MADISON COUNTY KIDS
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Picture

Collinsville

Play, shop,  and learn in Collinsville, IL
​with Madison County Kids

Collinsville is full of family-friendly places to explore, whether you’re looking the Horseradish festival, The Brooks Catsup Bottle, Italian Fest, a fantastic water park, and endless attractions that appeal to adults and children, Collinsville, IL has so many things for kids to do! Local families love visiting the Collinsville Aqua Park and Wiloughby Farm When the weather cooperates, there are beautiful riverside parks and playgrounds perfect for exploring.

​The self-proclaimed "Horseradish Capital of the World" is also known for its large ethnic Italian population. Collinsville has hosted an annual Italian Fest since 1983.  The Brooks Catsup Bottle Water Tower is the world's largest catsup bottle. The Fairmount Park racetrack is one of five race tracks in Illinois, and the only one located outside Chicago. The Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site is a National Historic Landmark and UNESCO World Heritage Site located within the city limits of Collinsville. This large park has been designated as a National Historic Landmark and was one of the first eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites designated within the United States; toda

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.
​
Q: What can I do with kids in Collinsville on a rainy day?
A: Indoor museums, cafés, and indoor play areas are great options.
Q: Are there free things to do in Collinsville?
A: Yes! The riverfront, playgrounds, and seasonal events offer free fun.
Q: Where can I find upcoming Collinsville events?
A: Check the homepage for updated Madison County events.
​




Cahokia Mounds
Monks Mound Has is the largest Earth Work in North America. A pre-Columbian Native American city and a UNESCO site. Grounds are open dawn- dusk. Leashed dogs are welcome outdoors.

Don't Miss: The 154 step climb up Monks Mound

Great For: An interesting walk on a cool day

Drawbacks: Some hills

Trails: Wide paved paths with varying amounts of shade

Camelot Bowl
Has a 32-lane bowling alley equipped with automatic scoring systems, a lounge, and an arcade with new\ vintage gaming. Has Friday and Saturday leagues for 7 years and older.

Great For: Old fashioned bowling.

Price: $3-$4 per game and $3 for shoes

Collinsville Aqua Park
has 7 slides including open air and tube slides that range from 9 feet to 3 stories tall. There is a river, a 12-foot-tall climbing wall, a fortress play area, and floating lily pads. No charge for parking, inner tubes, or life jackets.

Cost: $18 and under. *Collinsville, Fairmont, Edwardsville, and Maryville libraries have FREE passes for the waterpark.

Great For: A day at the water park!

Drawbacks: Can get pricy for larger families.
Collinsville Library
Has a large area dedicated to children. Main room has books, a librarian, computers, and comfy reading areas. 2 smaller attached areas include a teen room and a children's play area with games, puppets, a slide, and toys. They have free wifi, and loan out family passes to local amenities.

Great For: Toddlers and babies, but older kids can relax with a good book.

Drawbacks: Noisy kids can be hard to manage in a quieter space, but staff are kind.

Price: FREE

The Underground Dojo
is all about growing the geek and gamer community. Enjoy tabletop games, and video games in a fun and friendly environment!

Great For:Gamers and game nights

Price: Shopping is free. Event entry varies. Many events are FREE!

Willoughby Farm
(Collinsville)

is a 30 acre farm with rest rooms, picnic shelters, a large garden, four hiking trails. Trails are not stroller friendly. There is an intricate play area with ride on toys, a wheel chair accessible swing, and kids' wheelbarrows. Also has cows, goats, ponies, bunnies, chickens, tractors, and a farm house.

