Park Events
Searching for the Bears Detective Weekend
April 14 - April 16
Attention Campers! We need your help searching for Yogi BearTM and Boo BooTM after their long winter hibernation. Join us this weekend and put your detective skills to work as we look for the Bears to wake them up for the start of the 2023 season. There will also be plenty of other opportunities for you to test those skills throughout the weekend as we will be playing I Spy, Life-Size Guess Who, Hide N Seek and many other fun detective games. After you have completed all the top-secret detective games make sure to be there on Sunday morning to pick up your very own badge and notebook to take home with you. If you have been searching for a fun filled family vacation, then search no more because you have found the right place. This is no secret book now before it’s too late!
Blast From The Past Weekend
April 21 - April 23
Attention Campers! If you are looking for groovy weekend-get-away, then make sure to join us this weekend as we blast into the past and head back to the 1960’s and 70’s. Don’t forget to pack your bell bottom pants, frayed jeans, midi skirts, maxi dresses, or leisure suits because you won’t want to miss out on our Blast from the Past Fashion Show. Do the hustle, do the boogie, become the dancing queen or king at our 1970’s Disco Dance Party. Be there as we make some totally awesome tie dye shirts and gnarly sand art bottles crafts. There will be afro games, disco ball games and it wouldn’t be the 70’s without painting a pet rock. Book now so you don’t miss out on any of the far out, off the hook, stellar fun this weekend!
Superhero Weekend
April 28 - April 30
Attention Campers! We are calling, signaling, and reaching out to all superheroes to join us this weekend. All good superheroes need a cape and mask so make sure to be there on Friday so you can color yours and show off your superhero skills throughout the weekend. Superheroes never know when they will be called into action, but they need to be always ready so make sure you are ready to compete in our Quick-Change Relay Race, Race Against the Clock, or you might be called into action in our Search and Research Hide N Seek Game. You might need to stop the villain in the Kryptonite Disposer Races or catch the villain in a game of Freeze Tag. Book your stay now so you will be ready to stop the villains whenever the time is called!
Fiesta Weekend
May 5 - May 7
Attention Campers! Who is ready for a fiesta Jellystone Park style? If you said yes then this is the time for you to join us at Jellystone Park Rustic Acres. We will be celebrating Cinco De Mayo all weekend long. You won’t want to miss the Nacho Snack Bar, Tortilla Toss, Mexican Kickball, Pass the Sombrero, and so many other fun activities. Oh yeah who could forget there will be a Piñata filled with candy. If you are ready to party book your family get-away now and get ready for a fiesta that you won’t forget!
Mother's Day Creative Weekend
May 12 - May 14
Attention Moms! If you are looking for a fun place to enjoy Mother’s Day Weekend with your family, then we are the place for you. This weekend is all about family fun and most importantly you. We will have a very special for all Mom’s during check in and make sure dad takes the kiddos to the craft on Friday night so they can make you a giant Mother’s Day Poster. Join us for Who’s Mom Is It Anyways, be there for a round Mom Says, and you definitely don’t want to miss out on The World’s Best Mom Challenge. We will also help keep your kids busy so you can get creative and make your own craft during our Mom’s Only Craft Time. Book your stay now so you and your family will enjoy the best Mother’s Day ever!
Beary Tale Weekend
May 19 - May 21
Attention Campers! Have you ever wanted to experience the magic of a fairytale and get dressed up for the big ball? Well, this weekend at Jellystone Park we bring the magic to life for your once upon a time moment. Cindy Bear will be joining Yogi Bear for the Bearytale Ball this weekend but needs your help Finding the Missing Slipper before the big dance. Pack your favorite fairytale outfits so you will be dressed up for the Bearytale Ball Fashion Show. You will also have a chance to make Prince and Princess Crown Crafts during your stay this weekend. We want your help coming up with our very own Bearytale Story to tell the Bears. Book now so you and your family can be part of the happily ever after story during this magical weekend at Jellystone Park Rustic Acres.
