Create a new summertime routine.
The temperatures are slowly creeping up, and the days are getting longer. This can only mean one thing: spring is here, and summer is right around the corner! While summer vacation is a welcome reprieve, it can also leave you scrambling to find a new routine. Without the familiar structure of the school day, you might be searching for new and exciting ways to spend your time. We’re here to help! Today, we’re sharing 5 places that are fun for kids in and around Granite City! These family-friendly locales can help you soak up the sun, make new memories, and discover exciting places to visit near your hometown.
Summer might be a great time to put away the textbooks and let your kids sleep in a little later. However, while some routines can be spared during this time of year, there are certain habits that are important to maintain year-round. This includes your family’s oral hygiene routine.
As you plan getaways and playdates, remember to factor in enough time for brushing and flossing. Devoting just a few minutes at the beginning and end of each day can help everyone feel and look their best. Also, remember to visit your dentist at your regularly scheduled times so you can ensure healthy teeth and gums! Once you have those practices down pat, it’s time to explore Granite City!
Places That Are Fun for Kids in Granite City
When summer arrives, you can be ready with a list of great spots to discover. Let’s take a look at 5 of our favorite kid activities near Granite City.
1. Horseshoe Lake State Park
Located off Highway 111, Horseshoe Lake State Park is a popular natural area that attracts locals and visitors alike. From boating and fishing to hiking and camping, this park has everything outdoor enthusiasts love. Pack a picnic and plan to spend a whole day here enjoying all of the attractions and vistas.
When you go, be sure to take a pair of binoculars. The lake is known for offering excellent bird-watching opportunities, which your little ones are sure to enjoy!
2. Kenny Wallace Dirt Racing Experience
Kenny Wallace is a retired NASCAR driver and former reporter. This track, which bears his moniker, offers a thrilling opportunity to step into his world. There are several different experiences and packages to choose from, including the three-lap or five-lap ride-along experience. Ride shotgun as professional dirt drivers show you a new level of power and speed! Events are held at the Tri City Speedway, and upcoming dates are marked on the online calendar.
3. Lewis and Clark State Historic Site
Opened in 2002, the Lewis and Clark State Historic Site is operated by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources Division of Historic Preservation. Located about 15 minutes from Granite City in nearby Hartford, the site beautifully and accurately commemorates Camp River Dubois, the camp that housed the infamous Lewis and Clark Expedition from 1803 to 1804. Outside elements include historic reconstructions, open-air pavilions, and self-guided walking tours. You can also view the incredible Confluence Tower from here, which is located one mile away and is definitely worth a visit.
If you want to make a full day of it, remember to bring bicycles along! This site is designated as National Trail Site #1 on the beautiful Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail. You’ll find it right off the Confluence Bike Trail on the Confluence Greenway.
4. Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site
Need to expend a little energy? Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site was once an ancient Native American city located right across the Mississippi River from St. Louis. At its peak in AD1250, it was larger than London! Spanning around 2,200 acres, it’s filled with roughly 80 rolling mounds and covers 3.5 square miles.
Start your day at the world-class Interpretive Center, where you’ll find museum exhibits, informative videos, and a shop. Then, head outside to take in the majestic sites! As you walk the trails, be sure to stop by the 100-foot-high Monks Mound, recognized as the largest earthwork in North America.
5. Columbia Bottom
You’ll want to bring your camera for this one. In the summer, Columbia Bottom Conservation Area comes alive with an abundance of sunflowers, making it a gorgeous spot to snag a photo-op of your little ones playing during golden hour.
In addition to posing, your pint-sized explorers can also find a variety of other things to do here, including fishing, biking, and hiking! The area is located in a floodplain right at the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers. It’s around 25 minutes from Granite City and worth the drive.
Staying Healthy This Summer
Summer break is much more fun when you’re healthy enough to get outdoors and play! In addition to dental health, it’s also important to prioritize the overall health of everyone in your family. A few smart habits you can instill before school out include:
- Eating tooth-friendly healthy snacks (crunchy veggies, yogurt, leafy greens)
- Staying active
- Attending routine checkups with your doctor
- Spending time in the fresh air
- Prioritizing your family life
- Limiting screen time
- Establishing daily morning and nighttime routines
- Drinking plenty of water
Especially if you haven’t been working on these habits, they might be a little challenging to implement at first. However, once you stick with them, you’ll find that these small changes can make a major difference in the health of your family. Remember, if you lead by example, your little ones will be eager to imitate!
Enjoy this summer together!
There’s nothing like spending a summer with the ones you love! We’re excited to usher in this new season with open arms, and we know you are too. This list of places that are fun for kids in Granite City can help spark your imagination and inspire your creativity! Look for things to do that get your crew outside, expand their mindset, and exercise their bodies.
Along the way, we’d love to help you keep dental hygiene front and center this summer too! Contact us today to schedule an appointment. We look forward to seeing you.
