Illinois Metro East

Visit Eckert Farms and meet Barron, a 2,000 pound Clydesdale! Visitors can meet Barron, pet him and grab a selfie with this gentle giant. Cost is $5 per person.

Animal rescue doesn't stop in the face of a global pandemic, and the Metro East Humane Society (MEHS) is offering a way for families to have fun and support animals in need at the same time. Camp MEHS on September 5 will feature a take home "camp" kit for families, including t-shirts and bandanas to tie dye, crafts, s'mores kits, Chef's Shoppe popcorn, Annie's Bow Wow Cups, smoothies from Source Juicery, Four Muddy Paws goodies for your four-legged friends, beverages for adults and kids, and more.

It's the most wonderful time of the year, and you can celebrate it by introducing your kids to some of your favorite classic holiday movies on the big screen! Movies in the Holiday Classics Retro Series at Marcus Theatres are back on the big screen, and tickets are just $6.

Enjoy shows that feature the Bald Eagle and other birds from the World Bird Sanctuary at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.

Frozen 2 is already on your must-see list. Make your outing even more special by heading to participating Marcus Theatres for a free family party! Enjoy a variety of free activities, snacks and crafts including make-your-own Olaf treat bags and paper snowflakes. 

For those of you who just aren't morning people, Eckerts is offering Breakfast with Santa at Dinnertime. It's exactly like Breakfast with Santa, but at dinnertime. Children can tell Santa their Christmas wishes, and Santa will have a special gift for each child.

Bring your whole family to this fun festival that includes live music, food trucks, kids crafts, pony rides, local vendors, a dog park and more! Plus, Woofstock benefits the homeless animals at Metro East Humane Society. Friendly dogs are not only welcomed, but encouraged!