Kid Friendly Activities:Weekend Highlights July 6th-8th

Summer is going by way too quickly. Make the most of this special time with your family by taking advantage of many of the fun activities being offered throughout the region.

On Friday, Free fishing is being offered at Giant City Park. This free family program is geared for children ages 5-12 and covers all the basics of fishing. No need to bring poles, bait or any other equipment. All supplies will be provided. To register call 618-457-4836

If fishing isn't your thing, there are several family film options. The Anne West Lindsey District Library in Carterville is showing a free family movie beginning at 1:00 PM.  FREE family films are also being shown at Movies in the Park ( Ft Massac-Metropolis) and Movies at the Pool ( Bill Trees Memorial Park Pool-Harrisburg.

A unique event is being held on Saturday at Bella Sofia Threads in Carbondale.
Bella Sofia Threads is transforming their Creative Room into a Toy Testing Lab where kids ages 3+ become Official Melissa & Doug Toy Testers for the day using the power of their imaginations to test out four Melissa & Doug toys, share their feedback and discover the joy of coming up with new ways to play! Plus, they will go home with inspiration kits full of ideas and activities to keep the fun going! Registration is available over the phone at (618) 503-9875 or in person during normal business hours! This is a FREE event but spots are limited! Please reserve your tickets in one of our available time slots! There are 25 openings total. 5 spots are available in each slot.

Performances of Pinkalicious the Musical continue at McLeod theater in Carbondale. This mini-musical romp through “Pink-a-tastic Land,”  is based on the famed children’s book, follows Pinkalicious as she develops a case of Pinkatitus (which turns you pink) from eating too many of her favorite-colored cupcakes. The message is healthy eating and moderation,” says Vincent Rhomberg, director of marketing for the playhouse. “The ‘medicine’ is served with music and a pink cupcake instead of a spoonful of sugar.  Tickets to the production are $14 for adults and $10 for students and children and can be obtained online at playhouse.siu.edu, by phone at 618/453-6000, Mon.-Fri. noon-4:30 p.m., or in person during regular operating hour.

Saturday is going to be a beautiful day to enjoy some time outdoors.
Back by popular demand,the Reptile Experience with Serengeti Steve will be performing FREE at Rend Lake Visitor Center in Benton. There will be 3 shows this year to accommodate all visitors. ( 11:00 am, 12:30 pm and 2:00 pm) Families are encouraged to arrive  early to have adequate seating for your family! For more information, contact the Visitor Center at 618-724-2493. This program is open to the public, free, and suitable for all ages.

Kids in the Woods is a great program offering special program for young children to help them develop a love of learning in outdoor settings.This weekend's program is  "Flying Rainbows"/
Families with at least one child aged 5-10 (all ages welcome) will meet at the Group campground at Giant City State Park to enjoy hayrides, catching butterflies and insects, drawing and learning about butterflies, moths, and other critters who like flowers.
Sponsored by the University of Illinois Extension, Southern Illinois Master Naturalists, and the Friends of Giant City State Park. Space is limited. Registration recommended, not required. Call the Visitor Center at 618-457-4836 to register. If told the program is full---come anyway---sometimes people don’t show up and there is plenty of room. The University of Illinois Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment. BRING BUG SPRAY AND DRINKING WATER FOR YOUR FAMILY.

If your family loves music, you might want to drive up to Sesser. .The Sesser Area Chamber of Commerce is joining forces with Sesser Comminty Health Center and Sesser YAP to throw an all day music festival and craft fair to kick off Sesser YAP's weekly Summer Concert Series.Festivities will begin with a craft show, at 10:00am, and music will begin, on the stage, at 11:00am. This year's entertainment includes, Matt Basler, The Hoot N Holler Band, Chris Slone, The Hollerboys, and Lori's Pupets. There is also a Burger Shack and Buck's BBQ at the event to fulfill your culinary desires. There is no entry fee for this event so, bring out your lawn chairs and join us for a full day of festivities!

And don't forget Fireworks continue this weekend in some communities. Herrin, McLeansboro and West Frankfort all have events scheduled this weekend. (See our Fourth of July Fun listings under events for more information.) 

For more listings of  activities  being held this weekend and throughout the week check out the sifamilies events calendar . Whatever you choose to do, make the most to your time together , making some wonderful new memories. Enjoy!