Here are a few of my kids' favorite simple, low-cost activities in the area:
- Mt. Vernon Aquatic Zoo Water Park
- Milkshakes at Nessler's Polar Whip in Energy.
- John A. Logan tennis courts
- Pirate Pete's ($10 in tokens is good for about an hour of entertainment!)
- Open bounce session at Extreme Bounce in Marion. Fridays and Saturdays from 7 to 9 p.m. for $7 per kid. Pre-K bounce on Saturdays from 6 to 7 p.m. for $5 per kid. Also open on many school holidays from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.
- Family swim night at Life Center indoor pool in Carbondale. Fridays, 7-9 p.m., $5 per family.
- Snacks at Walker's Bluff General Store
- Castle Park on Giant City Road
- The 1.3-mile walking path at the new Herrin Sports Complex off of Bandyville road.
- The Custard Stand in Sesser (corner of 148 and 154)
- Rend Lake Visitor Center and the bike trail and playground across the street
- The spray park and playground at Attucks Park
- Marberry Arboretum trail
- The walk-up Dairy Queen in Carbondale
- SIU Student Center food court
- Free popcorn at the Carbondale Rural King
- Free cookie from the Kroger Bakery
- Bowling at the SIU Student Center (ask for gutter guards and a kid's ramp)
- Popcorn from the food stand at Target, Marion
- Bagels and cream cheese at Panera, Carbondale
- Eating at the counter at Mary Lou's, Carbondale
- SIU Campus Lake walking path and "obstacle" course
- Marion Library Children's Department (the friendliest librarians!)
- Herrin City Park Playground
- Crab Orchard Visitor's Center and the short paved trail next to the parking lot
- Food samples at the Neighborhood Co-op in Carbondale (best day for samples is Saturday) and the International Grocery store next door
- The walking path around the pond at John A. Logan College
- The train table at Barnes & Noble. Sign up for the Kid's Club and get a coupon for a free birthday treat.
- Pizza and Pasta Express in Carterville (pizza buffet on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays)
- Walk-in craft activities at the SIU Student Center Craft Shop
- Free samples at Sam's Club in Marion
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ReplyDeleteCastle park is a magical place to take kids! Take Giant City Road past the mall, high school, etc. It will be on the left hand side of the road surrounded by very nice houses.
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