5 destinations for families with kids in Marion, Illinois

Keeping the kids physically and mentally healthy is a priority for parents. This years-long obligation starts with getting them excited about learning and spending time with the family. But sometimes it’s hard to find activities that appeal to the entire household. Fortunately, “hard” doesn’t mean impossible.

You want to have fun, learn more about one another, and build memories that will last a lifetime. Whether you’re from Marion, Illinois, or visiting the area, having a go-to list of fun destinations will help keep the kids entertained and the family happy. Read on for our top five destinations for families with kids in Marion, Illinois.

Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge

“Kids @ Play” licensed under CC BY 2.0 via Flickr by wilson.corral

Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge is a wonderful destination for kids who love exploring and getting lost in nature. For adults, it is a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of daily life. The entire family gets to escape distracting technology, ignore emails, disconnect from social media, and just enjoy the simple beauty of nature. The refuge’s primary objectives are to protect wildlife, encourage sustainable agricultural practices, and provide safe and educative recreation for the community and visitors.

Enjoy a lovely hike with the family, sit by the water, and do some birdwatching. If you visit the refuge during the fall or winter and are lucky enough, you’ll spot some nesting bald eagles. Be sure to take some binoculars or a camera with a powerful lens to see nature at its best. You may also sight a bobcat hunting for a meal, a wild turkey wandering around, or other animals native to the area. Your family can also participate in other activities while at the refuge. For instance, you can hunt, fish, camp, or boat.

You’ll find Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge at 8588 Route 141 right here in Marion. For further information regarding rules, regulations, fishing permits, or hunting licenses, call 618-997-3344.

Marion Carnegie Library

For the bibliophile in your family, make a stop at the Marion Carnegie Library to indulge their passion. The library was constructed in 1915 using a grant from the Andrew Carnegie Foundation. When the library opened in February of 1916, it served 680 borrowers and hosted 1,162 volumes. Their collection now exceeds 75,000 items and encompasses over 13,000 square feet.

The library features three different departments, each located on a different floor. The Children’s Department is in the basement and focuses on expanding the minds of readers, school-aged children, and their families. The Young Adult Department caters to tweens and teens and is on the second floor of the library. Their main floor — which houses adult collections — is a common area for the community and offers meeting rooms, Wi-Fi, and access to electronic resources.

You’ll find the library across from Market Street, just south of the Tower Square Plaza. The library sits at the center of Williamson County. September is the month for library card sign-up. Their hours of operation Monday through Thursday are from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Friday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. They are closed on Sunday. For further information, call 618-993-5935.

Mandala Gardens

Mandala Gardens is a serene escape. It’s 7 acres of lush greenery, bright flowers, and a tranquil oasis perfect for an afternoon with the family. Walk around and explore the different pathways with your kids. Sit on a small bench and enjoy a giggle. Take time to admire the stone work completed by a local artist and walk across the bridge. There are countless options for perfect photos. Exploit the beautiful background and natural lighting to capture a family photo as a memento of your visit. It’ll make a perfect addition to your living room wall.

Mandala Gardens is located at 1704 N. State St. You can visit Mandala Gardens seven days a week. The entry fee is only $2 per person, and they are open from 8 a.m. until dark. For information regarding special events or to host your own private party, call 618-889-9228.

Williamson County Historical Society Museum

The Williamson County Historical Society Museum serves as a great destination for the history buff of the family. Adults and kids will find something interesting to admire at this must-see museum. The large brick building was once a jail and served as the home for the sheriff and his family in 1913. Stepping into this building is like taking a walk through history.

The museum has a fully functional genealogical and historical research library. Many other rooms have been refurbished and furnished with items true to the period, while other parts of the jail remain as they were 100 years ago. The sheriff’s family parlor is appointed with Victorian-era items. Must-see articles include a horsehair sofa that looks exactly like one sitting in Abraham Lincoln’s Springfield home. There is also an Edison phonograph that’s sure to excite the music lover in your group. At the end of your visit, stop by the gift shop and grab a postcard to add to your scrapbook.

The museum’s address is 105 S. Van Buren St. For information regarding updated hours or to set up an appointment, call 618-997-5863.

The HUB Recreation Center

Knowing about The HUB Recreation Center, at 917 W. Main Street, comes in handy when you’re in Marion and the weather is bad. You can load up the family SUV with snacks and swimwear. Have the kids play in the indoor pool or practice their stroke and swim some laps. They can also shoot hoops, play volleyball, or get some exercise in the fitness gym. Day passes for a family of four range from $27 for residents to $37 for non-residents. A single adult pass is $10 to $12.

For details on other pricing options, including membership information, visit their website or call 618-997-2482.

So there you have it. Ike Honda has enjoyed sharing with you our top five destinations for families with kids in Marion, Illinois. When you need to keep the little ones entertained, check out one of these exciting spots. Did we mention a destination that piqued your interest? Did we miss your favorite place to spend the day with the kids? Let us know. Leave a message and we’ll be happy to include your suggestions on our list.