Where do we even start… from awe-inspiring destinations like the Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site and Malcolm W. Martin Memorial Park to incredible family-friendly attractions like the Swansea Kingdom playground at Schranz Memorial Park, the Metro-East is absolutely bursting with recreation opportunities for any age. With 28,000+ acres of parkland and greenspace and 300+ quality, feature-rich parks, there is something here for just about anyone.
Take, for example, Willougby Farm in Collinsville, IL. This popular public park, which is owned and operated by the City of Collinsville, offers families and young parkgoers a truly unique experience that combines history, nature trails, and many farm-themed attractions and amenities. The site features farm-themed play equipment, along with barnyard animals like cows, goats, donkeys, and chickens for kids to observe, learn about, and even interact with, all with the help of the Farm's friendly and knowledgeable staff ...and that is only scratching the surface!
The Metro-East is also home to several sports parks that offer everything from pickleball and tennis to baseball and football. The O’Fallon Family Sports Park includes all of this and more, with available sports fields, walking trails, a splash pad, and several playgrounds situated among its 200 acres. Edwardsville’s Plummer Family Sports Park, one of the region’s newest park additions, is yet another example.
There’s also Gordon F. Moore Park, a sprawling 704-acre public park in Alton, IL that includes everything from playgrounds, nature trails, and sports fields to its more unique attractions, like carillon concerts at the Nan Elliot Memorial Garden. Or make your way to Highland’s picturesque Silver Lake Park, where you can enjoy a friendly game of 18-Hole Disc Golf or test your skills at the archery range located on the parkgrounds.
Metro East Parks & Play Map
You can explore all of these destinations and many, many more with MEPRD’s Parks & Play Map!
