Take a break from the holiday frenzy and introduce the kids to animal tracks, leaf print art and nature tales.
The Missouri Department of Conservation hosts these free events for all ages.
Tracks and Sign
Each day, December 27 – 30, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Anita B. Gorman Conservation Discovery Center, 4750 Troost Ave., Kansas City, MO
Have you ever wondered what animal left tracks in your yard? Do you know what scat is? During the holiday break the Discovery Center will help kids learn how to identify wildlife based on their tracks as well as other signs they leave behind. There will be hands-on activities like sawdust track prints and the scat challenge. No registration is required.
Leaf Print Art
Saturday, December 31, 10 a.m. – Noon
Burr Oak Woods Nature Center, 1401 NW Park Rd., Blue Springs, MO
Splash some color into your winter by making a unique leafy print. Using rubber leaves and printing ink, acrylic, or tempura paints, young artists can create a frame-worthy leaf print to take home. Play games to discover what trees do for you and wildlife. For more information, email [email protected]. No registration is required.
Rockin’s & Readin’ Nature Tales
Saturday, December 31, 11 a.m. – Noon
Burr Oak Woods Nature Center, 1401 NW Park Rd., Blue Springs, MO
Join a story hour of nature adventures. Children (ages 2+) will meet butterflies, birds, mammals and an assortment of creatures. For more information email [email protected]. No registration is required.
Photo: Stanley Zimney // CC BY