free events

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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Sweet Celebrations Ice Cream Social

Sweet Celebrations Ice Cream Social is an annual event, open to the public, that supports the organization's mission of hosting birthday parties for homeless children. Admission is one party supply per person.

The event features ice cream, face painting, superhero and princess appearances, live music featuring Mariah Broeker, carnival games, balloon animals and a raffle.

1 to 4 p.m. at Vago Park in Maryland Heights.

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Ice Cream Social

Kids love ice cream, and at this event, it's free! Bring your kids to Indian Hills Swim Club for the free ice cream social with ice cream provided by Mr. Wizards. For kids age 12 and under. Stick around and check out the pools!

2 to 3 p.m. at Indian Hills Swim Club.

More information: indianhillsswimclub.com

For information about summer camps at Indian Hills Swm Club, click here

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Summer Safety Fest

Summer is the season for sunshine, sports and barbecues, but with all of that fun comes an increased risk of injuries as families head outdoors. Touchette Regional Hospital and Southern Illinois Healthcare are helping Metro East families enjoy a safe summer by sponsoring this free Summer Safety Fest.

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National Trails Day Celebration at the World Bird Sanctuary

Enjoy the outdoors at this family-friendly event, with three different length trails to suit your pace. Naturalists with live animals will be at interpretation stations along the trails. There will also be free children’s activities with prizes, and snacks will be on sale.

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Construction Junction

Your kids will provide the imagination and the library will provide the toys at Construction Junction. Kids have been playing with building toys since the library was founded 150 years ago. At this free event, they'll get to play and build wit the toys of today as well as the toys of our grandparent's generation.

There will be LEGO bricks, K'Nex, Tinker Toys, Lincoln Logs, Erector sets and even Play-Doh.

11 a.m.. to noon at the Central Library branch of the St. Louis Public Library. Free.

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Grand Opening Celebration at Learn Thru Play

Stop in to the Grand Opening celebration at Learn Thru Play for lots of fun kids' activities and a chance to learn more about Learn Thru Play's hourly, drop-in child care services.

Children will enjoy face painting, balloon animals, a petting zoo, sno-cones, popcorn and free books from the Van Go bookmobile. The first 50 children in attendance will also receive a free giveaway.

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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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Twilight Thursdays Concert Series at the Missouri History Museum

Thursday, May 2, 2024

Thursday, May 9, 2024

Thursday, May 16, 2024

Free outdoor concerts are back at the Missouri History Museum. The May 2024 series of concerts feature favorites like Anita Jackson along with food trucks and exhibits inside the museum that are open to the public until 8 p.m. on concert nights.

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Animals Aglow at the Saint Louis Zoo

Thursday, May 2, 2024

Friday, May 3, 2024

Explore the Saint Louis Zoo in the evenings at the new Animals Aglow exhibit. Bring your family to experience the luminous glow of 50 towering lanterns depicting animals, plants and traditional Chinese elements. Don't miss this celebration of culture and art!

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Dinoroarus at the Saint Louis Zoo

Dinoroarus is back for a limited time at the Saint Louis Zoo. This engaging attraction for all ages features 14 groupings of animatronic and stationary dinosaurs - colorful, prehistoric creatures that move realistically, some roaring and spiting or placidly munching on lush vegetation.

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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. Reservations are not necessary.

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Child development researchers at Washington University School of Medicine are inviting 4-7-year-old children and a caregiver to participate in a study investigating what children know about suicide along with risk factors for experiencing suicidality early in life. We are seeking children who have and who have not experienced suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Children who participate will 1) answer brief questions about their understanding of suicide (we want to learn what children at different ages know, we do not teach them anything new), 2) play games, and 3) complete a safe and non-invasive EEG. Caregivers will complete interviews and surveys. Families can earn up to $110 for participating. LEARN MORE AND SIGN UP HERE

We also have current studies for 12-14-year-old girls and their mothers. Check out our website or email us at childlab@wustl.edu.

In this thrilling blend of classical music and classic animation Bugs Bunny and his Looney Tunes pals join audiences of all ages at Stifel Theatre with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra for Bugs Bunny at the Symphony. A dozen of the world’s most iconic Looney Tunes—What’s Opera, Doc?, The Rabbit of Seville, Corny Concerto, Baton Bunny, Long-Haired Hare, and many others—plus five brand-new animated shorts—will be projected on the big screen, while their exhilarating original scores are played live by the SLSO, conducted by George Daugherty. Bugs Bunny at the Symphony will be presented on Saturday, May 11 at 7 p.m. at Stifel Theatre. LEARN MORE AND GET TICKETS.

Witness high-flying canine athletes, experience up-close encounters with farm animals, or visit adoptable cats and dogs all at the Purina Farms Visitor Center, located just 30 minutes west of St. Louis! Officially opening for the 2024 season on April 20 & 21, guests who visit opening weekend will get the first look at the newly renovated Visitor Center lobby. Visit on Saturdays this season to attend our NEW magic show focused on responsible pet ownership. Open mid-April to October, Wednesday-Sunday, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Daily admission is free unless otherwise stated during a special event. We look forward to seeing you! LEARN MORE

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