Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in Saint Louis, MO

St. Louis One Tank Trips

July 31, 2009

Looking for a place to get away but don't want to spend a fortune on travel? Visit these local parks, historic sites or conservation areas within easy driving distance (one gas tank away) from St. Louis. 

Recommended St. Louis One Tank Trips include:

 First Missouri State Capitol State Historic Site in St. Charles. On North Main Street,  St. Charles’ historic district, the two-story Federal style building served as Missouri’s Capitol. A two-story interpretive center is free and tours are $2.50 for adults and $1.50 for children.

A historic site housed right in the city of St. Louis is the Scott Joplin House State Historic Site. Ragtime King Joplin lived in the home at the start of the 1900's and composed some of his most famous music there.  Cost: Tours are $2.50 for adults and $1.50 for children 6 to 12.

Howell Island in Chesterfield is a great place to go fishing and also contains a hiking/biking path.

Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park near Wildwoods is a peaceful escape not far from busy suburban areas. There are trails, pavilions, camp grounds and an interpretive center that teaches about the living things within the park. 

Rockwood Reservation in West St. Louis County is almost 2,000 acres of natural beauty. This conservation area is a great place to learn about native plants and animals on the many trails. Some trails are rugged and not good for hiking with kids but there are shorter trails, including a paved disabled access trail.

Edward "Ted" and Pat Jones-Confluence Point State Park is a free destination where you can visit the sight where the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers merge together.  It is a beautiful, natural area with paths for exploring and learning.

Summer Bubble Fun

July 13, 2009

Kids love to play with bubbles but they get spilled and wasted so often that store bought bottles of bubbles can add up. An easy alternative is making your own bubbles at home.

Easy Home-made Bubble Solution:

Mix one part liquid soap to three parts water and add a small amount of glycerin (available at drug stores). If you don't have glycerin, you can add 2 teaspoons of sugar to the mixture. You can also add a few drops of food coloring for colored bubbles or a drop of essential oil for scented bubbles.

Use florist wire (available at craft stores) to make circular wands to blow bubbles.

Store bubbles in an air-tight container and avoid shaking too much. 

Home-made Giant Bubble Solution:

1 cup no-tear baby shampoo
1 cup corn syrup
3 cups of water

Home-made Bubble Blowers

Bend a wire coat hanger into a circle (the rounder the better). Twist the hook into a handle. For big bubbles, wrap the wire with cotton string. Pour soap solution into a shallow pan and dip large bubble wands. Enjoy!

Another tip for preventing bubble spilling is to cut a hole in the bottom of a plastic container and set the bubble bottle inside. This makes it easier for young children to dip their wands without spilling the bottle. You can also set the bubble container in a foam can holder to give it a more stable base. I have also used putty to stick the bottles to a glass-topped outdoor table to keep the bottles from falling over. Of course, if you make your own affordable bubbles, it isn't a big deal if it gets spilled!