Jen Roberts
When my kids were younger, I used to love taking them on adventures in and around St. Louis. Now, I take my niece and nephews on what we call “Aunt Jen and Evelyn Days” (or Henry or Eddie, depending on which kid I’m taking out). I organize these days around the interests of whichever child I have, while sneaking in an activity or two that I hope will expand their world in some way.
On a recent day with the youngest, Eddie, who loves worms and anything that crawls, we visited the new Anne O’C. Albrecht Nature Playscape in Forest Park. By the time we left, he and I both were covered in mud. On another outing, Henry and I ended up at the Science Center, where we explored ancient Egypt and mummies. And not long ago, Evelyn and I embarked on a hike in Kirkwood Park.
We want kids to explore, learn, and grow up curious about the world—and we’re lucky to have so many options in St. Louis to do so. This issue’s “Family Fun” feature (p. 16) highlights just a handful of engaging options that the entire family can enjoy. We share six new area attractions, for instance, including the interactive Primate Canopy Trails exhibit at the Saint Louis Zoo. If your family leans toward even more action-packed adventures, then consider some of the best places for climbing, mountain biking, and paddleboarding in the area. And a bit farther afield, there is an array of day trips—from exploring lavender fields to traveling across the Mississippi River on the Grafton Ferry—that offer a sense of adventure and can still have you back at home in time for bed.
Youth sports are, of course, another way to get kids engaged in the community. As this month’s feature on youth sports (p. 24) explores, while the pandemic left some children on the sidelines, it also provided an opportunity for athletes to reexamine their commitments. Writer Mike Miller shares how the COVID-19 pandemic shaped sports and the ways local athletes have persevered. And there’s more to come: The region’s impressive soccer scene only continues to heat up as the kickoff of Major League Soccer team St. Louis CITY SC approaches.
After soccer practice, grab a bite to eat at one of the region’s many family-friendly restaurants (p. 40)—topped off with ice cream.
And for quieter days at home, check out St. Louis experts’ favorite puzzles and games (p. 38), as well as recommendations from St. Louis County Library’s Hannah Komasinski about books that introduce kids to other cultures around the globe (p. 14).
Even at a time when it’s more challenging to travel with kiddos, it’s still possible to create lasting memories right here in St. Louis.
