Nature thrives even in bustling cities like St. Louis, and Tower Grove Park stands out as a prime example. Did you know it’s a renowned birding hotspot? With over 164 bird species recorded, the park offers a vibrant ecosystem where you might encounter unexpected wildlife — whether on the ground, perched in a tree, or soaring overhead. Spanning 289 acres, Tower Grove Park is a haven for urban wildlife.

To celebrate this natural treasure, the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is partnering with Tower Grove Park and River City Outdoors for the Fall Frolic on Sunday, October 20, from 1-5 p.m. This free, family-friendly event invites everyone to explore the park’s diverse wildlife, with no registration needed. Spend a delightful autumn afternoon reconnecting with nature and uncover the rich array of critters that make the city their home.

“New this year, visitors will be able to take a short hayride through Tower Grove Park to find the hidden animals along the route,” says MDC Naturalist Rebecca Rodriguez.

The Fall Frolic event will feature interactive activity stations that will explore fun information about animals found in the city. Visitors should first stop by the information/passport table located at the Roman Pavilion to pick up a map and a passport to all the stations. The passport includes a survey about the event.

“When people turn in surveys, families and adults can enter to win one of three themed baskets of goodies: aquatic, garden, or outdoors,” explains Rodriguez. “Children can also pick up a special treat after visiting the activity stations and collecting stamps.”

(Missouri Department of Conservation)

Another new attraction for this year is a rock climbing wall set up by Upper Limits climbing gym. Kids will also enjoy a “no carve” pie pumpkin craft.

Again this year, MDC will host an aquatic animal macroinvertebrate display, owl pellet dissection, urban fishing activity, and an educational station all about mammals, using pelts and skulls. Missouri Stream Team will set up a stream table so visitors can witness the workings of a watershed on a macro scale. Fall Frolic will also feature close encounters with live reptiles, amphibians, and even bats. Other activities include “wildlife encounters” with interpreters dressed in animal costumes, as well as informational stations about MDC programs and opportunities.

This year’s Fall Frolic event partners include the Saint Louis Zoo, the Butterfly House, St. Louis Aquarium, Shaw Nature Reserve, EarthWays Center, Forest ReLeaf, St. Louis Area Geocachers Association, Great Rivers Greenway, St. Louis Public Library, World Bird Sanctuary, and St. Louis Wildlife Project, all of which will have a table with interactive displays and activities related to plants, pollinators, and animals in our region.

There will be live music at 2:30 p.m. and a story time at 3:30 p.m. with St. Louis Public Library. Visitors can enjoy free s’mores at the firepits from 1-4:30 p.m., along with hot dogs, apple cider, and hot cocoa while supplies last.

Learn about urban wildlife and catch some early fall colors at one of St. Louis’ most celebrated parks at the Fall Frolic. Tower Grove Park is in the heart of the City of St. Louis at 4257 Northeast Drive. It lies between Kingshighway and Grand boulevards. The event will take place at the Roman Pavilion, off Center Cross Drive.

For more information, visit here.

Top image: Courtesy of Missouri Department of Conservation.