The Butterfly House is celebrating earth's living lanterns - fireflies! At the Firefly Festival, families can take a glow walk around the conservatory, an outdoor firefly walk in Faust Park, visit the snack station for cookie decorating, and take part in fun flashlight crafts and games.

8-9:30 p.m. Admission is $10 per person ($8 for members of the Missouri Botanical Garden).

The Butterfly House is celebrating earth's living lanterns - fireflies! At the Firefly Festival, families can take a glow walk around the conservatory, an outdoor firefly walk in Faust Park, visit the snack station for cookie decorating, and take part in fun flashlight crafts and games.

8-9:30 p.m. Admission is $10 per person ($8 for members of the Missouri Botanical Garden).

The Butterfly House is celebrating earth's living lanterns - fireflies! At the Firefly Festival, families can take a glow walk around the conservatory, an outdoor firefly walk in Faust Park, visit the snack station for cookie decorating, and take part in fun flashlight crafts and games.

8-9:30 p.m. Admission is $10 per person ($8 for members of the Missouri Botanical Garden).

Kids ages 3-5 can investigate the fascinating insects that make the Shaw Nature Reserve their home. They'll discover that bugs can be a good thing to have around as they learn about the natural world. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

9:30-11 a.m. $12 per child. Meet at the Visitors Center. At Shaw Nature Reserve, Highway 100, south of I-44 at exit #253, Gray Summit, MO  63039.

Now that warmer weather is (hopefully) here to stay, St. Louis parents are once again on the lookout for exciting local destinations that offer outdoor adventures the entire family can enjoy.

We’re lucky to live in a city that offers so many – Grant’s Farm, the CityGarden, the Saint Louis Zoo, the list goes on and on – but it’s the Doris I. Schnuck Children’s Garden that currently tops the list as my own family’s personal favorite.
 
Nestled on almost two acres of land within the Missouri Botanical Garden, the Children’s Garden offers a variety of opportunities for hands-on learning and imaginative play, all within a beautiful, peaceful, and natural setting. Since opening in 2006, this hidden gem has become a favorite outdoor destination for local families, and with good reason.

Wondering if it's worth your time to plan a visit this season? Consider these 10 reasons why the Children's Garden is one seasonal adventure you don't want to miss.   

This drop-in class will teach families a variety of games that can be played outdoors with few or no materials required. Stop by the Nature Explore Classroom for a few minutes, or an hour, to hear what our volunteer Teacher Naturalists have to teach you about these fun and easy nature games that can be enjoyed by kids and adults alike. No registration is required.

9:30 a.m. to noon. At Shaw Nature Reserve, Highway 100, south of I-44 at exit #253, Gray Summit, MO  63039.

This class is designed to give families a chance to enjoy fun, nature-based experiences together. After a short hike to the pond, we'll learn about the plants and animals who call it home. Using nets from the shore and free-floating docks, we'll explore the watery world. 

Once we've collected our organisms, we'll investigate who they are and what role they play in the pond.  Before our hike back, we'll release all organisms. Please register, spots are limited.