Memorial Day Celebration
May 26 - May 29
Attention Campers! Summer is officially here and that means the start of some of the classic summer activities at the campground. Join us this Memorial Day Weekend as the swimming pool opens and Foamy Fun gets started. For the older kids and adults, you won’t want to miss the signups so you can join in on the Bags and Horseshoe Tournaments. Be sure to pack your Red, White and Blue clothes, and decorations so you can take part in the Decorated Bike and Golf Cart Parade around the campground. There will be Shaving Cream Wiffleball and Slip N Slide Kickball taking place on the sports field. And who could forget some of the stuff we enjoy all year long like the Glow Hayrides, Candy Bar Bingo, Tie Dye, Laser Tag, Arts & Crafts and so much more. There is so much fun stuff planned this weekend it’s going to take 3 days to get it all in. Book now because the sites fill up quickly and you don’t want to miss out on the start of summer fun!
Summer Luau Bash Week
May 30 - June 4
Aloha Campers! Summer is officially here and that means the start of weeklong family fun is happening at the campground. It doesn’t matter if you are here during the week or on the weekend because we have something happening everyday for you to enjoy. We are starting off summer right with a Luau Bash. This might not be Hawaii, but you would never know with all the fun you will be having in our Tacky Tourist Quick Change Relay Race, “Hang 10” Wet N Wild Hayride, Limbo/Hula Hoop Contests, Sand Volleyball, Water Games and so much more. You won’t want to miss the Luau Bash Dance Party with the Bears and our Pool Party After Hours with the activities staff. Pack those tropical shirts and grass skirts and book your stay now for a family vacation that will feel like Hawaii all while staying in Southern Illinois!
Yogi Bears 80's Birthday Week
June 5 - June 11
Attention Campers! Yogi Bear is turning another year older, but he wants turn back the clock and celebrate like it’s the 1980’s. Join us as we celebrate Yogi Bear’s Birthday all week long with plenty of fun games and activities that would make any 80’s party pretty rad. We will be playing Musical Squares, Pin the Tie-on Yogi, Balloon Relay Races, Charades, and Giant Yard Twister. You can test your knowledge in our 1980’s Name That Tune and Movie Trivia or show off your funky skills in a Break Dancing Contest or Lip-sync Battle. Create your very own 1980’s Style Metallic Birthday Hats for Yogi Bear’s Birthday Party Celebration. Birthdays only happen once a year but this party will be talked about all year so make sure to book now so you won’t miss out on any of the fun!
Father's Day Family Games Week
June 12 - June 18
Attention Dads! This week is all about you and creating just a little family competition with the kids along the way. Join us this week as we try to answer the old question of who is better. Kids or Adults? This week the kids are challenging the adults in Laser Tag, Shaving Cream Whiffle Ball, Slip N Slide Kickball, Relay Races, Water Games and just about anything else you can think of. Do you have what it takes to take down the kids in games and activities designed for them? Don’t worry if you can’t beat the kids there will be an opportunity for you to compete against other dads in our Father’s Only Corn Hole Tournament while we are keeping the kids busy. Also don’t miss out on World’s Toughest Dad Challenge put on by the kids to find the strongest dad in the park. Be sure to pick up your free gift at check in and send mom over to craft time with the kids so they can make you something special for Father’s Day. We need your help to answer these questions so book your stay now but it doesn’t matter if you win or loss because this will be the best Father’s Day staycation ever!
Water Wars Week
June 19 - June 25
Attention Campers! It’s time for one of the best weeks of the summer. This theme is so popular we added a 2nd week of it on the schedule for 2023. It’s Water Wars Week! This week is all about water and just cooling off in the middle of summer. We will be doing Water Gun Battles, Water Relays, Wet N Wild Hayrides, Pool Games, a Water Balloon Toss, and plenty of other fun Water Games throughout the week. We will be doing activities that might get you just a little wet to activities that will definitely get you wet. All you got to do is bring your swimsuit, water guns/water blasters and book your stay now and get ready for a Water War that will be fun for the whole family!
Red, White and FUN 4th of July Week (4 Night Minimum)
June 26 - July 4
Attention Campers! If you are looking for a fun family getaway for the 4th of July holidays then join us this week at Jellystone Park Rustic Acres. As we celebrate America’s birthday we will enjoy some of our all-time favorite activities at the campground. There will be Hayrides, Fire Truck Rides and Bear Roll Train Rides. We will also have a Red, White and Blue Decorated Bike and Golf Cart Parade. You don’t want to miss out on making a Tie Dye Shirt or painting a ceramic or a 4th of July Magic Scratch Ornament Craft. There will be a Corn Hole and Horseshoe Tournament for the older kids and adults. We will have plenty of Water and Pool Games to keep the younger kids cool throughout the day. Be there Monday night July 3rd for the Firework Show. Book now to enjoy the ultimate Red, White, Blue and Fun family vacation for the 4th of July!
