800 S. 27th St., Mt. Vernon, IL 62864
(618) 242-6890
We recommend starting your trip on a Friday with a picnic lunch at Veteran’s Park. There are plenty of picnic tables, shelters, and other sitting areas perfect for a picnic in the park. If visiting in the summer, stop by Mary’s Sno Cone stand for a mouthwatering blue eagle or ice cream sno cone. Let the kids swing, ride down the slides, or take a walk around the park lake.
Beck Family Center at Cedarhurst Center for the Arts
2600 E Richview Rd, Mt Vernon, IL 62864
(618) 242-1236
After your picnic at the park, head to Cedarhurst Center for the Arts. If wanting to spend more time outdoors, they have a more than 70-piece outdoor sculpture park with a beautiful pond and trails to adventure through. Inside the Mitchell Museum, the Beck Family Center offers free fun for all your little ones. This hands-on, interactive learning environment allows children to experience the textures, colors, and excitement of art. The Beck Family Center includes an “Artist Hub” activity center, giant liteworks station, a curator station, collaborative sculpture, a giant indoor tree to read stories around, and more!
103 N Shiloh Dr, Mt Vernon, IL 62864
(618) 315-6299
After a lazy morning, start your Saturday at The Zone around noon and let the kids run crazy for a couple hours! Between inflatables, bounce houses, arcade games, a toddler play area, and more, there is something for every child and child at heart. They even hold gymnastic classes for all ages, including adults with special open gym hours in the gymnastics area. The Zone also holds birthday parties and serves pizza and other concession items.
12701 N Hall Ln, Woodlawn, IL 62898 (618) 204-0519
The fun doesn’t stop at The Zone! Located in Woodlawn, IL, about 4 miles outside Mt. Vernon from Fun Blasters, a late afternoon of play awaits! Kids and adults alike can embark through the woods as they battle in outdoor laser tag. The outdoor property also offers paddle boats, a climbing wall, and an Artic Oasis sno-cone stand. Enjoy a new 18-hole mini golf course in the shade at Shady Acres located on the same property. It’s sure to be an unforgettable afternoon!
1315 N 17th St, Mt Vernon, IL 62864
(618) 242-0300
On Saturday night, Nu Bowl Lanes is the perfect place to finish off your weekend of family fun. Grab some bowling shoes, and bowl as many games as you’d like! Order pizza or burgers from their Back Office Grill, drinks for the parents, and other snacky bowling night treats. In between bowling games play air hockey and racing cars in the arcade area. With their bowling dragon ball ramps, children as young as 3 years can enjoy bowling too! Every Saturday night features cosmic glow bowling from 8 p.m. until close.
