St. Louis

You won't want to miss this unique opportunity for your kids to take part in free classes at the Saint Louis Science Center's Makerspace.

In April's program, students will work in design teams to develop a new handheld musical instrument. Students will be challenged to design every aspect of their musical instrument, from its shape to the sounds it will make. The design teams will use MIT's Scratch programming language to program their musical instrument, from its shape to the sounds it will make. 

Meet Lea Clark, the 2016 American Girl Doll of the Year at the brand new Brookings Exploration Center at the Missouri Botanical Garden.

You'll discover the rainforest in the Climatron, make a craft in the Exploration Center's new PlantLab and then head to the Doris I. Schnuck Children's Garden for a special ice cream treat. Children will receive a bag filled with special goodies, admission to the Children's Garden and ice cream.

2-4 p.m. Admission is $15 for adults (age 13 and up) and $25 for children.

See an awe-inspiring glimpse of Earth from space and explore humanity's relationship with nature in A Beautiful Planet, opening May 13 in the Saint Louis Science Center's OMNIMAX Theater. 

A Beautiful Planet provides a unique perspective and increased understanding of our planet and galaxy as never seen before. The film explores mankind's relationship with Earth and the connection we all have with the place we call home. 

Join the Saint Louis Science Center and members of the St. Louis Astronomical Society for fun astronomy activities for all ages.

You can learn about telescopes and how you can begin exploring the stars on your own, and, if the weather permits, take part in solar observing near the Planetarium entrance.

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. All activities are free.

More information: slsc.org

Join in on the celebration of Yuri Gagarin, the first man in space.

At the special events at the Saint Louis Science Center, there will be telescope viewing and special star shows, including Metal Moons at 6 p.m. and a human space flight program-themed Live Sky Tonight show at 7 p.m. The Liftoff Gallery will be open with educators on hand to answer questions.

5:30 to 9 p.m. at the Saint Louis Science Center.

More information: slsc.org

Swap-O-Rama-Rama, a community clothing swap and DIY upcycling event is back at the Missouri History Museum.

Bring at least one bag of your unwanted (but clean) clothing to contribute, then dive in and find some new-to-you treasures. Take them home or head to the sewing room where volunteers will help you alter or transform your new items. In honor of the museum's Little Black Dress exhibit, there will be a special LBD rack.

The Swap-O-Rama-Rama starts at noon. 

This special storytime will feature storyteller Maria Yaksic, a native of La Paz, Bolivia, who has been working with children for more than 20 years. She is currently a parent educator and kindergarten teacher.