Trail has a creek that is around 2-4 feet deep. Trails are open 8- 8pm, Tues.- Sun.
Don't Miss: Views of the Mississippi River.
Great For: Connecting with nature.
Drawbacks: Closed Mondays. Restroom closed at 4pm on weekdays and on weekends. NOT pet friendly. Closes yearly for Trail maintanence.
Trails: 4 unpaved well marked unpaved trails. Rock Trail has a steep hill.
Treehouse Wildlife Center
(Godfrey)
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.
Don't Miss: Guided tours with fantastic guides
Great For: An educational time with wildlife
Drawbacks: No pets allowed.
Trails: Small trails around the site.
East Alton Ice Arena
(East Alton)
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
(Alton)
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
(Alton)
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
(Alton)
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. The splash pad alton il sells 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
(Alton)
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, smaller buckets, sprayers, 4 picnic tables with umbrellas, and a fence with a child lock. Staff were attentive and cleaned quickly. Located at 1401 Stamper Lane and site of the Great Godfrey Maze in Sept/Oct.
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.
Alton Museum of Art and History
(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.
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).
5 A's Animal Shelter
(Godfrey)
A non-profit, no-kill shelter providing compassion and care to abused, unwanted and abandoned animals.
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.
(West Alton, MO)
8.5 miles of trails winding through the Sanctuary. Ellis Bay for kayaking, paddle boarding, canoeing and fishing. Picnic areas. Avian Observatory has intimate views of wildlife. Wrap-around deck set with rocking chairs. 301 Riverlands Way
Great For: All ages to dive into nature! With nice signage and some interactive pieces outside.
Don't Miss: The sand table and FREE educational programs.
Prices: FREE! Donations are appreciated.
Trails: Tons of paved and unpaved trails.
Glazebrook Park(Godfrey)
120-acres with playgrounds, 2 ponds, concession stands, restrooms, pavilions, splash pad, free library, seasonal corn maze, soccer fields, and 3 miles of walking trails. Pet friendly.
Don't Miss: Relaxing views by the lake
Great For: A lot to see in one park
Drawbacks: Some litter
Trails: Wide paved paths with lots of shade.
Gordon Moore Park(Alton)
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 and relaxing.
Drawbacks: Difficult to meet up with group.
Trails: Paved trails with beautiful views.
Homer Adams Park(Godfrey)
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.
The Nature Institute-John M Olin Preserve(Godfrey)
has approximately 300 acres located along the bluffs of the Mississippi River with educational programming, a large playground, and ample parking. Rock Trail has a creek that is around 2-4 feet deep. Trails are open 8- 8pm, Tues.- Sun.
Don't Miss: Views of the Mississippi River.
Great For: Connecting with nature.
Drawbacks: Closed Mondays. Restroom closed at 4pm on weekdays and on weekends. NOT pet friendly. Closes yearly for Trail maintanence.
Trails: 4 unpaved well marked unpaved trails. Rock Trail has a steep hill.
Treehouse Wildlife Center(Godfrey)
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.
Don't Miss: Guided tours with fantastic guides
Great For: An educational time with wildlife
Drawbacks: No pets allowed.
Trails: Small trails around the site.
East Alton Ice Arena(East Alton)
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(Alton)
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(Alton)
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(Alton)
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. The splash pad alton il sells 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 (Alton)
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, smaller buckets, sprayers, 4 picnic tables with umbrellas, and a fence with a child lock. Staff were attentive and cleaned quickly. Located at 1401 Stamper Lane and site of the Great Godfrey Maze in Sept/Oct.
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.
Alton Museum of Art and History (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.
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).
5 A's Animal Shelter (Godfrey)
A non-profit, no-kill shelter providing compassion and care to abused, unwanted and abandoned animals.
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.
