Fun for Kids in Edwardsville, Illinois
Edwardsville is one of the most family-friendly towns in Madison County, with amazing parks, indoor activities, and events. Whether you're exploring the Watershed Nature Center, enjoying a festival, or visiting a local restaurant, there’s always something happening for kids.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these activities free?
Many locations are free or low-cost, including parks, libraries, and outdoor spaces.
Where can I take toddlers?
Many listings are toddler-friendly with shaded or fenced areas. Use the Madison County Kids Parks search to find them.
What can I do on a rainy day?
Check indoor museums, cafés, and play areas for fun rainy-day activities.
Where can I find events in Edwardsville?
Visit the Madison County Kids homepage for updated events.
The 1820 Benjamin Stephenson House
Adults: $6.00, Children $3.00, 5 years younger free. Historical home with activities for all ages. Guides wear period clothing and explain what life might have been like in 1820. Tours begin with a film about the Stephenson family. Airplane Park\ Township Park
has many pavilions, lots of climbing, handicapped accessible areas, large restrooms, water fountains, and a real airplane displayed. One of the large playgrounds is for younger children and the second is for older.
Don't Miss: The nature themed climbing area.
Drawbacks: Dogs are NOT allowed.
Trails: Runs next to a large trail. Many people park here to get to the trail.
Annie's Frozen Custard
(Edwardsville)
Local favorite for sweet treats — and pups aren’t left out! Order the Bow Wow Sundae topped with a dog bone.
Great For: Dog-friendly dessert stops Artistic Gymnastics Institute
(Edwardsville)
USA Gymnastics–accredited instruction with classes starting at age 2, plus competitive teams, open gyms, and camps.
Great For: Tumbling & strength
Blue Wave Martial Arts
(Edwardsville)
Family and adult martial arts programs focused on confidence, discipline, and fitness.
Great For: Families training together
Brent Leh Dog Park
(Edwardsville)
Small fenced dog park with turf, agility stations, water access, and dusk‑to‑dawn lighting. Open daily 6am–10pm.
Great For: Quick dog energy burn Edison's Entertainment Complex
Offers bowling, laser tag, an arcade, and a restaurant. They have kids eat free on Wednesday nights, taco Tuesdays, holiday events, bingo night, and little inventor's club. The restaurant has a full bar.
Don't Miss: The Genius club gives discounts and free plays.
Price: Bowling is $8- $10 per hour. Laser tag is $6- $7 per game.
Edwardsville Arts Center
Hosts classes, exhibits, and cultural events for youth and adults. There are free art classes on Saturdays for kids.
Don't Miss: The free Saturday art classes!
Price: Prices for classes vary.
Edwardsville Children's Museum
Offers indoor and outdoor exploration with a Market, Tree House, Forest Exhibit, Hospital Nursery, sensory garden, paint station, sand and rock pit, slide, and much more!
Don't Miss: The first room has a neat pong course mounted on the wall, but can get a bit noisy.
Drawbacks: It can be hard to supervise multiple children and staff can be strict about constant supervision.
Price: $7.00 for nonmembers (adults must pay).
A pass is available thru Edwardsville, Glen Carbon, Collinsville, Maryville, and Troy libraries. The Edwardsville Children's Museum is a member of Museums for ALL. Families who receive food stamps assistance can get in by presenting the EBT card!
Edwardsville Community Foundation
(Edwardsville)
Supports District 7 through grants, scholarships, and community improvement projects.
Elite Fitness
(Glen Carbon)
Athletic performance training for all sports, ages 8 through adult, plus soccer training starting at age 2.
Great For: Serious athletes
Faith in Action
(Edwardsville/Glen Carbon)
Supports adults 60+ with transportation, errands, and daily living help through volunteers.
Great For: Helping seniors
Four Muddy Paws
(Edwardsville)
Locally owned pet supply store with nutrition support, self‑serve dog wash, grooming, gear, treats, and custom pup cakes.
Great For: Dog pampering & special occasions Gardens at SIUE
is a botanical garden featuring a half-mile paved walking path with lots of shade. A great place for photos. Pet friendly.
Don't Miss: The bridges over the train tracks and beautiful art.
Drawbacks: Can get crowded on beautiful weekends.
Trails: A variety of well labeled trails that are mostly paved with lots of shade, educational placards, and beautiful sites.
Grogan's Martial Arts
(Edwardsville)
Martial arts instruction focused on lifelong excellence, confidence, and character.
