free things to do for kids in St. Louis

Gather around the tree and listen to Mrs. Claus read some of her favorite holiday stories. After story time, children will decorate cookies and enjoy some delicious snacks. Parents, bring your cameras to take some pictures. Registration is required.

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Meet Santa's Live Reindeer in Wildwood

See Santa's live reindeer, enjoy cookies and hot chocolate, and bring your camera to take some photos of your kids on an authentic 1800s sleigh with the reindeer! Free.

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Holiday Tree Lighting on Beale Street in St. Charles

Watch as the 24-foot tree is lighted for the first time. Plus, your family will enjoy live signing of holiday favorites, a holiday market, hot chocolate, s'mores and more.

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Stories at the Station

Little ones from infants to age 5 are invited to a free story time at The Heights. Kids will enjoy a story, snack and craft or activity. Reservations are not necessary.

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SciFest: Health Expo Featuring the Amazing Brain Carnival

Discover more about you and your health at the Health Expo featuring the Amazing Brain Carnival.

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Visiting Artist Series: The Elves and the Shoemaker Performance

Based on the tale by The Brothers Grimm, the Imaginary Theatre Company tells the story of the kindly cobler whose good deed is rewarded with the help of magical events. This heartwarming story is a reminder that with kindness, generosity and hope, anything is possible. Enjoy a performance of The Elves and the Shoemaker at The Magic House on December 7, with shows at noon and 2:30 p.m.

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Weekend Workshops at The Magic House @ MADE

Kids ages 8 to 11 will enjoy a true maker experience, including laser cutting, LEGO robotics, clay creations, printmaking and more.

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Things to Do

Water Waddlers Indoor Drop-In Swim

Monday, October 5, 2026

Tuesday, October 6, 2026

Stop in and have some fun in the indoor pool at the Lodge of Des Peres with your little one at this drop-in swim time for kids up to age 6. No pre-registration is needed; Water Waddlers is open to residents and non-residents of Des Peres.

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Budding Artists Preschool Art Program

Monday, October 5, 2026

Thursday, October 8, 2026

At this free art program for ages 3-6 the focus is on the process of making art rather than the finished product. Dress to get messy!

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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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Storytime in Forest Park: Storytime in the Meadow

Monday, October 5, 2026

Monday, October 19, 2026

Monday, October 26, 2026

Meet up in Forest Park for a fun storytime followed by nature adventures! These free story times are open to children of all ages and their caregivers.

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Baby Bookworms Storytime with the St. Louis Public Library

Monday, October 5, 2026

Wednesday, October 7, 2026

Thursday, October 8, 2026

Bring your little ones, 0-18 months, to Baby Bookworms Storytime to enjoy songs, stories and more.

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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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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

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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