Don't Miss: The free range guinea hens

Great For: Animal lovers

Drawbacks: Sometimes rented by larger parties

Trails: Great trails with fun hidden gems

CBSL
A recreational baseball league that teaches the fundamentals while encouraging sportsmanship and teamwork.
Extreme Baseball and Softball Club
A not-for-profit softball and baseball organization.
Turn 2
Instructors provide baseball training so the athlete can achieve their goals through a competitive, healthy environment.
Collinsville Area Soccer Association
Promoting soccer skill development, sportsmanship, and team participation in a fun and safe atmosphere.
Dance Network 618
Heavenly Rhythm Dance Studio
Offers hip hop, ballet, tap, acro, and jazz classes for ages 2 and up.
Joyful Arts
Dance classes for all ages starting at age 1. Offers Baby Jam, Terrific 2’s, ballet, tap, jazz, tumble hop, mini-musical theater, acro, hip hop, musical theater, pointe, lyrical, tap, jazz, and adult classes.
Pride of Illinois
Offers recreational and competitive cheerleading, gymnastics, and tumbling classes. Also provides Kids' Night Out, Mom’s Day Out, a preschool program, and open gyms.
Grand Paradise Ranch
Horseback riding lessons for children, teens, and adults.
Karate at Collinsville Parks and Rec
Ages 5 and up. Coed.
McArthur’s Tae Kwon Do & Fitness
Specializes in Taekwondo, Koryo Gumdo, and Hapkido. Classes for ages 5 and up. Teaches life skills such as courtesy, integrity, and respect.
Junior Kahok Wrestling Club
Ages 4 through 8th grade. Boys and girls welcome.
Urban Ecology Club
Conservation projects, animal care, fishing, gardening, nature crafts, hikes, archery, team-building games, and more. $50/year. Call 618-980-2004 for more information.
Mutts on Main
Dawn til Dusk 509 W Main St. Application and membership is free on website.  You must have a membership code to access gate.  Grass grounds are well maintained. Ample seating, agility equipment, walking paths, and water. No separate sections for smaller dogs. Water is off during winter.
Stacked and Styled
Groomer with dogs and Cats in the community.  Also volunteers time with shelters to help pets find new homes.
World's Largest Catsup Bottle
Did you know dogs can visit the catsup bottle?
Woodland Park
A large community park with three playgrounds, ball fields, a disc golf course, and a scenic lake with ducks and geese. Plenty of benches and pavilions to rest, with gentle hills and bridges to explore (trails are not very stroller-friendly).

Don't Miss: Wildlife around the lake

Great For: Picnics & outdoor play

Drawbacks: Steeper paths off paved areas
Warren Billhartz Animal Shelter
Municipal animal shelter providing adoptions (by appointment 11am–4pm daily) and care for local stray and surrendered animals. Volunteers and adopters welcome — contact by phone or visit their Facebook/Petfinder profiles to see pets ready for loving homes.

Don't Miss: Check the Petfinder page to view dogs and cats available

Great For: Animal lovers & adopters
Homework Help & Hoops
FREE tutoring and enrichment after school and during summer hosted by St. John UCC — help with homework, reading, math, and activities (plus a free summer lunch program for kids 4–18).

Great For: Students & families seeking academic support
Kellsie’s Hope Foundation
A childhood cancer support nonprofit offering hope to families with kids facing cancer through wish grants, gifts, scholarships, and awareness efforts.

Great For: Families needing support & community giving
Collinsville Food Pantry
Offers a “shopping” style pantry for Collinsville residents, holiday & crisis food boxes, and some general assistance services. Hours vary (Tuesday & Friday mornings and Tuesday evenings).

Great For: Families seeking food support
Compassion Center
(Revive Church)

Free clothing, shoes, personal hygiene items, and basic household goods offered to the community. Donations welcome, and volunteers help keep supplies stocked.

Great For: Anyone needing basic supplies
Making a Difference
Community outreach supporting neighbors in need. Offers blessing boxes, sorting and outreach volunteer opportunities, and connections with local resources.

Great For: Volunteers & neighbors seeking support
SOS Spirit of Sharing Soup Kitchen
A welcoming community meal program serving warm meals to anyone in need on Tuesdays & Thursdays.

Great For: Community meals & volunteers
3 Little Birds 4 Life
Enhances the lives of young adult cancer patients (ages 18–40) by granting wishes and meaningful experiences. Operates in the spirit of community support and encouragement.

Great For: Young adults & families seeking hope

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This website is updated frequently but, community resources are always growing and changing.  Please independently confirm information.  Affiliate links are present to offset the expense of hosting and researching Madison County Kids. Madison County Kids assumes no liability for advice or data herein. If anything is missing or incorrect, please let me know!
​
  • Home
    • About
    • Contact
    • Calendar
    • Advertise
  • Play
    • Parks
    • Water
    • Inside >
      • Libraries
    • Celebrations
    • Dog Friendly
  • Learn
    • Lessons, Classes, and Teams
    • Community Programs >
      • Open Minds
    • Online Resources >
      • Math Online
      • Read and Write Online
      • Science and Social Studies
      • More Free Apps
  • Winter
    • Lights and Luminaries
    • Winter Events
    • Santa's Lists and Letters
    • A Helping Hand
    • Winter Out of Town
  • Help
    • Veterans
    • Give
  • Travel
    • Branson, MO
    • Ecuador
    • Costa Rica
    • Ireland
    • French Lick, IN (ABOUT 4 HOURS)
    • Galena, IL
    • Grafton, IL
    • Kansas City, MO
    • New York
    • Ste. Genevieve, MO
  • Dine
  • Experiences
  • Local
    • Collinsville
    • Edwardsville
    • Troy
    • Granite City
    • Alton, East Alton, & Godfrey