family movies

It's scary how much fun you'll have at this free Halloween Family Movie Night that kicks off with a costume parade!

ROBOTS Opens at the Saint Louis Science Center

Today's robots are nothing short of astonishing. Those coming in the not-too distant future are simply revolutionary – and they are becoming eerily like us. What does it take to make a humanoid robot – a robot that can do anything we can do without the benefit of a human brain?

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Humpback Whales Opens at the Saint Louis Science Center

Their songs captured our hearts and their story will inspire you forever. An extraordinary journey into the mysterious world of one of nature's most awe-inspiring marine mammals, Humpback Whales takes audiences to Alaska, Hawaii and the remote islands of Tonga for an up-close look at how these whales communicate, sing, feed, play and take care of their young.

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Butterflies Have Never Been So Mesmerizing

A trip to the movies is supposed to be a fun form of family entertainment, but finding a film that appeals to children and adults alike – and contains subject matter that is suitable for all ages – can be quite the challenge for today’s parents.

Throw in substandard sequels (I’m looking at you Ice Age 4) and Hollywood’s escalating penchant for using its family films as mere marketing vehicles (just see last year’s partnership between The Lorax and a certain Mazda SUV), and it’s difficult to know what kind of movies are right for family audiences.

What Are We Supposed to Watch?

Don’t get me wrong – there’s a time and a place for those Hollywood films. Even shiny 3-D blockbusters with plots that don’t make sense (Cars 2 anyone?), outdated gender stereotypes (every Disney movie ever made), and massive marketing campaigns (think Happy Meal toys) can be good for a few laughs. I’m not ashamed to admit that Ice Age 3: Dawn of the Dinosaurs is probably one of my favorite movies ever made.

Stop judging. It’s that damn weasel, Buck. He gets me every time.

As a mom, though, I find myself wanting to also introduce my kids to films that, well, offer a bit more.

Things to Do

Not-So-Haunted House at The Magic House

Friday, October 9, 2026

Saturday, October 10, 2026

Sunday, October 11, 2026

It's the Not-So-Haunted House that is oh-so-fun, where storybook characters come alive! Kids are invited to dress in their most "boo-tiful" Halloween costumes and have a ghoulishly good time going on a spook-tacular scavenger hunt throughout The Magic House to find trick-or-treat locations and seeing their favorite storybook characters.

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Halloween Nights at Grant's Farm

Friday, October 9, 2026

Saturday, October 10, 2026

Get into the Halloween spirit with some spooky fun and celebrate with the animals at Grant's Farm. Enjoy Halloween tram rides featuring Halloween lights, spooky scenes, live actors, scare zones, a Halloween-themed show, monster mash party and more. Costumes are encouraged.

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Parents Night Out at Miss Kelly's Gym

Friday, October 9, 2026

Friday, October 16, 2026

Let Miss Kelly's give you the night off while your child takes part in many different fun activities, including games, obstacles and challenges!

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Open Gym at Miss Kelly's Gym in Creve Coeur

Friday, October 9, 2026

Saturday, October 10, 2026

Friday, October 16, 2026

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

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Art Hill Film Series at the Saint Louis Art Museum

Friday, October 9, 2026

Join the Saint Louis Art Museum in October when the museum's front yard is transformed into the city's biggest cinema during the Art Hill Film Series, a St. Louis tradition of films, food and music.

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See All Things to Do

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Popular Stories

Dinoroarus Comes Roaring Back at the Saint Louis Zoo

The Dinoroarus exhibit brings prehistoric fun back to the Saint Louis Zoo this summer with 20 lifelike dinosaur animatronics and sculptures on the Zoo's Historic Hill.

Get Ready to Climb and Explore at These Free Big Truck Days

If your kids love to explore big trucks and vehicles, these upcoming Big Truck Days are a perfect weekend or weeknight outing. They'll get to climb on and explore fire trucks, police vehicles, bulldozers, bucket trucks, ambulances and lots more.

Travel Back in Time Every Friday at the Missouri History Museum’s Free Summer Family Fun Series

There comes a point every summer when all that “free time” isn’t so fun anymore. Your kids are bouncing off the walls, it’s too hot to hit the playground, and every activity seems to come with a big price tag. That’s when the screens come out, and parents find themselves counting down the minutes to bedtime. Thankfully, when Friday rolls around each week, your family can experience a mini summer getaway through history – no travel required.

City Museum's Stuff the Bus Campaign Provides School Supplies for 160 St. Louis Schools

Visit City Museum August 3-31, bring school supplies to donate, and get discounted admission! That's the idea behind City Museum's Stuff the Bus campaign.

Your Guide to Free Outdoor Family Movies this Summer

Seeing a movie at the theater is a magical experience, but when summer rolls around, it’s time to get outside and enjoy free movies under the stars! Free family movie nights abound across the St. Louis area, so grab your kids, a blanket or lawn chairs, and get ready for some cinematic fun. Here's where to find them:

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Find yourself at Forsyth on Sunday, October 25, 3:00–5:00 pm for All-School Open House! Perfect for families with candidates for any and every grade, All-School Open House is a wonderful opportunity to meet our classroom and specialist teachers, chat with current students and families, and hear from Head of School Rob Butler. Advance registration is required.

Forsyth School fosters a spirit of curiosity and joy, empowering children age 2 through Grade 6 to pursue challenges with confidence. At Forsyth, our talented and caring teachers encourage students to explore and question, enabling them to learn deeply. Each child's unique identity is known, celebrated, and nurtured by our supportive community. The results are profound: children take risks, pursue challenges, and find joy in learning. The "Forsyth experience" is enriched by the school's unique campus, location, and commitment to the natural world. LEARN MORE AND RSVP

Lace up and leash up for a great cause! You and your dog are invited to run, jog, or walk in the Purple Leash 5K & Fun Run at Purina Farms. Compete for top dog in the 5K race or take it easy in the 1-mile fun run. Put your paws to the pavement and then head over to the TAILgate after party for food, drinks, music and more all while raising awareness for the Purple Leash Project. All purple outfits and purple dog gear are highly encouraged! The Purple Leash Project was born out of the Purina mission to bring and keep pets and people together and the RedRover® mission to bring people and their pets from crisis to care. Your support of the Purple Leash Project assists domestic violence shelters on their journey to welcome family pets by funding pet-friendly renovations. Sunday, October 11. FIND OUT HOW TO REGISTER

The Missouri History Museum celebrates education and family learning with History Exploration Days! One Friday per month from September to May, homeschool families with kids of all ages can explore a different historical topic—together! All activities are FREE. Explore St. Louis history in new and exciting ways through interactive guided gallery tours, hands-on workshops, and community performances that align with each month’s theme, encouraging investigation, exploration, and creative fun. Activities are offered at various times throughout the day and are customized for specific grade-level groups.

Storytelling takes place in the morning, and all ages are welcome. Visit the craft room for fun learning experiences, with museum educators available to help learners participate in meaningful ways. Topics this school year include colonial St. Louis, baseball, Black history, and wildlife. Detailed schedules for each day will be posted to the Museum’s website. The program is offered on October 9, November 13, December 11, January 15, February 19, March 19, April 9, and May 14. LEARN MORE

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