activities for St. Louis families

Goodness Snakes Alive

Are snakes really slimy? How do they move, smell, hear and catch food? Little ones (ages 4-6) can learn about snakes and observe live snakes found in Missouri. They'll even be able to touch a snake if they want to,.

Come prepared to take a short hike to see if any snakes can be observed in their natural habitat. For ages 4-6 with a parent or caregiver.

9:30-11 a.m. Free. At August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area. For reservations, call 636-441-4554.

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Busy as a Beaver

Beavers are always busy, it seems. They are very industrious and seem to never stop cutting down trees and building all kinds of neat stuff. Beavers are by far the largest rodents in North America, and a main reason that St. Louis was established here 250 years ago.

Kids ages 6-12 can learn more about the beaver, conservation efforts for them and why they are thriving in Missouri.

9:30-11 a.m. Free, but reservations are required.

At August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area.

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Things to Do

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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Preschool Science Series at the Saint Louis Science Center

The Preschool Science Series is an open exploration learning lab for young scientists, ages 18 months to 5 years and their families. Activities are designed around research that shows children learn best through play, inquiry and shared experiences with their parents and caregivers.

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Discovery Club at the St. Louis County Library

Wednesday, August 19, 2026

Thursday, September 3, 2026

Wednesday, September 16, 2026

Discovery Club is an exploration of all kinds of science! Kids ages 7-11 will navigate through the sciences with projects, experiments and activities at this free program. Themes include robots, roller coasters, potato batteries and more.

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Machine Madness

Wednesday, August 19, 2026

Join the City of Sunset Hills Parks + Recreation Department, the Sunset Hills Conservation Foundation adn the Kiwwanis Club of Sunset Hills and Crestwood for an interactive evening of amazing machinery, music, and food! A variety of trucks, vehicles, and machines will be on display for guests of all ages to enjoy.

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Little Explorers at Ballwin Parks

Wednesday, August 19, 2026

Wednesday, September 2, 2026

Wednesday, September 16, 2026

Explore Ballwin's parks with your toddler or preschooler with the Little Explorers program, held twice a month. Each Little Explorers outdoor class includes a craft, snack, and lots of activities to get you and your toddler moving and exploring!

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Your Guide to Free Outdoor Family Movies this Summer

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Make the most of the rest of summer at Upper Limits Rock Climbing Summer Camp! Our 5-day camps run Monday through Friday and are packed with climbing, games, water days, challenges, and new friendships. Choose the schedule that works best for your family with half-day and full-day camp options available. We're conveniently located in Maryland Heights and Chesterfield, making it easy to find an adventure near you! Save $10 on camp registration with promo code CLIMBINGCAMP2026. Come spend the rest of your summer reaching new heights at Upper Limits! LEARN MORE

Great Rivers Greenway has teamed up with the Saint Louis Zoo for the fifth annual free greenway scavenger hunt. Community members are invited to look for the many varieties of native bees that you can see buzzing around greenways and search for special hidden souvenirs you can take home! Starting August 1, BEE on the lookout for hand-painted bee rocks along all 140+ miles of greenways. Saint Louis Zoo ALIVE (Active Leaders in Volunteer Education) teen volunteers hand-painted hundreds of rocks like three different species of bees found along the greenways: American bumblebee, brown-belted bumblebee and two-spotted bumblebee, plus a few of the endangered rusty patched bumblebee. If you find a painted rock, you can take it with you. Be sure to log your rock at www.GreenwayQuest.com for a chance to win prizes from both organizations, including Saint Louis Zoo Adventure Passes! Rocks are along edges of greenways or at trailheads, never far away from the path and never on private property. LEARN MORE AND GET STARTED!

See the Purina Incredible Dog Team perform extraordinary feats of athleticism and skill right here in St. Louis at Union Station this summer! Featuring some of the most talented canines in the country, the Purina Incredible Dog Team consists of more than 20 remarkably gifted dogs and two trainers who entertain audiences with extraordinary feats of athleticism and skill. Spectators can watch the team demonstrate a variety of canine sports while dogs of different breeds fly through the air to catch a flying disc, leap over a high jump, and maneuver through a series of obstacles in an agility course. Free performances are happening Thursdays through Sundays at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. at Union Station's Performance Plaza in front of the St. Louis Wheel. Learn more at purina.com/purinafarms.

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