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Fun, Free Events

Listings by AREA:
St. Louis, MO~STL=St. Louis
St. Charles, MO ~ SCC= St. Charles County
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April is Autism Awareness Month

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental condition impacting communication, behavior, and social interactions, with each individual’s experience being unique. Early diagnosis and intervention can greatly enhance outcomes. Raising awareness is vital for fostering understanding and inclusion in communities. Join us in wearing blue to support individuals with autism and promote inclusion!

💙Key Facts about Autism:

  • Autism spectrum disorder is one of the fastest-growing developmental disorders in the United States.
  • Boys are diagnosed at a higher rate than girls.
  • Symptoms may manifest as early as 12 months of age.
  • Children and teens with autism often have lower bone density than their peers.
  • While there is no cure, early intervention can enhance skills.
  • The Arya Foundation is here to support a child with autism.

Mark your calendar for these local Autism Awareness Events…

Autism Awareness Community Day (STL), Saturday, April 5 from 12-4pm at The Renaissance – St Louis Airport Hotel,  9801 Natural Bridge Rd, St. Louis, MO 63134. Register to attend this FREE Community Event sponsored by Simply Delightful Events by Kay centered around educating the public on Autism. There will be free resources, games & activities, and a sensory section. Light refreshments will be served while supplies last. Registration is Required HERE

Fearless Day (SCC), Saturday, April 26 from 10am-1pm at Westoff Park, 699 Sheppard Drive, O’Fallon, MO 63366. The Jabari Fearless Foudnation is thrilled to invite you to the 1st Annual Fearless Fun Day, a special celebration in honor of Autism Awareness Month. This is more than just a gathering – it’s a day of fun, freedom, and connection for our amazing community. Kids will have the space to play, explore, and enjoy sensory-friendly activities, while parents can relax mingle, and celebrate together. Register HERE

Recreation Council News…

Fishing for Persons with Disabilities: Saturday, May 3, 2025

DATE: Saturday, May 3, 2025
TIME: 10 am – 12 noon
LOCATION: August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area in St. Charles, 2360 Highway D, Lake 15
WHO: People with disabilities and their family support or caregivers – open to ages 7 and older

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) and the Recreation Council want everyone to discover the fun of fishing.  This program will be catch-and-release, ADA-accessible, and designed specifically for both children age 7+ and adults who have disabilities. Fishing equipment and bait is provided, adaptive equipment is available as needed, and MDC volunteers will be on hand to help teach and assist. No fishing permit is required for participants of this event. Support staff should accompany participants if needed and may assist them; however, only the participant themselves will be permitted to fish. Participants are welcome to come before or stay after the fishing event and bring snacks or lunch for a picnic by the lake. The August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area is located at 2360 Highway D, about two miles west of Highway 94.  Advanced registration is required by email at [email protected], OR calling 314-726-6044 x 101 OR register online at www.recreationcouncil.org/mdc-event-registration

Community Autism Expo (STL), Saturday, April 5 from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at St. Louis County Library Clark Family Branch. The Autism Expo expects over 200 people and has re-located to a larger venue! With over 40 local vendors and agencies who serve people with disabilities, you’re sure to find a new resource to make life better for you and your family. Don’t forget to visit the Recreation Council table for information about all our programs and services. Information:

 

Events for People with Disabilities…

Saturday Explorers (STL), Saturday, April 5 from 2-3pm at the Weber Road Library branch, 4444 Weber Road, St. Louis, MO 63123 (map). Enjoy Naturalist Jeanne Gearin, the guest speaker for April. Adults with cognitive and developmental disabilities are invited and caregivers are welcome. Saturday Explorers is a monthly program designed specifically for adults with disabilities. Contact Lauren Budde at 314-994-3300 or [email protected] at the Library for more information. Information

Different Dynamics, Drums Alive (STL), April 5, May 3, & June 7 from 10:30-11:30am at Webster Groves Presbyterian Church, Room 211, 45 W Lockwood Ave, St. Louis, MO 63119. Experience the joy of Drums Alive this spring at a FREE demo session. This inclusive music and movement program engages participants of all abilities through rhythm, drumming, and exercise. No prior musical experience is necessary. People of all neurotypes and abilities, ages 8+, are welcome. Advanced registration is required. All sessions are limited to six participants. April 5 is an Animals Theme; May 3 and June 7 themes to be announced.  FREE, but Registration is Required.

