Illinois Metro East

Bring your whole family to learn, explore and play on the farm at Family Hike and Play Day at Willoughby Farm. Explore the nature trails and then enjoy games around the farm yard. 

Cost is $2 per person with a maximum of $10 per family.

Ike Day, a former librarian for the City of Edwardsville, will lead preschoolers through a wonderful story telling time in the treehouse at the Watershed Nature Center in Edwardsville. The stories are focused on teaching children about nature through storytelling and exploration.

Cardinals mascot Fredbird will visit Eckert Farms in Belleville so he can meet and greet guests.

Bring your kids to meet Fredbird between 11 and 11:30 a.m. on July 18. or from 12:30 to 1 p.m. on August 8.

The visit with Fredbird is free. No reservations are required. 

More information: eckerts.com

Celebrate the hero in your life at Superhero Night with the Gateway Grizzlies. Enjoy the baseball game, a costume contest, kids' pirate and superhero-themed games, a bounce house and lots more.

Summer is the season for sunshine, sports and barbecues, but with all of that fun comes an increased risk of injuries as families head outdoors. Touchette Regional Hospital and Southern Illinois Healthcare are helping Metro East families enjoy a safe summer by sponsoring this free Summer Safety Fest.

Enjoy a fun morning of kite flying and watch the Gateway Kite Club perform with stunt kites at this free event. The first 50 participants will receive a free goodie bag, and eveyone will get to decorate their own kite.

9 a.m. to noon at Joe Glik Park in Edwardsville.

More information: cityofedwardsville.com

Bring your kids to get up close to an American Bald Eagle. Your family can ask questions and take pictures while you see this majestic bird up close.

10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Lewis & Clark Confluence Tower in Hartford, Ill. Free.

More information: confluencetower.com