Belleville, IL Outdoor Activities

The Missouri Botanical Garden has stunned visitors for more than a century and a half with a vast collection of local and exotic plants arranged across 79 acres of gardens. Nature-lovers and homesick lemurs can wander around waterfalls and gaze at tropical birds under the Climatron's geodesic dome, which also encloses about 1,400 species of tropical plants. Afterward, take a tot to burn off photosynthized energy at the Children's Garden, where they can romp through the educational exhibits, traverse a limestone cave, and soar down a slide. The Kresko Family Victorian Garden provides insight to both the land and skies with the Piper Observatory and Kaeser Memorial Maze, anchored by garden founder Henry Shaw's 1849 residence and final resting place, both of which disappear under the light of a full moon.

While unloading their ammo upon enemies, paint-splattered warriors hunt for cover in the outdoor wilderness of Xtreme’s 10 playing fields. They duck behind multistory wooden barricades on the Castle field, navigate a maze of padded pillars and logs on the Arena field, dive into leafy ditches on the Bunker field, and command one of four two-tiered fortresses on the Four Forts field. Much like siblings competing to see who celebrates their birthday first, Xtreme Paintball Park gathers players to engage in competitive scenarios such as capture the flag and elimination. Park staffers expand these play opportunities by constantly building new playing fields and restaging area structures. During private parties, ranks of covered pavilions offer spaces where groups can take a break from excessive sun, rain, and snow as they prepare for the next round.