Outdoor Discovery
We work with educational and community-driven organizations to expand access to outdoor recreation. Our staff and program collaborators provide training and guidance during each activity, helping you and your group build confidence and develop new skills.


Land
Age:
6+
Program LeNgth:
2-4 hrs.
Experience Level:
Easy
Max. Participants:
30
Nature Walks
Experience a local park in a whole new way! Join our staff and volunteers for an exploration of the natural world. With field guides and binoculars in hand, you’ll discover birds, bugs, plants, and more along easy-going, paved pathways.

What's Included
Guides
Gear for spotting and identifying plants and animals
Program Sign-Up
Get started here to request programming for your group. If you are not part of a group and looking for adventures open to the general public, visit our Explore Outdoors page.
Land
Age:
6+
Program LeNgth:
2-4 hrs.
Experience Level:
Easy to Moderate
Max. Participants:
30
Hiking
Join us for an educational hike at a local trail or nearby state park. Our trained guides will select the ideal location and route based on your group’s age, abilities, and special interests, while also considering travel and time constraints.

What's Included
Guides
Adaptable routes and locations
Program Sign-Up
Get started here to request programming for your group. If you are not part of a group and looking for adventures open to the general public, visit our Explore Outdoors page.
Land
Age:
6+
Program LeNgth:
2-3 hrs.
Experience Level:
Easy
Max. Participants:
30
Fishing
Learn the fundamentals of fishing from our trained staff and have the chance to catch fish at a local park. We provide all the necessary gear, including fishing poles and bait, to ensure a fun and inclusive experience.

What's Included
Guides
Fishing poles and bait
Any other necessary gear
Program Sign-Up
Get started here to request programming for your group. If you are not part of a group and looking for adventures open to the general public, visit our Explore Outdoors page.
Land
Age:
6+
Program LeNgth:
2-4 hrs.
Experience Level:
Easy to Moderate
Max. Participants:
30
Trash Cleanups
Show your appreciation for nature by helping to keep local parks and greenways clean. Our team will guide your group as we walk through the selected area, collecting litter and trash to ensure the space remains clean and safe for all. We provide all the necessary cleanup supplies.

What's Included
Guides
All necessary cleanup supplies.
Program Sign-Up
Get started here to request programming for your group. If you are not part of a group and looking for adventures open to the general public, visit our Explore Outdoors page.
Water
Age:
6+ to 9+
Program LeNgth:
2-4 hrs.
Experience Level:
Easy to Moderate
Max. Participants:
30
Paddling at Forest Park & Simpson Lake
Paddling at The Boathouse in Forest Park starts in paddle boats, but with experience participants can progress to canoes and kayaks. Simpson Lake in Valley Park is ideal for older or more experienced participants, offering opportunities to paddle canoes, kayaks, and standup paddleboards (SUPs).
* Age 6+ at Forest Park and 9+ at Simpson Lake.

What's Included
Guides
All necessary paddling gear
All necessary safety gear
Program Sign-Up
Get started here to request programming for your group. If you are not part of a group and looking for adventures open to the general public, visit our Explore Outdoors page.
Water
Age:
6+ 9+
Program LeNgth:
2-4 hrs.
Experience Level:
Easy to Moderate
Max. Participants:
30
Kayak Ecology Tours
Join nature guide and educator Matt Fox for a one-of-a-kind kayak tour around Post-Dispatch Lake in Forest Park or Simpson Lake in Valley Park. Explore the urban wilderness and discover its ecological wonders – from native bird species to aquatic life. Learn how global conservation efforts have shaped urban biodiversity and discover simple ways you can help nature thrive in your own backyard.
Ages 6+ at Forest Park and 9+ at Simpson Lake.

What's Included
Guides
Boats
All necessary paddling gear
All necessary safety equipment
Program Sign-Up
Get started here to request programming for your group. If you are not part of a group and looking for adventures open to the general public, visit our Explore Outdoors page.
Water
Age:
9+
Program LeNgth:
2-4 hrs.
Experience Level:
Easy to Moderate
Max. Participants:
30
Flat Water Paddling
A great introduction to paddling! We’ll start with basic techniques and water safety training before boarding our 29-foot canoes for a tour of a local body of water, such as Horseshoe Lake, Ellis Bay at Riverlands, or Simpson Lake. Our experienced guides will captain the boats, providing an unforgettable experience as you explore the local aquatic ecosystem.

