On Monday, December 21, the first official day of winter will be here. The good news is that the we are slated for a mild winter to help get us through some of the toughest months of the pandemic. If you are comfortable, head to Forest Park to help ease your stress and get some fresh air.

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. Remember to wear a mask and bring $10 in cash for your entry fee.

SLEDDING ON LESS CROWDED HILLS IN THE PARK
The St. Louis region is not supposed to have as much snow this year. However, if we do, Forest Park is an epic sledding location. Art Hill is the most popular spot to sled in St. Louis, perhaps even in Missouri. To avoid the crowds, check out these hill suggestions:

• The hills south of The Muny surrounding the Festival & Parking Plaza

• Government Hill in front of the World’s Fair Pavilion

• Shakespeare Glen hills

• The hills surrounding the Highlands Golf & Tennis Center

VIEW THE HOLIDAY LIGHTS
View over 100,00 lights at the Saint Louis Zoo’s U.S. Bank Wild Lights. Make sure to reserve your time, as the time slots are going quickly. You can also identify winter stars in the newest show at the Saint Louis Science Center’s Planetarium, Seasons Greetings. Don’t forget to wear your mask when attending either of these special events.

BIRD WATCHING
There are over 200 different species of birds in Forest Park. Get your binoculars and see how many you can find this winter. A large variety of species are located in Kennedy Forest. Also, until the end of January, keep your eyes out for our bald eagle friends in Forest Park. Discover at least one this time of year soaring between the Emerson Grand Basin and Jefferson Lake. Good luck!

HIKE YOUR WAY AROUND THE PARK
Not wanting to travel far because of COVID-19, but still wanting to "escape”? Check out these trails to feel like you are away from it all. If it does decide to snow, snowshoeing in one of these locations is also super fun.

• Successional Forest

• Kennedy Forest

• Round Lake Vista (just west of Round Lake)

• Deer Lake Savanna
  

GET CARRYOUT AT THE BOATHOUSE IN FOREST PARK
You can finish out a busy day in the Park in front of the fire at the Boathouse in Forest Park while looking out on (the possibly frozen) Post-Dispatch Lake. The Boathouse in Forest Park is also offering Smores packs and a family waffle pack for delivery or carryout. You can order yours here.

FISH FOR RAINBOW TROUT IN JEFFERSON LAKE
Over 40,000 rainbow trout were released at various lakes in St. Louis City and County in November, thanks to our friends at the Missouri Department of Conservation. You can try for your chance to catch one in Forest Park as part of the urban fishing program until January 31, 2021. Please note, Jefferson Lake is catch-and-release only. Learn more here.

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.

Help keep the goodness going during every season in Forest Park, become a Forest Park Forever member today to help sustain your memories… now and forever.