Your kids likely see images of bald eagles lots of places, but you can take them to see the real thing at several events this month in and around St. Louis.
Eagle Days is one of the most anticipated outdoor events of the year. Don't let the chilly weather stop you from venturing outdoors. The sights are well worth it (and there are warming tents too).
Eagle Days is held at the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge (south of I-270, off of Riverview Drive in St. Louis), which has one of North American's largest concentrations of bald eagles (how lucky are we!). This event is geared for kids, so they'll be a lot of fun for the little ones, like craft projects in the warming tent, a full-size eagle's nest replica, viewing scopes and live eagle education programs.
From the viewing platform on the bridge, you can watch eagles fishing, riding ice floes, soaring overhead and even roosting in nearby trees. This free program takes place this Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. both days. For more information, visit www.confluencegreenway.org
You can make it an eagle weekend by visiting the Great River Road in Alton, Ill., for an Eagle Meet and Greet on Saturday. All ages are welcome to this free event, which allows you to get up close and personal with this large bird of prey. Find out more information at www.greatriverroad.com. The Eagle Meet and Greet is also happening on January 22.
If you want your kids to learn about all species of birds, take them to this fun, free class sponsored by the Missouri Department of Conservation. Jr. Audubon: Birds, Beaks and Feats teaches kids ages 7-12 the special tools birds have that help them survive the winter. Kids also get to play bird-themed games and observe birds in the wild. This January 22 event is free at Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center in southwest St. Louis County.
Finally, a great resource for kids (and adults) interested in birds is the nearby World Bird Sanctuary, which features seasonal shows, nature trails, education programs and lots of live birds. During January and February you can take in moonlight Owl Prowls, which include a night hike and an opportunity to see owls up close. Admission and parking are free; there are fees for some special events. Find out more at www.worldbirdsanctuary.org
By Julia Bollman, publisher of St. Louis Kids Magazine and contributing writer for SmartParenting
See the Zoo's California sea lions perform acrobatic and athletic feats, including Olympic-style dives on a high-diving platform, flipper walks, frisbee tosses and plenty of surprises. While on stage with the sea lions, the Zoo's trainers explain sea lion behavior and positive-reinforcement training, in addition to the need for conserving the sea lion's ocean habitat.
Young visitors and their families are invited to the Energy Stage to enjoy interactive read-alouds of science-themed picture books. Story times are followed by a short demonstration or discussion connected to the book's main concepts.
Enjoy two hours of horse and pony rides at Castlewood Stables during Parent & Me Pony Rides. Your little ones will also get to interact with other farm animals, like mini potbelly pigs, bunnies, tortoises, a miniature donkey, a zebra and more.
Explore the Saint Louis Zoo in the evenings at the new Animals Aglow exhibit. Bring your family to experience the luminous glow of 50 towering lanterns depicting animals, plants and traditional Chinese elements. Don't miss this celebration of culture and art!
Dinoroarus is back for a limited time at the Saint Louis Zoo. This engaging attraction for all ages features 14 groupings of animatronic and stationary dinosaurs - colorful, prehistoric creatures that move realistically, some roaring and spiting or placidly munching on lush vegetation.