What could be more fun in July than to see what cool things live in an aquatic habitat?
Kids ages 6-12 can learn about an aquatic food chain and how human can affect it. There will also be time to interact with a real aquatic environment.
9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area. Free.
More information and reservations: mdc.mo.gov
Jam out to some great tunes every Tuesday evening at the Civic Park Bandstand in O'Fallon, Mo., at a kid-friendly concert complete with some of your favorite food trucks.
Bring chairs or blankets for lawn seating. 6:30 to 9 p.m. Admission and parking are free.
More information and a schedule of local bands: ofallon.mo.us
If you love ribs and barbecue you'll was to experience the St. Louis Ribfest, held over Memorial Day weekend in New Town St. Charles.
The festival features a large children's play area, national BBQ champions, live music, lots of food vendors, craft vendors, and free admission.
Hours are Friday, 5-11 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Sunday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Monday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
More information: thestlouisribfest.com
Now in its 14th year, the Missouri River Irish Fest includes activities for all ages. Children can have their face painted, have their hair painted with the Irish flag, meet Irish dancers, jump on inflatables, have fun with hands-on arts and crafts, take part in the Shamrock Stomp and Shamrock Smack, have a Fairy Tea Party and lots more.
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.
Come have some fun on summer nights during Music and Movie Nights at The Meadows, featuring free outdoor movies, concerts from favorite local bands, food trucks and more.
Music and Movies will take place at center court - Clock Tower Plaza at the Meadows of Lake Saint Louis. Bring lawn chairs for seating.
All movies start at dusk, concerts begin at 6:30 p.m. The schedule includes:
August 25: Summer Movie: Hotel Transylvania 2
More information: themeadowsatlsl.com
Kids can increase their confidence and reading skills while reading to an adorable, attentive dog in this program sponsored by Love on a Leash.
Bring your own book or choose one at the library and read for 10 minutes to one of the dogs from Love on a Leash. Reading to dogs is a positive and non-threatening way to build confidence in reading. For ages 5-12.
6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the McClay Branch of the St. Charles County Library. Free.
Bring your little ones to enjoy a nature adventure, where they'll learn to appreciate the natural world through a story, songs, movement and play.
Science Tots is designed for children ages 18 to 36 months. The class provides opportunities to support brain development and learning. Toddlers and their grown-ups will explore STEM topics through songs, stories, hands-on exploration and play.
See the Zoo's California sea lions perform acrobatic and athletic feats, including Olympic-style dives on a high-diving platform, flipper walks, frisbee tosses and plenty of surprises. While on stage with the sea lions, the Zoo's trainers explain sea lion behavior and positive-reinforcement training, in addition to the need for conserving the sea lion's ocean habitat.
Free outdoor concerts are back at the Missouri History Museum. The May series of concerts features favorite bands, food trucks, and exhibits inside the museum that are open to the public on concert nights. Concerts are held from 6-8 p.m.
Explore the Saint Louis Zoo in the evenings at the Chinese lantern festival Animals Aglow! Animals Aglow returns to illuminate the Saint Louis Zoo for the second year with dozens of new, towering lanterns and light displays.