Illinois Metro East

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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Gingerbread House Workshop

For those who have always longed to build a gingerbread house but were intimidated by the thought, here is your chance to create a beautiful display for the holidays.

Supplies and guidance will be provided. You provide the creativity! For all ages. Cost is $14 per gingerbread house.

Workshops are held between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. in the Country Store at Eckert's in Bellville.

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Chip off the Old Block Ice Carving

See artisans create one-of-a-kind ice sculptures including the American Bald Eagle. Watch Chip Off the Old Block demonstrate how to create an eagle ice sculpture that will be on display until it's melted.

12 to 2 p.m. at the Lewis & Clark Confluence Tower in Hartford, Illinois. Free.

More information: confluencetower.com

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Things to Do

Walk & Talk School Tour at the Waldorf School of St. Louis

Wednesday, November 19, 2025

Learn about Waldorf education by observing classes in session at the Waldorf School of St. Louis.

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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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Garden Glow Family Nights at the Missouri Botanical Garden

Wednesday, November 19, 2025

Thursday, November 20, 2025

Visit one of the most dazzling holiday light displays in the Midwest on these special Family Nights when children's tickets are just $5.

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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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Open Gym at Miss Kelly's Gym in Cottleville

Open Gym at Miss Kelly's Gym is an opportunity for any child to have supervised free play in the gym. They can work on existing skills, try something new, or simply play around. It is completely up to them! Open Gym is open to both members and non-members ages 12 and under.

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Take Your Kids on a Trip Through Time: History Exploration Days at the Missouri History Museum

Each day, the Missouri History Museum immerses kids in the stories of St. Louis, written over hundreds of years and told through hands-on exhibits, fun-filled activities, and special family-focused events. During the school year, young history buffs of all ages can take an unforgettable journey to our city’s past with a special monthly adventure designed just for them! The Museum’s highly-anticipated History Exploration Days, starting back up this September, lets kids engage with history in creative and unexpected ways and discover how those who came before us continue to impact their lives today.

Your Guide to the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra's New Season of Concerts for Kids and Families

Whether kids are exploring the savannahs of Simba’s kingdom or traveling through the Marvel Universe, their adventures are set to an incredible live soundtrack that inspires a lifelong love of music. Here is your guide to the 2025-26 St. Louis Symphony Orchestra concerts for kids and families (and teens!).

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

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Miriam Celebrates Neurodiversity, Supports Unique Learners

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7 Signs Your Kids Are Ready For Their First Sleepaway Camp

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Experience the beauty of nearly 400 young singers onstage at newly renovated Powell Hall. Join The St. Louis Children’s Choirs for their Holiday Concert - “Illuminate" – on Sunday, December 7th at 4 p.m. “Illuminate” with a concert that shines with warmth, wonder, and the light of children’s song. From festive carol fanfares and beloved holiday favorites to imaginative winter-themed songs, the six ensembles of the Choirs offer a heartwarming concert that is sure to become your new annual holiday tradition. Now in their 48th season of transforming lives through musical excellence, The St. Louis Children’s Choirs’ annual holiday concert is the jewel of the young singers’ concert season. Singing at legendary Powell Hall has been a part of SLCC’s holiday tradition since 1999. Recently reopened after its stunning renovation, the new Powell Hall is helping to make St. Louis an international destination for music and art. Tickets and info at slccsing.org/events.

The biggest brunch of the season features Santa and Fredbird of the St. Louis Cardinals! The menu covers all the bases, and families get to take home photos of their kids with Santa and Fredbird. Additional activities for kids include face painting, balloon art and letters to Santa. Brunch with Santa and Fredbird is set for Sunday, December 7, and includes breakfast and lunch favorites, with a bottomless Bloody Mary bar and mimosas for grown-ups and admission to the Cardinals Museum for the whole family! Learn more and reserve tickets at cardinalsnation.com

The College School in Webster Groves invites you to our Open House on Saturday, November 15 at 9 AM—a chance to experience our hands-on, heart-engaged approach to Preschool–8th Grade. At TCS, learning is active and meaningful: students investigate real questions, collaborate with peers, and apply ideas in the classroom and outdoors. In close-knit classes, teachers know each child and shape challenges that are appropriately rigorous and joyful. Our approach grows lasting capacities—creative problem-solving, empathy, communication, and the courage to try, learn, and try again—timeless skills that serve students in any future. During Open House, you’ll meet educators, explore our campus, and learn more about our vibrant community. Come see how dynamic academics and outdoor adventure work together to spark a lifelong love of learning and a sense of purpose. Reserve your spot here. We look forward to meeting you!

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