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DISCOVER parks
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Arranged Alphabetically. Stared locations are great for photography!
ARLINGTON WETLANDS (PONTOON BEACH)
Trails: Walk around the restored wetlands where the Mississippi River once flowed. The path splits into different directions, but all the routes are short, flat, and looped. You can cross the wetlands on a floating boardwalk surrounded by water lilies and try and catch a glimpse of fish, turtles, or a frog. Be sure to read the informational placards posted along the boardwalk. Venture to the other end of the boardwalk to continue your hike through Arlington Wetland’s nature trail. Native prairie grasses, wildflowers, and trees enclose the natural-surface pathway.
Don't Miss: the water lilies
Great For: peace, quiet
Drawbacks: Not a great deal of shade.
Trails: Walk around the restored wetlands where the Mississippi River once flowed. The path splits into different directions, but all the routes are short, flat, and looped. You can cross the wetlands on a floating boardwalk surrounded by water lilies and try and catch a glimpse of fish, turtles, or a frog. Be sure to read the informational placards posted along the boardwalk. Venture to the other end of the boardwalk to continue your hike through Arlington Wetland’s nature trail. Native prairie grasses, wildflowers, and trees enclose the natural-surface pathway.
Don't Miss: the water lilies
Great For: peace, quiet
Drawbacks: Not a great deal of shade.
BELK PARK (WOOD RIVER)
A 234-acre park with an 18-Hole Championship Golf Course, a lake for fishing, a clubhouse, picnic areas, a ball field, three playgrounds, restrooms, shelters, woodland, and open space.
Trails: There is a one mile paved walkway around a lake that is stroller and pet friendly with benches to sit near the water.
Don't Miss: the woods
Great For: a hike with family and pets
Drawbacks: not a great deal of wildlife
A 234-acre park with an 18-Hole Championship Golf Course, a lake for fishing, a clubhouse, picnic areas, a ball field, three playgrounds, restrooms, shelters, woodland, and open space.
Trails: There is a one mile paved walkway around a lake that is stroller and pet friendly with benches to sit near the water.
Don't Miss: the woods
Great For: a hike with family and pets
Drawbacks: not a great deal of wildlife
BETHALTO ARBORETUM (BETHALTO)
This 2.5 acres has wide paved flat paths with lots of shade. The park contains more than 150 species of trees and most are labeled. This location is also next to the Bethalto Splash Pad, baseball fields, and small playground. A fitness path, war memorial, and perennial garden are located on the grounds.
Trails: wide paved flat paths with lots of shade
Don't Miss: The FREE splash pad, the Christmas stroll
Great For: A day outside with a short walk, the playground, and a nice splash pad.
Drawbacks: Parking can be crowded especially during events.
This 2.5 acres has wide paved flat paths with lots of shade. The park contains more than 150 species of trees and most are labeled. This location is also next to the Bethalto Splash Pad, baseball fields, and small playground. A fitness path, war memorial, and perennial garden are located on the grounds.
Trails: wide paved flat paths with lots of shade
Don't Miss: The FREE splash pad, the Christmas stroll
Great For: A day outside with a short walk, the playground, and a nice splash pad.
Drawbacks: Parking can be crowded especially during events.
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*CAHOKIA MOUNDS HISTORIC SITE (COLLINSVILLE)
Can you make it up the 154 steps of Monks Mound? Monks Mound is the largest Earth Work in North America. Cahokia Mounds has a great deal to offer as the site of a pre-Columbian Native American city and a UNESCO site. The museum is open Thurs–Sun 9-5. Grounds are open dawn- dusk. Suggested donation for the interpretive center is $7 for adults, $5 for seniors, $2 for students, and $15 for families. Leashed dogs are welcome outdoors. Trails: wide paved paths with varying amounts of shade Don't Miss: The climb up Monks Mound Great For: An interesting walk on a cool day Drawbacks: Some hills and no shade on many paths. |
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CENTRAL PARK (WOOD RIVER)
A five-acre park (next to the Round House) with a bandstand, playground, gazebo, BBQ pits, and large activity center.