Super Sports Saturday (STL), Saturday, April 5 from 10am-1pm at South County YMCA at 12736 Southfork Rd, St. Louis, MO 63128. DASA & the Y joined forces to bring together adaptive sports programs and resources from across the region. All are welcome to actively participate in a wide range of adaptive sports, exercise, and wellness checks and to learn about local resources relevant to the disability community. The event is free for all participants. Sports include Adaptive Rock Climbing, Adaptive Bikes, Adaptive Archery, Power Wheelchair Soccer, Wheelchair Basketball, Wheelchair Rugby, & More. This is also opening day for the YMCA Miracle League Adapted Baseball Summer Season.  Information

Harbor Unlimited Easter Crafting Eggstravaganza (SCC), Saturday, April 5 from 9am-12niin at Veritas Christian Academy in the Cafeteria, 1145 Tom Ginnever Ave, O’Fallon, MO 63366. FREE – bring the whole family. Unleash your creativity and let the Easter magic flow at our Easter Eggstravaganza. Gather your little bunnies (family) for an exciting day of crafting, games and an Easter Egg Hunt. Harbor Unlimited connects and supports families touched by disabilities. FREE – Register Here ~ Flyer

Adaptive Pickleball Night (SCC), Monday, April 7 from 6-8pm at Chicken ‘N Pickle, 1500 S. Main, St. Charles, MO 63303. Mark your calendar to join other athletes with disabilities to enjoy the sport of Pickleball. Instruction starts the night and friendly games of pickleball follow. Beginners welcome. If you would like to join our mailing list and receive adaptive pickleball opportunities and updates, please sign up here.

Creative Music Making Concert (STL), Wednesday, April 9 at 7:00 p.m. at Maryville University Auditorium, 630 Maryville University Dr., St. Louis, MO 63141. Cost: Free! The St. Louis Arc, Maryville University Music Therapy Program, and musicians from the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra return to the stage on Wednesday, April 9 at 7:00 p.m. for their annual collaboration to celebrate the music in all of us. This concert is free and doors open at 6:00 p.m. RSVP here

L’Arche St. Louis Community Night Square Dance (STL), Saturday, April 12 from 6-8pm at St. Francis Xavier College Church Ballroom, 3628 Lindell Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63108; free parking in the Laclede Garage. Our event is FREE, and light snacks are provided. Feel free to bring something to share. Information Here or call Justin at 314-395-5851.

Starkloff Institute Dream Big Career Summer Camp Registration is Open: Our days are packed with discussions about disability history and pride, interactive company visits, and training on essential life skills like financial literacy. Weeks are available for youth in middle and high school who are exploring future careers. Cost is $500 per week (this camp is not Rec Council voucher eligible). Information
Starkloff Disability Institute’s Spring Open House: Tuesday, April 22 from 4-6 pm at our offices at Spark Coworking in Ballpark Village: 6 Cardinal Way, St. Louis, MO 63102. Catch up with the SDI staff and board (lots of new faces to meet!), Enjoy refreshments and community, and Get a look at what’s blooming next. Drop in anytime to say hello. We hope to see you there. Information

 

