Top 7 Ways to Have Fun with the Entire Family in Marion, IL

Are you looking for family-friendly activities in the Marion, Illinois, area? It may surprise you to learn how many exciting activities are just a short drive away. These spots are a great place to do some family bonding and help your kids make unforgettable memories as they age. Here are seven ways to have fun with the entire family around Marion to get your planning started.

Marion Swimming Pool

Marion Swimming Pool opens on Memorial Day and is ideal for summer fun with your kids. You can all slide, swim, splash, and play in the various water features here. If a family member wants to get some laps in, there’s a lap pool that is perfect for some added practice time. Marion Swimming Pool also offers private and group classes if you have a young one who needs extra assistance. Unfortunately, the pool closes again in early August, so you’ll only have a limited amount of time each summer to enjoy!

Williamson County Historical Museum

If you enjoy museum visits with your family, consider the Williamson County Historical Society Museum, located in a historic brick building dating back to 1913. The building was the previous sheriff’s home and was also used as a county jail. You’ll find interesting antiques, artifacts, and remnants of earlier days in Marion. The museum has 17 rooms filled with everything from period furniture to clothing, uniforms, and more.

Kids are especially fascinated by the reproduction of a one-room schoolhouse from the early 1900s. It’s even outfitted with period desks, blackboards, and books. You’ll also find Civil War uniforms as well as ones from the 1898 Spanish-American war.

Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge

“Bogart Point, Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge” licensed under CC BY 2.0 via Flickr by USFWS Headquarters

Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge offers so much for families to do; you may want to visit more than one day. Fortunately, you’ll find four seasonal campgrounds if you want to plan a weekend away. The campgrounds are open from April to October, and some offer full hook-ups with water and electricity.

You can learn about the natural beauty of Southern Illinois at the visitor center, do some wildlife spotting on the nature trails, or go fishing on one of the many ponds or lakes. You can sign up for guided hikes, bald eagle tours, and more.

The refuge has documented 245 bird species, 33 mammal species, 63 fish species, and 44 different reptile and amphibian species. If you are a fan of floral and fauna, try to see how many of the 700 documented plant species you can spot.

The African American Museum of Southern Illinois

This museum provides an invaluable look at the important achievements in African American history and culture. The African American Museum of Southern Illinois has numerous permanent exhibits that explain the story of African American heritage through artifacts and artwork, including some slave artifacts. The museum was founded in 1997 and operates solely based on the work of volunteers.

Look for rotating exhibits as well. These cover a wide range of topics, including showcasing local artists, discussing the Underground Railroad history, and more. Note that the museum has limited hours. Visit Monday through Friday between 1 pm and 5 pm. They are only open on Saturdays when available and closed on Sundays.

Giant City State Park

Located in Makanda, Giant City State Park is another excellent spot for plenty of outdoor family fun. Beautiful woodlands and sandstone walls call to adventurers ready to rock climb and rappel. There are permanent anchors in place, but you’ll need to bring your own gear.

There are hiking trails, horseback riding, a swimming pool, a lookout tower, and more. You can even apply for a permit to do metal detecting at Giant City State Park. After working up an appetite, be sure to have a meal at the historic Giant City Lodge, renowned for its homemade fried chicken.

If you want to make a weekend of it, Giant City State Park is a great place to camp. There is a Class A campground with 85 campsites. Modern conveniences are available here, except the shower building is seasonal. If you want more primitive options, consider the Class C campground with 14 walk-in sites. Here you’ll find outdoor privies, fire rings, and shower access.

Pirate Pete’s Family Entertainment Center

Have a pirate fan in your family? Consider visiting Pirate Pete’s Family Entertainment Center for a fun afternoon out. There’s an arcade with pool tables, laser tag, and more. For kids aged three to seven, visit the new indoor playground while your older children are playing laser tag.  If your kids are having a ball and don’t want to leave, there’s a snack bar where you can get food as well. Looking for somewhere to host a birthday party? Pirate Pete’s also does private parties.

Cahokia Mounds

Hop in the car for a two-hour drive to Cahokia Mounds between Collinsville and East St. Louis. Cahokia was once one of the greatest cities in the world and was even bigger than London was in 1250 AD. The prehistoric native civilization at Cahokia existed for more than 1,000 years before European settlers arrived in America. Research shows that early settlements were present as early as 700 AD. Today, its historical significance is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Cahokia originally encompassed 2,200 acres. Today you can visit 800 acres that remain. There are self-guided tours or you can sign up for a guided one. There are over 100 mounds you can learn about online, many of which can be visited in person. You’ll also find remnants of Woodhenge. These oval-shaped pits were arranged in arcs of circles, theorizing this was an early example of a calendar. Excavations revealed as many as five Woodhenges here. Experts believe they were constructed over 200 years between 900 and 1100 AD.

What is your favorite family-friendly activity in or near Marion, Illinois? At Ike Honda, we enjoy recommending things to do and places to eat for locals and those visiting Marion, Illinois. Did we miss your favorite things to do on our list? If so, contact us. Let us know your recommendations and what other family-friendly options we should add to our list.