free events

If you walk near woods or trees, the mammals you are most likely to see are squirrels. They are fun to watch as they run and jump and play, flick their bushy tails, chase each other up trees, bury acorns in the fall and dig them up again to eat in winter. But in spite of the playfulness that makes squirrels fun to watch, they face the same challenges in their lives as any other kind of wildlife. Learn more about these lively little mammals as we celebrate their lives with activities and crafts.

This family-centered play date, sponsored by Parents as Teachers, is designed for parents and their children ages 6 months to 3rd grade. At the block party stations, you'll explore early math and science skills together with your child. At the nature stations, children will do hands-on activities that stimulate their curiosity and understanding of the world around them. Other actitivies include music and a playground.

The countdown begins for the 2017 Total Solar Eclipse! On August 21, 2017, the St. Louis region will experience a total solar eclipse when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, blocking the Sun for more than two minutes. 

You and your kids can learn about the upcoming eclipse now and get ready for one of nature's most amazing events.

Girls ages 14 to 18 can bring out their inner Katniss and learn some of the archery skills this character used in the popular book series and movie The Hunger Games. Participants will rotate between three activities throughout the day: archery, fire/water/shelter skills and camouflage.

Participants should dress for the weather and bring a water bottle and snack. 

Badgers digging in the prairies, otters playing in the rivers, minks hunting in the lowlands - what do they all have in common? Kids will learn how these interesting predators are related and are all considered members of the weasel family. 

9:30 to 11 a.m. 

At Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center in Kirkwood, near the intersection of I-44 and I-270. Call 314-301-1500 for reservations. Free but reservations are required.

Ike Day, a former librarian for the City of Edwardsville, will lead preschoolers through a wonderful story telling time in the treehouse at the Watershed Nature Center in Edwardsville. The stories are focused on teaching children about nature through storytelling and exploration.

Run, Jump and Play with the Boys & Girls Club of Greater St. Louis at the Triple Play Mobile Tour! Driving across the country this summer to keep America’s youth healthy, the mobile exercise extravaganza will stop at the Herbert Hoover Boys & Girls Club and lead hundreds of kids in activities that will get them moving –all while working to make connections with more than 10 million kids.