outdoor events

Explore the Phantom Forest and Bittersweet Woods Conservation areas during this spring hike for all ages. You'll enjoy the freedom and fun of nature while bonding with your kids during these themed hikes, sponsored by the City of Des Peres and the Lodge of Des Peres. 

During this hike, you'll learn how animals in the forest hide in plain site. 

4:30 to 5:30 p.m.

Shaw Nature Reserve is teaming up with the Missouri Department of Conservation to provide a special fishing experience for first-time or inexperienced young anglers.

Equipment, bait and assistance will be provided. At least one adult should attend for every two children, and fishing is for kids only.

For ages 6 to 12. Cost is $14 per child; $12 per child for members of the Missouri Botanical Garden. Registration is required.

Come to the Old Courthouse for Junior Ranger Day and Night Explorer Workshop conducted by a sky ranger with the National Park Service. Kids can earn a special, limited-edition Junior Ranger badge commemorating the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service by completing a craft project relating to American pioneers, Plains Indians, Colonial St. Louis or Lewis & Clark. This special badge workshop will be held between at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

A special Junior Ranger Night Explorer Workshop, where kids can earn a Night Explorer Badge, will be held at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Take your kids to The Butterfly House to have brunch with The Very Hungry Caterpillar! Guests will meet live caterpillars and butterflies, listen to readings of Eric Carle's The Very Hungry Caterpillar book, and explore the interactive Bug Stations.

This special day will be captured with a souvenir photo with The Very Hungry Caterpillar himself!

Reservations are required and space is limited.

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

Learn about nocturnal animals at the 6th annual Tails of the Night at the Wildlife Rescue Center. The Center treats more than 500 native nocturnal animals yearly, such as bats, foxes, opossums, raccoons and flying squirrels. You'll learn about the live of these seldom-seen neighbors from the volunteers and staff who care for them.

You can also take an audio tour of the wildlife rehabilitation facility and learn about the mission of the Wildlife Rescue Center. then grab your flashlight and head out to the nature trail.