summer

Got Those Back to School Blues? Neither Do We.

The Week before school started I came across a meme that said, "You only get eighteen summers with your kids – make them count!" My first thought after reading it was,"Eighteen? The house will never make it."

Head Lice Love Summer Vacation as Much as Your Kids Do

Your kids aren’t the only ones celebrating the end of the school year. Head lice love summer, according to removal expert Libby Lutz. There’s heat, there’s humidity and, best of all, there’s a lack of school personnel disturbing their peaceful procreation.

Lutz, who founded Lice Busters St. Louis, said the back-to-school season is her busiest time, but lice are common in the summer too. Because it takes four to six weeks for lice to cause itching and thus give away their hideout, school vacation is a great incubation period for an infestation.

Summer Recipes Perfect for a Picnic

Kicking off a Healthy St. Louis Summer

The weather seems to be having a tough time making up its mind just what season it should be, but we SmartParenting bloggers have no doubts: Next weekend is the start of summer!

This week we’re focusing most of our attention on ideas for summer – things to do, recipes to cook, books to read, and (my topic for today) ways to stay healthy.

Finally, Sunshine! Are Your Kids Ready for It?

On Saturday we headed out to play in the bubble jets at Tower Grove Park. In our eagerness to get out and enjoy the sunshine, I completely forgot to pack sunscreen. During the summer I keep tubes and bottles of it everywhere – the car, my purse, the swim bag – but with the rainy spring, I was slow wrapping my head around the usual summertime routines. Luckily the boys didn't burn, but I sure did.

Turns out that more than two-thirds of youngsters are like mine were Saturday, playing in the sun without being adequately protected.

Check Out Our Summer Camp Guide

You'll find summer learning and enrichment experiences for kids ages toddler to teen. Check out our 2010 Summer Camp Guide for camp descriptions and contact information, and links to camp web sites. Get Started

Want daily ideas of things to do? How about special offers & giveaways? Sign up and we’ll handle the rest.

Things to Do

Free Family Night at The Magic House

Friday, April 19, 2024

Friday, May 17, 2024

Come play at The Magic House for free during Emerson Free Family Night. Capacity is limited.

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Open Gym at Miss Kelly's Gym

Friday, April 19, 2024

Saturday, April 20, 2024

Friday, April 26, 2024

Kids can work on existing gym skills, learn new skills or just play around during Open Gym at Miss Kelly's Gym. Reservations are not necessary.

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Budding Artists Preschool Art Program

At this free art program for ages 3-6 the focus is on the process of making art rather than the finished product. Dress to get messy!

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Wee Weekend at the Saint Louis Art Museum

Friday, April 19, 2024

Saturday, April 20, 2024

Friday, May 24, 2024

Preschoolers can learn, play, explore and grow at the Saint Louis Art Museum's Wee Weekend program for its youngest visitors. Join in on the adventure as your little one discovers new ways of interacting with art and each other.

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Free Family Night at MADE for Kids

Friday, April 19, 2024

Friday, May 17, 2024

Friday, June 21, 2024

This 7,000 square-foot makerspace is designed for kids to play, explore create and collaborate. Visitors have a chance to "paint" on the digital easel, use a pottery wheel to create a clay creation, design for a 3D printer, launch air rockets, build robots and circuits and more!

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See All Things to Do

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Child development researchers at Washington University School of Medicine are inviting 4-7-year-old children and a caregiver to participate in a study investigating what children know about suicide along with risk factors for experiencing suicidality early in life. We are seeking children who have and who have not experienced suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Children who participate will 1) answer brief questions about their understanding of suicide (we want to learn what children at different ages know, we do not teach them anything new), 2) play games, and 3) complete a safe and non-invasive EEG. Caregivers will complete interviews and surveys. Families can earn up to $110 for participating. LEARN MORE AND SIGN UP HERE

We also have current studies for 12-14-year-old girls and their mothers. Check out our website or email us at childlab@wustl.edu.

In this thrilling blend of classical music and classic animation Bugs Bunny and his Looney Tunes pals join audiences of all ages at Stifel Theatre with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra for Bugs Bunny at the Symphony. A dozen of the world’s most iconic Looney Tunes—What’s Opera, Doc?, The Rabbit of Seville, Corny Concerto, Baton Bunny, Long-Haired Hare, and many others—plus five brand-new animated shorts—will be projected on the big screen, while their exhilarating original scores are played live by the SLSO, conducted by George Daugherty. Bugs Bunny at the Symphony will be presented on Saturday, May 11 at 7 p.m. at Stifel Theatre. LEARN MORE AND GET TICKETS. Want to win tickets? Enter our contest.

Witness high-flying canine athletes, experience up-close encounters with farm animals, or visit adoptable cats and dogs all at the Purina Farms Visitor Center, located just 30 minutes west of St. Louis! Officially opening for the 2024 season on April 20 & 21, guests who visit opening weekend will get the first look at the newly renovated Visitor Center lobby. Visit on Saturdays this season to attend our NEW magic show focused on responsible pet ownership. Open mid-April to October, Wednesday-Sunday, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Daily admission is free unless otherwise stated during a special event. We look forward to seeing you! LEARN MORE

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Popular Stories

COCA Ignites Creativity and Sparks Fun for Kids of All Ages, All Summer Long

Stroll along the Walk of Fame in the Delmar Loop, and you’ll spot the playwrights, actors, and artists who got their start in St. Louis, from Tennessee Williams and Katherine Dunham, to Tina Turner and John Goodman. Just a few steps away and around the corner, a new generation of Gateway City superstars will discover their love for the visual and performing arts this summer.

Farmer's Markets Make Great Family Outings! Here is Your 2024 Guide to Farmers Markets Across the St. Louis Area

A trip to the farmer’s market is a fun outing for the entire family – and it can be educational too. Make plans to visit one (or several) of these top St. Louis farmers’ markets this spring and summer, so that you and your kids can learn more about where your food comes from and indulge in some of the freshest, seasonal produce the St. Louis region has to offer. Plus, many of these markets offer activities just for kids, feature food trucks, welcome dogs, and more.

Life Lessons Learned at Overnight Camp

With the perfect blend of adventure and responsibility, camp life teaches kids valuable lessons they can use for the rest of their lives. If you send your child to overnight camp, here are some life lessons they are likely to learn.

Spring Break Camps Offer a Variety of Activities for Kids and Teens in St. Louis

Excitement is building for summer and the wide variety of summer camp experiences available for kids in the St. Louis metro area. But first! Spring break is around the corner, and there are plenty of Spring Break camps now enrolling.

10 Reasons Your Teen Might Love to be a Camp Counselor

Day or sleepaway summer camp is the perfect place for teens to transition to the world of the employed. The paycheck is nice, but being a summer camp counselor has other rewards, too.