MadisonCountyKids.org is a community resource website serving families, parents, and homeschoolers in Madison County, Illinois- including Edwardsville, Alton, Glen Carbon, Highland, Collinsville, and surrounding towns.
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!
Collinsville Aqua Park
(Collinsville)
7 slides including open air and tube slides from 9 feet to 3 stories tall. Includes a 50-ft water castle, lazy river, climbing wall, fortress play area, floating lily pads with overhead rope. Free parking, tubes, and life jackets.
Cost: $18 and under.
FREE Access: Local library cardholders from Collinsville, Fairmont, Edwardsville, and Maryville.
Best for Ages: All ages.
Great For: A full day of water park fun!
Drawbacks: Can get pricey for large families.
Emmenegger Nature Park
(Kirkwood, STL)
offers shaded hiking trails through a forested area alongside a shallow rocky creek perfect for summer splashing. A small picnic area sits near the entrance. Trails vary in length and steepness.
Cost: FREE
Best for Ages: 3+ (walkers), especially nature-loving kids
Great For: Creek play, shaded hikes, peaceful escape
Drawbacks: No playground or bathrooms; trails can be muddy
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.
Hartford Splash Park
(Hartford)
Fenced-in splash pad open from 12:00PM–5:00PM. Parties may be scheduled outside public hours by calling (618) 251-2680. Party cost is $50 (residents) or $100 (non-residents). Entry is $1 for residents (bracelet needed) and $2 for non-residents. No shelter included in party rental.
Cost: $1 residents / $2 non-residents
Best for Ages: Great for elementary and younger kids.
Great For: An adventure near home.
Drawbacks: No food or drinks allowed inside the splash pad.
Highland Public Pool
(Highland)
Features a diving board and climbing wall. Open Mon, Wed, Sat & Sun 1–5:30pm; Tues, Thurs & Fri 1–8:30pm. No children's pool.
Cost: $4 or less per person
Best for Ages: Confident swimmers
Great For: An inexpensive day in a cool pool
Drawbacks: Kids should bring small toys or friends to stay busy
Lake Lou Yaeger
(Litchfield)
Milnot Beach at Lake Lou Yaeger offers lifejackets, water apparatus, diving boards, and a guarded swimming area. Hours vary seasonally. Family season passes available. Perfect for families with a range of ages.
Cost: $7 adults, $5 children (5-17), under 5 free. Family season pass includes 10 members.
Best for Ages: Anyone comfortable in water
Great For: Families looking for water fun and beach time
Drawbacks: Can get crowded; pulling onto floating equipment can be tricky
Korte Recreation Center
(Highland)
Indoor pool with toddler pool, hot tub, lazy river, whirlpool, lap lanes, and a two-story water slide. Day passes include gym, fitness center, walking track, concessions, and swimming.
Cost: $4.50 to $23 per person. Family day passes available.
Best for Ages: Great for toddlers and pre-teens.
Great For: Indoor fun in winter, parties, and family adventure
Drawbacks: Pricier for big families. No diving area.
Leon Corlew Park & Splash Pad
(Edwardsville)
Features a splash pad with water play for all ages, a workout area, large pavilions, bathrooms, barbecue grills, concessions, a large playground, and a younger children’s playground. The splash pad includes a large bucket drop and interactive apparatus. Some shaded benches, but limited shade overall. Families often bring buckets and water guns.
Cost: FREE
Best for Ages: Toddlers through elementary-aged kids comfortable in water (lifejackets available and required on blow-up equipment)
Great For: Free fun close to home
Drawbacks: Can get crowded. Adjacent playground can be slick when wet.
Mastodon State Historic Site
(Imperial, MO)
Mastodon State Historic Site has a long shallow creek with many shady wading areas. To get to the creek, park near the playground, go past the bathrooms, and cross the bridge! The creek is ideal for splashing around. It can be crowded on weekends and holidays but usually has enough space to spread out. Pet friendly.
Don't Miss: Finding crayfish, snakes, and turtles!
Great For: A picnic in nature.
Drawbacks: No place to sit at the creek. Bring your own chairs. There are deep areas of the creek, so keep an eye on kids.
Trails: Great trails with beautiful views and lots to discover.
The Nature Institute
(Godfrey)
The Nature Institute has a number of shallow creeks to play in. Our family explored the Rock trail and Beaver Falls, which is small but worth the walk! It’s a relaxing spot for all ages to enjoy nature.
Cost: FREE
Best for Ages: All ages!
Great For: A relaxing day that all ages can enjoy.
Drawbacks: You might get dirty. Not pet friendly. Closed Mondays. Restrooms close at 4 pm on weekdays and weekends.
O'Day Park
(O'Fallon Missouri)
Nestled in the countryside just off Highway DD. The 57-acre park offers the area's first adventure playground. Kids can climb an obstacle course with netting, swings, rock walls, and much more. There is a creek with a movable damn and stepping stones. There are also miles of paved and natural paths.