DASA CAMP WECANDU: for youth with physical disabilities, June 15-20, 2025 at Babler State Park, St. Louis, MO. Camp Applications CLOSE ON APRIL 21, 2025. Cost: $350 early bird; $400 after May 4. Camp WeCanDu is DASA’s annual summer camp for local youth with physical disabilities to fully participate in a week-long, over-night summer camp experience to discover natural abilities and build friendships that will last a lifetime. Children living with cerebral palsy, spinal cord injuries, visual impairments, and many other forms of physical disabilities come together at camp each summer and participate in all kinds of activities to build strength, self-confidence, courage, independence, and a supportive social network. Information

 

Events for Everyone…

St. Charles Home Show (SCC), April 4, 5, & 6 from 10:00 am – 7:00 pm at the St Charles Convention Center, 1 Convention Ctr Plaza, St Charles, MO 63303 (map). The annual Builders St. Charles Home Show features hundreds of exhibitors showcasing a large range of products and services such as windows, doors, decks, patios, spas, kitchens, landscaping, patio rooms, speakers, seminars and much more. Admission is FREE. Information

The Night Sky in the Civil War Era (STL), Friday, April 4 from 8-9pm at Grant Historic Site, 7400 Grant Road, St. Louis, MO 63123. Come to find out what the night sky meant to people during the Civil War era. Weather permitting, we will view the first quarter moon using the park’s Nexstar telescope and look for other bright objects in the spring sky. The program is free. Call 314-842-1867 ext. 230 for reservations. Rain date: Sunday, April 6 from 8-9PM. Information

Play Mornings with The Magic House at Forest Park (STL), Saturday, April 5 from 9:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. at the Forest Park Visitor’s Center (map).  This free, drop-in program for young children includes themed activities provided by The Magic House. February’s theme is “Puddles and Mud” so come and enjoy a morning with us . Information

Free Family Open Art Studio (SCC), Saturday, April 5 from Foundry Art Centre in Historic St. Charles, MO (map).  All Ages are invited to this FREE day to create an art project inspired by the American Society of Botanical Artists. Drop in to view these beautiful creations in our Main Gallery, and then create your own botanical prints. Instructions, inspiration, and supplies will be provided. Information

Stargazing at Tower Grove Park (STL), Saturday, April 5 from 7-10 pm at Tower Grove Park, 4490 Northwest Drive, 63110.  This family-friendly event is perfect for all amateur astronomers who are interested in learning more about the solar system. Bring your own telescopes or use the ones provided by the St. Louis Astronomical Society and meet at the field between the Stone Shelter and West End Picnic Site (4490 Northwest Drive). This event is FREE, but based on weather so check the website before heading out. Bring your flashlight. Information

Gateway Ringers Handbell Concert (SCC), Sunday, April 6, 2025, Spring Concert, 4:00 pm, Chapel of the Cross Lutheran Church, 907 Jungermann Rd, St. Peters, MO 63376. The spring season features a variety of stories including excerpts from the famous Moussorgsky Pictures at an Exhibition, some spirituals, some handbell originals, a movie theme and much more. All concerts are free and open to the public, no tickets required. Repeats on April 13 in St. Louis and May 4 in St Charles. Information

Schlafly Tap Room Grateful Mondays (STL), Monday, April 7 from 7-10pm at the Tap Room in downtown STL, 2100 Locust StreetSt. Louis, MO, 63103 (map) ~ Best for ages 21 and older.  If you’re a “Dead Head” and love the music of the Grateful Dead, come enjoy this live Acoustic Dead Jam with St. Louis’ most talented guitarists playing the best tunes of the Grateful Dead. Information

Community Day at the Boone Home (SCC), Thursday, April 10 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at The Historic Daniel Boone Home! Join us for free tours of the Boone Home. You’ll be able to meet with guides and learn about Daniel Boone, his family, and the context of his time in Missouri. As you wander the village, you’ll have the opportunity to meet with artisans demonstrating historic skills like blacksmithing and open hearth cooking. No registration required. Information – Repeats on 5/8, 6/12, 7/10, 8/14

