West County

Looking at a skeleton can give you a key to what the animal is and how it lived. Did it swim, fly, walk or slither? What did it eat? At this nature workshop, kids will take a mystery mammal skull through a special question and answer maze and "key it out" to find out what animal it is.

For ages 7 and up. 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.

At Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center in Kirkwood. Call 314-301-1500 for reservations.

More information: mdc.mo.gov

Step into the nocturnal world of owls at the Owl Prowl at Powder Valley. Discover what owls eat and the unique adaptations that owls possess for life at night.

You'll also learn about the different species of owls that frequent Missouri and what makes them special. Explore the night forest as you search for these amazing creatures during an evening of owling. Please dress for the weather.

Free. For families with kids ages 7 and up. 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. At Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center.

Look out 007 - the Mad Science spy academy is in session! From decoding messages to metal detectors and night vision, kids will have the opportunity to check out spy equipment and even create their own edible messages. They will use the Secret Code Breaker to communicate in code just like real spies. 

With the Undercover Observer, children step into the shoes of spies in action. What looks like an ordinary camera is actually a sneaky surveilance device that lets children spy on the side.

Wonder Works is an exhibit area created especially for young children, and takes curious minds and busy bodies on a fun, learning adventure filled with hands-on, feet-on activities. 

Kids get to jump into the world of classic arcade video games during this fun winter break camp from Bricks 4 Kidz.

Kids will practice engineering as they build the courageous turtles and their wise Japanese rat sensei, Master Splinter. Let's build and play, Ninja Turtle style!

Need some time to shop or just some time for yourself? Drop off your kids at Art Unleashed in Chesterfield for Drop & Shop. They'll unleash their creativity while you finish (or start) your holiday shopping.