West County

If you walk near woods or trees, the mammals you are most likely to see are squirrels. They are fun to watch as they run and jump and play, flick their bushy tails, chase each other up trees, bury acorns in the fall and dig them up again to eat in winter. But in spite of the playfulness that makes squirrels fun to watch, they face the same challenges in their lives as any other kind of wildlife. Learn more about these lively little mammals as we celebrate their lives with activities and crafts.

Kids love Captain Underpants! Come meet the author of the wildly successful  Captain Underpants book series at the St. Louis County Library on Aug. 30. Kids can wear their super hero capes for this special night of storytelling, games, giveaways and wild fun.

6:30 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m. Seating is limited and early arrival is recommended. 

Bring your appetites to The Magic House for a brunch fit for a Very Hungry Caterpillar! Kids will munch on delicious foods just like the Very Hungry Caterpillar, enjoy hands-on activities inspired by the book collection, create their own Eric Carle insect and have the Magic House all to themselves as they enjoy some private playtime in the Very Eric Carle exhibit.

Celebrate the end of summer and the beginning of a new school year with a fun back-to-school event at the library. There will be crafts and games for ages 7-11.

7 to 8 p.m. Free.

At the St. Louis County Library, Daniel Boone Branch.

Challenge your family members to some good old-fashioned fun at this free event at the library. You'll go outdoors if weather permits. Otherwise, you'll take the fun indoors. For all ages.

Free. 10 a.m. At the St. Louis County Library, Daniel Boone Branch.

Your family can enjoy live music, face painting, balloon art, free bike helmets and helmet fittings and lots more to start the school year off right at Taubman Prestige Outlets in Chesterfield. This free event will be held during the Missouri Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday Weekend, Aug. 7-9.

Badgers digging in the prairies, otters playing in the rivers, minks hunting in the lowlands - what do they all have in common? Kids will learn how these interesting predators are related and are all considered members of the weasel family. 

9:30 to 11 a.m. 

At Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center in Kirkwood, near the intersection of I-44 and I-270. Call 314-301-1500 for reservations. Free but reservations are required.