Free and Low Cost Family Activities in Arthur, IL

Arthur is a small rural community found in the heart of Illinois. It’s town is string in farming and tourism. It is a family oriented community with plenty of low cost or free activities. Arthur is still home to many of its Amish residents and horse-drawn buggies. This little town has the perfect setting for families to come and spend the day and also to observe past living rituals still being performed today.

One free activity that a family could do when entering Arthur is visit its serene community park, Ervin Park. A group could bring a picnic lunch and relax in one of their many sitting areas or even find a space under one of their shade trees. There’s even plenty of playground equipment for the children to play on and enjoy.

After some peaceful relaxation and a good healthy lunch, head uptown to Vine Street to browse the variety of craft shops that are available in Arthur, IL. The local shops carry handmade crafts that have been handmade by local craft artists and tradesmen, wood furniture, and even fabrics for sewing or quilt-making. You can also browse and purchase some of the best quality apparel and suits at one of Arthur’s popular apparel shops, Delberts. And once you are finished shopping, don’t forget to stop by Dick’s Pharmacy for delicious old-fashioned sodas from the soda fountain or ice cream. It’s a wonderful treat for the whole family!

Other activities that happen in Arthur during the year include a Cheese Festival, a Barbeque Cook-off and BlueGrass Jam, and also a 10 mile bike tour that takes you on a trip through Amish Country. If you aren’t busy,on the 4th of July, come see some of the best fireworks around the area that are displayed in Arthur, IL!

The Arthur Cheese Festival happens every year during Labor Day weekend. Visitors can stroll through Vine Street while browsing craft booths and eating its tasty food and yummy treats from area vendors. There is also free live entertainment and many pounds of free cheese to try for your taking!

During the 4th of July, Arthur has some of the best quality fireworks around the area! It begins its day with a fourth of July parade for the whole family to enjoy and ends with some of the most fascinating lighting displays that decorate the night skys in Arthur, IL. It is truly a free delight for everybody to come and see.

The annual Barbeque Cook-off is usually held in October with area grill chefs competing for national titles to be some of the best grilling chefs around. Visitors can enjoy free food from the competitors and even free live Blue Grass music from the Blue Grass Jam that takes place the same time as the cook-off. There’s no need to bring a dime to this happening event. There is free tasty food and free whole-hearted blues music to enjoy for the whole family!

If you really want to get into shape and get a true look at the heart of Amish County, then take your family on the Bob Galloway Memorial Amish Country Bicycle Tour. Ride away during this 10 mile trip where you will spot horse drawn buggies, Amish family housing, the local pumpkin patch, shopping, a home cooked meal, and so much more!
Enjoy this lovely outing in September when Autumn is just weeks away and harvesting is just beginning to take place.

So if you are looking for low cost or free enjoyment for your family, bring them to Arthur, IL. Come see and relive the Amish Heritage, experience friendly atmosphere, and remember what its like to kick back and relax.
“You’re only a Stranger Once,” when you come to Arthur.