Experience art, history, architecture and culinary delights in this guided tour. Rack up some steps urban style, beginning with a survey of visual art in Kansas City’s dynamic Crossroads neighborhood. You’ll pause for a local snack before continuing on a tour of Kansas City’s Westside. This is a paid tour and reservations are required.

Enjoy the outdoors with the Burroughs Audubon Society. Join a guided viewing at Wyandotte County Lake observing waterfowl and birds of prey.

The Sierra Club is the sponsor of this group hike in Platte County. The six-mile (each way) Prairie Creek Greenway Trail passes prairie, crisscrosses the stream and encounters a few hills and forested groves.

Want to raise kids who love nature? Start with a story. And you don’t even have to tell it! A naturalist from the Anita B. Gorman Conservation Discovery Center introduces nature and educates about the world of wildlife through the Little Acorns program, ideal for preschoolers-kindergarteners.

Sometimes it’s hard to get motivated to get outdoors during the winter months. Joining others can provide an extra spark. This naturalist-guided walk though Ernie Miller Nature Center, in Olathe, is focused on experiencing the still of winter in the forest. It ends with hot tea.

Join the Sierra Club for trail and habitat maintenance at the Blue River Glades Natural Area. This limestone glade is rare for northern Missouri. It includes chinquapin oaks nearly 300 years old atop limestone. A prairie-like flora of grasses and wildflowers provides rich color and texture through most of the year. The glade is threatened by several invasive plant species, especially honeysuckle, which needs to be eradicated so native flowers and grasses flourish again in these stunning wild areas.

Walk three miles along Minnesota and State Avenues in Kansas City, Kan., while enjoying Cuban coffee, Mexican pastries and hot chocolate, plus a Honduran Baleada and taco. This food tour/hike takes about three and a-half hours. This is a paid event sponsored by Urban Hikes KC. Reservations are required and spots are limited.

Put some pep in your step as you tour caffeinated cafes. Sample coffee at three different shops in the River Market and Crossroads Arts District. In between, view murals and little-known facets of Kansas City. You’ll also ride the streetcar (although you should plan on walking about three miles).

Join the Audubon Society to view wetland birds at Hillsdale Reservoir Wildlife Area. On this guided walk, you can expect to view shorebirds, waterfowl, fall migrants, Ospreys, and other birds of prey. Expect to walk on dirt trails with mild rocks and roots, as well as some paved roads. Pack a lunch for this full day of walking and viewing. Binoculars are recommended.

Explore Downtown Kansas City, Kansas, and historic Strawberry Hill with Urban Hikes KC. Hear the stories of the many ethnic groups that migrated to and settled in this area. In addition, you’ll walk through the picturesque neighborhoods of Strawberry Hill and Russian Hill. Get up-close views of murals painted by local artists celebrating the history and culture of the city. This hike includes spectacular views across the river, a community garden and the Wyandot Native American National Burial Ground.

Lakeside Nature Center, in Kansas City, makes it simple. Just show up! Meet outside the main doors and the hike will begin at its scheduled starting time. Dress for the weather and the bugs (or lack thereof). A naturalist will guide your hike, which usually take place on the Fox Hollow trail, which has a natural (unpaved) surface. Hikes can be canceled for severe weather, so call the center if you have questions at 816.513.8960.

Want to raise kids who love nature? Start with a story. And you don’t even have to tell it! A naturalist from the Anita B. Gorman Conservation Discovery Center introduces nature and educates about the world of wildlife through the Little Acorns program, ideal for preschoolers-kindergarteners.

Tired of “McHoliday” decorations? How about shopping in nature instead. Join the Missouri Department of Conservation for Boughs of Natives – one of its most popular programs. Learn to deck the halls with boughs of native trees and plants.

Explore the Quindaro area of Kansas City, Kansas, with Urban Hikes KC. This walk leads to a story of freedom. Learn about people in search of liberty crossing the Missouri River during their journey on the underground railroad. Explore the ruins of pre-civil war structures including a brewery, well and hotels. The terrain has one steep hill and is rocky. There is no bathroom at this site. If you normally use trekking poles, bring them. Five percent of proceeds go to the Quindaro Townsite Project.

Want to raise kids who love nature? Start with a story. And you don’t even have to tell it! A naturalist from the Anita B. Gorman Conservation Discovery Center introduces nature and educates about the world of wildlife through the Little Acorns program, ideal for preschoolers-kindergarteners.

Join a naturalist at the Discovery Center to learn more about how owls adapt, survive, thrive and eat through a hands-on activity. Heads up: There will be no live owls during this activity. This is an all-ages event.

Birds are both ever-present yet difficult to spot. Join the Sierra Club of Kansas City on this educational and guided tour at Blue Springs Lake.

This hike, sponsored by Urban Hikes KC, explores an extraordinary and historic part of Kansas City. It includes the forested trails of Kessler Park, “hidden” Cliff Drive, the Kansas City Museum, historic homes, an abandoned reservoir and more. It’s hilly with plenty of verticals. Participation is limited and registration and payment are required.

Interested in one of Missouri’s largest mammals? Then it’s time to get the “bear” facts in this all-ages  informal talk presented by the Missouri Department of Conservation. Topics will include biofacts, bear habitat and diet.