St. Louis Area Summer Programs

Our summer programs offer close encounters with nature and fun hands-on activities.

Registration Information

  • Programs are offered June through August.
  • All programs begin no earlier than 9:30 a.m., depending on location.
  • Programs are 45 minutes per session. One program per age group and site.
  • A minimum of 15 children and a maximum of 25 per session.
    A max of 100 children per site.
  • Programs are FREE!
  • Registration is on a first come, first served basis.
  • Contact us at stlouis@mdc.mo.gov to request a “Summer Program Request Form” or contact one of our offices listed below for more information.

Site Visit: We Come to You!

NOTE: These programs can also be conducted at our sites.

Ages 3–6 years old

Be a Bird

Take a close look at a bird's wings, feet, and beak. Learn how these body parts and other adaptations are essential for a bird to survive in the wild. After a short bird discussion, we will use wings, feet, and beaks to practice bird survival techniques.

Turtles for Tots

It's time for turtles! How are turtles different from other animals? Where do they live? What do they eat? This fun and interactive program will answer these questions by introducing participants to the ancient reptile that carries its home on its back.

Frog Chorus

Discover Missouri's frogs and toads! Let's learn about the life cycle of frogs and toads, meet some live animals, and make a frog chorus.

Ages 7+

Reptiles of Missouri

Lizards and turtles and snakes. Oh my! What makes an animal a reptile? Find out the answers to this question and touch live reptiles in this fun program.

Wild in the City

Buildings, cars, trucks...and coyotes? Which animals call the city their home? Discover how and where many of our furry, feathered, and scaly city residents live. Touch real mammal pelts.

Bear Aware

Find out about the interesting lives of black bears in Missouri, play the "Bear Necessities" survival game, and learn to be "Bear Aware" to help keep both bears and people safe.

Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center

314-301-1500 | 11715 Cragwold Rd. Kirkwood, MO 63122

Ages 3–6 years old

Tree-rific!

Roots, trunk, branches, and leaves, these are all the parts of a tree. From seed to sapling to a mature tree, it grows like you and me. Become a tree and learn its lifecycle through movement and exploration.

Making Sense of Nature

Let's get outside, explore, and discover nature! Both people and animals depend on all their senses to understand their surroundings. Look, listen, touch, and smell while we explore nature in the forest.

Ages 7+

Going Buggy!

Discover how an insect lives. Explore the awesome adaptations and lifestyle of an insect. Experience the world through the eyes of an insect and join in a six-legged relay race.

Nature Games

Play a variety of nature-related games such as: Bat/Moth, Turtle Troubles, and Animal Charades. The Naturalists will determine the game or games played based on available time.

Rockwoods Reservation

636-458-2236| 2751 Glencoe Wildwood, MO 63038

And

August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area

636-441-4554| 2360 Highway D St. Charles, MO 63304

All Ages

Aquatic Studies

Explore an aquatic habitat to sample and identify the animals who live there. Learn about food chains and how aquatic ecosystems depend on humans to remain clean and healthy.

Guided Hikes

Naturalist-led hikes are a great way to learn more about our sites and the animals and plants that live there. Groups that are interested in a guided hike can request a specific trail or get a recommendation from our Naturalists.

Ages 7+

Habitats of Missouri

All animals need food, water, shelter, and space for survival, and different habitats support different types of animals. We will compare two different habitats on site and talk about what they can offer animals.
*Presentation may include a live animal.

The Buzz on Pollinators

What is a pollinator and how do they pollinate flowers? Discover a few of Missouri's pollinators, and learn about ways you can "bee-friend" native pollinators. Use nets to explore insect habitat and catch them to observe.

Tower Grove Park

314-301-1500 | 4257 Northeast Dr. St. Louis, MO 63110

Ages 3-6 years old

Making Sense of Nature

Let's get outside, explore, and discover nature! Both people and animals depend on all their senses to understand their surroundings. Look, listen, touch, and smell while we explore nature in the park.

All Ages

Trees and Leaves!

Explore the topic of trees in Tower Grove Park. The content of this program varies based on age group

Ages 7+

Nature Games

Play a variety of nature-related games such as: Bat/Moth, Turtle Troubles, and Animal Charades. The Naturalists will determine the game or games played based on available time.

The Buzz on Pollinators

What is a pollinator and how do they pollinate flowers? Discover a few of Missouri's pollinators, and learn about ways you can "bee-friend" native pollinators. Use nets to explore insect habitat and catch them to observe.