From almost zero to half a million! The road to recovery for Missouri turkeys was a long and tough journey. Walk in the woods today and see turkey tracks or scat, but it wasn’t always that way. Celebrate the return of the wild turkey with stories, games, activities, and crafts to learn about these interesting and unique birds.
Then go outside and look for turkeys or their signs. 9:30 to 11 a.m. For ages 6 and up.
Free. At Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center, 11715 Cragwold Road in Kirkwood, near the intersection of I-44 and I-270.
Bring your kids to get up close to an American Bald Eagle. Your family can ask questions and take pictures while you see this majestic bird up close.
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Lewis & Clark Confluence Tower in Hartford, Ill. Free.
More information: confluencetower.com
Parents are invited to this free presentation and discussion on backpack safety and general health. Dr. Krystal Rupp, a chiropractic physician, will discuss appropriate weight and placement of backpacks, how to adjust straps correctly, stretching techniques for children, and offer nutrition suggestions.
6:30 p.m. at The Magic House. Registration is required.
More information: magichouse.org
Little ones can gather 'round the sugarbush for fun stories. They'll learn about maple sugaring through stories told by naturalists, and eveyone will get to taste maple syrup. Most of the program is outdoors, so dress for the weather. Recommended for ages 3 to 5. 10:30 a.m. Free.
At Rockwoods Reservation in Wildwood.
Who hoots this time of year? Kids and teens ages 7 to 14 will learn about Missouri's owls, learn to hoot like an owl and dissect owl pellets in this joint program sponsored by the St. Louis Jr. Audubon Society and the Missouri Department of Conservation.
10 a.m. Free.
At Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center in Kirkwood, near the intersection of I-44 and I-270. Call 314-301-1500 for reservations.
Tracks in the snow, hair on a fence, loud cries in the night. Could it be a mountain lion? The mountain lion and other large carnivores once served as nature's check on deer and other prey species. Today, humans control the deer herd, so the natural role of this big cat is gone. There aren't many animals that receive more interest in Missouri than mountain lions.
Who's in the forest this time of year? Some Missouri owls stick around all year and are especially vocal during the winter months. Get together to discuss some of the owl's amazing adaptations, dissect some pellets to see what they're eating and take a hike to hear what they're saying. Dress for the weather.
Free. For ages 7 and up. 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
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.
Free outdoor concerts are back at the Missouri History Museum. The May 2024 series of concerts feature favorites like Anita Jackson along with food trucks and exhibits inside the museum that are open to the public until 8 p.m. on concert nights.
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.
Kids can work on existing gym skills, learn new skills or just play around during Open Gym at Miss Kelly's Gym. Reservations are not necessary.