New experiences in the Cape Girardeau area

JONES HERITAGE FARM

What it is: A family owned farm that focuses on sustainable, natural and humane farming methods. All natural pork, chicken, eggs, lamb, beef and vegetables are raised and sold on the farm.

Who it's for: Anyone who loves food, especially locally raised all-natural varieties. "Our business got started from a passion for great-tasting, safe, healthy, locally-raised food. We found out a lot of other people are interested in the same thing and it has kind of taken on a life of its own," says Gerry Jones. The farm recently began offering lunch, breakfast and dinner on certain days of the week, and selling products such as pies and bread. "Everything centers around what we grow on the farm and other local, natural and organic products such as honey, milk, canned goods, jelly, sauces, cheese..." says Jones.

Find out more: Jones Heritage Farm is located at 5739 State Highway W in Cape Girardeau County. More information is available at jonesheritagefarms.com.

CAPE SPLASH

Cape Splash

What it is: A family aquatic center near the Osage Community Centre on Kingshighway in Cape Girardeau. The park opened in May 2010. Some 1,300 people visited the facility on its opening day May 30.

Who it's for: There are a variety of water-based activities, including a special play area for children ages 3 to 7. The water park includes a lazy river, a 700-foot long float around the park. According to Amy Roth, recreation supervisor for Cape Girardeau Parks and Recreation, Cape Splash includes four slides. "We have a spray pad area for toddlers and little kids. It's got a real soft, rubberized surface on it, so it's going to be great for the little kids that are learning to walk. It's real interactive. They can push on it and water will be spewing up and coming down. Then we have a playground area for the 3- to 7-year-olds. Again, it's got spray features coming out of it," she said.

Find out more: Admission is $6 for adults, $5 for children. Find out more at cityofcapegirardeau.org.

DISCOVERY PLAYHOUSE

Preston Strothman rings up the groceries in the supermarket Thursday, April 22, 2010 at the Discovery Playhous (Photo by Fred Lynch)

What it is: A children's museum filled with interactive, self-sustaining learning activities. The Playhouse opened in its current location in April, and held a grand opening celebration June 6. Exhibits include a toddler play area, art studio, children's village and a fitness park.

Photo by Fred Lynch

Who it's for: Exhibits target children ages 2 and older. Interim museum director Janet Livingston told the Southeast Missourian in June that the first few months have been amazing. "We had 3,000 guests in the first month," she said. Regular admission is $4 per person ages 2 and older. The museum also includes a party room, which is available for private rental.

Find out more: The Discovery Playhouse is at 502 Broadway in downtown Cape Girardeau. Visit the website at discoveryplayhouse.org.

Have your own family favorite? E-mail your favorite family friendly activities and places to visit in Southeast Missouri to editor Callie Clark Miller at cmillersemissourian.com.

Destinations is a travel publication by Rust Communications.