Don't Miss: The nets in the middle of the park!
Great For: All ages on any kind of day!
Drawbacks: Watch out for grass burns if rolling down the hill.
Trails: No time for trails! This playground is incredible!
O’Fallon Splash Pad
(O’Fallon)
Features two manmade creek areas with trickling water, a traditional splash pad with various sprayers and 3 small buckets. Kids can alternate between creeks, splash pad, and two playgrounds. Shade and benches available. Splash pad is not fenced and near the parking lot.
Cost: FREE
Best for Ages: All ages love this one!
Great For: Lots to do in one place!
Drawbacks: Kids who run have access to the parking lot, but there is a good amount of space before the lot.
Roxana Pool
(Roxana)
Roxana Pool is open May 30–August 31. Hours are Monday–Saturday noon–6 pm and Sunday 1–6 pm.
Cost: $6 residents, $10 non-residents; under 2 free
Best for Ages: Younger kids
Great For: A day playing in the pool
Drawbacks: Can get pricey—consider a season pass
Splash Landing Splash Pad
(Bethalto)
Splash Landing has interactive water pieces including dumping buckets, pole sprayers, jets, umbrella poles, and more. Children under 12 must have an adult, and staff are on duty at the exit. There’s an adjacent playground with classic and new elements. Open 10 AM - 5 PM with clean bathrooms and changing rooms. Snacks are available for purchase; no outside food allowed.
Cost: FREE
Best for Ages: Toddler and elementary.
Great For: Relaxing on comfortable chairs with umbrellas while kids enjoy water without worry.
Drawbacks: Smaller splash pad without larger elements.
Silver Lake
(Highland)
Silver Lake runs along the shore of a lake with a 4+ mile wooded trail that is not stroller friendly. Leashed pets are welcome. The family enjoys playing in the water at the top of the hill and in the small waterfall/creek.
Cost: FREE
Best for Ages: Comfortably walking
Great For: Peace & quiet.
Drawbacks: Fishing lines are often discarded in water. Local ordinance doesn’t allow swimming.
(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!
Collinsville Aqua Park (Collinsville)
7 slides including open air and tube slides from 9 feet to 3 stories tall. Includes a 50-ft water castle, lazy river, climbing wall, fortress play area, floating lily pads with overhead rope. Free parking, tubes, and life jackets.
Cost: $18 and under.
FREE Access: Local library cardholders from Collinsville, Fairmont, Edwardsville, and Maryville.
Best for Ages: All ages.
Great For: A full day of water park fun!
Drawbacks: Can get pricey for large families.
Emmenegger Nature Park (Kirkwood, STL)
offers shaded hiking trails through a forested area alongside a shallow rocky creek perfect for summer splashing. A small picnic area sits near the entrance. Trails vary in length and steepness.
Cost: FREE
Best for Ages: 3+ (walkers), especially nature-loving kids
Great For: Creek play, shaded hikes, peaceful escape
Drawbacks: No playground or bathrooms; trails can be muddy
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.
Hartford Splash Park (Hartford)
Fenced-in splash pad open from 12:00PM–5:00PM. Parties may be scheduled outside public hours by calling (618) 251-2680. Party cost is $50 (residents) or $100 (non-residents). Entry is $1 for residents (bracelet needed) and $2 for non-residents. No shelter included in party rental.
Cost: $1 residents / $2 non-residents
Best for Ages: Great for elementary and younger kids.
Great For: An adventure near home.
Drawbacks: No food or drinks allowed inside the splash pad.
Highland Public Pool (Highland)
Features a diving board and climbing wall. Open Mon, Wed, Sat & Sun 1–5:30pm; Tues, Thurs & Fri 1–8:30pm. No children's pool.
Cost: $4 or less per person
Best for Ages: Confident swimmers
Great For: An inexpensive day in a cool pool
Drawbacks: Kids should bring small toys or friends to stay busy
Lake Lou Yaeger (Litchfield)
Milnot Beach at Lake Lou Yaeger offers lifejackets, water apparatus, diving boards, and a guarded swimming area. Hours vary seasonally. Family season passes available. Perfect for families with a range of ages.
Cost: $7 adults, $5 children (5-17), under 5 free. Family season pass includes 10 members.
Best for Ages: Anyone comfortable in water
Great For: Families looking for water fun and beach time
Drawbacks: Can get crowded; pulling onto floating equipment can be tricky
Korte Recreation Center (Highland)
Indoor pool with toddler pool, hot tub, lazy river, whirlpool, lap lanes, and a two-story water slide. Day passes include gym, fitness center, walking track, concessions, and swimming.
Cost: $4.50 to $23 per person. Family day passes available.
Best for Ages: Great for toddlers and pre-teens.
