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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.

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.

Join us in wearing blue to support individuals with autism and promote inclusion! 💙

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

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

Community Autism Expo (STL), Saturday, April 5 from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at St. Louis County Library Clark Family Branch. Over 215 people attended the Community Autism Expo last year! In 2025, we’re relocating the event to an even larger venue with the aim of expanding its reach even more. Attendees will get to connect with many local organizations in one place to learn about services and resources for individuals with autism and their families. St. Louis County Library acknowledges the importance of enriching the lives of our patrons by prioritizing programs that foster a sense of community and belonging. We aim to create an inclusive environment, showing individuals on the autism spectrum that our organization provides valuable resources and services to support them in their daily lives. Information: Rebecca Clarke [email protected]

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. Come celebrate Easter with us at our monthly social event. 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.


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

Gateway Ringers Handbell Concert (SCC), 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

Planning for April…

  • *Creative Music Making Concert* (STL), April 9 RSVP here
  • Community Days at the Boone Home (SCC) April 10 Information
  • St. Louis Civic Orchestra Concert (STL), April 11 Information
  • Greenwood Festival (SCC), April 12 Information
  • *L’Arche Community Night Square Dance*, April 12 Information.
  • SkatePark Adult Hours (SCC), April 12 Information
  • Walk Through History (STL), April 13 Information
  • 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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