Day Trip,  Illinois,  Playgrounds,  Trips

Boo Castle Park

Anytime we hike at nearby Giant City State Park, we make a stop at Boo Memorial Castle Park near Carbondale. The park was created in memory of a boy who loved Dungeons & Dragons. This privately owned park is free and open to the public to visit. Donations are encouraged to help maintain the park. The park features beautiful gardens, statues, and a huge castle playground.

We are always completely blown away at how nicely maintained and well made this park is! Everything is sanded smooth (no splinters to when you bonk you head on something) and there was oodles of things for the kids to find as they ran through the castle. Absolutely worth the stop if you are pass through the area, especially if you have kids or are a kid at heart!

Boo Castle Park Playground

Sara L.: 7-22-18 Hike and Boo Garden &emdash;

Boo Castle Park Playground

Sara L.: 7-22-18 Hike and Boo Garden &emdash;

Boo Castle Park PlaygroundBoo Castle Park Playground

Sara L.: 7-22-18 Hike and Boo Garden &emdash;

Sara L.: 7-22-18 Hike and Boo Garden &emdash;

Boo Castle Park Playground

The grounds around the castle were covered with other themed Dungeon & Dragons things. The kids didn’t quite know what to think of this full sized dragon when they first saw it:

Sara L.: 7-22-18 Hike and Boo Garden &emdash;

Sara L.: 7-22-18 Hike and Boo Garden &emdash;

Sara L.: 7-22-18 Hike and Boo Garden &emdash;

*Update: The huge dragon has since been painted and now boasts some fun colors.

Boo Castle Park Playground

Things to know:
– There are no actual restrooms, but there are usually portable toilets on the west side of the park next to the gray garage structure. (Around the corner from the soda machines).
– The park is open 9 a.m. – sunset year round.
– Please do not pick any flowers.
– There is an office at the gray Victorian house across from the playground on Homewood Dr. The office is open Monday – Friday 9-5. Souvenirs can be purchased here.

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