What's Included
Guides
Boats
All necessary paddling gear
All necessary safety equipment
Program Sign-Up
Get started here to request programming for your group. If you are not part of a group and looking for adventures open to the general public, visit our Explore Outdoors page.
Water
Age:
9+
Program LeNgth:
2-4 hrs.
Experience Level:
Moderate
Max. Participants:
30
Big River Paddling
Explore one of our region’s most important yet often overlooked natural treasures – the mighty rivers. Our expert guides will lead you on an epic journey along the Missouri or Mississippi River in our 29-foot canoes. No prior paddling experience or special equipment is needed; we’ll provide everything you need for the excursion. Both waterways offer plenty of chances to spot wildlife and include a lunch stop on a river island (or sandbar) before returning to the take-out.

What's Included
Lunch.
Guides
Boats
All necessary gear and safety equipment
Program Sign-Up
Get started here to request programming for your group. If you are not part of a group and looking for adventures open to the general public, visit our Explore Outdoors page.
Land & Water
Age:
9+
Program LeNgth:
2-5 days
Experience Level:
Moderate
Max. Participants:
30
Overnight Paddling Trip
Experience the full immersion of a multi-day canoe camping adventure! Your all-inclusive trip includes complete logistical planning, essential equipment, meals, snacks, and expert guidance, ensuring a seamless and unforgettable outdoor experience.

What's Included
Meals
Guides and boats
All necessary paddling gear
All necessary safety equipment
Program Sign-Up
Get started here to request programming for your group. If you are not part of a group and looking for adventures open to the general public, visit our Explore Outdoors page.
Land
Age:
9+
Program LeNgth:
2-4 hrs.
Experience Level:
Moderate
Max. Participants:
20
Indoor Rock Climbing
Experience the thrill of indoor rock climbing with our partners at Upper Limits or Climb So iLL. Their trained staff will guide participants through the activity, providing all the necessary instruction and gear for a safe and exciting adventure.

What's Included
Guides and instruction
Hands-on climbing.
All necessary gear
Program Sign-Up
Get started here to request programming for your group. If you are not part of a group and looking for adventures open to the general public, visit our Explore Outdoors page.
Land & Water
Age:
9+
Program LeNgth:
2-4 hrs.
Experience Level:
Easy
Max. Participants:
20
Paddling 101 Classes
Whether as a one-time event or a multi-day series (held once a week for several weeks), these instructional classes will teach you the essentials of paddling. Led by our American Canoe Association-certified guides, your group will learn basic paddling and water safety techniques. Starting on land and moving to the water, our guides will provide hands-on training to ensure you feel confident paddling on your own.

What's Included
Boats.
Guides.
All necessary gear and safety equipment.
Flexible duration and locations.
Program Sign-Up
Get started here to request programming for your group. If you are not part of a group and looking for adventures open to the general public, visit our Explore Outdoors page.
Land & Water
Age:
9+
Program LeNgth:
2-4 hrs.
Experience Level:
Moderate
Max. Participants:
20
Pedal & Paddle Trip
Combine two of our region’s top outdoor activities – bicycling and paddling – in one adventure! Each Pedal + Paddle trip kicks off with a guided bike ride of varying lengths. While you’re on the trail, our crew will transport your paddling gear to the put-in, where you’ll enjoy a delicious, pre-prepared lunch. Afterward, you’ll load into our 29-foot canoes to paddle and soak in the beauty of the river. With two guides accompanying the cyclists and two accompanying you in the canoes, you’ll have full support throughout the day.

What's Included
Guides
Boats, paddling gear and safety equipment
Bikes and biking gear
Transportation
Lunch
Program Sign-Up
Get started here to request programming for your group. If you are not part of a group and looking for adventures open to the general public, visit our Explore Outdoors page.