It’s been an unseasonably warm St. Louis autumn. While some are rejoicing, we know that the winter season can be a magical time for many, despite the sometimes-freezing temperatures.

December 21 officially kicks off the winter season and before the snow begins to fall, your friends at Forest Park wanted to provide you with a guide of outdoor activities for your family and friends.

Enjoy ice skating AND bumper cars at Steinberg Ice Rink

A St. Louis tradition adds a new twist this year! This winter, visitors can select times to participate in a bumper car ride with family and friends. For $15, you can glide across the ice in your bumper car for a new way to have fun. You can also take the traditional approach and skate across the ice for only $10. If you don’t have skates, no problem! You can rent skates from the rink for only $5. Make sure to bring your mask and if possible, book your time in advance for the optimal experience!

Embrace your inner child by sledding at Art Hill

When the snow really begins to fall, everyone knows that Art Hill is the place to be. The views, the deep hills and the overall feeling of sledding down Art Hill just screams “St. Louis Winter!”

However, if you’re not feeling the crowd – because trust us, it can get crowded when school is not in session and the sleds come out – you can find sled slopes in other areas of the park including:

• The Hills south of The Muny

• Government Hill

• Shakespeare Glen Hill

Be dazzled by holiday lights in the park

It wouldn’t be the holiday season in St. Louis without the U.S. Bank Wild Lights display at the Saint Louis Zoo. The winter wonderland invites visitors to observe enchanting light displays and partake in seasonal themed activities. Tickets range from $10-$13 and require purchase ahead of time.

And just across the park at the Science Center’s Planetarium, learn about the winter solstice and gaze up at the winter sky during the limited time star show, Seasons Greetings

Immerse yourself in nature (even in the cold!)

Forest Park is made up of several spaces for you to explore and immerse yourself in the outdoors through activities like hiking and snowshoeing. A favorite of many hikers, Kennedy Forest consists of more than 60 acres of forested habitat. The 3.5 miles of paved and gravel trails is perfect for bikers and runners in warmer weather, but also for anyone looking to get lost in the experience of nature during the cold months.

Another great area for a winter hike is Successional Forest, an area that has been left to grow and evolve over the last 30 years. The 20-plus acre forest provides wanderings a look at a forest in its early stages.

For those looking to connect with wildlife, bird watching is a great activity, even during the winter months. A wide variety of species are located in Kennedy Forest. However, the most exciting sight for anyone bird watching would be that of a bald eagle. Bald eagles can be found near Jefferson Lake and the Emerson Grand Basin and are generally around until the end of January. Speaking of Jefferson Lake, if fishing is your thing, stop by with a bud (or alone) to fish for rainbow trout in the lake. Please note, Jefferson Lake is catch-and-release only.

Help make the magic of Forest Park possible during every season, become a Forest Park Forever member today to help sustain your memories… now and forever.