Parent with Child

Now that April's rain has gone away, it's time to tell stories about flowers and plants!

Watch the best robotics teams from around with world face off in a rock 'em, sock 'em competition with homemade robots. Teams compete for top honors in design excellence, competitive play and sportsmanship.

Events include the FIRST Robotics Competition, FIRST Tech Challenge World Championships and te FIRST LEGO League World Festival. Also featured is the Junior FIRST LEGO League World Festival Expo. 

All events are free and open to the public.

Competition times vary.  Events are held at the Edward Jones Dome, Union Station and America’s Center.

With the help of the St. Louis Modern Chinese School and Chinese Culture and Education Services, the Magic House will host games and sports popular with children in China today. 

Kids can learn to spin a Diabolo, inspired by a Chinese yoyo, kick around a shuttlecock in a round of Chinese hacky sack, pick up a games of pink pong or skip a rubber band as they jump up, down and all around for a game of Chinese jump rope.

Author Deborah Zemke will read from her new book, The Case of the Missing Carrot Cake during this free story time at Left Bank Books. In the story, when food goes missing on Ed's farm, Detectives Wilcox and Griswold do what it take to track down the thieves. In this case, Miss Rabbit's carrot cake has disappeared. Has it been stolen? Eaten? Or both? And who did it?

10:30 a.m. at Left Bank Books in the Central West End. Free.

This special story time features David Backes, St. Louis Blues captain and co-founder, along with his wife Kelly, of Athletes for Animals. Backes will read Oh, The Pets You Can Get by Dr. Seuss and talk to children about his compassion for animals, the importance of pet adoption and responsible pet ownership.

The  Waldorf School of St. Louis has partnered with Childgrove Dancers to host Family Contra Dances, a communal style of folk dancing that is fun and easy to learn. No experience is necessary.

Children and adults engage in simple movements which encourage concentration, coordination and sequencing, all while having fun. This is a time-honored American pastime combining movement and social connection with beautiful live music. Best for families with children ages 6 and up. All are welcome.

Bring your toddler or preschool-age little ones to Whole Foods Market for this free Mommy and Me Spanish class with Montesorri Bilingual Academy. You'll enjoy songs, stories, games and a snack. 

Taught by Veronica Greene of the Montessori Bilingual Academy. The class will be held in the Kids Club Play Area.

Free, reservations are not required. 10 a.m. to 10:40 a.m. at Whole Foods Market in Town and Country.

More information: wholefoodsmarket.com