THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE HOME

ALEX JORDAN ALEX MARIE JORDAN @alexmariejordan

Alex finds easy, mess-free art project ideas (think ice and construction paper) online to keep her toddler busy, but the saving grace is having a kid’s step stool that safely allows her daughter to “work” next to her at the kitchen counter. TIP: Try one from local woodworker Eric Heine, Heine Wood Co., who handcrafts children’s learning towers (from $90).

Five bloggers share creative, productive ideas to keep your family busy and entertained at home.

—DENISE BERTACCHI

DANYELLE LITTLE THE CUBICLE CHICK @theCubicleChick

While everyone was sheltering in place, Danyelle started a book club for fun with her teenage daughter. Together, they’ve enjoyed great books by authors of color, such as On the Come Up by Angie Thomas and With the Fire on High by Elizabeth Acevedo. TIP: Danyelle’s ebook, 10 Things You Can Do Every Day, shares tips for greater positivity ($6).

JENNIFER COWAN AND HATTIE MAKES THREE @andHattieMakesThree

Jennifer is teaching her first-grader life skills through cooking. The real reward: getting her daughter to try new things, such as cucumber “cookies” and red pepper “boats,” because she made them herself. TIP: St. Louis Produce Delivery will bring seasonal fresh fruits and vegetables to your home, and consider “The Busy Box” from Adelle’s at Carondelet Bakery.

CAITLIN LADD ST. LOUIS MOMS BLOG @caitlinparkerladd

Caitlin is all about new traditions and has started a weekly family movie night. Her son’s favorite part is the popcorn bar, where he can add crazy mix-ins and real movie theater butter she found on Amazon. TIP: Have Kirkwood Pop Co. deliver their “Quarantine Special” or your choice of popcorn and flavored toppings directly to your door (starting at $20).

KATIE McFARLAND MOM’S LITTLE RUNNING BUDDY @MomsLRB

Katie keeps her kids active at home by creating fun competitions like running obstacle courses in their backyard and all through the house. The kids build courses using sidewalk chalk, bikes, trees, and anything they can find. TIP: This local Lululemon ambassador posts ideas and tips on Instagram for ways to exercise with kids.

GOING OUT?

People over age 6 are currently required to wear masks at public venues in St. Louis City and St. Louis County. Visit each attraction’s website for the latest.

CITY MUSEUM Guests should reserve timed tickets.

THE MAGIC HOUSE Tickets have timed arrival slots. Kids receive an activity kit with art supplies.

MISSOURI HISTORY MUSEUM The History Clubhouse is currently closed, but free timed tickets are available for the rest of the museum.

SAINT LOUIS SCIENCE CENTER Guests must reserve a free timed ticket. Use the entrance at 5050 Oakland.

SAINT LOUIS ZOO Reserve a free timed ticket.

ST. LOUIS AQUARIUM Complete a health declaration within 24 hours of visiting, and pass a touch-free temperature check at the door. —D.B.

SO FAR, AND YET SO CLOSE

Leave the daily grind behind in less than two hours? Start your engines.

BY AMANDA E. DOYLE

LITERARY HISTORY IN HANNIBAL Two hours north

In Hannibal, get to know some of America’s most enduring characters at the Mark Twain Boyhood Home & Museum. Exhibits allow you to imagine riding a raft with Huck and Jim, steering a steamboat, or painting that famous fence with Tom. Mark Twain Cave is an interesting nearby site, and make sure to visit Jim’s Journey: The Huck Finn Freedom Center for more context about the complicated legacy of race in Twain’s writing.

WILDLIFE IN LOUISIANA 90 minutes north

Louisiana and Clarksville offer a day of exploration, anchored by the Henry Lay Sculpture Park (run by SLU), a huge natural area with 5 miles of trails and site-specific installations. Find spectacular views from Riverview Cemetery and John B. Henderson Riverview Park (named for the Missouri senator who co-authored the 13th Amendment). The shop at Overlook Farm offers all kinds of edible and giftable goodies.

RUSTIC VIBE IN PERE MARQUETTE/ GRAFTON 45 minutes north

In Illinois, a day along the Great River Road could include a trail horse ride from the stables at Pere Marquette or a quicker trip (up to 45 miles per hour!) down the zipline at Grafton. (A less thrill-oriented chair lift is there, too, and delivers you to Aerie’s Resort and Winery, where you can drink and eat on the patio.) Or, if you prefer to enjoy a meal closer to the river, find a seat on the patio at The Loading Dock.

FRENCH INFLUENCES IN STE. GENEVIEVE One hour south

Get a little European flair down in Ste. Genevieve, where the city’s original colonial feel shines in narrow streets, fenced gardens, and typically French 18th century architecture. Charming shops include everything from European soaps and sweets to a pewter foundry with daily demonstrations. Felix Vallé State Historic Site and other venues host historical holiday events in fall/winter months, pandemic pending.

ARTISTRY IN NEW HAVEN One hour west

New Haven is home to Astral Glass Studio, which offers pickup and window shopping on weekends, along with glass-blowing demos streamed on Facebook. The John Colter Museum delves into the Lewis & Clark expedition. For adults, when it's time to unwind, Robller Vineyard offers a patio with a scenic view, and Pinckney Bend Distillery has a walkup window for carryout tastings in the nearby riverside parks.