West County

Free Sand for Pick Up at The Magic House

The Magic House is giving away the beach! The exhibit Sandcastle Beach is leaving for the summer and on June 28, famillies are invited to take some of the beach home with them. Anyone intererested in filling their sandboxes or backyard should bring shovels, bags, buckets and trucks to get digging. With about 200 tons of sand, there is plenty to go around.

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Free Family Night Swim and Canned Food Drive

Everyone is invited to this free open swim at the outdoor pool at the Lodge of Des Peres. In addition to swimming, there will be games, a live DJ, Italian ice and other cool treats, snacks and fun giveaways.

Suggested donation per person is two cans of food items to be donated to a local food bank. For all ages. Open to the public.

4 to 7 p.m. More information: desperesmo.org

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Chinese Culture Day at The Magic House

Visitors to The Magic House can participate in hands-on arts and crafts projects, simple cooking demonstrations and chopstick games and contest during Chinese Culture Day.

Supported by the St. Louis Modern Chinese School. Activities are free with Magic House admission.

10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

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Mud Day

NOTE: The Missouri Department of Conservation announced on 6/19 that Mud Day has been cancelled due to projected flooding of the Meramec River. More information can be found at mdc.mo.gov

It's all about fun in the mud at Mud Day! At this free event, kids will

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Mammal Mania

Kids ages 6 and up will learn about mammals living in Missouri, touch animal pelts and skulls. Part of the Super Summer Series at Powder Valley Nature Center in Kirkwood.

10 to 11 a.m.

Free. For reservations, call 314-301-1500.

More information: mdc.mo.gov

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Nature: Friend or Foe?

Kids ages 6 and up will learn how to identify some common outdoor hazards and safely enjoy the great outdoors. Part of the Super Summer Series at Powder Valley Nature Center in Kirkwood.

10 to 11 a.m. Free, but reservations are required.

For reservations, call 314-301-1500.

More information: mdc.mo.gov

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Reptiles Rock

What makes an animal a reptile? Find out, and touch live reptiles in this fun program. Families, scout and camp groups are welcome to attend this fun, free auditorium event. For ages 6 and up.

10 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.

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Things to Do

Planetarium Shows at the James S. McDonnell Planetarium in Forest Park

Visit the James S. McDonnell Planetarium in Forest Park and see a star show to experience the largest artificial sky in the Western Hemisphere. Star shows are lead LIVE by one of the Planetarium's educators, creating a new and tailored experience for every audience.

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Budding Artists Preschool Art Program

Monday, June 23, 2025

Tuesday, June 24, 2025

Tuesday, July 1, 2025

At this free art program for ages 3-6 the focus is on the process of making art rather than the finished product. Dress to get messy!

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Water Waddlers Outdoor Drop-In Swim

Monday, June 23, 2025

Splash and play with your little one in this fun morning activity. No registration is necessary.

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Sea Lion Shows at the Saint Louis Zoo

See the Zoo's California sea lions perform acrobatic and athletic feats, including Olympic-style dives on a high-diving platform, flipper walks, frisbee tosses and plenty of surprises. While on stage with the sea lions, the Zoo's trainers explain sea lion behavior and positive-reinforcement training, in addition to the need for conserving the sea lion's ocean habitat.

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Storytime in Forest Park

Monday, June 23, 2025

Monday, June 30, 2025

Monday, July 7, 2025

Meet up in Forest Park for a fun storytime followed by nature adventures! These free story times are open to children of all ages and their caregivers.

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Festivals & Fireworks to Celebrate July 4th in St. Louis

It's time to celebrate Independence Day in St. Louis, and because this year July 4th falls on a Friday, your family can look forward to a full weekend of festivals and fireworks. Check out these family-friendly celebrations that include carnivals, fantastic fireworks and lots more.

Summer Fun in St. Louis Starts Now! Your Guide to Family Fun this June

For many St. Louis families, the start of June represents the real start of summer. That's when the summer fun really starts to kick in, and the fact that so many activities and attractions are free is just a bonus!

Why Summer Camp is Great for . . . Parents

Being able to focus on yourself, your partner, and other people in your life who mean a lot to you is no small matter. As parents, we’re used to being responsible providers and caregivers. However, there’s so much more to a person: we’re also partners and friends. These are important parts of our identities that we need to cultivate. Sending your kids to summer camp may bring out your more playful side that you haven’t shown for a while.

7 Signs Your Kids Are Ready For Their First Sleepaway Camp

It’s time to decide whether to send your kids to sleepaway camp, but how do you know that's the right thing to do? How can you tell whether your kids are ready for their first extended stay away from home? Here are 7 important signs that experts say should inform your decision.

Want Your Kids to Learn? Teach Them It’s Okay to Make Mistakes

It’s normal for parents to want to protect their children from failure. It’s also normal to want them to achieve, win, and do their best. But here’s the truth: We don’t learn anything new without making mistakes. I’ll say it again. Making mistakes is a crucial step in learning. If we’re fearful of making mistakes, learning comes to a screeching halt.

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Visit the Missouri History Museum on Wednesdays and Fridays in June and July for their Summer Family Fun Series! On Wednesdays, enjoy a variety of free family activities, including crafts, performances, and scavenger hunts, all are tied into Museum exhibits and centered on a different theme each week. Learn about Caribbean, Latin American, and German cultures in STL, discover Missouri’s trains, planes and other forms of transportation innovation, celebrate the 10th anniversary of the History Clubhouse, and more! Fridays feature Storytelling in the Museum and Cuentos en el Museo programs followed by a drop-in craft workshop. Hear classic American folktales, stories about Juneteenth, sweet treats and the 1904 World’s Fair, as well as other topics that families will love. The series is appropriate for children ages 2–12. For more detailed information on each day’s activities, visit the Museum’s website. Please note there is no program on Wednesday, July 2.

Vetta Sports Spring Break and Summer Camps are where every kid wants to be! Give your kids a full week of sports, activities and friends during their school's Spring Break or all summer long at Vetta Sports. Enrollment is open for kids ages 5-12 for camps in a fun, active, creative environment full of sports, games, friends and special activities. LEARN MORE AND ENROLL TODAY!

From arts, to STEM, to nature, sports and beyond, you'll find the best summer adventures for your kids in our Summer Camp Guide. Enroll now and plan your family's best summer yet. Our Summer Camp Guide is searchable for your child's interests, age, your location, whether you need before and after-care, and even for specific weeks. You'll find exciting opportunities for kids ages 3 to teenagers. Check our Summer Camp Guide now to get started!

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