7 Ways To Spend the Day with the Kids in Harrisburg, IL

More than 30% of the population of Harrisburg is under 18. Such a high percentage of young people makes this Illinois city one of the most family-friendly places in the state’s south. It’s also convenient to Marion, which also has some excellent entertainment options for adults and kids. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, these inspirational family-friendly ideas can help you have fun spending the day with your kids in and around Harrisburg.

Hike the Garden of the Gods Recreation Area

Picture_0825 by Curtis Abert is licensed with CC BY 2.0

With a name like Garden of the Gods, you can be confident this recreation area is a great site you’ll want to visit with your kids. Natural sandstone trails lead you to the majestic rock formations and scenic views. While the quarter-mile path is steep in places, there are plenty of benches along the trail for rest breaks. Tell your kids to keep their eyes peeled because they might see local birds and wildflowers. You’ll also find space for picnics and a campsite for extended visits.

Location: 50 Highway 145 S., Shawnee National Forest, Harrisburg.
Hours: The picnic area and observation trail are open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.
Cost: Free for day trips, $10 per night for a campsite.

Cool Off at Bill Trees Memorial Park Pool

When the mercury soars, you can beat the heat at Bill Trees Memorial Park Pool. It’s open for a short season, from June 3 to July 29, and has space for swimming laps or splashing around. If you or your children need more confidence in the water or want to improve your swimming skills, sign up for one of the pool’s group or private one-on-one classes. The pool also hosts water aerobics classes during the week and family movies each Friday evening during the season.

Location: 921 W. Poplar St., Harrisburg.
Hours: 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday through Tuesday.
Cost: $3 per person.

Play or Picnic in Paul Emery Park

Bill Trees Memorial Park Pool is in Paul Emery Park, which the whole family can enjoy all year round. The playgrounds and ponds, home to ducks and swans, delight young children. There are also trails for leisurely strolls and picnic shelters near grills and water fountains. Paul Emery Park also regularly hosts family-friendly events such as fishing tournaments, fitness classes, and the annual candy cane hunt at Christmas time.

Location: 921 W. Poplar St., Harrisburg.
Hours: 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.
Cost: Free.

Learn About the Past at Saline Creek Pioneer and Village Museum

The Saline Creek Pioneer and Village Museum provides an immersive experience that’s so much fun your kids won’t even realize they’re learning. They’ll feel like they’ve stepped back in time as they explore the Pauper House jail cells, the Chenault School, and the old general store and post office. All the buildings were dismantled, rebuilt on the museum’s site, and furnished with original pieces, ensuring they look just like the structures you would have seen in the 1800s. Watching craftspeople performing old-timey tasks, such as spinning yarn and blacksmithing, is fascinating for children and adults alike.

Location: 1600 S. Feazel St., Harrisburg.
Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday.
Cost: $3 per person.

Go Bowling at Ross Cottom Lanes Family Fun Center

Bowling is always great fun for the whole family, and Harrisburg is lucky enough to have its own alley. As its name suggests, Ross Cottom Lanes is more than a typical bowling alley. With 16 lanes for regular bowling and four lanes for Highway 66 mini bowling, many families can gather for a game or two. There’s an indoor arcade with games for the young and young at heart, an on-site café, and a bar for adults looking for something stronger than soda. With discounts available throughout the week, visiting can be an affordable way to entertain the family.

Location: 2080 Highway 45 N., Harrisburg.
Hours: Noon to 10 p.m. Monday, 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday, 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. Wednesday and Friday, noon to 11 p.m. Saturday, and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday.
Cost: $4 per game and $3 for shoe rental. Discounts are available on Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday.

Play Games at Pirate Pete’s Family Entertainment Center

Pirate Pete’s Family Entertainment Center is a real draw for families visiting Marion, 26 minutes east of Harrisburg. While the pirate theme might be a little kitschy for older kids, they’ll forget all that once you suggest a game of laser tag. They can also test their skills and try to win prizes by playing arcade games. A pirate-themed play space designed for younger children is always popular. Even fussy eaters will love the on-site restaurant, which serves fast-food favorites, such as pizzas, nachos, hot dogs, and chicken nuggets.

Location: 3000 W. DeYoung St., Suite 800C, Marion.
Hours: 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Cost: Prices vary according to the games. $6 per person for laser tag or $5 per person for groups of eight or more.

Mandala Gardens

When in Marion, make sure you don’t miss Mandala Gardens. Public gardens aren’t usually a lot of fun for kids, but this one’s different. Children love finding their way through the labyrinth and meeting the resident goats. Plus, the pond and public art make the grounds more inviting for young guests. Mandala Gardens also regularly hosts family-friendly events, including solstice celebrations and live concerts.

Location: 1704 N. State St, Marion.
Hours: 8 a.m. to dark daily.
Cost: $2 general admission, extra charges for some special events.

While you’re out having fun with your kids near Marion, consider visiting our Volkswagen of Marion dealership. We specialize in new and pre-owned family vehicles with enough space for you and your kids to travel in style. With competitive trade-in deals, we ensure it’s always a good time to consider your next family car.