Experience the endless fun in Stark County, Marshall County, and Woodford County and create memories with those you love most! Whether you want to eat, play, create, learn or try something new, there is something for every family. Check out these options to get the most out of your time with little ones!
STARK COUNTY
Elsie Drawyer Hodges Park {Bradford} // Pack a pic-nic or stop by the Snack Shack for something yummy and enjoy this charming park in the heart of Bradford. With a playground for climbing and a basketball court for shooting hoops, let your imagination soar.
Large-scale Solar System Model {Wyoming} // Did you know the Peoria Area is home to the world’s most complete large-scale solar system?! The scale factor of the model is 99,000,000 to one, and it covers 6,000 square miles of Central Illinois. The model not only includes the Sun and eight planets, but it also features five dwarf planets and a number of unnamed comets located around the globe. Located just along the Rock Island Trail at the Wyoming Train Depot is Neptune.
Lucy Dot’s Little Bakery {Toulon} // When you’re on the hunt for a sweet spot, Lucy Dot’s is it! With everything from cupcakes and soft serve to giant ice cream sandwiches and popsicles to edible cookie dough and polka dots, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Rough and Tumbled Rocks {Wyoming} // If your child comes home with rocks in their pockets every time you’re out, then this is a must-visit! One step inside, and immediately you feel transported through time, it’s a whole experience with the “mine like” walls and beams.
Spoon River Bowl {Wyoming} // A classic home town bowling alley, this experience will take you back to your own childhood. From the feel of the shoes, to picking out the right size bowling ball and proudly getting it down the lane, to hearing those pins fall and tallying up your score. Enjoy making memories with your own kids.
Tanners Orchard {Speer} // Open Seasonally This is an experience your kids won’t soon forget. Stroll through the apple orchard, pick the best pumpkin in the patch, make your way through a corn maze, feed a goat, and take a million photos. There’s also a HUGE activity space called “The Back 40” which has pony rides, swings, bike races, bouncy pad, old trains to play in, swings, unicorns and more! Don’t forget to grab apple cider donuts for the ride home.
The Whip {Wyoming} // The Whip is a retro walk-up ice cream shop, serving classic soft serve cones, shakes, & malts. While enjoying your sweet treat, take a short drive across town to The Paramount Theatre (the quintessential marquee lights are on every night), snap some selfies and embrace that old-time charm of the town.
Marshall COUNTY
Henry Marina + Riverfront Park {Henry} // Grab the kayaks and fishing poles, it’s time to relax on the river. With scenic views of the historic Henry bridge, this is the most picturesque + historic park in the county.
Marshall County Airport {Lacon} // Love watching airplanes take off? This “out-of-the-box” idea needs just a sprinkle of creativity to bring to life … take some sheets of paper and markers along, color or doodle paper airplanes while you wait to watch real planes soar! OR grab a few books and enjoy reading with your kiddos while waiting for those planes to land. The airport is open to the public daily, however, we recommend visiting on the weekends to see the most planes take off and land.
Marshall County Historical Society Museum {Lacon} // Marshall County Historical Museum where you and your family can discover the history of Marshall County through intriguing exhibits and hands-on experiences.
Marshall State Fish and Wildlife Area {Lacon} // Marshall State Fish + Wildlife Area is the perfect spot for camping, fishing, hiking, and hunting. View wildlife such as white-tailed deer, great blue herons and bald eagles in their natural habitats. Kids love helping pack for an adventure … don’t forget your binoculars, a field guide, and bug spray.
Old Settlers Festival {Lacon} // Marshall County’s Old Settlers Festival will be celebrating 153 years in 2023! This annual county festival is held at the marina in Lacon and features a unique festival theme each year. The festival also features a parade, face painting, bounce houses, makers market and a cruise in!
Supreme House of Cheese {Toluca} // From Breakfast to Dessert and Wine to Cheese, this fourth-generation family-owned business does not disappoint. Known for their “world-famous” donuts and an astounding variety of candies, your kids will be in heaven.
The Pool Park {Toluca} // Not only does Toluca’s Pool Park have a diving board and a children’s wading pool, it also has playground equipment, tennis courts and a large pavilion. A great place for a family picnic or party!
Woodford COUNTY
Black Partridge Park {Metamora} // Grab your “grom”, make sure they’ve got their lid, and they’ll be stoked when you tell them where you’re headed! After riding the trails, you’ll be a bit dusty, maybe even a bit sore, but the smile on their faces will have made it worth it. Mountain Biking, IYKYK.
Buttermilk Cafe {Germantown Hills} // You’ll be treated like family in this cozy and charming cafe. Open for breakfast and lunch, with a tried and true kids menu. Try their Buttermilk biscuits, it’s sure to impress!
Lake Eureka Park {Eureka} // This 240-acre park boasts a 36-acre lake! On the north shore of the lake you can rent kayaks, canoes & paddleboards. A manicured, lawn-like shore which is 100% accessible and is “kid friendly” for bank fishing. A dog friendly park as well, so don’t leave bingo at home! Shelters, picnic tables, playground, disc golf, and lake views – enjoy an afternoon in Eureka!
Metamora Pool {Metamora} // Open Seasonally If you’re visiting Woodford County in the summer, the kids will definitely need a place to cool off. With a kiddie pool for your littles and a diving well for your bigger kids, there’s no doubt this will be a great day.
Minonk Chocolate Company {Minonk} // Since 1915, Minonk Chocolate Company has continued to craft delicious, melt-in-your-mouth chocolate candies with the same time-tested recipe. If your family loves chocolate, you’ll want to order the classic tastes of Minonk Chocolate Company by the pound!
New Millenia Park {Minonk} // We love that New Millenia Park has something for everyone! It’s the perfect spot to meet up with friends or to spend the day outside. A Skateboard park, Check! Inline hockey rink, Check! Paved walking paths (pack those roller blades), check! Exercise equipment, check! Playground for busy climbers, check! Picnic spots, check and check!
Ronald Reagan Museum {Eureka} // Have kiddos who love history? Immerse yourself in historic Eureka College. An adventure sure to be memorable as you walk the halls that former president Ronald Reagan once did.
Grant Ireland Memorial Park {Washburn} // With a playground, pickleball, tree carvings and more to explore all you need to do is pack up the kids and check it out.
Uncle Bob’s Homemade Ice Cream {Eureka} // Savor delicious, homemade ice cream because it’s made “one batch at a time”. With too many incredible flavors to list, make sure you stop by the ice cream stand and find a new favorite today!
