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

Garden Glow at the Missouri Botanical Garden

Sunday, November 16, 2025

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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Family Sunday at the Saint Louis Art Museum

Sunday, November 16, 2025

Families are invited to the Saint Louis Art Museum on Sunday afternoon to participate in free hands-on art activities with fun themes and to explore the galleries. Each Family Sunday focuses on a different family-friendly theme.

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Sensory Friendly Science Time

Sunday, November 16, 2025

Sensory Friendly Science Time features reduced noise, modified lighting and sensory-friendly demonstrations at the Saint Louis Science Center.

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The Lion King in Concert with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra

Sunday, November 16, 2025

Experience the original animated classic roaring from the big screen, as your SLSO performs Hans Zimmer’s Oscar-winning score live. The Lion King follows the powerful story of Simba as he journeys from a wide-eyed cub to his destined role as King of the Pride Lands. Featuring unforgettable music by Elton John, lyricist Tim Rice, and composer Hans Zimmer—plus African vocal and choir arrangements by South African producer and composer Lebo M—celebrate the magic of this joyful tale with the whole family.

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Kindergarten Prep

Monday, November 17, 2025

Wednesday, December 10, 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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Popular Stories

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

It’s normal for parents to want to protect their children from failure. It’s also normal to want them to achieve, win, and do their best. But here’s the truth: We don’t learn anything new without making mistakes. I’ll say it again. Making mistakes is a crucial step in learning. If we’re fearful of making mistakes, learning comes to a screeching halt.

Miriam Celebrates Neurodiversity, Supports Unique Learners

At Miriam School, students with complex learning differences are supported and celebrated as they grow academically, socially and emotionally. Miriam provides a tailored educational experience for learners in grades K-12 who have not found success in traditional classroom settings. Students’ challenges may stem from specific learning disabilities (i.e. dyslexia or dysgraphia), ADHD, level 1 autism, sensory processing disorder, anxiety, or speech and language disorders.

7 Signs Your Kids Are Ready For Their First Sleepaway Camp

It’s time to decide whether to send your kids to sleepaway camp, but how do you know that's the right thing to do? How can you tell whether your kids are ready for their first extended stay away from home? Here are 7 important signs that experts say should inform your decision.

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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!

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!

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! The next Family Night with Fredbird is November 12!

For more information and reservations: cardinalsnation.com

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