free events

Did your child’s school miss out on a Maple Sugar School Field Trip? No problem. Learn the history of maple sugaring, visit the sugar bush to collect sap, and learn to boil it down into syrup. Dress for the weather as the entire program is outdoors and part of the trail is not stroller accessible.

Free. 4-5:30 p.m. at Rockwoods Reservation in Wildwood. 

More information and reservations: www.mdc.mo.gov

Looking at a skeleton can give you a key to what the animal is and how it lived. Did it swim, fly, walk or slither? What did it eat? At this nature workshop, kids will take a mystery mammal skull through a special question and answer maze and "key it out" to find out what animal it is.

For ages 7 and up. 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.

At Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center in Kirkwood. Call 314-301-1500 for reservations.

More information: mdc.mo.gov

Step into the nocturnal world of owls at the Owl Prowl at Powder Valley. Discover what owls eat and the unique adaptations that owls possess for life at night.

You'll also learn about the different species of owls that frequent Missouri and what makes them special. Explore the night forest as you search for these amazing creatures during an evening of owling. Please dress for the weather.

Free. For families with kids ages 7 and up. 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. At Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center.

Come and explore the newest tennis and racquet sports facility in St. Charles, offering classes, clinics and leagues for all ages. The Open House at Vetta Racquet Sports West will be held Saturday. Jan. 9. You can check out the newly resurfaced courts, free food and refreshments, games, and free clinics for kids and adults.

The weather might be cold but the winter sky will heat up with fireworks as Kirkwood holds its annual Winter Fireworks Festival. 

Hold a real human brain, learn about its amazing feats, and discover its secrets in the Amazing Brain Carnival! That's just one of the hands-on activities designed to help kids and adults learn about health, wellness and technology at HealthFest 2016.

Parents are invited to attend the Spooktacular Kindergarten Fair to learn about Charter School opportunities in St. Louis. Bring your kids in costume for trick or treating while you learn about kindergarten options. 

Schools represented include: The Biome School, St. Louis Language Immersion Schools, Confluence Charter Schools, City Garden Montessori, Gateway Science Academy, Lafayette Preparatory Academy, EAGLE College Prep and more. 

At Tower Grove Park, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.