Illinois Metro East

Family Hike and Play Day

Bring your whole family to learn, explore and play on the farm at Family Hike and Play Day at Willoughby Farm. Explore the nature trails and then enjoy games around the farm yard.

Cost is $2 per person with a maximum of $10 per family.

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Story Telling in the Treehouse

Ike Day, a former librarian for the City of Edwardsville, will lead preschoolers through a wonderful story telling time in the treehouse at the Watershed Nature Center in Edwardsville. The stories are focused on teaching children about nature through storytelling and exploration.

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FredBird at the Farm

Cardinals mascot Fredbird will visit Eckert Farms in Belleville so he can meet and greet guests.

Bring your kids to meet Fredbird between 11 and 11:30 a.m. on July 18. or from 12:30 to 1 p.m. on August 8.

The visit with Fredbird is free. No reservations are required.

More information: eckerts.com

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Superhero Night with the Gateway Grizzlies

Celebrate the hero in your life at Superhero Night with the Gateway Grizzlies. Enjoy the baseball game, a costume contest, kids' pirate and superhero-themed games, a bounce house and lots more.

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Summer Safety Fest

Summer is the season for sunshine, sports and barbecues, but with all of that fun comes an increased risk of injuries as families head outdoors. Touchette Regional Hospital and Southern Illinois Healthcare are helping Metro East families enjoy a safe summer by sponsoring this free Summer Safety Fest.

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Flying 4 Kids Kite Fly

Enjoy a fun morning of kite flying and watch the Gateway Kite Club perform with stunt kites at this free event. The first 50 participants will receive a free goodie bag, and eveyone will get to decorate their own kite.

9 a.m. to noon at Joe Glik Park in Edwardsville.

More information: cityofedwardsville.com

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Live Eagle Display at the Lewis & Clark Confluence

Bring your kids to get up close to an American Bald Eagle. Your family can ask questions and take pictures while you see this majestic bird up close.

10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Lewis & Clark Confluence Tower in Hartford, Ill. Free.

More information: confluencetower.com

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Things to Do

Wild Lights at the Saint Louis Zoo

Delight in brilliant, colorful light displays with spectacular photo opportunities throughout the Zoo during Wild Lights. Walk through two tunnels with dazzling lights, and enjoy themed displays featuring snowflakes, candy canes, gumdrops, penguins, polar bears, tigers, giraffes and much more at this St. Louis family-favorite holiday tradition.

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Supper With Santa at The Butterfly House

Friday, December 13, 2024

Saturday, December 14, 2024

Sunday, December 15, 2024

Santa is making a stop at The Butterfly House before he makes his trip around the world, and he wants to enjoy a meal with your family! Enjoy a delicious dinner, visit Santa's Workshop and Mrs. Claus's Cookie Kitchen, have your picture taken with the guest of honor - Santa!

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Winter Wonderland in Tilles Park

Experience the holiday lights at Winter Wonderland in Tilles Park, where you'll find two million beautiful holiday lights and animated displays. This year's Winter Wonderland is drive-through only.

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Garden Glow at the Missouri Botanical Garden

More than a million lights will illuminate some of the Missouri Botanical Garden's most iconic locations, walkways will be transformed into sensory light tunnels providing an explosion of visual magic, and traditional candlelight village displays, festive drinks, s'mores and great photo opportunities will delight crowds of all ages.

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O'Fallon Celebration of Lights

The annual Celebration of Lights in Fort Zumwalt Park in O'Fallon, Mo., has been a holiday tradition since 1991.

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Bring your family to Cardinals Nation Restaurant on select Wednesday nights for Family Night with Fredbird! Meet Fredbird from 6:30-7:30 p.m., play games and win prizes! Kids eat FREE per adult meal purchased from 5 to 9 p.m. (Dine-in only, for kids 12 and under) Meet Fredbird from 6:30-7:30 p.m., play games and win prizes!

For more information and reservations: cardinalsnation.com

The Saturday Sneak Peek at New City School is a kid-friendly Open House that gives families a chance to explore New City School together. You'll connect with faculty and current families at activity stations in several of students' favorite places to learn and play. This day is intended to give families a sample of some of the engaging learning experiences New City teachers design for students. Registration is requested. The next Sneak Peek will be held on Saturday, December 14, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Learn more and register at newcityschool.org

DreamWorks’ How to Train Your Dragon combines humor, fire-breathing action, and epic adventure! In this captivating story, a young Viking defies tradition when he befriends one of his deadliest foes—a ferocious dragon he calls Toothless. Together, these unlikely heroes must fight against all odds to save both their worlds. Experience the thrill of this acclaimed film presented in HD, with composer John Powell’s Oscar®-nominated score performed live to picture by your St. Louis Symphony Orchestra. Performances for How to Train Your Dragon in Concert are on Saturday, December 28 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, December 29 at 2 p.m. at Stifel Theatre. For more information and tickets, visit slso.org.

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