Even though the official start of the season isn’t until June 21, the Arch and Old Courthouse are in the summer spirit! Check out how you can join in on the fun with these free (unless noted), family-friendly programs and events.

Free Family Fridays at the Old Courthouse: 10 to 11 am
This free, hour-long program offers visitors of all ages hands-on opportunities to learn about St. Louis history and westward expansion history. Each child will also create a craft project. RSVP by calling 314-982-1410. Weekly themes include:

• Lewis and Clark: May 29, July 3, August 7
• Mountain Men: June 5, July 10, August 14
• Pioneers: June 12, July 17, August 21
• Plains Indians: June 19, July 24, August 28
• Colonial St. Louis: June 26, July 31, September 4

Daily Ranger-led Riverboat Sightseeing Cruises: noon, 1:30 pm and 3 pm
An NPS ranger leads this sightseeing cruise, and offers insights on the history of St. Louis and the role the Mississippi River plays in the city today. Call 877-982-1410 for availability. $18/adults; $8 kids ages 3-15; free for kids under 3. Save up to $3 with the Captain’s Combo (sightseeing cruise and Journey to the Top tram ride). http://ticketsforthearch.com.

Daily Old Courthouse Mock Trials: 2 to 2:30 pm
Meet in the Old Courthouse Rotunda, where rangers will lead visitors to a restored courtroom where they will volunteer to play characters in the 30-minute interactive trial that follows a simplified script.

Saturday Morning Ranger River Trail Bike Rides: 8:30 to 11:30 am
Meet the ranger at the 11^th and Pine downtown bike station at 8:30 am for check-in and safety review. The ride leaves at 9 am, and includes a 7-mile round trip along the north riverfront bike trail to the Mary Meachum Freedom Crossing site and back.  Groups are encouraged to RSVP by calling 314-655-1654.

Daily Hourly Ranger Talks and Hands-On History Stations: Gateway Arch lobby and Old Courthouse
Park rangers will present interactive programs on a variety of Old Courthouse, St. Louis and westward expansion history. Visitors should check with the ranger at the information desks for the daily schedule.

Daily Ranger-led Walking Tours: begins June 15; 10:30 to 11:15 am
Meet in the Old Courthouse Rotunda for a free guided walking tour featuring topics such as St. Louis history, downtown architecture and St. Louis’ role in westward expansion. Reservations are not required. However, groups are encouraged to RSVP by calling 877-982-1410.

Gateway to the Stars Stargazing Program: June 25, July 23 & August 27; 8:30 to 10 pm

Meet in the parking lot of the Old Cathedral (209 Walnut Street, St. Louis) for a free, ranger-led astronomy lesson. Pending clear skies, there will be a telescope viewing led by the St. Louis Astronomical Society.  Call 314-655-1750, ext. 472 to check weather conditions the afternoon of the program.

• Tips on Exploring the Night Sky: June 25 and August 27
• Junior Ranger Night Explorer Workshop: July 23

National Park Service Founder’s Day: August 25
Commemorate the 99^th anniversary of the founding of the National Park Service with special activities that will be announced at a later date. Entrance fees will be waived at all national parks this day.

SUMMER HOURS: The Old Courthouse is open daily from 7:30 am to 8 pm; the Arch is open daily from 8 am to 10 pm. (Last tram leaves approximately one hour before closing. Hours effective through Labor Day.)

Please note: The majority of these programs run through Labor Day. For more information, go to our events tab at the top of this website.