Family events in Murphysboro, IL

Step into a special Splatter Room session where families and friends can unleash color together and make their own messy, memorable artwork. Participants ages 4 and up are welcome, with playful paint games and activities created for a family-friendly experience. Babies ages 0 to 3 may attend at no cost with a parent or guardian present, and the accompanying adult still needs a paid ticket. A waiver is required for every participant, and a parent or guardian must complete it for anyone under 18. Create a one-of-a-kind piece by tossing paint across blank canvases and even on one another. Wear clothes that can get messy, or purchase a white T-shirt or paint suit on site. Washable paints are used, and all glow colors rinse from hair and skin, though stains may remain on clothing. The paint meets ASTMD-4236 safety standards. A sink is available for quick cleanup of hands and faces, but expect to leave splattered. Finished canvases can be left to dry and picked up the next day, with a seven-day window for retrieval. Shipping is available for an additional fee.

Residents can clear out unwanted electronics at a community e-waste collection organized by CJD E-Cycling in partnership with the City of Marion. Items with power cords and metal items are accepted, including servers, switches, desktop towers, printers, landline phones, cable boxes, cell phones, wireless modems, audio and video equipment, holiday lights, home electronics, additional telecommunications equipment, and lead acid batteries. Televisions and computer monitors of all types, including CRT, console, projection, plasma, and flat screen models, are welcome, along with dehumidifiers and refrigerators. Some items cannot be accepted. Do not bring radioactive materials, alkaline batteries, light bulbs, household smoke detectors, oil, antifreeze, paint, or other hazardous materials. Non-electronic waste such as tires, wood, asbestos, office waste, furniture, fiberglass, insulation, roofing materials, or dirt is not allowed. Flammable materials, pesticides, oil filters, air bags, lead, mercury switches, fluorescent lights, firearms, ammunition, shells, and media such as DVDs, CDs, cassette tapes, and VHS tapes are also excluded.

Drop in at the library for come-and-go activities for kids. Participants can have their activity cards stamped each month they take part in these activity days, and completed cards can be turned in for a prize at the end of the year.

Master Naturalist Lily Glaeser and Indigo Nathani lead an easygoing nature walk focused on spotting birds and building identification skills. Everyone is welcome, regardless of age or experience. Registration is required in case of weather-related cancellation, and binoculars are available to borrow with a reservation. Sponsored by University of Illinois Extension and supported through partnerships with Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge, Giant City State Park, Green Earth, Southern Illinois Audubon Society, the Shawnee Chapter of Illinois Audubon Society, and the Southern Illinois University Carbondale Zoology Department.