Arranged Alphabetically. Stared locations are great for photography!
Airplane Park- Township Park (Edwardsville)
Has pavilions, handicapped accessible areas, restrooms, water fountains, tennis courts, a skate rink, a soccer field, a gaga ball area, 3 playgrounds, and a real airplane displayed. One of large playgrounds is for younger children and one is for older.
Don't Miss: Nature themed climbing area
Great For: All ages!
Drawbacks: Dogs are NOT allowed
Trails: Next to a large trail
Arlington Wetlands
(Pontoon Beach)
Contains restored wetlands where Mississippi River once flowed. Path splits, but all routes are short, flat, and looped. Native prairie grasses, wildflowers, and trees enclose the natural-surface pathway.
Don't Miss: Water lillies & Boardwalk
Great For: Peace & quiet
Drawbacks: Not a great deal of shade
Trails: Paved trails
Belk Park
(Wood River)
234-acre park with 18-Hole Championship Golf Course, a fishing lake , a clubhouse, picnic areas, a ball field, 3 playgrounds, restrooms, shelters, woodlands, and grass.
Don't Miss: the woods.
Great For: A hike with family and pets
Drawbacks: Not a great deal of wildlife
Trails: 1 mile paved walkway around lake that is stroller and pet friendly with benches to sit near the water.
Bethalto Arboretum
(Bethalto)
Winds through the Bethalto Arboretum, about a half-mile, shaded stroll. This 2.5 acres has wide paved flat paths with lots of shade. Next to the Bethalto Splash Pad, baseball fields, skate park, and small playground.
Don't Miss: The FREE splash pad and Christmas stroll.
Great For: A nice splash pad with other fun nearby.
Drawbacks: Parking can be crowded during events.
Trails: Wide paved flat paths with lots of shade
Cahokia Mounds
(Collinsville)
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
Drost Park
(Maryville)
has lots of shade trees, several pavilions, a boat ramp, a soccer field, grills, tables, benches, a community garden, playgrounds, drinking fountains, restrooms, and a seven-acre lake. 2 playgrounds for younger and older kids. Pet friendly.
Don't Miss: The seven acre lake
Great For: Watching animals
Drawbacks: Some hills and no shade on many paths
Trails: 3 miles of paved trails connect to regional trail system via the MCT Schoolhouse Trail.
Gardens at SIUE
(Edwardsville)
Botanical garden with a half-mile paved walking path. Lots of shade, decorative buildings, sculptures, and Japanese themed gardens. A nice pond with ducks and benches. Great place for photos. Pet friendly.
Don't Miss: Bridges over tracks & art
Great For: A relaxing place to explore art or play
Drawbacks: Can get crowded on beautiful weekends
Trails: Well labeled trails that are mostly paved with lots of shade and placards
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.
Glik Park
(Highland)
Has restrooms, playgrounds, lighted fields, soccer fields, a football field, a basketball court, and a skate park. Also has paved stroller-friendly walking trails with sculptures, plants, and flowers. Trails do not have much shade. Park is next to Korte Center. Has fenced in dog park with shade.
Don't Miss: Highland Garden Club's decorated area
Great For: A nice walking trail while kids play
Drawbacks: Playground is older
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.
Highland Elementary
(Highland)
has three different playgrounds fenced in to one larger play area. Playgrounds have a variety of slides, climbers, and aparatus. Between playgrounds, there is an open area for other play. Smaller children's playground in a seperate fenced in area within the larger fence. Lots of benches.
Don't Miss: Highland Community pool across street.
Great For: A variety of playgrounds for all ages.
Drawbacks: Closed to public during school hours.
Trails: No trails and older.
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.
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, turtles, geese, ducks, restrooms, a lighted fountain, a waterfall, and a two-acre fishing lake. There is plenty of trees and shade and great fishing. Pet Friendly.
Don't Miss: The geese, ducks, turtles, and fishing.
Great For: A quiet day outside
Drawbacks: A good deal of geese' poop
Trails: Sidewalk around lake borders the road.
Leon Corlew Park & Splash Pad
(Edwardsville)
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.
Great For: Hot days with various ages.
Drawbacks: Slides are VERY slippery when wet.
Trails: There is a short paved path around the splash pad and playground with some workout gear.
Miner Park
(Glen Carbon)
Several acre park with small playground between baseball fields, basketball courts, pavilions, a sledding hill, grills, a stroller friendly walking path, restrooms, and red caboose at entrance. Red Caboose is generally not open. Next to Glen Carbon Library.
Don't Miss: The bridges over the creek
Great For: A story walk or sledding
Drawbacks: Caboose open for special occasions
Trails: Nickel Plate Trail runs along west edge
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.
Rinderer Park
(Highland)
is an amazing playground 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.
Don't Miss: A rope zip line and a seated zip line!
Great For: Making the grownups want to play.
Drawbacks: Not a great deal of nature or shade.
Trails: Stroller friendly walking trail.
Silver Lake
(Highland)
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.
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.
Trails: A 4+ mile wooded trail that is not stroller friendly.
Tri-Township Park
(Troy)
Has a large fishing pond, 4 playgrounds, a pedestrian bridge, shaded benches, covered picnic areas, 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. 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.
Don't Miss: Little zoo near the playground
Great For: A little something for all ages
Drawbacks: Parking can get difficult and some parks have very little shade
Trails: Trails around the site
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.
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.
Don't Miss: The FREE discovery days.
Great For: A day exploring the wilderness.
Drawbacks: Can get muddy, but who doesn't LOVE mud?
