Have fun in Cape Girardeau with your family without spending a fortune – here are 7 free things to do with your kiddos!  
1.  Take a walk on the Born Learning trail around the lagoon at Capaha Park, where activities engage your little ones at every step.  They’ll be boosting their language and literacy skills through fun and games AND getting a dose of the great outdoors.

2. Cross the “Winnie the Pooh” bridge at Dennis Scivally Park and discover what the rocky creek bed has to offer. Shallow waters and lots of dry rocks to scramble over make for a fun, safe spot to explore. The treehouse themed playground in this small, shady, neighborhood park will provide entertainment when the far reaches of the creek have all been conquered.

3. Spot the barges through the binoculars at the Old Bridge Overlook. If you wait a few minutes, you’re sure to see a barge heading up or downriver. Your kids can get an up close look from the free viewfinders at the Old Bridge Overlook, and there are great view of cars and trucks zooming by on the Emerson Bridge.

4. Learn about science, nutrition and growing food at the Marketeers Club at the Cape Riverfront Market, every 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month, May through August. It’s free for kids ages 5-12 and promotes healthy eating habits, educates about the variety of local produce, demonstrates the growing process and more. Upcoming Marketeers Club dates include July 12, 18, 26 and August 9 and 23.

5. A world opens up at your child’s fingertips at the Cape Public Library. The children’s section is lively and colorful, and you can challenge your kids to a game on the Wii or the XBox, or peruse a book while they enjoy the puppet theatre and play area.  Programming is free, too!  Master puppeteer Richard Elsenpeter brings Jack and the Beanstalk’s story to life on July 18, and storyteller Sharon Bebout Carr shares folktales from around the world on August 1.

6. Melaina’s Magical Playland in Cape County Park North is the area’s first public all-inclusive and fully-accessible playground that is designed for all ability levels. Flat, rubber surfacing allows for easier access for those with mobility challenges, swings have extra back and arm support and a ramping systems gives access to higher levels of the structure. 

7. While you’re in Cape County Park North, swing by the Nature Center, where your kids can drop in a line at the kids-only fishing pond! With just your driver’s license, you can check out a kid’s fishing pole or hiking backpacks filled to the brim with activities. The Nature Center has hands-on exhibits for all ages and extensive (free!) programming. Nature Center at Night: Turtle Frenzy, annual favorite Hummingbird Banding and Insectigations are all coming up in July and August.

All of the those boredom-busting activities in Cape Girardeau – 100% FREE, with no cost to enter and no hidden fees. For more Family Fun in Cape Girardeau, check out VisitCape.com/FamilyFun!