Great For: Discipline & self-confidence
Habitat for Humanity
(Edwardsville/Glen Carbon)
Build strength, stability, and self‑reliance through shelter. Volunteers welcome.
Happy Feet Soccer – SIUE
(Edwardsville)
Mobile soccer clinics using a fun, story‑based approach for ages 2 through elementary school.
Great For: First sports experience
Heroic Adventures
A large selection of comic books, trade paper backs, CCGs, board games, miniature games, toys and collectibles. Holds weekly gaming tournaments and has a game room.
Great For: Gamers of all kinds!
Price: Shopping is free. Event entry varies.
I Support the Girls
(Edwardsville)
Collects and distributes essential hygiene items to help women and folx in need live with dignity.
Great For: Donation drives Joe Glik Dog Park
(Edwardsville)
Well‑maintained fenced dog park with shade trees, seating, waste bags, trash cans, and double‑gate entry.
Great For: Social dogs Leclaire Park
5.8 acres of land within the local historic district. The small park features a bandstand gazebo, a picnic pavilion, small children's playground areas, and a two-acre fishing lake. There is plenty of trees and shade. Pet Friendly.
Don't Miss: The geese, ducks, turtles, and great fishing.
Drawbacks: A good deal of geese' poop.
Trails: There is a sidewalk around the lake that closely borders the road at some points.
Leon Corlew Park and Splash Pad
has a splash pad, workout area, large pavilions, bathrooms, barbecue grills, a concessions area, large playground, and younger children's playground. The splash pad has features for young and older kids, and shaded benches.
Don't Miss: The huge dumping bucket.
Drawbacks: Slides are VERY slippery when wet.
Trails: There is a short paved path around the splash pad and playground with some workout gear.
Little League Association
(Edwardsville/Glen Carbon)
Volunteer‑run recreational baseball and tee ball for grades K–12.
Great For: Team sports & community
Main Street Community Center
(Edwardsville)
Community center serving adults 50+ with activities, wellness programs, and social connection.
Great For: Active aging
Metro East Humane Society
A no-kill shelter that provides medical treatment, education, vaccinations, and spay/neuter services. Volunteers can walk dogs, socialize, or assist with bathing, grooming, and cleaning. Children 15 years or younger must be accompanied by guardian. Call or stop by shelter 618-656-4405. Pack Leader Academy
(Edwardsville)
Professional dog training from puppy basics through Canine Good Citizen, including behavior support.
Great For: Training & behavior support Prima Dance & Tumbling
(Edwardsville)
Recreational and competitive dance and tumbling classes from toddler through teen, including grown-up-and-me options.
Great For: Little movers
Rebuilding Together Southwest Illinois
(Edwardsville)
Repairs homes for low‑income, elderly, and disabled homeowners so they can live safely.
Rotary Club of Edwardsville
(Edwardsville)
Service organization supporting local and global initiatives. Meets Thursdays at noon.
Great For: Civic engagement
RP Lumber Center
has a 175-meter special surface track and Teen Center. The teen center is currently open when the center is open. There are also open skate hours, hockey programs, learn to skate programs, and figure skating.
Don't Miss: The incredible teen area!
Open Skate Prices:
$6-$9.
Single Women Emergency Assistance Program
(Madison County)
Provides limited financial assistance for housing, utilities, and medical needs for eligible women 65+.
Great For: Emergency support
St. John's Mission Garden
(Edwardsville)
Community garden providing fresh produce to local pantries. Volunteers help plant, weed, harvest, and deliver food.
Great For: Outdoor volunteering
Traveling Tails Inn
(Edwardsville)
Cage‑free dog daycare with enrichment activities, overnight boarding, and grooming services.
Great For: Working families Wagman Studio
An all inclusive ceramics studio that conducts varying clay classes for kids and adults. Classes on the wheel, hand building, workshops, birthday parties, and private classes are available.
Watershed Nature Center
is a 40+ acre outdoor learning center with stroller friendly paved trails, dirt trails, elevated walks over wetlands, observation towers, an observation blind, lakes, prairies, forest, and an interpretive welcome center. Pet friendly.
Don't Miss: FREE discovery days.
Drawbacks: Can get muddy, but who doesn't LOVE a little mud?
Trails: Paved with smaller and bigger loop.
We Rock the Spectrum Kid's Gym
is a kid’s Gym with specially designed sensory equipment to foster learning, exploration, and inclusive sensory-safe experiences for children of ALL abilities.