Trails: Paved with smaller and bigger loops.
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
Has pavilions, handicapped accessible areas, restrooms, water fountains, tennis courts, a skate rink, a soccer field, a gaga ball area, 3 playgrounds, and a real airplane displayed. One of large playgrounds is for younger children and one is for older.
Don't Miss: Nature themed climbing area
Great For: All ages!
Drawbacks: Dogs are NOT allowed
Trails: Next to a large trail
Arlington Wetlands (Pontoon Beach)
Contains restored wetlands where Mississippi River once flowed. Path splits, but all routes are short, flat, and looped. Native prairie grasses, wildflowers, and trees enclose the natural-surface pathway.
Don't Miss: Water lillies & Boardwalk
Great For: Peace & quiet
Drawbacks: Not a great deal of shade
Trails: Paved trails
Belk Park (Wood River)
234-acre park with 18-Hole Championship Golf Course, a fishing lake , a clubhouse, picnic areas, a ball field, 3 playgrounds, restrooms, shelters, woodlands, and grass.
Don't Miss: the woods.
Great For: A hike with family and pets
Drawbacks: Not a great deal of wildlife
Trails: 1 mile paved walkway around lake that is stroller and pet friendly with benches to sit near the water.
Bethalto Arboretum (Bethalto)
Winds through the Bethalto Arboretum, about a half-mile, shaded stroll. This 2.5 acres has wide paved flat paths with lots of shade. Next to the Bethalto Splash Pad, baseball fields, skate park, and small playground.
Don't Miss: The FREE splash pad and Christmas stroll.
Great For: A nice splash pad with other fun nearby.
Drawbacks: Parking can be crowded during events.
Trails: Wide paved flat paths with lots of shade
Cahokia Mounds (Collinsville)
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
Drost Park (Maryville)
has lots of shade trees, several pavilions, a boat ramp, a soccer field, grills, tables, benches, a community garden, playgrounds, drinking fountains, restrooms, and a seven-acre lake. 2 playgrounds for younger and older kids. Pet friendly.
Don't Miss: The seven acre lake
Great For: Watching animals
Drawbacks: Some hills and no shade on many paths
Trails: 3 miles of paved trails connect to regional trail system via the MCT Schoolhouse Trail.
Gardens at SIUE (Edwardsville)
Botanical garden with a half-mile paved walking path. Lots of shade, decorative buildings, sculptures, and Japanese themed gardens. A nice pond with ducks and benches. Great place for photos. Pet friendly.
Don't Miss: Bridges over tracks & art
Great For: A relaxing place to explore art or play
Drawbacks: Can get crowded on beautiful weekends
Trails: Well labeled trails that are mostly paved with lots of shade and placards
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.
Glik Park(Highland)
Has restrooms, playgrounds, lighted fields, soccer fields, a football field, a basketball court, and a skate park. Also has paved stroller-friendly walking trails with sculptures, plants, and flowers. Trails do not have much shade. Park is next to Korte Center. Has fenced in dog park with shade.
Don't Miss: Highland Garden Club's decorated area
Great For: A nice walking trail while kids play
Drawbacks: Playground is older
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.
Highland Elementary(Highland)
has three different playgrounds fenced in to one larger play area. Playgrounds have a variety of slides, climbers, and aparatus. Between playgrounds, there is an open area for other play. Smaller children's playground in a seperate fenced in area within the larger fence. Lots of benches.
Don't Miss: Highland Community pool across street.
Great For: A variety of playgrounds for all ages.
Drawbacks: Closed to public during school hours.
Trails: No trails and older.
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.
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, turtles, geese, ducks, restrooms, a lighted fountain, a waterfall, and a two-acre fishing lake. There is plenty of trees and shade and great fishing. Pet Friendly.
Don't Miss: The geese, ducks, turtles, and fishing.
Great For: A quiet day outside
Drawbacks: A good deal of geese' poop
Trails: Sidewalk around lake borders the road.
Leon Corlew Park & Splash Pad(Edwardsville)
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.
Great For: Hot days with various ages.
Drawbacks: Slides are VERY slippery when wet.
Trails: There is a short paved path around the splash pad and playground with some workout gear.
Miner Park(Glen Carbon)
Several acre park with small playground between baseball fields, basketball courts, pavilions, a sledding hill, grills, a stroller friendly walking path, restrooms, and red caboose at entrance. Red Caboose is generally not open. Next to Glen Carbon Library.
Don't Miss: The bridges over the creek
Great For: A story walk or sledding
Drawbacks: Caboose open for special occasions
Trails: Nickel Plate Trail runs along west edge
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.
Rinderer Park(Highland)
is an amazing playground 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.
Don't Miss: A rope zip line and a seated zip line!
Great For: Making the grownups want to play.
Drawbacks: Not a great deal of nature or shade.
Trails: Stroller friendly walking trail.
Silver Lake(Highland)
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.
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.
Trails: A 4+ mile wooded trail that is not stroller friendly.
Tri-Township Park(Troy)
Has a large fishing pond, 4 playgrounds, a pedestrian bridge, shaded benches, covered picnic areas, 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. 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.
Don't Miss: Little zoo near the playground
Great For: A little something for all ages
Drawbacks: Parking can get difficult and some parks have very little shade
Trails: Trails around the site
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.
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.
Don't Miss: The FREE discovery days.
Great For: A day exploring the wilderness.
Drawbacks: Can get muddy, but who doesn't LOVE mud?
Trails: Paved with smaller and bigger loops.
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
