10 More Incredible Ways Your Teens and 'Tweens Can Volunteer This Summer

Whether they’re stocking a food bank, walking dogs or planting a neighborhood garden, every hour a teen spends volunteering makes a positive impact not only on the community they serve, but on their future as well. A study from Child Trends found that teens who volunteer are more likely to build a deeper respect for others, boost their work ethic, and resist drugs and alcohol. We’ve stepped up our original 15 summer volunteer opportunity list with 10 more ways your teen can show the world their caring heart and giving spirit.

Family Fun in St. Louis: 8 Essential Events in May

Spring is in the air and summer is just around the corner. It's time to get out and experience all of the fun family events happening around St. Louis in May. Here are our top picks:

Forts and Clubhouses is Back with a Sticky Twist at The Magic House

The popular and very hands-on exhibit at The Magic House, Forts and Clubhouses, returns May 26, this year featuring TapeScape. This innovative playground is made almost entirely out of tape, so kids can get themselves into one sticky situation after another.

15 Local Joints That Will Feed Your Kids for Free

While national chains, like McAlister’s Deli, Fazoli’s and O’Charley’s, are famous for their kids’ promo nights, there are plenty of locally owned restaurants across the metro area that can curve your little ones’ cravings at no extra cost to you. Plus, it gives you a much-needed break from oven duty.

Is Your Child Ready for Chapter Books?

There is a logical order to the way parents and teachers introduce literature to children. After sturdy board books for babies and toddlers, comes picture books. Picture books are the staple of pre-schoolers from age three to five and will continue to be interesting to children up to ages six and seven and even beyond. But, once children master decoding, the unlocking of sounds into meaningful words and sentences, they are ready for a greater challenge. They want to join the world of “real readers” and that means tackling chapter books.