Morning
The Nature Institute (TNI) provides an outdoor experience that everyone in the family will enjoy. The Godfrey location features hiking trails in the Olin Nature Preserve and the Hutchinson Bird Sanctuary. Views of the Mississippi River and the Great River Road are stunning. Especially for children is the nature-themed playground near the lodge. Restrooms are available on site also. Pets are not allowed. Open dawn to dusk daily, April through November. Learn more here.

Lunch
Located in Alton’s historic Post Commons building, Good News Brewing is a family-friendly pizza experience with outdoor and limited indoor seating. Try one of the delicious wood-fired sourdough pizzas. Design your own or choose one of the signatures favorites, like Vampire Deathwish, Chicken Bacon Ranch, or BBQ. Open Monday through Friday for lunch. Learn more here.

Afternoon
Play your own exploration game of Find the Monument! There are several to discover in the Alton-Godfrey area. And sneak in some short history lessons along the way. Be sure to visit:

• Sacagewea Statue -- honoring the teenage Native American woman who was part of the Lewis and Clark Expedition in the early 1800s. Discover this statue and more on the campus of Lewis & Clark Community College.

• Robert Wadlow Statue -- honoring the World’s Tallest Man who was born and raised in Alton. Look for this life-sized statue in Upper Alton.
• Miles Davis Statue -- honoring the world-renowned trumpeter who was born in Alton. Visit the creative bronze statue on Third Street in downtown Alton.

• Doughboy Statue -- honoring the fallen soldiers of World War I. Located in front of the Alton VFW on Alby Street

• Lewis & Clark Confluence Tower located where the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers meet in Hartford, IL.

Morning
For a preview or a quick excursion, visit Raging Rivers Water Park in Grafton. There are eight water attractions to entertain adults and children. Favorites include the Shark Slide Flume and Swirlpool, the Endless River for floating, and Itty Bitty Surf City for the youngest guests. Tree House Harbor is an interactive play area featuring a crawl tunnel, overhead rope pulls and random bucket spills. Enjoy the cool and find the fun! Learn more here!

Lunch
Take in the river views from a picnic table at Beasley Fish Stand. This is the place to find the unusual and the favorite on the menu: fried buffalo fish, catfish fritters, butterfly shrimp, chicken strips, hot dogs and so much more. Choose that favorite side, too: cole slaw, French fries, chips and potato salad. There’s something for the entire family at this locally-owned and classic fish stand. Travel tip: Beasley's accepts cash only!

Afternoon
The day isn’t over yet! How about checking out the view from the bluffs with Grafton Sky Tour and the cool green of the wooded river bluffs with a spin on the popular Aerie’s Alpine Coaster?

Take the Sky Tour aerial lift from downtown Grafton up to the top of the Mississippi River bluffs -- a journey of over 300 feet. See the breathtaking views of the confluence of the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers along the way.
Then jump on the Alpine Coaster for a thrilling ride down the scenic track through the woods.

Morning
Get back to nature with a visit to Willoughby Heritage Farm and Conservation Reserve in Collinsville. Discover what farm life was like in the 1940s. Kids love visiting with the farm animals throughout the property and in the barn. There’s a playground, too. Learn more here.

Lunch
Grab some delicious sandwiches (Be sure to check out the Kids Menu) at Bandana’s Bar-B-Que in Collinsville.
Then head out for a picnic, hiking, fishing or just soak in the views at Horseshoe Lake State Park — one of the best in southwest Illinois.

Afternoon
Journey on to Granite City and enjoy a unique outdoor experience for the whole family on the Ten-Person Swing. This is a great photo opp, too. Exit the swing into a city park, perfect for more outdoor fun.

Then head indoors to The Boardgamery and find a variety of board games, a full cereal bar and other special treats. End the day with some competitive fun.

Morning
Edwardsville Children’s Museum offers activities, discoveries and hands-on play for kids of all ages. Exhibits are kid-friendly and interesting for adults, too. Families are invited to explore the exhibits together. There are also sensory-friendly exhibits and accessibility for all abilities and needs.

Lunch
For delicious slow roasted beef sandwiches and many other lunchtime favorites, make Lion’s Choice your family dining destination. Be sure to order the fries and frozen custard, too. Kids will find meals created just for them.

Afternoon
Book a pottery making experience at Wagman Studio and Ceramics. An intensive, one-time session is available for kids and adults using the potter’s wheel designed for all ages. Allow two hours for this. By appointment only.

Close out the day with a visit to Edison's Entertainment Center in Edwardsville. Take part in a family game of Laser Tag. Try your luck in the gaming arcade or see who can get the most strikes at the boutique 12-lane bowling center. Enjoy dinner at the on-site restaurant.