Great For: Indoor fun in winter, parties, and family adventure
Drawbacks: Pricier for big families. No diving area.
Leon Corlew Park & Splash Pad (Edwardsville)
Features a splash pad with water play for all ages, a workout area, large pavilions, bathrooms, barbecue grills, concessions, a large playground, and a younger children’s playground. The splash pad includes a large bucket drop and interactive apparatus. Some shaded benches, but limited shade overall. Families often bring buckets and water guns.
Cost: FREE
Best for Ages: Toddlers through elementary-aged kids comfortable in water (lifejackets available and required on blow-up equipment)
Great For: Free fun close to home
Drawbacks: Can get crowded. Adjacent playground can be slick when wet.
Mastodon State Historic Site (Imperial, MO)
Mastodon State Historic Site has a long shallow creek with many shady wading areas. To get to the creek, park near the playground, go past the bathrooms, and cross the bridge! The creek is ideal for splashing around. It can be crowded on weekends and holidays but usually has enough space to spread out. Pet friendly.
Don't Miss: Finding crayfish, snakes, and turtles!
Great For: A picnic in nature.
Drawbacks: No place to sit at the creek. Bring your own chairs. There are deep areas of the creek, so keep an eye on kids.
Trails: Great trails with beautiful views and lots to discover.
The Nature Institute (Godfrey)
The Nature Institute has a number of shallow creeks to play in. Our family explored the Rock trail and Beaver Falls, which is small but worth the walk! It’s a relaxing spot for all ages to enjoy nature.
Cost: FREE
Best for Ages: All ages!
Great For: A relaxing day that all ages can enjoy.
Drawbacks: You might get dirty. Not pet friendly. Closed Mondays. Restrooms close at 4 pm on weekdays and weekends.
O'Day Park(O'Fallon Missouri)
Nestled in the countryside just off Highway DD. The 57-acre park offers the area's first adventure playground. Kids can climb an obstacle course with netting, swings, rock walls, and much more. There is a creek with a movable damn and stepping stones. There are also miles of paved and natural paths.
Don't Miss: The nets in the middle of the park!
Great For: All ages on any kind of day!
Drawbacks: Watch out for grass burns if rolling down the hill.
Trails: No time for trails! This playground is incredible!
O’Fallon Splash Pad (O’Fallon)
Features two manmade creek areas with trickling water, a traditional splash pad with various sprayers and 3 small buckets. Kids can alternate between creeks, splash pad, and two playgrounds. Shade and benches available. Splash pad is not fenced and near the parking lot.
Cost: FREE
Best for Ages: All ages love this one!
Great For: Lots to do in one place!
Drawbacks: Kids who run have access to the parking lot, but there is a good amount of space before the lot.
Roxana Pool (Roxana)
Roxana Pool is open May 30–August 31. Hours are Monday–Saturday noon–6 pm and Sunday 1–6 pm.
Cost: $6 residents, $10 non-residents; under 2 free
Best for Ages: Younger kids
Great For: A day playing in the pool
Drawbacks: Can get pricey—consider a season pass
Splash Landing Splash Pad (Bethalto)
Splash Landing has interactive water pieces including dumping buckets, pole sprayers, jets, umbrella poles, and more. Children under 12 must have an adult, and staff are on duty at the exit. There’s an adjacent playground with classic and new elements. Open 10 AM - 5 PM with clean bathrooms and changing rooms. Snacks are available for purchase; no outside food allowed.
Cost: FREE
Best for Ages: Toddler and elementary.
Great For: Relaxing on comfortable chairs with umbrellas while kids enjoy water without worry.
Drawbacks: Smaller splash pad without larger elements.
Silver Lake (Highland)
Silver Lake runs along the shore of a lake with a 4+ mile wooded trail that is not stroller friendly. Leashed pets are welcome. The family enjoys playing in the water at the top of the hill and in the small waterfall/creek.
Cost: FREE
Best for Ages: Comfortably walking
Great For: Peace & quiet.
Drawbacks: Fishing lines are often discarded in water. Local ordinance doesn’t allow swimming.
Other Great Water sites
Rock springs park in O'fallon has a creek
Pleasant Ridge Park in Fairview Heights: There’s a trail at the trailhead near the cabin and come out at one near the shelter near the playground.
SIUE: Park by the soccer fields. Cross the street to the log cabin. There is a trail behind it. Keep to the left for 3\4 mile.
Ogles Creek
Indian Camp Creek in MO
Nature playscape at Forest Park
Pleasant Ridge Park in Fairview Heights: There’s a trail at the trailhead near the cabin and come out at one near the shelter near the playground.
SIUE: Park by the soccer fields. Cross the street to the log cabin. There is a trail behind it. Keep to the left for 3\4 mile.
Ogles Creek
Indian Camp Creek in MO
Nature playscape at Forest Park
