Forever a Place to Explore, Play, Learn

Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow on Groundhog Day, portending six more weeks of winter, and the vernal equinox is still more than two weeks away—on Friday, March 20, at 9:46 a.m. Central Daylight Time for those who are counting. But at Forest Park Forever, we are manifesting spring!

Like many visitors, our team looks forward to this time of renewal in Forest Park. Activity increases. Robins reappear. Pollinators buzz and flutter. Snowdrops, hellebore and crocuses give hints of what’s to come. Vibrant green begins to replace gray and brown throughout the Park. And a new season of educational programs kicks off!

While bulbs were developing their root systems and trees were resting up during dormancy, the Forest Park Forever Education team also used winter to prepare for spring and summer activity. Each year, they collaborate with community members, school districts, colleges, universities and nonprofit organizations to create experiences that deepen visitors’ relationships with nature through exploration, play and learning. These encounters may inspire the next generation—those who hold the future of our community and Forest Park in their hands—to become lifelong learners and Park enthusiasts.

In Forest Park, there are endless opportunities to workout and unwind, enjoy nature and learn something new. So let’s go play!

Spring Field Trips

Spring field trips begin next week, and we’re excited to welcome students back to our outdoor learning spaces. Each year, we host or facilitate field trips for hundreds of children from throughout the St. Louis region. We explore the Anne O’C. Albrecht Nature Playscape, Successional Forest and other areas with educators, who can then self-plan future field trips. These trips expose students to experiential learning outdoors, something many of them may not experience otherwise.

If you are an educator interested in hosting a 2026–27 school year field trip in Forest Park, contact Education Director Maureen Wikete Lee at mwiketelee@forestparkforever.org.

Spring Storytime in Forest Park

In collaboration with the St. Louis Public Library, we host the ever-popular Storytime in Forest Park in spring, summer and fall. Spring Storytime will be held in the Meadow area of the Nature Playscape on Mondays between March 16 and May 18. On Monday, April 13, we’ll celebrate the National Association for the Education of Young Children’s Week of the Young Child with a special music theme. You bring your imagination, and we’ll bring snacks, water and picnic blankets! This event is free and open to children of all ages and their caregivers.

Play Day in the Park

Play Day in the Park is designed to highlight how play and reading shape children’s growth. After last year’s tornado, the St. Louis Science Center generously offered space for Play Day on the grounds of the James S. McDonnell Planetarium. This year, the event is back in its larger, previous location on Langenberg Field, with plenty of room for play opportunities and programs created by 25 partners.

At the fourth annual event, families can explore bubble play, outdoor art, parachute games, sports activities, STEM lab explorations and more. Save the date, Saturday, May 30, for this fun-filled, family-friendly event and stay tuned for more details.

Play Day in the Park is sponsored by the Eric & Evelyn Newman Foundation and presented by Forest Park Forever, St. Louis County Library, St. Louis Public Library, the Saint Louis Science Center and The Magic House.

Play Day in the Park also will kick off the STL Summer Adventure…

STL Summer Adventure

Each year, the Forest Park Forever Education team submits activities to include Forest Park in the STL Summer Adventure, a community reading, exploration and learning program created by St. Louis County Library and St. Louis Public Library. This year, we’re excited to have four learning pathways and activities included:

Learn more about the STL Summer Adventure during Play Day in the Park. Or if you aren’t able to attend, keep an eye on our website and events calendar for more information!

2025 Education Programs in Review

48: School groups who went on field trips
100: Percentage of teachers who’d recommend our field trips
73: Free programs offered
5,151: Program participants
21: ZIP codes represented
Countless: Smiles and memories

Forever a Place for All of Us

As the nonprofit conservancy that maintains Forest Park in partnership with the City of St. Louis, Forest Park Forever employs experts in education, land management, ecology, conservation, park operations, community engagement and visitor services. We’re now using our expertise to integrate long-term tornado recovery into our annual plans and the master plan for Forest Park. There’s still so much work to be done and many ways you can help!

EducationTiffany Webb