Holiday Mash Up Week
July 5 - July 9
Attention Campers! The 4th of July might be over but that doesn’t mean the holiday season is over. Join us this week as we celebrate a different holiday each day. Love is in the air on Wednesday as we celebrate Valentine’s Day. Don’t forget to pack green and get ready for some St. Patrick’s Day and leprechaun fun on Thursday. The weekend is going to be full of fun. That is no joke so don’t miss out on April Fool’s Friday. Get ready to hop into the weekend with a bunch of Easter activities along with giant Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday. Everyone knows you can’t celebrate Christmas in July before Thanksgiving so we end our holiday mashup celebrating the big bird with a Thanksgiving Pet Magnet Craft on Sunday. Make sure to book now to join us for all the big holidays we would normally miss throughout the camping year!
Christmas in July Week
July 10 - July 16
Attention Campers! It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas… in July. Join us this week as we celebrate all things Christmas without having to worry about the cold. Even though weather outside isn’t frightful be sure to pack your Christmas clothes so you can take part in the Ugly Christmas Sweater Fashion Show. While there might not be any real snow in July there will be plenty of snowy activities anyways like our Human Snowman Building, a Giant Snowball Fight, and Snowy Foamy Fun. Get ready to spread Christmas joy with our Christmas Caroling throughout the Park. Bring a gift so you can take part in the White Elephant Gift Exchange or try to unwrap one in the Saran Wrap Gift Game. Book now for the perfect gift for your family for this Christmas in July!
Pirates and Princesses Week
July 17 - July 23
Ahoy Campers! Join us this week for a family vacation like never before as we hit the high seas and we search for the pirate’s booty, coins, and treasure. Be there as you turn into a pirate by learning your Pirate Nickname, Talk Like a Pirate & Walk Like a Pirate. Don’t miss out on the Peg Leg Relay Race or Hook the Treasure Game. You will have a blast playing the Pass the Cannon Ball Game and might get just a little wet in the Cannon Ball Pool Contest. Don’t miss out on the How I Became a Pirate Story followed by The Hunt for the Treasure Voyage where we give a treasure map and treasure chest, and you try to find the goodies left by the Captain Beard and his crew. Book now before it’s too late and you are left walking the plank!
Jungle Zoofari Week
July 24 - July 30
Attention Campers! Have you ever wanted to experience a family fun trip in the middle of the jungle? Well now is your chance without ever having to leave Southern Illinois. Join us this week as we go on a Safari Animal Hunt looking for different animals throughout the park. It’s okay to monkey around in our Monkey Tag, Lucky Monkey and Jungle Animal Freeze Charades games. If you are feeling lazy then join in on a game of Sleeping Lions but you will need that energy back as you take part in Catch the Snakes Tail. You definitely don’t want to miss out on the Jungle Obstacle Course to see if you are as fast as a cheetah or as slow as an sloth. Keep your eyes open as Yogi Bear and Boo Boo prowl around the campground as they are the king of our jungle. Book now if you are looking for a wild, exotic, and adventurous vacation all while staying close to home!
Carnival Week
July 31 - August 6
Attention Campers! Come one, come all to the greatest party on earth as the carnival comes back to the campground. This week will be fun for guest of all ages. Make sure you are there to take part in carnival games that include Ring Toss, Whiffleball Toss, Down the Clowns and so much more. Join us for the Kid’s Carnival as we will have plenty of fun games set up for you to enjoy throughout the event. You won’t want to miss this week because you will have a chance to get a sparkling Glitter Tattoo, awesome Temporary Tattoo, or even get your Face Painted. This week will even have a Candy Walk where if you land on the lucky spot, you could be going home with a giant candy bar. Don’t be a clown, and book now and enjoy the greatest show at the campground this summer!
Wild, Wacky and Wet Water Week
August 7 - August 13
Attention Campers! As summer comes to an end, we are bringing back our favorite theme for a 2nd time this year. Make sure to have your swimsuit, water guns/water blasters packed and get ready for a wild, wacky, and very wet water week at the campground. We will be doing Water Gun Battles, Water Relays, Wet N Wild Hayrides, Pool Games, a Water Balloon Toss, and plenty of other fun Water Games throughout the week. This week is all about water fun and just cooling off at the end of summer before school goes back. Book now before it’s too late because this is the final chance to enjoy water week during the 2023 camping season!
