Middle Schoolers

See a live performance by Monkey Tales Theatre Company at this free performance that teaches kids that everyone is unique and has their own special gifts. 

In King Botany's Garden, the three princesses, Lily, Rose and Ivy, must show their father, King Botany, that they have what it take to rule the kingdom while he is away.

2 to 3 p.m. at the St. Louis Public Library Central Library Auditorium. Free.

More information: slpl.org

Explore the new GROW Exhibit at the Saint Louis Science Center during its Grand Opening, where your kids can make treats for the chickens, ride on mini tractors, meet Dorothy and the Scarecrow from the Wizard of Oz, enjoy live music, giveaways and lots more.

What kind of animal eats more insects than birds? What moves more dirt around than earthworms? What lives an even more structured social life than bees? Hint: it has 6 legs and lives underground.

It’s the ant! In this program kids will discover more about ants and their astonishing variety of lifestyles. For ages 6 and up.

9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Free. At Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center. Reservations are required.

More information and reservations: mdc.mo.gov

In Shrek the Musical Jr., follow the adventures of an ogre who sets off on a quest to save a princess from a dragon. However, it turns out that to succeed, Shrek must battle an even bigger obstacle: learning how to believe in himself and open his heart to others.

This very family-friendly performance is presented by COCA.

Two performances: Friday, June 24 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, June 25 at 1 p.m. Tickets are $6 to $10.

More information and tickets: cocastl.org

Teens can enjoy an evening of creative expression with other teens who love to make art.

Teen Pizza + Art Night gives teenagers the opportunity to assemble, construct and experiment with unusual materials while they collaborate with their peers. All materials, food and beverages are provided.

A Laumeier Sculpture Park in the Kranzberg Education Lab. For ages 13-17. Cost is $20.

7 to 9:30 p.m. For more information and to register: laumeier.org

If you're crazy about all things Firefly this First Friday at the Saint Louis Science Center is for you.

Activities include a live taping of the Geek Universe radio show featuring Dr. Dan Yezbick of St. Louis Community College about what makes Firefly so exceptional and why it continues to have a large following, crafts from Spiderloom and Arch City Crafts, makerspace innovations with Inventor Forge, a Smuggling Challenge, a Firefly photo opp, Coloring at First Friday and more.

Celebrate World Turtle Day complete with fun activities for kids and giveaways for the whole family.

You'll also celebrate the June 3 opening of the new film Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows. 

10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Life Science Lab at the Saint Louis Science Center.

More information: slsc.org