outdoor events

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.

Child Safety Day in St. Louis is an opportunity for kids to learn about all kinds of safety organizations that are in the community and have fun too. Fredbird is a special guest!

At Child Safety Day, kids can learn about fire safety from the St. Louis Fire Departmetn and tour the department's Safe House. The Missouri Department of Health will be giving away free bike helmets while supplies last. The St. Louis Police Department will also be on hand with their canines to demonstrate how the dogs respond to commands. 

See artisans create one-of-a-kind ice sculptures including the American Bald Eagle. Watch Chip Off the Old Block demonstrate how to create an eagle ice sculpture that will be on display until it's melted.

12 to 2 p.m. at the Lewis & Clark Confluence Tower in Hartford, Illinois. Free.

More information: confluencetower.com

Why are some squirrels gray? What do they eat? How do they climb trees? Preschoolers (ages 3 to 6), will learn about squirrels, through listening to stories, playing games and making a craft. Then, they'll go on an outdoor acorn hunt.

9:30 to 11 a.m. At Rockwoods Reservation. For reservations, call 636-458-2236.

More information: mdc.mo.gov