Back to School Color Fun Weekend
August 18 - August 20
Attention Campers! School might be back but that doesn’t mean we can’t have fun on the weekend. Be there Friday night as we decorate the basketball court with Bright & Colorful Sidewalk Chalk. You will want to make sure to have plenty of glow stuff with you to take part in the Glow Hayride, Glow Parade and Glow in the Dark Dance Party once the sun goes down this weekend. You won’t want to miss out on the fun Saturday morning as we color the park in our first ever Color Fun Run. You will also have a blast in the Battle of the Colors Party Streamer Race, Rainbow Scavenger Hunt, and in a game of Crazy Colorful Musical Squares. Even though school started on Monday the fun starts back on Friday. Book your stay now because weekend fun is always a good idea!
Boo Boo's Sports Birthday Weekend
August 25 - August 27
Attention Campers! If you love sports and Boo Boo then this is the weekend for you. Even though Boo Boo is turning another year older he still loves sports. We are celebrating his birthday this year with all thing’s sports. Make sure you are there Friday night to test your knowledge in our Sports Trivia Contest. Do you have what it takes to be the king or queen of the ga ga pit in the Ga Ga Ball Tournament? Show off you arm and leg in the Punt, Pass and Kick Competition at the Sports Field. There will also be Kickball, Whiffleball, Basketball, Volleyball, Relay Races and so much more including Boo Boo’s Birthday Bash. It doesn’t matter who wins if everyone has fun during this sports lover’s weekend. Book now and knock it out of the park with the ultimate family fun weekend get-away!
Labor Day Weekend
September 1 - September 4
Attention Campers! Summer is officially over after this so make sure to join us this Labor Day as this is the final weekend before the swimming pool closes and Foamy Fun ends. The Bags and Horseshoe tournaments are back this weekend for the older kids and adults. There will be a decorated Bike & Golf Cart Parade so don’t forget to back those Red, White & Blue outfits and decorations so you can join in on the fun. We will be playing Shaving Cream Whiffleball and Slip N Slide Kickball on the sports field. Make sure to take a ride on the Glow Hayride, Fire Truck, and Bear Roll Train. Don’t miss out on Candy Bar Bingo, Tie Dye, Laser Tag, Arts & Crafts, and the final Water Games of the season. We will also be making a Patriotic Picture Frame Magnet Craft so you will have something to remember your Labor Day Weekend with us. This is not like a normal weekend it’s going to take 3 days to get all the fun stuff in that is planned. Book now because this weekend fills up quickly, so you don’t miss out on any of the end of summer fun!
Jurassic Weekend
September 8 - September 10
Attention Campers! Stomp, chomp, big roars and here come the dinosaurs. This weekend we throw it way back to the Jurassic time as we search the campground for the creatures that roamed the continents 230 million years ago. Make sure to be there Saturday morning as we do a Dinosaur Discovery activity and try to look for eggs to dig up that were left behind from the dinosaurs. Don’t miss out on the scavenger hunt as we look for Dino Tracks at different locations throughout the park. We will also be playing plenty of fun dinosaur games like Triceratoss, Pass the Dino Egg & Dino Dino Where’s Your Egg. There will also be Dinosaur Trivia and a Jurassic Eggs Pop Up Craft on Friday night. Book now and let the campground here you roar for a dino-mite and totally rawrsome weekend get-away!
Wizards and Witches Weekend
September 15 - September 17
Attention Campers! Stomp, chomp, big roars and here come the dinosaurs. This weekend we throw it way back to the Jurassic time as we search the campground for the creatures that roamed the continents 230 million years ago. Make sure to be there Saturday morning as we do a Dinosaur Discovery activity and try to look for eggs to dig up that were left behind from the dinosaurs. Don’t miss out on the scavenger hunt as we look for Dino Tracks at different locations throughout the park. We will also be playing plenty of fun dinosaur games like Triceratoss, Pass the Dino Egg & Dino Dino Where’s Your Egg. There will also be Dinosaur Trivia and a Jurassic Eggs Pop Up Craft on Friday night. Book now and let the campground here you roar for a dino-mite and totally rawrsome weekend get-away!
