Blog Archives

Ministries Unlimited Thought For The Week (#8)

May 15, 2025

As we approach the Summer months and the end of the school year, our thoughts turn to vacations and fun outside activities.  For families struggling financially, finding low- or no-cost entertainment options are few and far between.  This week is all about what is offered in our community.  As a child, my parents encouraged us to read and utilize our local library.  During the Summer Tri-Township Public Library has a Summer Reading Program, "Color Our World", with prizes for those who read the most and fun programs throughout the Summer.  All that is required is an active library card.  Go check out what your local library has to offer this Summer.  Remember that adults can participate as well!

Did you know that Troy has one of the nicest parks in our area.  There's a petting zoo for the kids, trails to hike, playground equipment, tennis & pickleball courts, basketball, frisbee golf, a RC car area, skateboarding, a lake to fish in, ducks to feed, and tables to eat your picnic lunch at.  All for free!!  Do you want to introduce your child or grandchild to the joys of fishing but don't have a fishing pole?  You can check one out from your local library (Troy & Maryville).  If you like to watch baseball and soccer, there are youth games from May to October.  I always enjoy walking in the park; there's always something interesting going on.  Tri-Township Park also offers Summer Camp sessions for a modest cost.  Maryville also has a nice park.  Drost Park is a beautiful park with a seven-acre lake, several pavilions, about three miles of asphalt walking trails, boat ramp, barbecue grills, picnic tables, benches, playgrounds, and restroom facilities.  During warm weather months they also host Movies In The Park, always a fun family activity.  

Most of our local churches also offer Vacation Bible School.  These are usually free and offer fun faith-based activities for kids in Pre-K through 5th grade.  Check them out as another option.  If you like to ride bikes or just walk, then try out some of the interconnecting MCT bike trails that run through Troy, Maryville, Glen Carbon, and Edwardsville.  There is an extensive network of trails for all levels of bikers and hikers.  Willoughby Farms in Collinsville will take you back to 1940's farm life.  You can also enjoy hiking their trails that wind through thirty acres of wilderness preserve.  They offer a petting zoo area where you can interact with the farm animals.  They also have picnic tables where you can enjoy a nice picnic lunch or dinner.  They do offer activities that have a modest cost, such as training camps and summer camps, just check out their website.  If you just want to spend a day on the farm, then it is a free!

There are many fun things to do with your kids either locally or within a short drive.  If you want to branch out across the Mississippi, then go to this website for great free activities in St. Louis https://stlouismom.com/in-and-around-st-louis/moms-guide-to-free-activities-in-st-louis/.  St. Louis has one of the greatest zoos in America and it's free.  Not to mention you may get a chance to see Jet, the baby Asian elephant!  The Jewel Box is only a $1 donation to tour and was built for the 1904 World's Fair.   Whether you choose local or a little further away, there is always something to explore for free.  Join us on Tuesday, June 3rd from 5 pm - 7 pm at Pavillion #1 in Tri-Township Park for the Summer Kick-Off Community Resource & Outreach Market where you can meet Bluey (6pm-7pm), eat chips and hot dogs, play games and just have fun while learning about some of our local programs and resources.  Did I mention that it is FREE!!
 
Submitted 5/15/2025 by Kathy Scheller, Director of Operations