Illinois Metro East

Family Tree Community Fair

Touchette Regional Hospital will once again hold its annual health event and back-to-school kickoff for families in the Metro East. This fifth annual event includes free school supplies, free boys' haircuts and health screenings for the entire family.

In addition, there will be games, kids' activities, food and prizes. The Family Tree Community fair is free and runs from 9 a.m. to noon at Touchette Regional Hospital.

More information: touchette.org

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Frozen at the Tower

Anna and Elsa from Frozen will meet and greet little fans and pose for photos on the top two levels of the Lewis & Clark Confluence Tower.

There will also be Frozen balloon art provided by Jay "The Balloon Dude."

10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Cost is $1 for children and $2 for adults.

More information: confluencetower.com

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Fireworks at the Confluence

See a stunning fireworks display from the top two levels of the Lewis and Clark Confluence Tower.

Tickets are $20 for the top level and $15 for the middle level. Seating is limited.

More information and tickets: confluencetower.com

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Fireworks at the St. Louis Regional Airport

Celebrate the July 4th holiday a bit early at this fireworks display at the St. Louis Regional Airport.

The display begins at 9:15 p.m. Free.

More information: visitalton.com

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Hummingbird Festival at Pere Marquette Lodge

Your family can learn all about hummingbirds, plus enjoy crafts & activities for kids, food and art vendors, live music, wine tastings and more at this annual festival.

Visitors can watch as local hummingbird experts measure, weigh and band the birds, and can also take a tour of the historic Lodge. Admission is free.

At Pere Marquette Lodge in Grafton, Ill. More information: visitalton.com

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Blackberry Jam Festival

It's blackberry season and this family festival includes blackberry treats of all kinds and plenty of fun kids activities.

10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Eckerts in Belleville.

More information: eckerts.com

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Healthy Kids Day at your local Family YMCA

Get kids moving and learning and find out about ways your whole family can have fun and be healthier at this free family event at your local branch of the Gateway Region YMCA.

At Healthy Kids Day, happening at YMCA branches across the St. Louis metro area, you can learn about the Y's programs for kids and adults, find out about summer camp opportunities, take part in games like kickball, take sampler classes, arts and crafts, kid-friendly yoga, free health screenings and lots more. Activities vary depending on the branch. Activities are free and open to the public.

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Things to Do

Pumpkin Jamboree at Eckerts

Saturday, October 18, 2025

Ride the wagons out to the pumpkin patch to search for your great pumpkin, live entertainment, pony rides, a petting farm, funnel cakes, caramel apples and lots of activities for kids.

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Not-So-Haunted House at The Magic House

It's the Not-So-Haunted House that is oh-so-fun, where storybook characters come alive! Kids are invited to dress in their most "boo-tiful" Halloween costumes and have a ghoulishly good time going on a spook-tacular scavenger hunt throughout The Magic House to find trick-or-treat locations and seeing their favorite storybook characters.

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Halloween Nights at Grant's Farm

Get into the Halloween spirit with some spooky fun and celebrate with the animals at Grant's Farm. Enjoy Halloween tram rides featuring Halloween lights, spooky scenes, live actors, scare zones, a Halloween-themed show, monster mash party and more. Costumes are encouraged.

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Wolf Fest at the Endangered Wolf Center

Saturday, October 18, 2025

Wolf Fest features fun activities, exhibits and demonstrations for all ages. Guests will enjoy a kid's area, live music and food trucks, see puppies born this spring, see animals from around the world, and meet some of the most endangered wolves in the world.

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Free Family Saturday at the St. Louis Artists Guild

Saturday, October 18, 2025

Saturday, November 15, 2025

Young artists and their families are invited to complete a fun craft activity in the galleries at the St. Louis Artists Guild. This program is designed for Pre-K to elementary-age children and their families.

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Something BIG just landed in Maryland Heights…

Say hello to Ninja Central – a one-of-a-kind movement space where kids run, jump, climb, and soar toward strength, agility, and unshakable confidence. This isn’t your average gym. This is next-level ninja –built from scratch with purpose, passion, and a whole lot of heart. How did it all happen? Because one person had the courage to dream big. Ray Overmann, founder of the non-profit Team Central, saw a need - a space where kids could move freely, build real strength, and feel like superheroes in their own story. Now that dream is real, right here in our community.

Ninja Central opens November 15th. Come be part of something BIG.

Attend the Community Sneak Peek, a free event for families to meet our staff, tour the gym, and test out all the amazing Ninja equipment. Reserve your spot here!

Find yourself at Forsyth on Sunday, October 26, 3–5 p.m., for the All-School Open House—perfect for families with candidates for any and every grade! Hear from Rob Butler, Head of School, before touring Forsyth's unique campus and connecting with teachers and current families in the classrooms. Visit The Rand Center for Performing Arts & Athletics to see the Adventure Center (featuring a climbing wall and high ropes course) in action. Forsyth School fosters a spirit of curiosity and joy, empowering children age 2 through Grade 6 to pursue challenges with confidence. Advance registration is required.

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