Don't Miss: The zip lines.
Hours: Vary. See website.
Price:
Open Play is $15 per person and $13/Sibling.
Whisker Bones Supply Co.
(Edwardsville)
Dog & cat bakery, boutique, grooming spa, and ice cream bar. Famous for pup cakes, treats, and dog‑safe snow cones.
Don't Miss: Saturday Community Market treats
Adults: $6.00, Children $3.00, 5 years younger free. Historical home with activities for all ages. Guides wear period clothing and explain what life might have been like in 1820. Tours begin with a film about the Stephenson family. Airplane Park\ Township Park
has many pavilions, lots of climbing, handicapped accessible areas, large restrooms, water fountains, and a real airplane displayed. One of the large playgrounds is for younger children and the second is for older.
Don't Miss: The nature themed climbing area.
Drawbacks: Dogs are NOT allowed.
Trails: Runs next to a large trail. Many people park here to get to the trail.
Annie's Frozen Custard(Edwardsville)
Local favorite for sweet treats — and pups aren’t left out! Order the Bow Wow Sundae topped with a dog bone.
Great For: Dog-friendly dessert stops Artistic Gymnastics Institute
(Edwardsville)
USA Gymnastics–accredited instruction with classes starting at age 2, plus competitive teams, open gyms, and camps.
Great For: Tumbling & strength
Blue Wave Martial Arts
(Edwardsville)
Family and adult martial arts programs focused on confidence, discipline, and fitness.
Great For: Families training together
Brent Leh Dog Park
(Edwardsville)
Small fenced dog park with turf, agility stations, water access, and dusk‑to‑dawn lighting. Open daily 6am–10pm.
Great For: Quick dog energy burn Edison's Entertainment Complex
Offers bowling, laser tag, an arcade, and a restaurant. They have kids eat free on Wednesday nights, taco Tuesdays, holiday events, bingo night, and little inventor's club. The restaurant has a full bar.
Don't Miss: The Genius club gives discounts and free plays.
Price: Bowling is $8- $10 per hour. Laser tag is $6- $7 per game.
Edwardsville Arts CenterHosts classes, exhibits, and cultural events for youth and adults. There are free art classes on Saturdays for kids.
Don't Miss: The free Saturday art classes!
Price: Prices for classes vary.
Edwardsville Children's MuseumOffers indoor and outdoor exploration with a Market, Tree House, Forest Exhibit, Hospital Nursery, sensory garden, paint station, sand and rock pit, slide, and much more!
Don't Miss: The first room has a neat pong course mounted on the wall, but can get a bit noisy.
Drawbacks: It can be hard to supervise multiple children and staff can be strict about constant supervision.
Price: $7.00 for nonmembers (adults must pay).
A pass is available thru Edwardsville, Glen Carbon, Collinsville, Maryville, and Troy libraries. The Edwardsville Children's Museum is a member of Museums for ALL. Families who receive food stamps assistance can get in by presenting the EBT card!
Edwardsville Community Foundation(Edwardsville)
Supports District 7 through grants, scholarships, and community improvement projects.
Elite Fitness
(Glen Carbon)
Athletic performance training for all sports, ages 8 through adult, plus soccer training starting at age 2.
Great For: Serious athletes
Faith in Action
(Edwardsville/Glen Carbon)
Supports adults 60+ with transportation, errands, and daily living help through volunteers.
Great For: Helping seniors
Four Muddy Paws
(Edwardsville)
Locally owned pet supply store with nutrition support, self‑serve dog wash, grooming, gear, treats, and custom pup cakes.
Great For: Dog pampering & special occasions Gardens at SIUE
is a botanical garden featuring a half-mile paved walking path with lots of shade. A great place for photos. Pet friendly.
Don't Miss: The bridges over the train tracks and beautiful art.
Drawbacks: Can get crowded on beautiful weekends.
Trails: A variety of well labeled trails that are mostly paved with lots of shade, educational placards, and beautiful sites.
Grogan's Martial Arts(Edwardsville)
Martial arts instruction focused on lifelong excellence, confidence, and character.
Great For: Discipline & self-confidence
Habitat for Humanity
(Edwardsville/Glen Carbon)
Build strength, stability, and self‑reliance through shelter. Volunteers welcome.
Happy Feet Soccer – SIUE
(Edwardsville)
Mobile soccer clinics using a fun, story‑based approach for ages 2 through elementary school.
