There is lots of fun and entertainment to be had in Cape Girardeau that won’t empty your wallet – here’s a round up of free family fun in and around our river city!

STORYBOOK TRAIL
Embark on an outdoor reading adventure along the Storybook Trail. Different stories are swapped out weekly along the LaCroix Recreation Trail (use the Osage Centre trail entrance) so you can engage in reading to your kiddos while enjoying the outdoors.

PICNIC AT BOLLINGER MILL
Just outside of Cape Girardeau in Burfordville you’ll find Bollinger Mill and Covered Bridge. Picnic in the shade along the Whitewater River, traverse the covered bridge and duck into the first floor of the mill to see the mill operation itself; tours of the first floor are free!

NEW PLAYGROUNDS
Check out new playgrounds at Capaha and Kiwanis parks, both with woodland themes and play structures that will provide hours of energy-burning fun.

JUST KEEP SWIMMING
The sandy beach at Lake Boutin in Trail of Tears State Park is open for swimmers, and features an accessible ramp that ensures everyone can enjoy the water. Bring out the beach toys and the sunscreen and settle in for an afternoon of splish splashing at this peaceful lake.

NATURE CENTER
The Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center is a tried-and-true classic for free family fun all year long. Hands on activities abound inside and out, with hiking backpacks and fishing poles and bait available for check out, a walk-through beaver dam and so much more.

RIVERBOATS
Enjoy a festive day at Riverfront Park when the American Queen, Queen of the Mississippi or the America are docked at the Port of Cape Girardeau. These grand paddlewheelers play music upon arrival and departure and the riverfront comes alive with folks enjoying the sight of these old fashioned steamboats. Tours are not available due to security concerns, and the schedule can change on a dime, but these are worth the trip downtown to check out!

FARMER’S MARKETS
Two farmer’s markets in Cape Girardeau set you up for a fun morning or afternoon outside, talking to your little ones about the yummy locally produced fruits and vegetables. The Cape Riverfront Market on Saturday mornings in downtown Cape Girardeau features demos and live music.

LIBRARY DAYS
A sensory board, toys, puppet theatre, gaming systems and programming galore give your kiddos plenty to do at the Cape Public Library! The children’s section is a happy, sunny spot with constantly evolving displays and activities, and teen’s have a room of their own.

OUTDOOR CONCERTS
The Cape Municipal Band plays at the bandshell in Capaha Park on Wednesday evenings through July 27th, and Tunes at Twilight gets rolling for their fall season on Friday August 12th. Our calendar of events has full details.

There’s even more family fun attractions in Cape Girardeau; learn more at VisitCape.com/FamilyFun. We’ve also put together a summer weekend itinerary referencing everything you just read about, available for download here!

Share the family fun, tag your pictures with #VisitCape!