top of page

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.

Banner image_sml.jpg
River_City_Outdoors_Play_Outdoors_Banner_Image_4-5_s.jpg

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

MORE RIVER CITY
OutdoorS PROGRAMS

IMG_4814.jpeg

Borrow Outdoor Gear for Free

Need a tent, sleeping bag, backpack, camp stove, or other item for your next outdoor getaway? Learn how to access our Gear Lending Library. 

Learn More

get more option 2_sml.jpg

Get More From The Outdoors

Continue your journey with Terrain Magazine, our bimonthly outdoor publication. Each issue is filled with  news, events, and exciting places to explore.

Learn More

River_City_Outdoors_visit our resource hub_s.jpg

RENT A BOAT OR BIKE IN ST. LOUIS

Rent a kayak, canoe, or paddleboard at Simpson Lake in St. Louis County. Or rent a kayak, canoe, paddle boat, or bike at The Boathouse in Forest Park.

Learn More

bottom of page