On National Kids to Parks Day, Gateway Arch National Park hosts a day of free activities to encourage kids of all ages to get outside and enjoy all the aspects of this amazing park. This year’s programs are keeping with the National Park Service Wellness Challenge, as visitors have opportunities to complete all three challenges – physical, learning and mental – through the programs listed below and the Junior Ranger booklets. Pick up an NPS Wellness Challenge Guide at the Information Desk in the Arch Visitor Center, and get guides stamped upon completion of an activity in each challenge category.
10:00 a.m.: Yoga for Families: Bring a mat, towel and water and meet at the Arch’s west entrance for a yoga session for the entire family. An NPS ranger and a yoga instructor lead a fun-filled class where each move will be centered in traditional yoga practice with a Gateway Arch theme. No previous skill necessary. Accommodations will be made based on physical ability and skill level.
1:00 p.m.: Ranger-led Walk Around the Park: Take advantage of Gateway Arch National Park’s five miles of trails and explore the grounds with a ranger-led walking tour, which begins at the Arch’s west entrance and loop around the monument and park.
2:00 p.m.: Rise to the West: Join a ranger at the top of the Grand Staircase, overlooking the Mississippi River, and learn about early St. Louis history! Take the opportunity to ascend and descend the Grand Staircase or gently sloping ramps for fantastic views of the river.
In addition to these scheduled programs, all day visitors and families can also enjoy:
Personal Reflection Activity: Use a map of the park grounds to explore the unique and amazing areas of St. Louis’ urban park! List and describe as many plants, trees, and animals on the back of this sheet, and mark where they are. When done, bring this sheet to the front desk inside the visitor center to earn a Junior Ranger pin.
Self-guided Exploration: Download the NPS App and find interactive maps, tours of park places, on-the-ground accessibility information, and much more. The free app is currently available for iOS and Android devices.
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