Illinois Metro East

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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Storytelling at Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site

Take your kids to hear storytelling at the Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site. Sponsored by the University of Missouri-St. Louis and the 35th Annual St. Louis Storytelling Festival.

2 p.m. Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site in Collinsville.

More information: cahokiamounds.org

There is no admission fee, but a donation is suggested.

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Masters of the Sky

Learn about the majestic wonders of the sky - eagles, owls, falcons, vultures and hawks, at the Masters of the Sky show taking place at the National Great Rivers Museum.

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Dine with Anna and Elsa

Your little ones are invited to attend a festive dining event with Frozen's Anna and Elsa. Join in the merriment with lunch, singing, dancing and a keepsake photo with the queen and princess!

This event takes place at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Jan. 23, 24, 30 and 31, and on Feb. 6, 7, 13 and 14.

Cost is $22.50 per person. At Eckert Farms in Belleville.

Learn more and register at eckerts.com

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Dine with Anna and Elsa, Meet Olaf and Sven

Bring your best wintery cheer to this festive dining experience with Anna and Elsa from Frozen! You'll have lunch, enjoy singing and dancing and get to take a keepsake photo with the Anna and Elsa. Then meet and take photos with Olaf and Sven.

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Things to Do

Japanese Festival at the Missouri Botanical Garden

Sunday, August 31, 2025

Monday, September 1, 2025

Celebrating the history, culture, and people of Japan, the Japanese Festival at the Missouri Botanical Garden is one of the largest and oldest festivals of its kind in the United States. Your family can enjoy guided walking tours, bonsai, cooking, martial arts and origami demonstrations, sumo wrestling, and special activities for kids.

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Museum Babies Storytelling

Tuesday, September 2, 2025

Bring your babies and toddlers to this free story time at the Missouri History Museum.

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Storytelling in the Museum from the Missouri History Museum

Storytelling in the Museum is an in-person storytelling event happening at 10:30 a.m. at the Missouri History Museum. This event, perfect for the preschool set, features engaging stories with themes like Juneteenth, Sweet Treats, Summer and more. Storytelling in the Museum is free.

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Toddler Time at The Magic House

Visit The Magic House for Toddler Time, a special early-morning program for toddlers. Children age 1-4 can take part in exhibits and exclusive interactive activities designed just for little ones. There are new themes every week!

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Kindergarten Prep

Wednesday, September 3, 2025

Wednesday, September 10, 2025

Tuesday, September 30, 2025

Your child is old enough to start kindergarten, are they ready? Are you? At this special presentation, both you and your child will get a brief overview of what is expected before your child even enters the classroom. You'll also receive a free backpack and school supplies. Registration is required.

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Visit City Museum August 4-17, bring school supplies to donate, and get discounted admission! That's the idea behind City Museum's Stuff the Bus campaign.

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Want Your Kids to Learn? Teach Them It’s Okay to Make Mistakes

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At The College School in Webster Groves, our Reggio Emilia-inspired Early Childhood program nurtures each child’s natural curiosity through a thoughtful balance of play, exploration, and meaningful project work. Rooted in the belief that children are capable, creative thinkers, our program invites students to investigate real-world ideas and express their understanding through the “hundred languages” of art, nature, and play. Days are filled with joyful learning experiences—indoors and out—as children build foundational skills in language, math, social-emotional growth, and problem-solving. Our approach blends child-led inquiry with intentional guidance, allowing each student to grow at their own pace while developing confidence and a love of learning. With ample time spent in our outdoor classrooms, gardens, and nearby parks, students connect deeply with the natural world and learn the value of stewardship from an early age. We offer both part-time and full-time options to meet your family’s needs, and tuition assistance is available to help make our program accessible. Come see our warm, vibrant community in action—contact our Admissions Office today to schedule a personal tour! LEARN MORE

The Missouri History Museum celebrates education and family learning with History Exploration Days! One Friday per month from September to May (excluding November), homeschool families with kids of all ages can explore a different historical topic—together! All activities are FREE. Explore St. Louis history in new and exciting ways through interactive guided gallery tours, hands-on workshops, and community performances that align with each month’s theme, encouraging investigation, exploration, and creative fun. Activities are offered at various times throughout the day and are customized for specific grade level groups. Storytelling takes place in the morning, and all ages are welcome. Visit the craft room for fun learning experiences, with museum educators available to help learners participate in meaningful ways. Topics this school year include Growing Up in St. Louis, Holiday Toys, Black History, and Route 66. Detailed schedules of each day will be posted to the Museum’s website. The program is offered on September 12, October 10, December 12, January 16, February 20, March 13, April 10, and May 1. Learn more at mohistory.org

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