Places to Go, Things to Do

Spring, summer and history events to see

There are some neat historical events to see in March. But, it isn't too early to plan for spring and summer activities. Also check out summer camp registrations.

Each month, Young Saint Louis.com gives advance notice of local activities that would be fun for kids and their families to attend. Some are events for March, Others will be farther in the future but need registration in March.

The events:

Kids get free money at 3-Flags ceremony

The 200th anniversary reenactment of the famous 3-Flags ceremony is scheduled for St. Louis March 9-14. One special thing for kids is the U.S. Mint giving away new Louisiana Purchase nickels.

The original 3-Flags ceremony in 1804 was when Spain deeded territory to France and France re-deeded Louisiana Purchase land to the United States. All that happened in two days on the St. Louis riverfront some 200 years ago.

The actual flag reenactment ceremony is scheduled for the Gateway Arch on Sunday, March 14.

Just before the Sunday ceremony, the U.S. Mint is giving away new nickels to all kids 12 and under. Adults and collectors have to pay for their newly-minted coins.

The 3-Flags festivities are actually a six-day event, March 9-14, with events at several locations.

Others of special interest to kids include the Tent of Many Voices and a special original ArtCorps sculpture. The Tent of Many Voices has special storytelling. Two artists will be on hand to install the unique sculpture.

Both of those events are to be held near The Muny in Forest Park.

For a complete listing of 3-Flags events and how to attend, go to: www.umsl.edu/~loupurch/3flags.html.

Battle of Military Miniatures

On that same March weekend, the St. Louis Parks Department will host the games event call the Battle of Military Miniatures at Jefferson Barracks Park.

The Big Muddy Historic Gaming Alliance uses hundreds of military miniatures to show strategy for past military battles. The battles include the Persians vs. Spartans, Grant vs. Lee in the Civil War and the British vs. Germany in the African desert during WWII.

For details on this and other park events in March go to www.stlouisco.com/parks.

Art of the Osage Indians

The St. Louis Art Museum is opening a big exhibit of art of the Osage Indians on March 11.

The Osage figured prominently in the Lewis&Clark Journey of Discovery. The Art Museum has launched its exhibition as a part of St. Louis' 200th anniversary of that journey from St. Louis to the Pacific.

For more information, see the museum's website at www.slam.org.

Getting ready for the birds of spring, summer

The Missouri Department of Conservation has some classes to help you get ready for birdwatching in the spring and summer. Also, there's a class to help you bring the birds to your yard.

At the Rockwoods Reservation, there are two bird classes especially for elementary-age kids and families. On March 22, kids ages 7 to 10 are invited to a Birds of a Feather class to help you spot migratory birds coming back to Missouri.

Then, on March 26, there's a Beginning Birds class for families. You'll learn the basics of bird identification and get some practice finding birds with binoculars.

For information and registration, call (636) 458-2236.

At the Busch Conservation Area, there's a Summer of Song class on March 13. This will help you make a garden and trim your deck to invite one of Missouri's greatest songsters, the house wren.

There's also lessons in building houses to attract the wrens.

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

New reservation opportunities for campgrounds

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has plans to expand its reservation system in Missouri state parks this summer.

Last year was the first time you could make reservations in state parks and campgrounds. A total of 2,000 campsites in 24 state parks were opened.

This year, 350 more sites in 10 state parks and historic sites have been added.

For a list of the parks and how to make reservations, see www.mostateparks.com. For reservations, you can call 1-877-422-6766.

Gifted Resource Council's Summer Academies

It's not too early to make reservations for the Gifted Resource Council's 2004 Summer Academies. The academies are scheduled for June and July.

Because the academies fill up quickly, now would be a good time to call for information and make reservations. The number is (314) 962-5920.

The academies which help kids improve their knowledge and creativity are on various subjects. For elementary and middle school kids, there the Ancient Academy and Space Academy.

There's also a Advanced Space Academy, which includes a trip to Chicago. There, the kids will go to the Adler Planetarium and the Astronomy Museum.

For information, see the GRC's website at www.cybam.com/grc.