chess

Free Kids' Chess Lessons at the Chess Club and Scholastic Center of St. Louis

Kids at the beginner to intermediate level can receive free chess lessons each Sunday at the Chess Club and Scholastic Center of St. Louis.

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Kings, Queens and Castles Opens at The Magic House

Designed for children ages 3 to 11, Kings, Queens and Castles features an array of interactive elements including a medieval castle complete with turret slides, a giant chess board floor and life-size chess pieces, the chance to make custom made fanciful crowns, oversized interlocking bricks to build the castle wall, a custom digital memory book app and more.

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Once A Pawn A Time

Celebrate the new chess exhibit at The Magic House – Kings, Queens and Castles – at this very special event featuring Jugging Jeff.

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Kids' Beginner Chess Tournament

The Magic House is hosting a low-stakes introduction to chess tournament play for children in grades 1-8 who want to gain experience in tournament play.

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Kings, Queens and Castles: Final Days!

Kings, Queens and Castles is an innovative exhibition that brings the chess board to life and provides an engaging introduction to individual chess pieces and game strategy.

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At Kings, Queens & Castles, Kids Become the Chess Game

When it comes to teaching your kids the game of chess, you could introduce it hunched over a game table for hours, discussing strategy with antsy little ones whose attention spans are short as they are. Or, you could truly immerse them by taking them inside the game, where they can learn the finer points of competition through make-believe play and plot out their winning moves on a giant chess board.

ROOKie Readers

ROOKie Readers is a literacy program designed for children ages 2-5 and their caregivers. Each week. little ones can enjoy a different story and a variety of games and activities. Each session lasts approximately one hour.

Cost is $5 per adult/child pair. Free for members of the World Chess Hall of Fame. One adult per child required. There is a limit of 12 adult/child pairs per session.

10 a.m. At the World Chess Hall of Fame in the Central West End.

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Things to Do

Boo at the Zoo Nights

Explore the St. Louis Zoo after dark at Boo at the Zoo. Bring your little ghouls and goblins to this non-scary celebration designed just for kids. Though this is not a trick-or-treating experience, costumes are encouraged, and each child 12 and under will receive a treat bag when they leave.

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Preschool Science at the Saint Louis Science Center

Engage your young scientist in science-related learning at the Saint Louis Science Center's Preschool Science Series. Through interactive stories and hands-on exploration, children learn about science, as well as language, problem-solving and social skills.

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Open Gym at Miss Kelly's Gym

Kids can work on existing gym skills, learn new skills or just play around during Open Gym at Miss Kelly's Gym.

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Tuesday Tails

Visit the Animal Protective Association (APA) of Missouri for a free story time for preschoolers and help foster their love of animals.

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Bring the whole family (your dog too!) to Purina Farms for some dog-gone fall fun featuring carnival games, live entertainment, a costume party, storytelling, and all the fun of the farm! The Purina Farms Howl-O-Ween Fest includes two weekends of family fun. Visit the live animal petting area, see circus and magic shows, canine performances, pony rides and more! Wear your best costumes for the costume pawty!

Howl-O-Ween Fest is happening October 18-20 and 25-27. Hours are Fridays from 4 to 9 p.m., Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. No reservations are necessary. Howl-O-Ween Fest is all inclusive with paid parking. Parking is $15 per car or $30 per bus. Learn more at purinafarms.com or call 314-982-3232.

Celebrate your child's special day at The Magic House! A variety of age-appropriate, hands-on activities make every birthday magical and memorable. Birthday parties at The Magic House include all-day admission to the Museum for hosts and guests. Choose from themed birthday parties for up to 20 children, a Big Birthday Bash for up to 30 children or an Exclusive Private Party for up to 50 guests that includes private play time in a portion of The Magic House! LEARN MORE AND BOOK YOUR PARTY TODAY!

Sundays, October 6, 13, 20 and 27

1 - 4 p.m.; Family Tour at 2:30 p.m.

FREE.

Every Sunday afternoon, families across the city are invited to the Saint Louis Art Museum for free hands-on art activities and a lively 30-minute family tour through the Galleries. Each month's activities focus on a different, diverse, family-friendly theme! October's theme: Engage Your Senses. On October 6, celebrate Latinx heritage with the whole family at the Latinx Heritage Festival. Enjoy dance and musical performances from across Latin America, learn about traditional crafts, and create your own artwork. Learn more at slam.org/families.

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