Great Outdoors

1. August A. Busch Conservation Nature Center
Where: 2360 Highway D
How much: Free
More info: mdc.mo.gov/areas/cnc/busch/
Guided nature hikes, including many nighttime adventures, are scheduled weekly.


2. Grant's Farm
Where: 10501 Gravois Road
How much: Free, $10 parking
More info: www.grantsfarm.com
Thankfully, InBev has kept the Clydesdales on the payroll. The 281-acre Busch ancestral estate features more than 100 animal species.


3. Fishing
Where: Numerous local and state parks
How much: Free
More info: mdc.mo.gov/areas/stlouis/fish
The Fish St. Louis website offers a comprehensive guide to local fishing spots, rules and programs.

4. Powder Valley Conservation
Nature Center
Where: 11715 Cragwold Road
How much: Free
More info: mdc.mo.gov/areas/cnc/powder/
In addition to the hiking trails, a nature museum and wildlife library, Powder Valley also hosts free events weekly, such as the Wonderful Worms program (March 14).


5. Purina Farms
Where: 200 Checkerboard Drive, Gray Summit
How much: Free
More info: www.purina.com/purina-farms
Beautiful grounds and a small farm are just the right scale for young children.


6. Suson Park
Where: 6059 Wells Road
How much: Free
More info: www.stlouisco.com/parks
This working farm features goats, pigs, chicken, horses and cows. Pack a picnic and enjoy stocked lakes and a large playground.


7. Trailnet Family Fun Rides
Where: Various locations
How much: Free or small fee
More info: www.trailnet.org
Trailnet hosts several family fun rides each year, including the free Pedal in Our Parks series.


8. Wabash Frisco and Pacific Railroad Association
Where: Grand Avenue, Glencoe
How much: $3
More info: www.wfprr.com
The 12-gauge Wabash Frisco and Pacific Railroad provides stunning views of the Meramec River.


Culture Club

9. Laumeier Sculpture Park
Where: 12580 Rott Road
How much: Free
More info:
www.laumeiersculpturepark.org
Outdoor sculpture park includes more than 100 acres of hiking trails and whimsical sculptures.


10. Cahokia Mounds
Where: 30 Ramey Street, Collinsville
How much: Free; suggested donation of $4
More info: www.cahokiamounds.com
The mounds and interpretive center explore the region's ancient Mississippian culture.


11. Kemper Presents
Where: Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum at Washington University
How much: Free
More info: www.kemperartmuseum.wustl.edu
Too old for Barney, yet young enough for a bedtime? Then check out the Kemper's cool alternative concerts from 6 to 8 p.m. Fridays. Upcoming highlights include A Bit Shifty (March 13).


12. Lewis & Clark Boathouse and
Nature Center
Where: 1050 Riverside Drive
How much: $3, $1.50 for children
More info: www.lewisandclarkcenter.org
This new museum features exhibits about the habitats and people Lewis and Clark encountered during their journey.


13. Missouri History Museum
Where: Forest Park
How much: Free
More info: www.mohistory.org
Little ones will enjoy Saturday storytelling and crafts; the post glue-stick set will like the theatrical presentations and movies.


14. Family Sundays at St. Louis
Art Museum
Where: Forest Park
How much: Free
More info: www.slam.org
The St. Louis Art Museum provides the materials and the inspiration at these Sunday afternoon workshops.


15. Amazing Science Demonstrations at the St. Louis Science Center
Where: St. Louis Science Center, 5050 Oakland Avenue
How much: Free
More info: www.slsc.org
Mad scientists will deceive your eyes and make your hair stand on end - literally.


16. ZOOmagination Station at the St. Louis Zoo
Where: Forest Park
How much: Free
Toddlers can create animal-themed crafts and explore various habitats at the new ZOOmagination Station.


17. Museum of Transportation
Where: 2967 Barrett Station Road
How much: $6, $4 for children
More info: transportmuseumassociation.org
Freight trains, transit cars, automobiles and even a boat are on display at this sprawling museum. Other activities include the Creation Station play area ($1.50), miniature train ride ($4 for unlimited rides) and plays and puppet shows ($6).


Just For Fun

18. Bookstores
Where: St. Louis region
How much: Free
Borders, Barnes & Noble as well as local shop Pudd'N Head Books all host free story times, but that latte will cost you. Pottery Barn Kids, Whole Foods and Stages Theatre Company also sponsor free story times.


19. Kid Night at Hartford Coffee Company
Where: Hartford Coffee Company, 3974 Hartford Avenue
How much: Free
More info: www.hartfordcoffeecompany.net
This family-friendly south St. Louis coffee shop hosts concerts from 5 to 7 p.m. the first and second Wednesday of the month and family movies at 5:30 p.m. the last Friday of the month.


20. Libraries
Where: St. Louis region
How much: Free
With grocery stores and furniture shops getting into the storytelling business, libraries have stepped up their game. Today, they host movie nights, Guitar Hero competitions and holiday parties.


21. Missouri Botanical Garden Children's Garden
Where: 4344 Shaw Boulevard
How much: $3 for children, adults are free plus regular admission
Oddly, the Children's Garden is short on garden but big on the stuff kids love like tree houses, climbing walls and caves. The Children's Garden is open April through October and is free Saturday mornings.


22. REI Climbing Pinnacle
Where: 1703 South Brentwood Boulevard
How much: $5
More info: www.rei.com/stores/73
All ages are invited to climb the store's 24-foot climbing wall.


23. Blues Hockey Practice
Where: Ice Zone at St. Louis Mills, 5555 St. Louis Mills Boulevard
How much: Free
More info: www.icezoneatmills.com
Vist the Ice Zone website for the St. Louis Blues practice schedule. Once sufficiently inspired by Keith Tkachuk, lace up for a public skate ($5.50, $3 for children).


24. The Kidgits Club St. Louis Mills
Where: 5555 St. Louis Mills Boulevard
How much: $5 annual fee
More info: www.simon.com
Kidgits read books, decorate cookies and enjoy seasonal parties. The Mills also boasts the best indoor playground in town, and a NASCAR SpeedPark.


25. Olympiad Gymnastic Training Centers
Where: Locations in Chesterfield, Ellisville, Florissant, Manchester and St. Peters
How much: $5 or $6 depending on the facility
More info: www.olympiadgymnastics.org
Cheaper than those inflatable attractions, Olympiad hosts open hours where kids can tumble, flip and bounce on the trampoline.


26. St. Louis Carousel
Where: Faust Park, 15189 Olive Boulevard
How much: $1 per ride
More info: www.co.st-louis.mo.us/parks
Hold on tight. This carousel may date from the 1920s, but those horses still have a lot of gas.