Middle Schoolers

What makes people happy and how can we increase happiness in our lives? Our society sends us many messages about what should make us happy, but what does research suggest about the validity of these messages?

It turns out there may be a simple path to leading the good life. Psychologist and lecturer Dr. Timothy Bono discusses the scientific study of happiness and strategies for life satisfaction based on research in Positive Psychology.

There's no business like shoe business! Come see a live performance by the Imaginary Theater Company about a kindly cobbler whose good deed is rewarded with the help of magical elves. Based on the tale by the Brothers Grimm, this heartwarming holiday story is a reminder that with kindness and hope, anything is possible.

Go on a heart-pounding adventure through the magical scores of John Williams with the St. Louis Symphony. Generations, young and old, will be captivated by the program exploring the depths of our imaginations and the far reaches of outer space. 

Bring your family to hear the famous scores from Star Wars before the release of Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens, as well as other selections from Harry Potter, Jurasic Park, the holiday classic Home Alone and more!

Kids can take a break from the cold and enjoy a movie on the big screen. There will be pizza, lemonade and snacks before they sit down to watch Big Hero 6. For ages 7-13. Registration is required.

$10 per child for Kirkwood residents and $12 per child for non-residents. At the Kirkwood Community Center. 

More information: kirkwoodmo.org

Get in touch with your favorite emotions at this showing of the newly released film Inside Out. Admission is free when you bring a paper product item to be donated to a local food pantry.

Bring your family to the new Kings, Queens & Castles exhibition at the World Chess Hall of Fame. Created in collaboration with The Magic House, this innovative, interactive family exhibit brings the game of chess to life and provides an engaging introduction to individual chess pieces and game strategy. The exhibit features an array of hands-on elements. A drawbridge leading to a castle greets guests, a dress-up station transforms children into royalty, and life-sized chess pieces with cutouts for faces make for great photos! Learn more at worldchesshof.org.

Relive some of your favorite childhood fairy tales at the St. Louis Symphony's performance of Peter and the Wolf. This timeless classic about Peter and his animal friends (and foes) is set to music is enhanced with actors and projected visuals.