To help limit the spread of Coronavirus and to support public health efforts, many family attractions have closed temporarily. In the meantime, we invite our readers to enjoy virtual events highlighted in our Things To Do calendar. When you do go out, follow public health guidelines: wear masks, practice social distancing and wash your hands frequently. To learn why social distancing is important and effective in lessening the spread of COVID-19, hear from Dr. Alexis Elward, Chief Medical Officer at St. Louis Children’s Hospital.

free things to do for kids in St. Louis

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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After Dark/Under the Stars at Laumeier Sculpture Park

See what Saturn and Jupiter look like up close while you learn about different telescopes that astronomers use at this stargazing opportunity for all ages.

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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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Neighborhood Naturalist Workshop with the Saint Louis Zoo

Kids can use their observation skills to discover the wonderful biodiversity in their own communities while meeting animals that make their home in Missouri and Illinois.

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8 Ways for Families to Play in St. Louis this October

October’s not all ghouls and goblins! There are plenty of spook-free festivals, activities and events that will keep your children entertained all month long, from family-friendly Oktoberfest celebrations where they can polka their hearts out to theater performances that will keep them glued to their seats.

Artscope Family Picnic and Fun Fair

Grab your family and friends, fill up your picnic basket and join Artscope for its Family Picnic and Fun Fair. There will be fun for all ages, including carnival-style games, art activities for kids to make and take with them, face painting, raffle, live music from Firedog and DJ 18 and Counting, popsicles from Poptimism, food for purchase from Harvest Food Truck, cotton candy and more.

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Mad Science Under Pressure Workshop for Kids

Kids will learn the science behind air pressure as they create a whirlwind with an Airzooka vortex generator and make pucks and balls levitate. They'll also launch foam rockets with the Air Blaster Kit.

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Things to Do

Science @ Home with the Saint Louis Science Center

The Science Louis Science Center is continuing to ignite and sustain lifelong science and technology learning through its online Science @ Home series! Visit the Science Center's web site or social media channels for DIY science experiments that can be done at home, Amazing Science Demonstrations from the Science Center's Energy Stage team, connections to local scientists, astronomy updates from the McDonnell Planetarium, live chats and more. Content is designed for all ages.

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Storytelling in the Museum from the Missouri History Museum

Friday, May 29, 2020

Friday, June 5, 2020

Friday, June 12, 2020

Storytelling in the Museum is now offered on Zoom from the Missouri History Museum! Tune in every Friday at 10:30 a.m. for engaging stories with themes like Our City, Superheroes, Steaming Through History, Healthy Habits and lots more.

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Magic At Home with The Magic House

The Magic House is bringing innovative, hands-on learning to you at home with its #MagicAtHome series of interactive, instructional online presentations. The Magic At Home series of activities includes lots of fun projects that you can make at home with common materials. The easy-to-follow directions mean your kids can make paper sculpture, do shaving cream marble painting, create make-your-own flowers, go "fishin," make TP roll animals, make salad spin art and more.

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Zoom with Saint Louis Zoo Educators

Enjoy the Saint Louis Zoo online! Zoom with Saint Louis Zoo educators is a live, free presentation that allows families to learn more about animals and how amazing they are. Themes vary, and registration in advance is required. After registering, you'll receive a confirmation email letting you know how to join.

If you can't join the live presentation, the recordings are available on the zoo's web site at stlzoo.org/STLZOOms

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Storytelling at the Museum in Spanish

Friday, May 29, 2020

This free Spanish-language program from the Missouri History Museum is now online.

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