Way to go Patrick. Dry Run Creek is such an awesome place. My daughter Hannah and I have made many memories on this stream over the past several years. It is definitely a special place.
Hannah and I have made several quick 1 day trips down there (it is only quick for the kids, because they don’t drive) over the years. Drive down on Friday night, grab a cheap hotel room, let them fish DRC on Saturday morning and home in time for dinner on Saturday.
Also, being from St. Louis, you might appreciate the fact that Westover Farms in Steelville used to let kids fly-fish for free. I am not sure if the new owners still allow this or not, but it is a quick hour drive and while it isn’t DRC it is enough to keep the kids interested without the throngs of people.
Great job on getting your son out though. That is awesome.