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.
Explore the special exhibit The Missouri Immigrant Experience and enjoy a day of interactive learning about other places in the world. Families can listen to stories about people around the world, learn a few basic phrases in different languages, make traditional art, hear live music and go on a scavenger hunt.
All activities are free. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Missouri History Museum
More information: mohistory.org
As the St. Louis area’s only all-girls school for grades 1-5, Visitation Academy celebrates
the unique way girls learn and instills confidence and self-esteem. At Visitation, girls are free to express opinions, ask questions, excel in academics and athletics, develop talents, and become leaders.
Bring your family to Cardinals Nation Restaurant on select Wednesday nights for Family Night with Fredbird! Meet Fredbird from 6:30-7:30 p.m., play games and win prizes! Kids 12 and under eat free per adult meal purchased.
The magical sights of the Gateway Arch Park Foundation's Winterfest return to downtown St. Louis this holiday season. Winterfest includes family fun, beautiful holiday lights, s'mores stations, ice skating and festive activities and fireworks, plus special character visits and a New Year's Eve celebration.
Join in on First Art, a free art program for toddlers where the focus is on the process of making art rather than the finished product. Dress to get messy!
Visit The Magic House for Toddler Time, a special early-morning program for toddlers. Children age 1-4 can take part in exhibits and exclusive interactive activities designed just for little ones. There are new themes every week!
Open Gym at Miss Kelly's Gym is an opportunity for any child to have supervised free play in the gym. They can work on existing skills, try something new, or simply play around. It is completely up to them! Open Gym is open to both members and non-members ages 12 and under.