Your Guide to Family Fun in Edwardsville

Spend a day or two with the family in Edwardsville!

Flourishing in the heart of Midwest America, the suburban community of Edwardsville possesses charm and entertainment for both visitors and residents alike. Ideal for growing families, with a generous list of activities and restaurants, Edwardsville is less than an hour’s drive from downtown St. Louis and a perfect getaway from the city.

Fun at the YMCA Meyer Center

A Full Day of Fun

Looking for something to entertain you and the kids for the day? All ages can enjoy an afternoon out at Edison’s Entertainment Complex with activities like arcade games, laser tag, and bowling. More arcade games can be found at the Loading Bar which offers entertainment for both kids and adults, and aspiring kingpins can try to strike out at SIUE Cougar Lanes.

The YMCA Meyer Center or RP Lumber Community Center offer public swim, ice skating, and rock climbing and, if you’re seeking a place outdoors to cool off, you can find aquatic entertainment to the Leon Corlew Park and Splash Pad.

Explore the Outdoors

The scenic countryside surrounding Edwardsville is a pleasant, laid back place to appreciate the great outdoors. Fill the day riding bicycles with the family on Madison County Transit Trails or try a Pedego Electric Bike Rental. Visit the Watershed Nature Center or SIUE Gardens for nature hikes, scenic picnic locations, and wildlife viewing. For a day of farm fun, bring the kids to Tenderloin Lavender Farm to pick fresh flowers or spend the afternoon with horses at Happy Hooves Equine Rescue.

Arts and Culture

Want a day of fun and culture? Bring the kids for a night of music at the annual Summer Concert Series, or listen to free tunes at an Edwardsville Municipal Band or an Opera Edwardsville performance. Edwardsville also offers a Summer Movies in the Park series with films for all ages under the stars.

Catch a live show at The Wildey Theatre or explore the world around us at the Edwardsville Children’s Museum or history at the 1820 Colonel Benjamin Stephenson House.

Art aficionados can spend the day appreciating local pieces at the Edwardsville Art Center or shop from regional artisans at the Land of Goshen Market for local crafts, fresh produce, and much more.

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About the Author

Kayla Howland

Kayla Howland is a local writer and artist who lives in Alton, IL with her Cairn Terrier, Ripley. She enjoys fiction and non-fiction writing, graphic design, painting, drawing and photography. Kayla is a graduate of Southwestern High School and Lewis & Clark Community College. She has worked doing freelance graphic design, photography and commissioned paintings since 2012.