Fall into the Pumpkin Patch Weekend
September 22 - September 24
Attention Campers! Fall is in the air which means autumn leaves, cozy days, and pumpkins. Join us this weekend for all things pumpkins. There is a little bit of magic left over from Wizards and Witches weekend which took place just last week as we Plant Magic Pumpkin Seeds this weekend and return to the Magic Pumpkin Patch to see if the pumpkin has grown. There will be Pumpkin Painting, Pumpkin Bowling, Pumpkin Launching, and pretty much anything else you can think of with pumpkins. There will even be a Legend of the Jack O-Lantern Craft. Book now and say hello to fall by heading to the pumpkin patch at Jellystone Park Rustic Acres!
Out of this World Weekend
September 29 - October 1
Attention Campers! Are you looking for a weekend family vacation that is out of this world? If so, then we are the place for you. Make sure to Grab a Planet as we put an alien twist on this classical game. Get ready for a Space Race and Moon Walk like never before. You will have blast Searching for Meteors and in the Outer Space Freeze Challenge. Make sure you Don’t Drop the Asteroid as it might explode and destroy Earth as we know it. Even though there is no trick or treat this weekend we want everyone to pack those Halloween costumes so you can take part in the Out of this World Fashion Show and be there for the Glow in the Dark Monster Mash Dance Party. Don’t miss out on the Paper Plate UFO and Silly Monster Magnet Crafts. Book now as this weekend is going to take your family to the moon and back!
Sweet Tooth Halloween Weekend
October 6 - October 8
Attention Campers! If you like candy, then this is the weekend for you. Be here on Friday night so you can test your knowledge in our Sweet Tooth Taste Test and make a Candy Corn Character in Costume Craft. Make sure you have your own costumes packed because you don’t need to wait till Halloween for Trick or Treating because that starts on Saturday at the campground. You won’t want to miss out on the Candy Walk where if you land on the lucky spot, you could be going home with a giant candy bar. If you don’t win in the candy walk that’s okay because this weekend you will have two chances to win a lot of candy with Giant Candy Bar Bingo. The kids will enjoy the I Want Candy Hide N Seek as they search for candy around the playground. They will have great time playing our Trick or Treat Game where they might be getting candy which would be a great treat, or they might have to do a challenge which would be a horrible trick. Book now for a very fun trick or treat weekend that will give you something sweet to eat!
Boo-Tastic Halloween Weekend
October 13 - October 15
Attention Campers! Are you looking for a boo-tastic way to get the Halloween fun started early before October 31st? Then we are the place for you as this weekend is the first opportunity to take part in the Spooky Pavilion in 2023. Be there as we tell our Spooky Not So Scary Ghost Stories and help us Search for Ghost around the graveyard. Have you ever been curious about what it’s like to be hit with a ghost fart, well now is your chance as we play Ghost Farts Tag. We are going to call you for our Ghost Busters Balloon Relay Race. If you missed our Sweet Tooth weekend that’s okay because there is going to be plenty of chances of candy this weekend during Trick or Treating Throughout the Park, so make sure to have your Halloween costumes packed. Book now so you and your family will be here this weekend that is all about the boos!
Beary Scary Halloween Weekend
October 20 - October 22
Attention Campers! This weekend is all about the undead. The weekend gets started as the zombies start to come back to life on Friday night with your help as you try to Pin the Brain on Zombie. Once the zombies have their brains, they will be back crawling around and join them in a game of Red Light/Green Light Zombie Edition but don’t get caught running since zombies don’t move too fast. We will also be playing a game with our undead friends called Walking Around the Graveyard Musical Tombstones. This will also be your 2nd opportunity to take part in the Spooky Pavilion this season. Don’t worry this weekend isn’t all scary as we will be doing Trick or Treating Throughout the Park on Saturday. Now that the weekend is coming to an end, we need your help getting the zombies back under control Sunday morning in the Zombie Shootout Challenge. This is a no-brainer book now as everyone is dying to spend the weekend with you and your family!
Halloween Carnival Weekend
October 27 - October 29
Attention Campers! As the 2023 camping season comes to an end we want to finish the year with a bash. There will be Trick or Treating Throughout the Park, there will be a Spooky Pavilion, there will be Halloween Games, and we will even have a Halloween Carnival and so much more. Be there for a very special Halloween Costume Edition of Candy Bar Bingo as you will have an opportunity to wear your Halloween costume while playing to earn a free bingo card. Be there for the Final Dance Party of 2023 with the Bears and help us put the Bears to Bed on Sunday morning. Book now because you won’t want to miss this weekend since this is your last chance to camp with us in 2023!