Places to Go, Things to Do

Cahokia Mounds Kids' Day and more

The Cahokia Mounds historic site will held its annual Kids' Day in May. That's just one of a host of outdoor events and activities this month for kids and their families.

Each month, Young Saint Louis.com puts together a list of upcoming events or activities that young St. Louis area kids and their families might like to attend. Most of the events are either free or have a relatively low cost.

Sometimes, one or more of our major home-page articles also deal with upcoming events of special interest to kids. For instance, this month, YSL.com features a picture feature for the 26th annual St. Louis Storytelling Festival.

This May 3-6 event includes a special concert where young kids do the storytelling. (See the Home Page for details.)

For these and more Places to Go, Things to Do, read on:

 

Cahokia Mounds Kids Day

The annual Kids Day celebration at the Cahokia Mounds historic site will be Sunday, May 21. Hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

There will be hands-on activities including flintknapping, pottery making, Indian games, corn grinding and spear throwing. There will be demonstrations by Indian dance groups.

For complete information, visit www.cahokiamounds.com.

 

Botanical Garden's Underground World of Caves

The Missouri Botanical Garden will sponsor an unusual event on Saturday, May 6. "The Underground World of Caves" class for families will be at the Meramec State Park from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Participants will explore Mushroom Cave at the state park. The cave is a good one for people enjoying their first caving experience. The cave provides lots of headroom but people are advised that they will get muddy.

The event is for families with children 9 and up. For more information, call Shaw Nature Reserve at (636) 451-3512 or visit www.shawnature.org.

 

History Museum's Twilight Tuesdays

The Missouri History Museum's popular outdoor concert series, Twilight Tuesdays, start May 2 and run six consecutive Tuesdays. Each concert runs from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. and admission is free.

Famed guitarist Billy Peek will open the series May 2. Other headliners will be The Bob Kuban Brass, El Caribe Tropical, the Bosman Twins, The Baker-McClaren Band and ending with the Fabulous Motown Revue.

For more information, visit www.mohistory.org.

 

Science Center's Race for the Stars

The St. Louis Science Center's Race for the Stars run/walk will be Saturday, May 20, starting at 7:30 a.m.

The fund-raiser is a good family event with races for all skill levels and distances.

Races include a 5K wheelchair event, 10K run, 5K run-walk and ½ mile Fun run-walk. There are events for individuals, families and teams. You'll compete for great prizes. There are also age divisions for both men and women.

For information, call (314) 286-4633 or visit www.slsc.org.

 

MDC Mobile Aquarium

Up to 25 Missouri native fish species are on display as the Missouri Department of Conservation's Mobile Aquarium continues its area showings. On Saturday, May 20, the aquarium will be at the Meramec Spring Kids Fishing Day.

The Meramec Springs Trout Park is six miles west of St. James, Mo.

Fisheries biologists and professional anglers will give fishing tips and demonstrate fishing techniques.

For information, call (636) 441-4554 or visit www.mdc.mo.gov/fish/kids/mobileaqua/

 

Laumeier Family Scavenger Hunt

Families are invited to a "Scavenge Through the Night" event at Laumeier Sculpture Park on Friday, May 19. Hours are from 7 to 10 p.m.

You'll get a special art experience as family members search for items and clues on your scavenger list amid the park's giant outdoor sculpture. Be sure to bring flashlights.

Advanced registration is required. Call (314) 355-7374. Cost is $8 per person.

Check other May events at other St. Louis County parks by going to www.stlouisco.com.

 

Rylee's Grampa's Friends

An afternoon of songs and stories to benefit cancer kids will be held Saturday, May 27, at the Royale Restaurant at 3132 S. Kingshighway. Hours are from noon to 4 p.m.

Admission is free but donations will be accepted for the American Cancer Society and Camp Sunrise at YMCA Trout Lodge.

The event is part of the YMCA Partner Campaign. For more Rylee's event information, you can call (314) 541-4620 or visit www.Ryleesgrampa.com . For information about YMCA Partner Campaign, visit www.ymcastlouis.org/giving/partner.html

 

Trailnet Bicycle Fun Club Rides

There are four different Trailnet-sponsored Bicycle Fun Club rides during May. Three of them are in Illinois and are tied to community events that offer more fun after the rides.

Chain of Rocks Bridge Parking To enhance the visitor experience on the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge, monitored parking at the bridge will begin Monday, May 1. Hours will be 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The fee for parking will be $2 per vehicle and $10 for 15-passenger or larger vehicles. Walkers and bicyclists entering the bridge from the St. Louis Riverfront Trail and the MCT Confluence Trail will not be charged. Trailnet officials said the fee parking "will ensure a convenient and comfortable parking experience for those visiting the bridge."

The first BFC ride is the River des Peres Ramble on Sunday, May 7. The ride starts and ends in Carondelet Park. Registration for the ride begins at 9:30 a.m. This ride will include new bicycle trails along the River des Peres.

The next Saturday, May 13, the Lewis & Clark "Departure Days" Ride and Recumbent Rally will start at Russell Commons Park, in Alton, Ill. Registration begins 9:30 a.m. All routes lead to the Lewis and Clark Historic Site. There are displays, food and drinks.

On Sunday, May 21, the Berry Bicycle Ride and Strawberry Festival Ride begins and ends in St. Jacob, Ill. Registration starts at 8:30 a.m. The ride coincides with the St. Jacob Strawberry Festival so refreshments include strawberry shortcake.

On Monday, May 29, the BFC ride is the Great Pizza Ride and Recumbent Rally at Millstadt, Ill. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. At the end of the ride, Breadeaux Pizza will have all-you-can-eat pizza and drinks for an additional charge.

For additional ride information, visit the Trailnet website at www.trailnet.org.