St. Louis County

Teens have the opportunity to discuss reading and writing with the author of 20 nationally best-selling mystery novels at this free event at the St. Louis County Library Headquarters.

Your family can rock along with live music featuring Flaming Pie and A Tribute to the Beatles at Art Invasion, a benefit concert that also features lots of activities for kids. There will be art activities available for children of all ages provided by Art Unleashed (formerly Chesterfield Arts). Admission is free but donations are welcome.

Proceeds benefit Chesterfield Public Sculpture Projects and Art Unleashed. Coolers, blankets and chairs are permitted, but no outside food. Concessions will be open and food vendors will serve food.

7/16/15: UPDATE: Due to a scheduling conflict, the St. Louis Rams have cancelled this event.

Join the St. Louis Rams for the inaugural Play 60 Mini Mudder on July 18. This is an event for the whole family, with special guests the Rams cheerleaders, Rampage, the Rams Play 60 Bus and DJ Pru. Kids can participate in a one-mile muddy obstacle course. There will also be Rams inflatables and food trucks.

Kids ages 3 to 12 can celebrate the beginning of another school year at the Back to School Bash at the Center of Clayton. Mad Science, Abra-Kid-Abra and Bricks 4 Kidz will provide games, hands-on workshops and entertainment. 

All proceeds from the event benefit KidSmart, which provides school supplies to kids in need across the metro St. Louis area. Cost is $8 per child in advance or $10 at the door. 

More information: backtoschoolbashstl.com

Explore the wonderful insects that fly at night at The Butterfly House during this special event to celebrate National Moth Week. Entomologists will set up black lights, which will attract night-flying insects from miles away. This one-of-a-kind experience will give you a chance to closely observe rarely seen nocturnal insects that come to the light. Sightings may include large moths, beetles, crickets and other fascinating insects. 

Your kids can play an interactive, jumbo Candyland game, decorate edible take-home treats and enjoy a delicious breakfast at Kids in Candy Land. This sweet adventure benefits Annie's Hope, a St. Louis nonprofit that provides comprehensive support services to children, teens and their families who are greiving the death of someone significant in their lives.

Visit The Magic House at they celebrate the final days of the exhibit Children's China. This festival of fun includes special lion and dragon dances.

Lion dance performances are at 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. Dragon dance performances are at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Free with Magic House admission. More information: magichouse.org