free things to do for kids in St. Louis

Oktoberfest at Vago Park in Maryland Heights

Oktoberfest in Vago Park has something for all ages, including live music, the Bubble Bus, food trucks, face painting, hayrides, pumpkin painting and a costume contest for kids ages 10 and under.

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Magnetic Attraction Mad Science Workshop

Children will learn about the poles and power of magnets in this hands-on workshop from Mad Science of St. Louis that even provides children with the opportunity to make their own magnet to take home.

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Sensory Playground

Encourage your child's curiosity as they play and explore various sensory experiences at the Sensory Playground. For ages 2-6.

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Sound Wave Art

In a new twist on creating art, kids ages 9-13 can record their voice and paint a masterpiece using the sound waves they produce.

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Rise Up Festival

Families are invited to enjoy local music, art, food from local restaurants, local microbrews and entertainment acts at this free, family friendly festival.

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Purr-Palooza

Celebrate our feline friends at Purr-Palooza. It's a purr-fect evening of cat crafts, cat-centered activities (like cat-inspired yoga), food trucks and more for all ages. You'll also meet adoptable cats

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Habitat Engineering Presented by the Saint Louis Zoo

Kids will discover creative ways to build animal habitats and the specific needs of individual animals. They'll also meet live animals as they build miniature habitats at this free propgram.

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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.

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Boo at the Zoo Nights

Explore the St. Louis Zoo after dark at Boo at the Zoo. Bring your little ghouls and goblins to this non-scary celebration designed just for kids. Though this is not a trick-or-treating experience, costumes are encouraged, and each child 12 and under will receive a treat bag when they leave.

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Preschool Science at the Saint Louis Science Center

Tuesday, October 22, 2019

Monday, November 11, 2019

Tuesday, November 12, 2019

Engage your young scientist in science-related learning at the Saint Louis Science Center's Preschool Science Series. Through interactive stories and hands-on exploration, children learn about science, as well as language, problem-solving and social skills.

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Bring the whole family (your dog too!) to Purina Farms for some dog-gone fall fun featuring carnival games, live entertainment, a costume party, storytelling, and all the fun of the farm! The Purina Farms Howl-O-Ween Fest includes two weekends of family fun. Visit the live animal petting area, see circus and magic shows, canine performances, pony rides and more! Wear your best costumes for the costume pawty!

Howl-O-Ween Fest is happening October 18-20 and 25-27. Hours are Fridays from 4 to 9 p.m., Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. No reservations are necessary. Howl-O-Ween Fest is all inclusive with paid parking. Parking is $15 per car or $30 per bus. Learn more at purinafarms.com or call 314-982-3232.

Celebrate your child's special day at The Magic House! A variety of age-appropriate, hands-on activities make every birthday magical and memorable. Birthday parties at The Magic House include all-day admission to the Museum for hosts and guests. Choose from themed birthday parties for up to 20 children, a Big Birthday Bash for up to 30 children or an Exclusive Private Party for up to 50 guests that includes private play time in a portion of The Magic House! LEARN MORE AND BOOK YOUR PARTY TODAY!

Sundays, October 6, 13, 20 and 27

1 - 4 p.m.; Family Tour at 2:30 p.m.

FREE.

Every Sunday afternoon, families across the city are invited to the Saint Louis Art Museum for free hands-on art activities and a lively 30-minute family tour through the Galleries. Each month's activities focus on a different, diverse, family-friendly theme! October's theme: Engage Your Senses. On October 6, celebrate Latinx heritage with the whole family at the Latinx Heritage Festival. Enjoy dance and musical performances from across Latin America, learn about traditional crafts, and create your own artwork. Learn more at slam.org/families.

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St. Louis Has Supersized Halloween This Year! Here's Your Guide to Tons of Freaky Family Fun

When it comes to Halloween fun, St. Louis has always been a bit . . . extra. Lucky for those of us who can't get enough of monsters, ghosts and goblins, this year is no different! Break out your best costumes and get ready for some spooky, mostly not-so-scary Halloween fun for you and your little pumpkins, because we found more than 60 ways to celebrate the spookiest of seasons.

7 St. Louis Area Pumpkin Patches Your Kids Will Love

It’s not really fall in St. Louis until you get lost in a corn maze or find that perfect pumpkin in a field of thousands. Thankfully, no matter where you live in the region, there’s a local farm right in your backyard offering a variety of autumn-themed attractions perfect for every member of the family, from toddlers to teens.

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.

Play Street Museum Brings Kid-Sized Fun to The Streets of St. Charles

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Accumulating Children: A Beginner's Guide

The key to successfully going from one, to two, to three kids is really just learning how to determine whose immediate need is more life-threatening. Plus, you stop judging parents who put their kids on leashes.