Celebrate Thrive Outside Day With River City Outdoors at Tower Grove Farmers’ Market

What better way to celebrate Thrive Outside Day than by getting outside with your St. Louis community?

On Saturday, Oct. 10, River City Outdoors (RCO) will bring together local outdoor recreation partners at the Tower Grove Farmers’ Market for a morning of free activities, outdoor education and resources for kids and adults.

Stop by the RCO area near the Roman Pavilion to:

• Take part in guided nature walks around Tower Grove Park

• Pick up a free bicycle helmet

• Explore outdoor education activities and giveaways

• Connect with local organizations working to make outdoor recreation more accessible throughout the St. Louis region

The Tower Grove Farmers’ Market runs from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. near the Roman Pavilion in Tower Grove Park. With 120 vendors offering local produce, handmade goods and plenty of delicious treats, there's plenty to explore before or after you join us.

A National Celebration With a Local Focus

Thrive Outside Day is part of a national campaign from the Outdoor Foundation designed to connect kids and families with the outdoors through free, community-led events. Thrive Outside Day is officially recognized on Oct. 10, with the broader 2026 campaign running from Sept. 26 through Oct. 31. This year, 15 Thrive Outside communities across the country are hosting more than 25 events.

As the backbone organization of the St. Louis Thrive Outside initiative, RCO is proud to help bring that national movement to our community. Our local celebration is an opportunity to connect people with outdoor experiences, resources and organizations right here in St. Louis.

“Thrive Outside Day is about more than getting outside for a day — it’s about building a future where every young person has the opportunity to develop a lifelong connection with the outdoors,” said Lesford Duncan, Executive Director of the Outdoor Foundation. “That future starts in communities, with local leaders who understand their young people, their neighborhoods, and the places that make them unique.”

Creating those connections matters. According to the Outdoor Foundation and Outdoor Industry Association’s 2026 Participation Trends Report, outdoor outings among youth ages 6–17 have declined 26% since 2012. The report identifies cost, gear access, transportation, confidence and a sense of belonging as some of the barriers that can keep families from participating in outdoor recreation.

That's why local, community-led opportunities matter. Whether it's taking a nature walk, learning something new, finding the right gear or simply spending a Saturday morning in the park, small experiences can help build a lasting connection to the outdoors.

Come see us at the Tower Grove Farmers’ Market on Oct. 10, and let's Thrive Outside together.

Event Details

What: Thrive Outside Day

When: Saturday, Oct. 10 | 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Where: Tower Grove Farmers’ Market, Near the Roman Pavilion, Tower Grove Park

Cost: Free