free events

It's a free summertime storytime complete with ice cream and St. Louis favorite, award-winner Bobby Norfolk.

Storytelling legend Bobby Norfolk will be on hand with family friendly stories on Cherokee on Saturday, May 28. There will be a limited amount of free pizza from Master Pieza and ice cream from I Scream Cakes! 

This is a free event that will be held outdoors at Cherokee and Texas Streets. In case of rain, the event will be moved indoors to I Scream Cakes at 2641 Cherokee. 

You're welcome to explore the new, 8,000 square-foot early childhood playground designed for children of all abilities at this free open play day and open house.

The playground includes play structures for preschoolers and toddlers, an infant-toddler area, a garden space with a watering area, a water feature for infants and toddlers and a drinking fountain. Little ones can also explore nature, music, art, sensory and dramatic play components. All area are designed so that children with disabilities can participate right along with typically developing children. 

Get kids moving and learning and find out about ways your whole family can have fun and be healthier at this free family event at your local branch of the Gateway Region YMCA.

At Healthy Kids Day, happening at YMCA branches across the St. Louis metro area, you can learn about the Y's programs for kids and adults, find out about summer camp opportunities, take part in games like kickball, take sampler classes, arts and crafts, kid-friendly yoga, free health screenings and lots more. Activities vary depending on the branch. Activities are free and open to the public.

Egg. Larva. Pupa. Butterfly. That's magic! The Fishin' Magicians make learning this basic science fun for all ages using magic, puppets and humor.

Join the adventure with them and Pipevine, the caterpillar, as they help kids understand the importance of butterflies and caterpillars in ecosystems. 

7 to 9 p.m. Free, but reservations are required by the day of the event. At Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center in Kirkwood. For reservations call 314-301-1500.

The Center for Hearing and Speech will host free screenings for hearing, vision and speech for children ages 3 and up during Free Clinic Day.

Parents can have questions answered by the Center's Chief Audiologist and Chief Speech-Language Pathologist. There will also be snacks and crafts for kids. 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

To reserve your spot, please call 314-737-5091.

Learn more at hearing-speechstlouis.org

Summer concerts in Faust Park are a great way to enjoy the outdoors with your family. In addition to live music by local bands, beer, wine, soda, popcorn and candy are available for purchase. Local food trucks will be on hand too. 

The park opens at 5:30 p.m. for seating and concessions are available beginning at 5:30. The concert begins at 7 p.m. In Faust Park, Chesterfield.

Take your kids to hear storytelling at the Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site. Sponsored by the University of Missouri-St. Louis and the 35th Annual St. Louis Storytelling Festival.

2 p.m. Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site in Collinsville.

More information: cahokiamounds.org

There is no admission fee, but a donation is suggested.