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
