5 Family-Fun Summer Activities in Marion, IL

With long daylight hours and extra time off for the family, it is important to make the most of the summer. Especially with little kids, hours are precious, but creating memories to last a lifetime doesn’t have to be difficult. Some of the most cherished memories are afternoon picnics, trips to the museum, or a special meal. Finding something to do that will interest the entire family can be challenging. Luckily, there are many activities and attractions to choose from. Read on to learn about our list of suggestions for the top five family-fun summer ideas in Marion, Illinois.

Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge

IL Bogart Point, Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Headquarters is licensed with CC BY 2.0

Get off the cell phones, shut down the tablets, close the laptops, and reconnect with the outdoors. Start the family bonding by becoming one with nature and visiting the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge. Originally established in 1947, the refuge boasts 44,000 acres of land filled to the brim with fantastic flora and fauna. The primary habitats on the refuge range from oak hickory upland forest, bottomland hardwood forest, and cropland to grazing units, prairie, lakes, and wetlands.

A visit here is a great way to enjoy outdoor adventure, with plenty of activities to keep a family with diverse interests happy and entertained. Avid hikers often delight in venturing onto Rocky Bluff Trail, the most popular hiking trail on the refuge. The 2.2-mile loop is moderately difficult, with terrain including ridges, valleys, and bluffs. Anglers love Wolf Creek Causeway. There are fishing piers for bank fishing where lucky lines often snag crappies.

The entire refuge is also a great place for birding. Flocks of wild turkeys and bald eagles are often seen on site. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch one of the six pairs of bald eagles that nest on the refuge perched in their tree. If you want to make a weekend of it, consider camping at one of four campgrounds throughout the area. Whether you like to rough it or have all the conveniences of home, there is an option that suits your needs.

Because the wildlife refuge is a federal fee area, passes are required for all users. You can buy passes at the visitor center or online at recreation.gov. A one-day pass for a vehicle and watercraft is $2, while a seven-day pass is $5. The visitor center is open daily from 7:30 a.m. until 4 p.m.

African American Museum of Southern Illinois

The African American Museum of Southern Illinois is a source of pride for Carbondale and a short 25-minute drive from Marion. The museum was founded in 1997 with an aim to accurately identify, preserve, and portray the outstanding achievements made by African Americans. A great destination for a family of history buffs, this experience will have you marveling at the accomplishments so many people made in the face of adversity and bonding over the knowledge you gain.

See artifacts, from authentic African American statues and busts and a newspaper announcement of slave auctions to influential books about the struggles African Americans faced and a wonderful collection of quilts featuring intricate patterns, some of which were used to provide directions for the underground railroad. These pieces document the difficulties of an entire race and showcase their resolve and strength to rise above discrimination and oppression.

The museum is at the University Mall in Carbondale, Illinois. Business hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. For information, call 618-457-2217.

The Williamson County Historical Museum

The Williamson County Historical Museum is an exceptional destination for kids to learn about our surrounding culture in Marion. This large brick structure was built in 1913 and served as the jail for prisoners and the home of the sheriff and his family. The building now houses irreplaceable heirlooms donated by local families. History buffs will love seeing the Mason and Hamlin organ that was used in church and the reproduced one-room schoolhouse on the third floor.

The Williamson County Historical Museum is at 105 S. Van Buren St. in Marion, Illinois. Museum hours of operation vary, so check the website for an updated schedule. For information, call 618-997-5863.

Pirate Pete’s Family Entertainment Center

If you’re looking for a place where the whole family can let loose and have some fun, Pirate Pete’s Family Entertainment Center is the place to be. This pirate-themed locale has something to keep everyone happy. An arcade, the largest in the area, has a ticket system where players can earn tickets while playing and exchange those for prizes.

Playsmart is a child-safe area where children 3 to 7 years old can run, jump, swing, and slide in an enclosed environment, safe from being trampled by older kids. Laser tag, reserved for those 7 years and older, allows participants to buckle on a laser vest and grab a laser gun to start shooting other pirates. Each session is 12 minutes long, with specials on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.

This fun-filled center is on DeYoung Street, right between Target and Dillard’s on the backstreet of Illinois Star Center Mall. Hours of operation are from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. on the weekdays and from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. For information, call 618-997-4353.

Mandala Gardens

The Mandala Gardens in Marion is 7 acres of lush and serene landscape, ideal for disconnecting from daily worries and just hanging out with family. Take the little ones on an adventure walk through the gorgeous and meticulously planned oasis. There are winding pathways with benches throughout, where you can sit and enjoy conversation with loved ones while taking in the view. Catch a fish in the lake, take a few photos to use as the perfect social media profile picture, or walk the family dog at this pet-friendly retreat.

Hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Entrance is $2 per person, with all proceeds going to maintain the garden for the lovely Marion community. For information, call 618-889-9228.

So there you have it. We have enjoyed sharing with you our list of suggestions for family-friendly activities to keep your squad happy this summer. Whether you have toddlers or high schoolers, Marion, Illinois, has something sure to help your family strengthen bonds. What do you think of our list? Did we miss your favorite past-time with family? If we did, let us know! Leave us a message sharing your ideas and we’ll be happy to check out your suggestions.