Free, fun, family-friendly environmental education programs are presented by the naturalists at the World Bird Sanctuary using snakes, parrots, birds and mammals. You and your kids will learn about the amazing creatures that share our planet, and what we can do to help them survive.

11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. At the World Bird Sanctuary, 125 Bald Eagle Ridge Road, Valley Park.

Take leisurely two-hour hike through the oak hickory forest to see what kind of nature is in the woods at the World Bird Sanctuary. An expert naturalist will lead you on your hike-where you may see birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians. Learn about trees, rocks and who knows what else? Each hike  will be a new experience as the seasons change and we encounter different creatures.

9 to 11 a.m.

Take leisurely two-hour hike through the oak hickory forest to see what kind of nature is in the woods at the World Bird Sanctuary. An expert naturalist will lead you on your hike-where you may see birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians. Learn about trees, rocks and who knows what else? Each hike  will be a new experience as the seasons change and we encounter different creatures.

9 to 11 a.m.

Take leisurely two-hour hike through the oak hickory forest to see what kind of nature is in the woods at the World Bird Sanctuary. An expert naturalist will lead you on your hike-where you may see birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians. Learn about trees, rocks and who knows what else! Each hike  will be a new experience as the seasons change and you encounter different creatures.

9 to 11 a.m.

Celebrate Arbor Day at the Lodge of Des Peres with lots of activities for kids to learn about trees and safety in the forest.

Kids can enjoy a children's craft area, free tree seedlings, live music, pictures with Smokey the Bear, food, prizes and see live birds up close thanks to the World Bird Sanctuary.

Free. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at The Lodge of Des Peres, 1050 Des Peres Road.

When it comes to taking your kids out for some family fun, what's better than free?

Our go-to free destination is the Saint Louis Zoo, but it's not on this list.  Don't get me wrong – we love the Zoo with a passion. We are members and go so much we're actually on a first name basis with the anteaters. But the Zoo's reputation proceeds it; everyone knows it's awesome.

So here are the first five of my top ten list of my favorite kid-friendly, free gems of the city. Minus the Zoo, but it's implied.

Celebrate eagles from around the world! Learn more about these majestic creatures as well as fun raptor facts with presentations from World Bird Sanctuary naturalists throughout the day.

Live eagle shows will be presented in the amphitheater, and there will be photo opportunities with a Bald Eagle. Kids can enjoy a craft center, and the entire family can tour the wildlife hospital.

Parking and admission is free.