A five-acre park (next to the Round House) with a bandstand, playground, gazebo, BBQ pits, and large activity center.
DROST PARK (MARYVILLE)
A park with lots of shade trees, several pavilions, about three miles of paved trails, a boat ramp, a soccer field, barbecue grills, picnic tables, benches, a community garden, a workout area, playgrounds, drinking fountains, restrooms, and a seven-acre lake with fish, turtles, and ducks. The asphalt-surfaced trails connect to the regional trail system, via the MCT Schoolhouse Trail. Also has 2 playgrounds for younger and older kids. Pet friendly.
A park with lots of shade trees, several pavilions, about three miles of paved trails, a boat ramp, a soccer field, barbecue grills, picnic tables, benches, a community garden, a workout area, playgrounds, drinking fountains, restrooms, and a seven-acre lake with fish, turtles, and ducks. The asphalt-surfaced trails connect to the regional trail system, via the MCT Schoolhouse Trail. Also has 2 playgrounds for younger and older kids. Pet friendly.
*GARDENS AT SIUE (EDWARDSVILLE)
A botanical garden featuring a half-mile paved walking path with lots of shade, a pergola, a wooden bridge, sculptures, and native trees. Butterfly, English cottage, wind sculpture, prairie, and Japanese themed gardens. A nice pond with benches. A great place for photos. Pet friendly
A botanical garden featuring a half-mile paved walking path with lots of shade, a pergola, a wooden bridge, sculptures, and native trees. Butterfly, English cottage, wind sculpture, prairie, and Japanese themed gardens. A nice pond with benches. A great place for photos. Pet friendly
GLAZEBOOK PARK (GODFREY)
120-acres with playgrounds, 2 ponds with fish and frogs, concession stands, restrooms, rentable pavilions, a rentable gazebo, soccer fields and 3 miles of walking trails with shade trees. There are picnic tables under trees by a water fountain. Home to the Great Godfrey Corn Maze. Pet friendly. Little Free Library.
Trails: wide paved paths with lots of shade
Don't Miss: The relaxing views by the lake.
Great For: A lot to see without having to drive.
Drawbacks: Some litter.
120-acres with playgrounds, 2 ponds with fish and frogs, concession stands, restrooms, rentable pavilions, a rentable gazebo, soccer fields and 3 miles of walking trails with shade trees. There are picnic tables under trees by a water fountain. Home to the Great Godfrey Corn Maze. Pet friendly. Little Free Library.
Trails: wide paved paths with lots of shade
Don't Miss: The relaxing views by the lake.
Great For: A lot to see without having to drive.
Drawbacks: Some litter.
Glazebook Park (Godfrey)
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Glazebook Park (Godfrey)
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Glazebook Park (Godfrey)
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GORDON F. MOORE PARK (ALTON)
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 several restrooms throughout the park, an interactive fountain, playgrounds for all ages, a rose garden, bell tower, and oriental garden with a koi pond. There are great playgrounds and a relaxing paved trail!
Trails: Wide paved paths with varying amounts of shade
Don't Miss: The oriental garden on the south end with the koi pond, ducks, frogs, and turtles.
Great For: Letting the kids run out energy while enjoying the peace.
Drawbacks: Some of the playgrounds and bathrooms are a bit run down.
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 several restrooms throughout the park, an interactive fountain, playgrounds for all ages, a rose garden, bell tower, and oriental garden with a koi pond. There are great playgrounds and a relaxing paved trail!
Trails: Wide paved paths with varying amounts of shade
Don't Miss: The oriental garden on the south end with the koi pond, ducks, frogs, and turtles.
Great For: Letting the kids run out energy while enjoying the peace.
Drawbacks: Some of the playgrounds and bathrooms are a bit run down.
Gordon F. Moore Park (Alton)
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Gordon F. Moore Park (Alton)
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Gordon F. Moore Park (Alton)
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HORSESHOE LAKE (GRANITE CITY)
There are 5 picnic shelters, hunting, fishing, camping, and hiking. A shallow lake that is drained annually to provide habitat for shorebirds. At least 287 bird species have been found at this lake. Canadian geese winter here, as well as bald eagles.
