It’s time to get outside and have an adventure!
Updated: Aug 27, 2021
This post is part of a partnership with St. Louis Parks and Recreation.
In my opinion, if you had to highlight a positive about the pandemic, it would be that we spent more time outdoors over the last year. We started getting creative with our time and soaking up nature was a highlight for my family. Brian and I recently talked about how we wanted to start exploring more parks and outdoor events in our area.
Recently, Lu told me she wanted to ask Santa for a Barbie bike and a Barbie helmet. I told her that was a good idea, and I didn’t think much about it after she asked. I came across an event happening at the North County Recreation Complex and it caught my attention because I realized that once Lu gets a bike, she needs to know the importance of safety while riding that bike. I don’t feel completely equipped to provide her with that information, so I’m thankful for bike safety events, like this one:
Bike Safety Day - Saturday 6/12 10 a.m.-Noon
Ride your bike out to North County Recreation Complex for a day of education and fun! We’ll have an obstacle course in the parking lot, bike tune ups, and giveaways. Call (314) 615-8840 for more information.
Sometimes (let’s be honest, LOTS of times) Mom and Dad need a break and need to go out and have some fun on a date night (fun isn’t just for kids 😉). Often times the question of what to do for date night comes up and there aren’t a lot of good options. I think this is a fun and different approach to date night. Plus, us adults get the pool to ourselves!!!!:
Sunset Swim - Fridays 6/25, 7/30, 8/27 7:30-10 p.m.
Come out and enjoy music, delicious eats catered by food trucks and free giveaways after the sun sets at the St. Vincent Water Park. The park will be extending our pool hours on the last Friday of each month this summer for our 21 and older Sunset Swim. No pre-registration required. $10 in advance; $16 day of.
I like for the girls to participate in “adventures” and do something they wouldn’t have the opportunity to do on a regular basis. I try and incorporate an “adventure” once a month and I often turn to St. Louis Parks and Recreation to find those “adventures”. Secretly, I look for an “adventure” that I’m interested in too! Normally, building a bat house and visiting a bat cave isn’t something I would entertain, but the girls have been watching “Vampirana” on Disney + and they have been asking questions about bats, so I may have to suck it for them:
Bat House Building with a Cave Visit - Saturday 7/10 9-11 a.m. Sunday 8/15 9-11 a.m
Join Park Rangers to learn about the amazing bats that live in Missouri, build a bat house for your yard and then take a walk up to Cliff Cave and go inside to see if we can spot some of the bats that live there. Bring your own hammer, all other building supplies will be provided. For the hike to the cave, no sandals or open-toed shoes are allowed. The entrance to the cave is a small gate that you will need to maneuver through. We will be viewing the main entryway to the cave; this is not the full cave tour. Flashlights are recommended. Pre-registration required. Call (314) 615-8822. Parental supervision is required. $12/person, Cliff Cave Park Riverside Shelter
What’s better than a family friendly fun FREE event with tons to do and see?!? Let’s be honest, Summer activities can get pricey, and you have to limit what activities your child participates in. That’s the case in our household, so whenever I see a FREE event, I’m going to take notice. (I prefer to think of myself as being “cost effective” whenever I’m looking for FREE events):
Touch a Truck Event at Jefferson Barracks Park - Friday 8/13 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Come check out St. Louis County Parks 1st Annual Touch a Truck Event. It will feature bucket trucks, backhoes, bobcats, St. Louis County Police vehicles, dump trucks & more! The event will be in the tiered parking lots by the amphitheater. It is free for all to attend. Food trucks will be on site for food and beverage purchases.
A night off cooking dinner for the family? SIGN ME UP!!! And I’m a sucker for a good costume or theme wear:
Chuckwagon Dinner - Saturday 9/11 4-7 p.m.
Come and get it! After a long day on the trail, come to Thornhill in Faust Park, gather round the fire and eat your fill from our chuck wagon! Put on your best western wear or trail duds and bring all the family buckaroos for an evening of old time games and cooking. Reservations must be made in advance and space is limited so please call (314) 615-8328. Adults $20, Children 3-12 $10, 2 and under free.
St. Louis Parks and Recreation offers options for all ages. Spend some time on their site to see what best fits your interests and needs.