Des Peres Parks & Recreation Department

The Kirkwood Parks and Recreation Department is committed to providing a variety of leisure experiences to the citizens of Kirkwood, as well as residents of surrounding communities. Our goal is to enhance the quality of life through the programs we offer, the events we host, and the facilities we provide, while preserving and maintaining natural areas, open space and native habitat. We will strive to provide the highest level of service to our citizens, while balancing the needs of the present and those of future generations.

Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center is nestled within 112 acres of oak hickory forest in a quiet corner of a busy urban world. Our name comes from the historical use of the general vicinity for manufacture and storage of explosive powder used in the Civil War and World War II. Leave your chaotic lifestyle behind and escape to the tranquility of nature.The area has three trails, one of which has interpretive signs and is disabled accessible. Naturalists conduct interpretive programs on numerous conservation topics for schools, homeschool families, civic groups, and the general public.

The nature center has two levels of exhibits related to backyard wildlife and conservation practices in urban areas.

Fish feeding in the large aquarium occurs at 2:00 p.m. on Saturdays.

Our gift shop sells MDC produced publications, and educational gift items, as well as licenses. Please: No pets allowed on the area. It is against the law to collect mushrooms from the area.Not-for-profit groups with a conservation mission statement may apply to use the nature center classrooms as meeting room space on Tuesdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and on the 1st through 4th Tuesday evening each month from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on a space available basis.

HOURS: Building hours: Tuesday through Saturday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Gift shop closes at 4:30 p.m.) Closed all state holidays. Area hours: Open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. during daylight saving time, and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. the rest of the year.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center, 11715 Cragwold Rd., Kirkwood, MO 63122-7000; Phone 314/301-1500; Fax 314/301-1501.

Kirkwood Public Library is books and much more! 

Storytime, youth classes, preschool learning kits and much more!

Free Forest School – St. Louis Nature Preschool Group

Free Activities for Kids in St. Louis
 

Free Forest School of St. Louis is a free group, open to young children and their parents or caregivers. This is a welcoming and non-judgmental group where parents and caregivers can practice giving children space and autonomy to explore and create in nature.

Free Forest School of St. Louis meets weekly throughout the year at nearby wilderness areas. We share a snack, take a hike, play in the woods, and have circle time. Parents get a chance to unplug and step back… Kids and their imaginations take the lead! Join our group.

St. Louis Family Meetup

A social group that meets at least once a week. It is my goal to encourage, equip, and engage your family to GET OUT, GET CONNECTED, AND GET INVOLVED. Meet up with other parents and their children, in your community, and most importantly connect with your own children. People go to Meetups so they can do more of what’s most important to them. By coming together around shared interests, we move our lives forward, and we make our towns and cities stronger, healthier, happier places— getting closer to Meetup’s vision of a world full of real community.

Our Meetup is a great way to offer timely childcare resources and FREE admission to the coolest "haps" in St. Louis. Hopefully you will benefit from our Discussion and Pages forums, which will benefit your family, community, and the city of St. Louis. Our organization strives to offer a cultural and educational experience, as we explore what St. Louis has to offer, which we know there is much! We have grown to be a force in St. Louis and the Kirkwood community!