Parents and caregivers are the key to establishing a child’s early love of nature. Designed for children ages 0 to 5-year-olds, our Mornings at the River series creates opportunities for little ones and their parents, grandparents, or caregivers to spend one-on-one time exploring, discovering, and making memories together at the Missouri River. For more information, check out these stories from our 2023 program by The Columbia Daily Tribune, KRCG-13 News, and Como Magazine.
Each week's sessions will take place at Cooper's Landing Campgrounds & Marina and are designed around a fun river theme. Every event includes an activity or craft, a fun special guest, Nature Sensory Tables and a pretend play zone. (And, of course, a snack!) The themed sessions are offered on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. Register for one session or one for each week.
Curiosity is the name of the game when it comes to little ones— it keeps them moving all day, every day. Creating art with a fun expression activity can help them explore natural items and new art materials. Join us for a river inspired art project with a local artist or checkout a book from the Bookmobile.
Special Guests: Adrienne Luther & Daniel Boone Regional Library Bookmobile
Does your little one love animals, including wildlife? Then you just might want to get to know the wildlife you probably see every day: birds. There are many special aspects about the beautiful birds that call the Missouri River home. Come meet our special feather friend guest, and enjoy some time at the river.
Special Guest: Raptor Rehab
Have you noticed your little one’s eyes light up when they hear music? Most love listening to music. When you visit the river, you can hear how nature makes its own music. Come meet conservationist and musician, WildHeart!
Special Guest: WildHeart
This series will be hosted at Cooper's Landing Campgrounds & Marina.
Our program will be set up a safe distance from the banks of the river under the cottonwood trees near the Katy Trail in the North Campgrounds.
You will be able to complete the online registration process by clicking here. You can register for one session or one for each week. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Kristen Schulte, Education Director at kristen@riverrelief.org or call 636-288-5570.
To ensure the health and safety of our families and staff. We ask for a manageable parent-to-child ratio to help us ensure safe social distancing.
We have also reviewed all guidance from the CDC, in developing our safety policies and procedures. As this is an ever-changing situation, we will keep you updated on any changes in protocols and procedures.
Missouri River Relief has partnered with First Chance for Children and AmeriCorps to bring this year's Mornings at the River to Columbia. We would also like to thank our sponsors, Carol Grove and the Downtown Optimist Club of Columbia for supporting this program.
