Explore Makanda, IL

Makanda, Illinois, is a charming small town nestled in the heart of the Shawnee National Forest, making it an ideal place for families to raise children. With its scenic beauty, welcoming community, and a plethora of educational and entertainment opportunities, Makanda provides an enriching environment for children to grow and thrive. Education is highly valued in Makanda, and the town is home to excellent schools that prioritize academic excellence and holistic development. The Makanda Elementary School, for instance, offers a nurturing and inclusive environment, empowering students with a strong educational foundation. The passionate and dedicated teachers strive to create a love for learning among the young minds, fostering creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. Beyond the classroom, Makanda provides countless opportunities for children to explore and enjoy. The town is surrounded by breathtaking natural wonders, such as Giant City State Park and Little Grand Canyon, offering endless outdoor adventures. Families can go hiking, biking, and camping, immersing themselves in nature's beauty while fostering a love for the great outdoors. Additionally, Makanda hosts various family-friendly events throughout the year, including art festivals, music concerts, and community gatherings. These events provide entertainment for people of all ages and give children a chance to appreciate and participate in diverse cultural experiences. Overall, Makanda, IL, is a nurturing community that prioritizes education and offers a wide range of entertainment and recreational opportunities. It is a place where children can grow, learn, and explore the wonders of both the natural world and the human spirit.

Activities in Makanda

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The US Engineering League is a prominent nationwide establishment that passionately supports STEM-focused education. We believe in the power of experiential learning and thus emphasize hands-on learning through competitive challenges. Since our inception in 2018, we have been the proud USA National Office for the acclaimed World Robot Olympiad, a global robotics competition that has over 35,000 participants from more than 80 countries. In addition to robotics, our educational offerings span across various STEM sectors such as coding, eSports, engineering, science and more. We're delighted to be connected with several of the most prominent STEM competition organizations. Our primary learning center is nestled in the heart of Naperville, IL. However, we understand the importance of accessibility and have therefore expanded our reach. We offer our well-rounded programs at a range of locations including schools, community centers, park districts, libraries, and even religious institutions. We are committed to making our educational opportunities available to as many children as possible, regardless of their location. At the US Engineering League, we're not just about teaching; we're about inspiring. We take immense pride in our ability to inspire the younger generation to master the skills that are vital for long-term success in STEM-based careers. We strongly believe that nurturing these skills from a young age can set the foundation for a successful and rewarding career in the rapidly evolving STEM fields.

a group of children standing outside

At Camp Carew, we provide a setting where children and young adults can experience the Christian faith in fellowship with others. We strive to help people deepen their understanding of God, each other, and the natural world. Our goal is to help build campers’ sense of personal worth and their relationship to Jesus Christ and their peers. Camp Carew is proud to be a member of the American Camp Association and has achieved accreditation status. Our activities and programs are designed to promote Christian community and help campers build relationships with each other. Campers and leaders work, plan, play, study, sing, and worship together in the small group living units. We offer Christian summer camps for children and young adults, and host retreats for people of all ages throughout the year. Camp Carew has been serving the community since 1952. The camp is nestled on sixty acres in the beautiful woods of Little Grassy Lake, located inside the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge near Carbondale, Illinois. With this unique setting, Camp Carew provides the perfect atmosphere for strengthening faith and creating lifelong memories.

a person holding a bow and arrow

Little Grassy Camp and Retreat Center is an outdoor destination like no other. Located south of Carbondale, IL, on 157 acres of hills and trees, this United Methodist Church Camp and Retreat Center is a piece of nature’s beauty. Bordering a 1,000-acre Little Grassy Lake and set in the Shawnee National Forest, Little Grassy is bounded by a covenant with the Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge to exercise careful stewardship of the wildlife, vegetation, and landforms. The camp provides exciting opportunities to explore and reconnect with nature. On the grounds you’ll find a hotel-style lodge with a large meeting room, a year-round youth lodge, and a dining hall with a meeting room furnished with cozy furniture and a fireplace. Plus, there are air-conditioned cabins and an open-air tabernacle, making Little Grassy a great destination for a variety of housing and meeting needs. For visitors looking for outdoor activities, Little Grassy Camp has it all - from hiking and swimming to rock-climbing and rappelling. Plus, the camp offers spiritual formation programs in the Christian tradition for both youth and adults. Little Grassy Camp is also available to rent for special events like reunions, business meetings, or youth camps. Join Little Grassy Camp and Retreat Center to explore the great outdoors and connect with nature and Christ.

a person climbing a rock wall

Celebrating its 65th anniversary this year, Camp Little Giant has been a beacon of inclusivity since 1952. It was the first camp in the nation designed specifically to serve campers with disabilities, and was the first camp to be accredited by the American Camp Association. The camp's mission of providing a safe and enriching environment for campers has set the standard for special needs camps across the country, and has even paved the way for the Special Olympics. Camp Little Giant is dedicated to giving campers with disabilities a true camp experience. It offers traditional activities such as outdoor recreation, swimming, arts & crafts, and music & drama, and all activities are adapted to meet the needs of campers with disabilities. Through its commitment to inclusion, Camp Little Giant has been a leader in providing campers with disabilities an opportunity to enjoy all the benefits of a traditional camp experience. For 65 years, Camp Little Giant has been at the forefront of special needs camps, paving the way for the Special Olympics, and bringing joy and inclusivity to campers of all abilities.

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Sep28-Oct2616:00 PM
Healthy Kids Running Series Fall 2025 - Morgan County, IL event image
Oct04-3110:00 AM
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Oct23-2422:00 PM
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Oct2421:15 PM
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Oct250:00 AM
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Oct2510:00 AM
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Oct2511:30 AM
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Oct2513:00 PM
Happy dancing parents draw

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