In just a few short days the first official day of winter will be here, December 21. Whether you are a fan of freezing cold temperatures or you prefer to stay indoors this time of year, we’ve got you covered. Head to Forest Park this winter season to boost those winter blues!

ICE SKATING

Grab your skates, or rent some, and head to the Midwest’s largest outdoor ice skating rink, Steinberg Skating Rink in Forest Park. The Skating Rink is open every single day including holidays. You can keep up-to-date with their hours and offerings on their Facebook page.

SLEDDING ON ART HILL OR THE NUMEROUS OTHER (LESS CROWDED) HILLS IN THE PARK

Snow is up compared to last year already in St. Louis, including one big dump in November. What does that mean? Creating memories by sledding down Art Hill. Our friends at the City of St. Louis Parks Department added firepits at the top to help keep you and your friends and family warm.

VIEW THE HOLIDAY LIGHTS

With over a million lights at the Saint Louis Zoo’s U.S. Bank Wild Lights and over 100,000 at Saint Louis Science Center’s new display Science Illuminated, you can get your holiday light fix without having to leave the Park.

FREE MUSEUMS

Free museums in Forest Park bring hundreds and thousands of visitors here. Head to the Park to see the many free exhibits happening now. Visit the Saint Louis Art Museum’s FREE Kehinde Wiley exhibit until February 10 or the new Printing Abstraction exhibit until May 31. Take a look back at the Muny’s past 100 years at the Muny Memories exhibit at the Missouri History Museum. Have you not had time to check out the latest interactive exhibit at the Saint Louis Science Center? No better time than this winter to check out GameXPloration with tons of free games for you to experience.

EXERCISE YOUR WAY AROUND FOREST PARK

Put on those cold weather tights and get ready to conquer the recreational paths of Forest Park. Let the picturesque six-mile loop release endorphins to kick those winter blues away.

HAVE A PROGRESSIVE MEAL AROUND THE PARK

We are lucky to have an array of cuisines offered right here in Forest Park. Take a progressive tour around the Park to discover them. Start off with an artistic style brunch at Panorama at the Saint Louis Art Museum. Work up your next appetite by walking to your lunch spot. Choose from Cafe St. Louis at the Missouri History Museum or many of the fast casual choices at the Saint Louis Zoo or Saint Louis Science Center.  Finish out the day in front of the fire at the Boathouse in Forest Park while looking out on (the possibly frozen) Post-Dispatch Lake.

PEOPLE WATCH

The hub of Forest Park, the Dennis & Judith Jones Visitor’s Center, will warm your heart. Enjoy free wi-fi or comfy seating alongside Park visitors from around the world. In 2018 alone, people from 170 countries stopped in the Visitor Center. Don’t forget to grab a cup of joe — or some tasty bites — at Forest Perk Café inside the Visitor Center.

MISS HOME? LISTEN TO THE SOUNDS OF FOREST PARK

This last activity does not involve physically coming to the Park. Do you live outside of St. Louis and miss home? Looking for new sounds to add to your meditation list? Need a soothing sound to help you sleep at night? Start relaxing by listening to the actual sounds of Forest Park.

We hope to see you in the Park soon. Don’t forget to snap and share the beauty and your love of the Park by tagging #ForestParkForever!