The eastbound drive around Missouri's Capitol has been closed for 5Ks, political issue rallies and musical events, but Saturday, it was a kayak pool that crossed the roadway as part of Outdoor Days.
And on the north end of the Capitol, Jefferson Street was blocked for 24 families camping in the Governor's Capitol Campout, the first of about a dozen nationwide events encouraging families to try outdoor recreation.
The daytime event surrounding the Capitol, included spear-throwing, archery and an inflatable rifle range.
It was the first time for Paige Wobbe, 8, to climb a rock wall or to paddle a kayak in the water. And it was the first time for Jackson Semkin, 12, to ride a bumps and curves track on a bicycle.
Around the block at the Jefferson Landing, it was not the first time for Aanisah Watson and her youngest children to sleep outdoors. But it was the first time it wasn't in her mother's backyard.
Unlike Wobbe and Semkin who look forward to fishing and other outdoor recreation, the Watson family is just beginning to find the fun outside.
"I want us to become outdoors people," Watson said. "We're trying something new in a controlled environment. It will help us decide if we would step out into the real wilderness later this summer."
Watson said she was hoping for good conversations and time together as part of their camping experience.
"I wanted to get away from the phones and iPads," she said.
Campers behind the Lohman Building were provided with easy pop-up tents and all the equipment they would need, as well as three meals. That put Watson at ease.
"Now, I'm not intimidated," Watson said. "It takes the pressure off of us trying to wing it."
Both events were designed to kick off June as Great Outdoors Month, said Steph Deidrick, acting director of communications with the Department of Natural Resources.
The activities were sponsored by Missouri State Parks division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, the Missouri Department of Conservation, Wonders of Wildlife, Bass Pro Shops and Coleman Inc.
Displays and demonstrations at the Capitol included a kayak pool, trucks, Mountain Man Rendezvous Skills Village, Dutch oven cooking and baking, live animal shows, grilling and smoking, metal detecting, bicycles, orienteering course, interactive fly fishing trailer, hay wagon rides and air rifles.
"Whether it's hiking, jogging or just playing a game of catch, getting outdoors has always been a proud Missouri tradition," said Gov. Jay Nixon.