
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.
Kids can work on existing gym skills, learn new skills or just play around during Open Gym at Miss Kelly's Gym in Creve Coeur.
Visit the James S. McDonnell Planetarium in Forest Park and see a star show to experience the largest artificial sky in the Western Hemisphere. Star shows are lead LIVE by one of the Planetarium's educators, creating a new and tailored experience for every audience.
Stop in and have some fun in the indoor pool at the Lodge of Des Peres with your little one at this drop-in swim time for kids up to age 6. No pre-registration is needed; Water Waddlers is open to residents and non-residents of Des Peres.
At this free art program for ages 3-6 the focus is on the process of making art rather than the finished product. Dress to get messy!
Storytelling in the Museum is an in-person storytelling event happening at 10:30 a.m. at the Missouri History Museum. This event, perfect for the preschool set, features engaging stories with themes like Grandparents Day, Hispanic Heritage Month, and mealtime. Storytelling in the Museum is free.