Places to Go, Things to Do

Holiday events for kids and families

Young Saint Louis.com got a head start last month on alerting kids about some favorite holiday Places to Go; Things to Do. Be sure to review the November edition for a list of holiday lighting displays that began in November and continue into December.

Also, in this December edition, YSL.com has two special kids' book lists of your holiday reading. The books cover Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa; there's even a book about the Chinese New Year.

Then, this article has some additional unique events in which kids and their families might like to participate.

(YSL.com compiles each month a list of events and activities of special interest to kids and their families. In most cases, items listed are either free or relatively inexpensive.)

Skating with Santa

Kids and families will have a chance to skate with Santa on Saturday, Dec. 8, at the Steinberg Skating Rink in Forest Park. Hours are 1 to 3 p.m.

Admission is $6 for adults and $5 for kids 12 and under. If you haven't any ice skates, rentals are available for $2.50.

For info, visit http://stlouis.missouri.org/citygov/parks/forestpark/
steinberg.html. Or call (314) 367-7465.

Carols at the Garden

The Missouri Botanical Garden will have "Christmas Carols in the Garden" presentations Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 8 and 9. Hours are from 1 to 5 p.m.

There will be holiday songs, Santa in a sleigh and roasted chestnuts, Refreshments include mulled cider, hot chocolate, and Christmas cookies.

For information, call (314) 577-9400 or visit www.mobot.org.

Make your own holiday decorations

If you'd like to try your hand at making your own holiday decorations, the Missouri Department of Conservation has a couple of classes for you.

At the Columbia Bottom Conservation Area, you'll get a chance to make your own one-of-a-kind holiday wreaths from natural materials. That program is Dec. 19 from 1 to 2:30 p.m.

All supplies are provided and the work is all done indoors. Reservations begin on Dec. 5. Call for information and reservations at (314) 877-6014.

To try holiday candle making, there will be two classes on Saturday, Dec. 15, at the Rockwoods Reservation CA in west St. Louis County. The classes are from 10 a.m. to noon and 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Each participant will make a candle to take home. Reservations begin Nov. 3. Call for information and reservations at (636) 458-2236.

Storytelling at History Museum

The Missouri History Museum has storytelling for kids on four Friday and Saturdays in December. The free programs are at 10:30 a.m. on Fridays and l p.m. on Saturdays.

On Dec. 7 and 8, the subject is Winter Wonderland.
On Dec. 14 and 15, the subject is Holiday Hullabaloo.
On Dec. 21 and 22, the subject is Tropical Escape.
On Dec. 27 and 28, the subject is Ujima, a study of Kwanzaa.

Each program involves a hands-on craft exercise.

For information, call (314) 746-4599 or visit www.mohistory.org.

Fish for trout; eat chili at Suson

Kids get a chance to fish for rainbow trout and have a meal of hot chili at Suson Park in south St. Louis County on Saturday, Dec. 8.

The cost is $5 for person and you need a valid Missouri fishing license.

For information and registration, call (636) 391-0922.

Also, if you're into city trout fishing during the winter, check the Winter Trout Hotline at (636) 300-9651 to learn when the MDC is going to be stocking lakes in the St. Louis area. Stocking in the Urban Fishing Program continues through February 2008.

Art at Alton Great River Museum

The "Art All Around Us" photo exhibit done by youth in the St. Louis will be at the National Great Rivers Museum in East Alton, Ill., from Dec. 1 through Jan. 7, 2008. The museum is a part of the Alton Lock and Dam.

Fourteen youth did the photography as part of a St. Louis ArtWorks 2007 program. The kids were serving as apprentices to professional photographers.

The Lock and Dam museum is also filled with displays and exhibits concerning the development of the lock and dam system on the Mississippi River.

For information, call (314) 416-9930, Ext. 111.

Raja's 15th birthday at Zoo

Baby Raja, 15 years ago

If elephants are your favorite, you might like to attend Raja's 15th birthday party at the St. Louis Zoo on Thursday, Dec. 27. The party will be from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Raja is the St. Louis-born male elephant that has been a star attraction since he was born. He's also been the father of baby elephants born recently at the Zoo.

For information, call (314) 781-0900 or visit www.stlzoo.org.

Sign up for 2008 YHEC program

If you'd like to improve your hunting skills, you might like to enroll in the 2008 Youth Hunter Education Challenge (YHEC). This is considered the "graduate studies" program for outdoor skills and safety training.

The kickoff meeting for the 2008 program is scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 4. It runs from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at the Busch Range and Conservation Education Center in St. Charles County.

For information and reservations, call (636) 441-4554.