West County

As parents, we have to ensure someone is watching our kids every time they’re around water. But due to this summer’s nationwide lifeguard shortage, we’ve had to up our game. There are many steps parents can take to better protect their kiddos in the water and empower them with respect for water safety. Here's how to start.

September and October are prime months for outdoor family fun, so kick off your fall with the Life Outside Challenge! Discover the more than 128 miles of paved greenways across the St. Louis metro area during September and October, try free challenge activities, win prizes and discover new places! And, since life outside is all about fun, it couldn't be easier or more fun to participate. 

For the first time since opening in 2019, The Magic House, MADE for Kids is hosting an exhibit of its own as TapeScape, an innovative playscape made almost entirely out of packing tape, opened for play on June 3 in the makerspace. Kids can crawl, climb and slide through this playful, STEAM-inspired exhibit. TapeScape is sure to stick with them as one of the most amazing forts ever built!

Whether family movie night is a weekly ritual in your family or an occasional treat, you can take it to the next level by adding activities that are both fun and educational. Here are some family-friendly movies with ideas for activities, snacks, crafts, outings, and books to continue the fun.

Your biggest summer adventure awaits along the 128 miles of Great Rivers Greenway trails! Families are invited on the Greenway Quest to see if they can find one of 100 hand-painted turtle rocks that have been hidden along the trails in St. Louis, St. Louis County and St. Charles County, and even a few hidden at City Museum! Those who find the "turtles" can register them and win prizes, and you can even enter to win prizes before you start your adventure!