St. Louis Civic Orchestra Concert (STL), Friday April 11, 2025 at 7:00 PM at Washington University 560 Music Center, 560 Trinity Ave, University City, MO 63130. Music by Bizet and Florence Frager Young Artist Competition Winners. Information

Pooches at Ballpark Village, Purina Dog Show (STL), Saturday, April 12 with shows at 11am and 12:15pm at Ballpark Village, 601 Clark Ave, St. Louis, MO 63102. There’s always fun happening at Ballpark Villiage! Grab your furry friend and zoom into the outdoor plaza for some pregame fun featuring two performances by the Purina Dog Show. Enjoy back to back shows with your furry friend and meet some of the great staff and show dogs from the team. (Parking may cost on game days so plan before you go.) Information

Easter Hoppenings in Florissant, MO (STL), Saturday, April 12 at 10:00 am at the James J. Eagan Center, 315 Howdershell Road, 63031. Kids ages 2-12 will enjoy fun activities with the Easter Bunny, plus an outdoor Easter egg hunt at 10:45am. Bring your own baskets for the egg hunt. This event is FREE! For more info see page 19 of the Florissant Spotlight Spring 2025 Newsletter/Parks & Rec Guide at this Link or the website. Information

Greenwood Festival (SCC), Saturday, April 12 from 10am-3pm at The Historic Daniel Boone Home, 1868 Highway F, Defiance, MO, 63341.  From building cabins, barns, and other structures to carving spoons for daily use, “greenwood” was found in so many aspects of frontier life. Demonstrations include log splitting and hewing, peg making, riving, carving, and more. This free program is for all ages. Information

Walk Through History (STL), Sunday April 13 from 2-4pm at Grant Historic Site, 7400 Grant Road, St. Louis, MO 63123. Join a park ranger for fun, fitness, and history on a 3-mile, leisurely-paced, round-trip walk through Grantwood Village to the original site of Grant’s Hardscrabble cabin. The program is free. Call 314-842-1867 ext. 230 for reservations. Information

Planning for April…

  • Stitch ‘n B***h – Fiber Arts Club (SCC), April 17 Information
  • Family Nights at The Magic House (STL), April 18. Information
  • *BCI Spring Open House* (SCC), April 23, Information
  • Golden Hour Park Hike(SCC), April 23 Information
  • Hiking and Hops (SCC), April 25 Information

** = Specialized programming included for people with disabilities

Reminders…

Down Syndrome Association Belonging Exhibit: March 22-April 6, 2025 at The Regional Arts Commission at the Foundry, 3730 Foundry Way, St. Louis, MO 63110. Belonging is a powerful collection of portraits and stories highlighting the beauty of human connection, the brilliance of unconditional love, and the universal need to belong. Through stunning photography and videography, renowned photographer and filmmaker Randy Bacon, challenges societal stereotypes by showcasing the diverse personalities, passions, and vibrant lives of individuals with Down syndrome. The exhibit also highlights the extraordinary devotion and love of caregivers who pour their time and energy into advocating for, guiding, and nurturing their loved ones. Information

Recreation Council Voucher Funding is still Available for Summer Programs for all ages:  Click here for information on funding assistance

2025 Summer Opportunities Guide:  www.recreationcouncil.org/summer-2025

Camp Summit Videos:  www.recreationcouncil.org/summer-2025

Search for more Activities in your part of town…

Here are a few links to continue your search for fun in the metro area. Some places charge entry fees, so check on costs before you go.

Resources…

Click HERE to see fee-based programs for people with disabilities
Click Here to see Community Resources for People with Disabilities
Click Here for the Recreation Council Regional Fall 2024 Newsletter
Like and Follow us at www.facebook.com/reccouncilstl

View this newsletter as a web page HERE

Need Funding for a Recreation Program? Click here for information about our voucher programs for people with developmental disabilities in St. Louis and St. Charles.
Event information is updated weekly.  www.recreationcouncil.org/anytime-activities

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