JEFFERSON CITY, MO, SEPT. 28, 2023 – If you’re in Missouri State Parks’ St. Louis region and are looking for ways to have some fun this fall, be sure to check out these activities at area state parks and historic sites.

  • Thursdays, Oct. 5 and Oct. 19: Toddler Thursday at Mastodon State Historic Site
    Come learn, create and play at Mastodon State Historic Site! Toddler Thursdays are designed for toddlers and their grownups. Each program focuses on a different topic and includes fun activities and crafts. Meet in the museum auditorium at 10 a.m. at 1050 Charles J. Becker Drive in Imperial. Preregister at 636-464-2976.
     
  • Saturday, Oct. 7: Night Sky over Babler at Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park
    Come out to the park’s monument field where members of the St. Louis Astronomical Society will have telescopes set up to offer visitors a view of the night sky. Telescopes will be pointed at a variety of celestial objects, including Jupiter and its moons; Saturn and its rings; and the many star clusters, nebulae and galaxies. Bring chairs, blankets and binoculars. Parking is available at the visitor center parking lot and across the road next to the mailboxes, behind the statue and along the road. Meet at 7 p.m. at 800 Guy Park Drive in Wildwood.
     
  • Saturday, Oct. 14: Fall Harvest Fest at Washington State Park
    The annual Fall Harvest Fest is back! This event includes a craft fair featuring a variety of Missouri vendors, as well as fall crafts and activities for the kids. Food and concession items will be available for purchase, and there will be musical entertainment. All activities will take place in and around Shelter #2 in the Big River Day-Use Area. All events are weather and conditions permitting and subject to change. The fun starts at 10 a.m. at 13041 State Highway 104 in De Soto.
     
  • Saturday, Oct. 14: Homeschool Hour at Mastodon State Historic Site
    Each month, homeschoolers of all ages can join the fun, educational activities focused on selected park topics. Homeschool Hour takes place inside the historic site’s museum starting at 10 a.m. Registration is required, as space is limited, and adults must remain with their child during the program. Each program’s lesson is available upon request one week prior to the program. Email the historic specialist at emily.lange@dnr.mo.gov for more information. To register visit icampmo.com. Mastodon State Historic Site is located at 1050 Charles J. Becker Drive in Imperial.
     
  • Saturday, Oct. 14: Annular Eclipse at Mastodon State Historic Site
    Experience this annular solar eclipse from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the picnic area across from the playground at 1800 Seckman Road in Imperial. Interpreters will be stationed at an informational table with facts and activities relating to the eclipse. At 10 a.m., solar story time starts. To register, visit icampmo.com or call 636-464-2976. For eclipse viewing, participants should wear eclipse glasses designed for solar viewing.
     
  • Sunday, Oct. 15: Stream Team Volunteering at Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park
    This is your last chance to help the park with the Stream Team activities this year. Spots are limited to 20, so register now at icampmo.com.  All participants should plan to get wet. Meet at 800 Guy Park Drive in Wildwood at 10 a.m.

For detailed information on any of these activities, please visit mostateparks.com/events. For more information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

Fall photo of rock bridge with double arches in Babler State Park with stream bed in foreground.

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