Five Great Summer Family Hikes in St. Louis

In honor of Summer Fun Week at St. Louis Kids Magazine's SmartParenting blog, I am going to overcome my fear of snakes and disgust of mosquitoes (I obviously need to stop watching Animal Planet) and start hiking with my family. Maybe I’ll ease into nature with a "Gentle Hike" at Columbia Bottom Conservation Area.

Each second Saturday of June, July and August, a naturalist will take hikers on a flat, paved and short walk to a different part of the Conservation. June’s adventure will travel to the prairie demonstration area in front of the Visitor Center.

This all ages event is great for families with young children or people who have an issue with mobility. No reservations are needed, just show up and hike! The first hike is taking place from 10 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 11. To find out more, please visit Missouri Department Conservation’s website or contact them at (314) 877-6014.

• Saturday, June 4, is National Trails Day. The World Bird Sanctuary is marking the occasion with fun activities for the whole family. Naturalist with live animals will be at interpretation stations along the Sanctuary’s three different trails. Suitable for all ages, this fun event will also have free children’s activities and prizes. National Trails Day at the World Bird Sanctuary is taking place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, June 4. Admission and parking are free. For further details, check out their website or phone them at (636) 861-3225.

• Once you decide it’s time to go hiking on your own, try out St. Louis County’s 30/30 Hiking Program. Out of the County’s 124 miles of trails, 30 paths that take around 30 minutes to complete have been designated with signs and punches at the trailheads. A master map showing all of the program’s locations and individual trail site maps can be downloaded for free online or purchased for $10 at the any of the five Recreation Complexes and Centers. Punch cards are also available for pick-up at the Centers. Once all 30 sites are punched, turn in your card and receive a 30/30 HIKES patch. Even better than the patch, you will have logged in 15 hours of exercise and 55 miles of trails. For additional information about this program, please visit the St. Louis County’s website or call them at (314) 615-8822.

• St. Charles County is highlighting the history and attractions of their parks with the Passport to St. Charles County Parks Walk program. On select days from May to October, hikers can learn about the environment, park history, trails, wildflowers, prairie ecosystem and more on free, guided tours. It’s a great way to discover park attractions, amenities, natural surroundings and features of the area.

Come out on June 11 for History and Horse Riding at Indian Camp Creek Park. With more than 10 miles of multi-use natural trails, Indian Camp Creek Park is a popular destination for equestrians, hikers and bicyclists. Participants meet with local horse enthusiasts to discuss the park’s unique horse features. Afterwards, take a four-mile hike to the historical Cannon family cemetery.

Park visitors who participate in at least four Passport Walks this year will be given a free park souvenir. Remaining walks will be held on July 9, August 13, Sept. 10 and Oct. 8. To learn more or to participate in any of the walks, register online or call (636) 949-7535.

By Andrea Wilson, Events Blogger for SmartParenting