There are 5 picnic shelters, hunting, fishing, camping, and hiking. A shallow lake that is drained annually to provide habitat for shorebirds. At least 287 bird species have been found at this lake. Canadian geese winter here, as well as bald eagles.
LECLAIRE PARK (EDWARDSVILLE)
5.8 acres of land within the local historic district. The small park features a bandstand gazebo, a picnic pavilion, three children's playground areas, a pond with turtles and ducks, restrooms, a lighted fountain, a waterfall, and a two-acre fishing lake. There is plenty of trees and shade. Pet Friendly.
5.8 acres of land within the local historic district. The small park features a bandstand gazebo, a picnic pavilion, three children's playground areas, a pond with turtles and ducks, restrooms, a lighted fountain, a waterfall, and a two-acre fishing lake. There is plenty of trees and shade. Pet Friendly.
MINER PARK (GLEN CARBON)
Several acre park with small playground in between baseball fields, basketball courts, swings, pavilions, a large sledding hill, barbecue grills, a stroller friendly walking path, a walking/biking trail, restrooms, and red caboose at entrance. Undergoing construction. Great for sledding.
Several acre park with small playground in between baseball fields, basketball courts, swings, pavilions, a large sledding hill, barbecue grills, a stroller friendly walking path, a walking/biking trail, restrooms, and red caboose at entrance. Undergoing construction. Great for sledding.
The Nature Institute
John M. Olin Preserve
(Godfrey)
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*NATURE INSTITUTE- JOHN M OLIN PRESERVE (GODFREY)
Trails open 8- 8pm, Tues.- Sun. 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: 4 unpaved well marked trails. Rubber tire stroller necessary. Rock Trail has a steep hill. Don't Miss: Fantastic views of the Mississippi River and the sand box. Great For: Whatever you make it! Drawbacks: NOT pet friendly. Closed Mondays. Restroom are closed at 4pm on weekdays and on weekends. |
The Nature Institute
John M. Olin Preserve
(Godfrey)
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RINDERER PARK (HIGHLAND)
Park designed to remove barriers so ALL children can play side by side with their peers and families. Includes a glider, slides, musical elements, wheelchair-accessible teeter totter, lots of climbing equipment, and unique swings. There is also a dog park with obstacles, a veteran memorial, and restrooms.
Trails: A stroller friendly walking trail with some shade.
Don't Miss: The zip line!
Great For: A playground that makes the grownups want to play.
Drawbacks: Not a great deal of nature.
Park designed to remove barriers so ALL children can play side by side with their peers and families. Includes a glider, slides, musical elements, wheelchair-accessible teeter totter, lots of climbing equipment, and unique swings. There is also a dog park with obstacles, a veteran memorial, and restrooms.
Trails: A stroller friendly walking trail with some shade.
Don't Miss: The zip line!
Great For: A playground that makes the grownups want to play.
Drawbacks: Not a great deal of nature.
Silver Lake (Highland)
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*SILVER LAKE (HIGHLAND)
Park runs along the shore of a lake. Has a frisbee golf course, (small) climbing wall, archery range, man made waterfall/creek area, restrooms, ponds, sand volleyball court, playground, picnic shelters, fishing, and a boat ramp. Leashed pets are welcome. Trails: A 4+ mile wooded trail that is not stroller friendly. Don't Miss: The autumn leaves. Great For: A quiet walk in the woods. Drawbacks: Fishing Lines are often discarded in water, local ordinance doesn't allow for swimming. |
Silver Lake (Hillsboro)
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TRI-TOWNSHIP PARK (TROY)
Has a large pond with fish, ducks, and swans. Also has 4 playgrounds. Younger kids may enjoy the toddler sized playground on the south side of the lake while older kids may prefer the playground north of the lake or next to the skate park. Also has fishing, a pedestrian bridge, shaded benches, covered picnic areas, BBQ grills, paved stroller friendly walking trails, baseball fields, soccer fields, tennis courts, sand volleyball, a gaga ball area, frisbee golf, a remote control car park, restrooms, and a skate park. There is a small petting zoo near the playground.
