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.
Is it time to potty train your toddler? The St. Louis County Library is offering Potty Training 101 to parents of children ages 2-3. This free workshop for parent and child includes a potty-themed storytime, and parents & caregivers will receive information to get them started on the potty training process. Attendees will also receive a potty seat, step stool, training pants and a potty-themed board book.
Bring your babies and toddlers to this free story time at the Missouri History Museum.
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 Juneteenth, Sweet Treats, Summer and more. Storytelling in the Museum is free.
