Discover Nature

6 Ideas for Family Fun

To find more events near you, call your regional office, or visit mdc.mo.gov and choose your region.

Discover Nature Fishing Derby

July 7 - Tuesday - 6 p.m.–dark, Northeast Region, Macon County Fairgrounds, 1303 S. Missouri St., Macon, MO 63552 No registration required, call 573-815-7901, ext. 3872, for information, all ages

Fishing is a great way to have fun outdoors, learn about conservation, and make memories. Our Discover Nature — Fishing program helps Missourians gain the skills and confidence to go fishing on their own. Join Missouri Department of Conservation staff for a fishing derby at the Macon County Fairgrounds to learn more about this popular pastime. Enjoy a backyard bass game, fish identification maze, and more. Poles and bait will be provided to kids so they can wet a line in the on-site pond.

Shade Tree Walk

July 11 - Saturday - 9:30–11 a.m., Southeast Region, Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center, 2289 County Park Drive, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701 No registration required, call 573-290-5218 for information, all ages, families

Trees provide a variety of benefits, including shade from the hot sun. This walk will highlight Missouri’s majestic shade trees and their unique features for tree identification. Learn what trees can do for you and your backyard!

Insectigations

July 18 - Saturday - 9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Southeast Region, Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center, 2289 County Park Drive, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701 No registration required, call 573-290-5218 for information, all ages, families

Ever wondered about the variety of insects in Missouri and why they look so strange? From the stag beetle’s antler-like jaws to the ant lion’s body, insects come in all shapes and sizes. Join us as we investigate insect adaptations, take insect hikes, visit our insect zoo, and make crafts.

Swimming With the Fishes

July 18 - Saturday - 10 a.m.– 2:30 p.m. Kansas City Region, Discovery Center, 4750 Troost Ave., Kansas City, MO 64110 No registration required, call 816-525-0300, ext. 1225, for information, all ages

Fish have all the fun. They get to hang out in the water all summer while we have to endure the heat. Come learn how fish float, why scales are handy, and why our native fish hate alien invaders. While you’re here, try your hand at fish printing, test your fish ID knowledge, and maybe even get to swim with the fishes.

Frog Gigging Clinic

July 24 - Friday - 6:30 p.m.–Midnight Central Region, Blind Pony Fish Hatchery, 16285 BP Hatchery Drive, Sweet Springs, MO 65351 Registration required by July 22, call 660-641-3345 Youth, ages 7–17

Frog gigging — or frogging — is a great way to enjoy Missouri outdoors while also putting food on the table the whole family can enjoy. Learn the basics of frog gigging safety, equipment, identification, and regulations. Then go frogging with the help of Department personnel. Staff will also teach participants how to clean their catch to take home and cook. Youth must be accompanied by an adult.

Beginning Archery

July 27 - Monday - 6–7:30 p.m. St. Louis Region, Jay Henges Shooting Range and Outdoor Education Center, 1100 Antire Road, High Ridge, MO 63049 Registration required, call 636-938-9548, ext. 0 Ages 10 and older, families

Learn the fundamentals of shooting a bow and arrow based on the Missouri National Archery in the School Program (MoNASP). This is a fun program for the family, ages 10 and older. All equipment will be provided.