Now that warmer temperatures have arrived, it’s a great time to get the family outside and break the cabin fever that’s been lingering all winter. What better way to get “back to nature” than a hike in the woods.
Many people may be unaware that there’s an amazing hiking spot right in southwest St. Louis County at the Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center.
Located just off highways 270 and 44 in Sunset Hills, Powder Valley features three miles of paved trails through 112 acres of majestic forest. The sloping rocky woods are a haven of towering trees and tangled vines. Entire families of deer and other wildlife can be spotted and each season renews the landscape. Give the kids a hands-on nature lesson and relax your frame of mind as you wander the trails.
Trails are open daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and the center also offers special events and classes, such as “Tap. Tap Tap. Woodpeckers!” a class for kids ages 3-6 being offered on Thursday, March 18 from 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. during which kids will hear a story and make suet feeders to take home. Check the center’s blog for regular updates on events and classes: http://www.powdervalleynature.blogspot.com and put on your hiking shoes!
Amy Burger, Events Blogger for Smart Parenting
Amy Burger is a mom, freelance writer and communications professional with nearly 20 years experience working in St. Louis. Her work has appeared in numerous publications and media outlets including STL Parent, Missouri Life magazine, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Town & Style and kdhx.org, among others. When she's not working, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two beautiful girls at home in Kirkwood.
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.