St. Louis

Enjoy all the fun of Citygarden plus creative art projects for kids from the Contemporary Art Museum Art Bus.

Your kids will love Citygarden's water plaza and fountains so dress them to get wet!

Free. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. At Citygarden, 9th Street between Market and Chestnut.

Celebrate Citygarden's 7th year at the Flamingo Fest. Wear pink in honor of Citygarden's flamingo population, and get ready to dance, get wet and have fun!

The fest features DJ Lamar Harris for a two-hour dance extravaganza, the Bubble Bus and lots of childrens' activities.

Your kids will also love Citygarden's water plaza and fountains, so dress them to get wet!

Free. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. At Citygarden, 9th Street between Market and Chestnut.

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Play Date Theater: Rumpelstiltskin

Bring your kids to a free production of Rumpelstiltskin performed by Edie's Fairy Tale Theater.

2 to 3 p.m. at the Central Library Auditorium. Free.

More information: slpl.org

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Preschool Science Series: Farm Animals

During Farm Animals, your preschooler will learn about farm animals and the role they play in food production.

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Benton Park 150th Anniversary Festival

Enjoy a wide variety of live music, make-and-take art project for kids provided by Artscope, food, and fun at this community festival celebrating 150 years of the Benton Park neighborhood.

The festival begins at 11 a.m. with a full schedule of local bands at the Benton Park Pavilllion and Lagoon at the corner of Jefferson and Arsenal.

Free. More information: bpnastl.org

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Play Studio Grand Opening

Your kids can celebrate the grand opening of the newest Play Studio by the St. Louis Teachers' Recycle Center and Play Your Art Out Studios.

At this free event there will be play in the studio, sidewalk chalk, log cabin building, VanGo the bookmobile, snacks and giveaways.

10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

More information

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Play Date Theater: Monkey Tales Presents King Botany's Garden

See a live performance by Monkey Tales Theatre Company at this free performance that teaches kids that everyone is unique and has their own special gifts.

In King Botany's Garden, the three princesses, Lily, Rose and Ivy, must show their father, King Botany, that they have what it take to rule the kingdom while he is away.

2 to 3 p.m. at the St. Louis Public Library Central Library Auditorium. Free.

More information: slpl.org

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Things to Do

Water Waddlers Indoor Drop-In Swim

Wednesday, October 7, 2026

Thursday, October 8, 2026

Stop in and have some fun in the indoor pool at the Lodge of Des Peres with your little one at this drop-in swim time for kids up to age 6. No pre-registration is needed; Water Waddlers is open to residents and non-residents of Des Peres.

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Nature Tots Storybook Hour at the Wildlife Rescue Center

Wednesday, October 7, 2026

Your kids can enjoy a nature-themed story, a wildlife walk, and create a craft using nature's art supplies at the Nature Tots Storybook Hour.

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Preschool Science Series at the Saint Louis Science Center

Wednesday, October 7, 2026

Thursday, October 8, 2026

Friday, October 9, 2026

The Preschool Science Series is an open exploration learning lab for young scientists - ages 18 months to 5 years - and their families. Activities are designed around research that shows children learn best through play, inquiry and shared experiences with their parents and caregivers.

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First Art: Free In-Person Art Program for Ages 18-36 Months

Wednesday, October 7, 2026

Tuesday, November 24, 2026

Join in on First Art, a free art program for toddlers where the focus is on the process of making art rather than the finished product. Dress to get messy!

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LEGO Club at the St. Louis County Library

Wednesday, October 7, 2026

Thursday, October 8, 2026

Friday, October 9, 2026

LEGO Club at the St. Louis County Library is a free opportunity for kids to gather and have fun building with LEGO bricks. LEGOs are provided.

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Dinoroarus Comes Roaring Back at the Saint Louis Zoo

The Dinoroarus exhibit brings prehistoric fun back to the Saint Louis Zoo this summer with 20 lifelike dinosaur animatronics and sculptures on the Zoo's Historic Hill.

Get Ready to Climb and Explore at These Free Big Truck Days

If your kids love to explore big trucks and vehicles, these upcoming Big Truck Days are a perfect weekend or weeknight outing. They'll get to climb on and explore fire trucks, police vehicles, bulldozers, bucket trucks, ambulances and lots more.

Travel Back in Time Every Friday at the Missouri History Museum’s Free Summer Family Fun Series

There comes a point every summer when all that “free time” isn’t so fun anymore. Your kids are bouncing off the walls, it’s too hot to hit the playground, and every activity seems to come with a big price tag. That’s when the screens come out, and parents find themselves counting down the minutes to bedtime. Thankfully, when Friday rolls around each week, your family can experience a mini summer getaway through history – no travel required.

City Museum's Stuff the Bus Campaign Provides School Supplies for 160 St. Louis Schools

Visit City Museum August 3-31, bring school supplies to donate, and get discounted admission! That's the idea behind City Museum's Stuff the Bus campaign.

Your Guide to Free Outdoor Family Movies this Summer

Seeing a movie at the theater is a magical experience, but when summer rolls around, it’s time to get outside and enjoy free movies under the stars! Free family movie nights abound across the St. Louis area, so grab your kids, a blanket or lawn chairs, and get ready for some cinematic fun. Here's where to find them:

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Lace up and leash up for a great cause! You and your dog are invited to run, jog, or walk in the Purple Leash 5K & Fun Run at Purina Farms. Compete for top dog in the 5K race or take it easy in the 1-mile fun run. Put your paws to the pavement and then head over to the TAILgate after party for food, drinks, music and more all while raising awareness for the Purple Leash Project. All purple outfits and purple dog gear are highly encouraged! The Purple Leash Project was born out of the Purina mission to bring and keep pets and people together and the RedRover® mission to bring people and their pets from crisis to care. Your support of the Purple Leash Project assists domestic violence shelters on their journey to welcome family pets by funding pet-friendly renovations. Sunday, October 11. FIND OUT HOW TO REGISTER

The Missouri History Museum celebrates education and family learning with History Exploration Days! One Friday per month from September to May, 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 colonial St. Louis, baseball, Black history, and wildlife. Detailed schedules for each day will be posted to the Museum’s website. The program is offered on October 9, November 13, December 11, January 15, February 19, March 19, April 9, and May 14. LEARN MORE

See the Purina Incredible Dog Team perform extraordinary feats of athleticism and skill right here in St. Louis at Union Station this summer! Featuring some of the most talented canines in the country, the Purina Incredible Dog Team consists of more than 20 remarkably gifted dogs and two trainers who entertain audiences with extraordinary feats of athleticism and skill. Spectators can watch the team demonstrate a variety of canine sports while dogs of different breeds fly through the air to catch a flying disc, leap over a high jump, and maneuver through a series of obstacles in an agility course. Free performances are happening Thursdays through Sundays at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. at Union Station's Performance Plaza in front of the St. Louis Wheel. Learn more at purina.com/purinafarms.

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