Great For: First sports experience
Heroic Adventures
A large selection of comic books, trade paper backs, CCGs, board games, miniature games, toys and collectibles. Holds weekly gaming tournaments and has a game room.
Great For: Gamers of all kinds!
Price: Shopping is free. Event entry varies.
I Support the Girls(Edwardsville)
Collects and distributes essential hygiene items to help women and folx in need live with dignity.
Great For: Donation drives Joe Glik Dog Park
(Edwardsville)
Well‑maintained fenced dog park with shade trees, seating, waste bags, trash cans, and double‑gate entry.
Great For: Social dogs Leclaire Park
5.8 acres of land within the local historic district. The small park features a bandstand gazebo, a picnic pavilion, small children's playground areas, and a two-acre fishing lake. There is plenty of trees and shade. Pet Friendly.
Don't Miss: The geese, ducks, turtles, and great fishing.
Drawbacks: A good deal of geese' poop.
Trails: There is a sidewalk around the lake that closely borders the road at some points.
Leon Corlew Park and Splash Padhas a splash pad, workout area, large pavilions, bathrooms, barbecue grills, a concessions area, large playground, and younger children's playground. The splash pad has features for young and older kids, and shaded benches.
Don't Miss: The huge dumping bucket.
Drawbacks: Slides are VERY slippery when wet.
Trails: There is a short paved path around the splash pad and playground with some workout gear.
Little League Association(Edwardsville/Glen Carbon)
Volunteer‑run recreational baseball and tee ball for grades K–12.
Great For: Team sports & community
Main Street Community Center
(Edwardsville)
Community center serving adults 50+ with activities, wellness programs, and social connection.
Great For: Active aging
Metro East Humane Society
A no-kill shelter that provides medical treatment, education, vaccinations, and spay/neuter services. Volunteers can walk dogs, socialize, or assist with bathing, grooming, and cleaning. Children 15 years or younger must be accompanied by guardian. Call or stop by shelter 618-656-4405. Pack Leader Academy
(Edwardsville)
Professional dog training from puppy basics through Canine Good Citizen, including behavior support.
Great For: Training & behavior support Prima Dance & Tumbling
(Edwardsville)
Recreational and competitive dance and tumbling classes from toddler through teen, including grown-up-and-me options.
Great For: Little movers
Rebuilding Together Southwest Illinois
(Edwardsville)
Repairs homes for low‑income, elderly, and disabled homeowners so they can live safely.
Rotary Club of Edwardsville
(Edwardsville)
Service organization supporting local and global initiatives. Meets Thursdays at noon.
Great For: Civic engagement
RP Lumber Center
has a 175-meter special surface track and Teen Center. The teen center is currently open when the center is open. There are also open skate hours, hockey programs, learn to skate programs, and figure skating.
Don't Miss: The incredible teen area!
Open Skate Prices:
$6-$9.
Single Women Emergency Assistance Program(Madison County)
Provides limited financial assistance for housing, utilities, and medical needs for eligible women 65+.
Great For: Emergency support
St. John's Mission Garden
(Edwardsville)
Community garden providing fresh produce to local pantries. Volunteers help plant, weed, harvest, and deliver food.
Great For: Outdoor volunteering
Traveling Tails Inn
(Edwardsville)
Cage‑free dog daycare with enrichment activities, overnight boarding, and grooming services.
Great For: Working families Wagman Studio
An all inclusive ceramics studio that conducts varying clay classes for kids and adults. Classes on the wheel, hand building, workshops, birthday parties, and private classes are available.
Watershed Nature Centeris a 40+ acre outdoor learning center with stroller friendly paved trails, dirt trails, elevated walks over wetlands, observation towers, an observation blind, lakes, prairies, forest, and an interpretive welcome center. Pet friendly.
Don't Miss: FREE discovery days.
Drawbacks: Can get muddy, but who doesn't LOVE a little mud?
Trails: Paved with smaller and bigger loop.
We Rock the Spectrum Kid's Gymis a kid’s Gym with specially designed sensory equipment to foster learning, exploration, and inclusive sensory-safe experiences for children of ALL abilities.
Don't Miss: The zip lines.
Hours: Vary. See website.
Price:
Open Play is $15 per person and $13/Sibling.
Whisker Bones Supply Co.(Edwardsville)
Dog & cat bakery, boutique, grooming spa, and ice cream bar. Famous for pup cakes, treats, and dog‑safe snow cones.
Don't Miss: Saturday Community Market treats
