
A Missouri Adventure: The Doris L. Schnuck Children’s Garden at the Missouri Botanical Garden kicks off its fifth season with a number of opening-week festivities April 1 through 4 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The spring festivities, presented by Macy’s, include live music, storytelling, face painting, crafts and educational activities in the Nature Explore Classroom. Kids will have the opportunity to learn about plants we eat and the power of pollination, and they can make a seed packet to take home.
If you have yet to take your kids to the Children’s Garden, you must put it at the top of your list for "nice weather" things to do. Occupying nearly 2 acres west of the Climatron® conservatory, A Missouri Adventure brings botany and 19th-century history to life through a variety of interactive themes with appeal for both kids and adults. Venture into a limestone cave, glide down Spelunker's Slide, explore the wetlands, board a steamboat, climb to new heights in the tree house or visit a Midwestern prairie village.
The Children’s Garden is open April 1 through Oct. 31 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Admission is $5 per child ages 3 to 12; adults' entry is included with general Garden admission. New this year, St. Louis City and County residents get in free on Wednesday and Saturday mornings to the Garden AND the Children's Garden. Click here for a full schedule of opening-week festivities.
By Amy Burger, events blogger for SmartParenting
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.
Delight in brilliant, colorful light displays with spectacular photo opportunities throughout the Zoo during Wild Lights. Walk through two tunnels with dazzling lights, and enjoy themed displays featuring snowflakes, candy canes, gumdrops, penguins, polar bears, tigers, giraffes and much more at this St. Louis family-favorite holiday tradition. New this year: Visits with Santa!
Santa is making a stop at The Butterfly House before he makes his trip around the world, and he wants to enjoy a meal with your family! Enjoy a delicious dinner, visit Santa's Workshop and Mrs. Claus's Cookie Kitchen, and have your picture taken with the guest of honor - Santa!
Experience the holiday lights at Winter Wonderland in Tilles Park, where you'll find two million beautiful holiday lights and animated displays.
Your family can enjoy a gourmet, festive breakfast buffet complete with a visit from the man of the hour: Santa.
Santa's Reindeer have been busy hiding candy canes in Kirkwood Park. Some have prizes attached to them. Kids can come early to decorate a hunting bag. Check-in begins at 9:30 a.m. The hunt starts at 10 a.m., and after the hunt, kids can take pictures with Santa. Pre-registration is required.