Has a large pond with fish, ducks, and swans. Also has 4 playgrounds. Younger kids may enjoy the toddler sized playground on the south side of the lake while older kids may prefer the playground north of the lake or next to the skate park. Also has fishing, a pedestrian bridge, shaded benches, covered picnic areas, BBQ grills, paved stroller friendly walking trails, baseball fields, soccer fields, tennis courts, sand volleyball, a gaga ball area, frisbee golf, a remote control car park, restrooms, and a skate park. There is a small petting zoo near the playground.
Treehouse Wildlife Center (Godfrey)
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TREEHOUSE WILDLIFE CENTER (GODFREY)
Open 10am-4pm, Fridays-Sundays. 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. |
WATERSHED NATURE CENTER (EDWARDSVILLE)
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.
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.
Willoughby Farm (Collinsville)
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WILLOUGHBY FARM (COLLINSVILLE)
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, kids' wheelbarrows. Also has cows, goats, ponies, bunnies, chickens, tractors, and a farm house. |
Willoughby Farm (Collinsville)
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WILSON PARK (GRANITE CITY)
74 acre park with a stroller friendly paved trail around the park with lots of shade. Also has a 8 shelters, restrooms, basketball court, playgrounds for younger children, tennis courts, baseball fields, a skate park, and a fountain. Pet friendly. Over 1,000 native and rare trees accent the parks with formal gardens. The Wilson Park Pool, featuring a water slide and wading pool is also in the park. As well as an ice rink.
74 acre park with a stroller friendly paved trail around the park with lots of shade. Also has a 8 shelters, restrooms, basketball court, playgrounds for younger children, tennis courts, baseball fields, a skate park, and a fountain. Pet friendly. Over 1,000 native and rare trees accent the parks with formal gardens. The Wilson Park Pool, featuring a water slide and wading pool is also in the park. As well as an ice rink.
Other fun ideas
WOODLAND PARK (COLLINSVILLE)
This large park has 3 playgrounds, a lake with wildlife, ball fields, a disc golf course, a lake with ducks and geese, restrooms, and a disc golf course. There are plenty places to sit either on benches or in pavilions. The park has lots of pretty hills and neat bridges, but trails are not very easy with a stroller.
This large park has 3 playgrounds, a lake with wildlife, ball fields, a disc golf course, a lake with ducks and geese, restrooms, and a disc golf course. There are plenty places to sit either on benches or in pavilions. The park has lots of pretty hills and neat bridges, but trails are not very easy with a stroller.
Cinnamon rolls over a fire-pit are a fun and simple treat while staying warm outside. All you need is a tube of store-bought cinnamon rolls and a few long sticks. Wrap the cinnamon roll around the stick and let the kids roast them in the fire. The kids can rotate as they cook, cool enough to handle, pop them off the sticks, dunk them in the icing and enjoy! Be sure to teach and practice fire safety.
Scavenger hunts can focus on items that can be found in the outside, in the house, or in the neighborhood. You can find a lot of examples on Pinterest. Include things like pinecones, acorns, animal tracks, puddles, feathers, evergreens, etc.
Give each child a flashlight or headlamp and head out on a Night hike of a well-known trail. Play follow the leader or enjoy a trust walk with eyes closed. Take a minute to listen to the silence or the animals. Make sure to dress appropriately and tell someone where you’ll be and when you’ll be back.
Scavenger hunts can focus on items that can be found in the outside, in the house, or in the neighborhood. You can find a lot of examples on Pinterest. Include things like pinecones, acorns, animal tracks, puddles, feathers, evergreens, etc.
Give each child a flashlight or headlamp and head out on a Night hike of a well-known trail. Play follow the leader or enjoy a trust walk with eyes closed. Take a minute to listen to the silence or the animals. Make sure to dress appropriately and tell someone where you’ll be and when you’ll be back.
