free things to do with kids in St. Louis

Summer Reading Club Kick-Off Party

Kick off your summer with a party celebrating reading! These free celebrations include face painting, shaved ice, a climbing wall and lots more for all ages.

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Touch A Truck in Community Park O'Fallon, Illinois

Kids can explore construction trucks, a fire truck, ambulance, police car, bucket truck, combine, tractors, and lots more at the O'Fallon, Ill., Community Park Touch a Truck.

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Play Date Theater presents The Last Cupcake

Play Date Theater is a great way to introduce young children to the art of theater. Kids learn theater etiquette while being entertained by performers who understand the interests and abilities of young children. The performance is free. No reservations are required.

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Math with Clifford

After listening to a story about Clifford, children will sort the Big Red Dog's belongings to discover simple math concepts of counting and size order. This free workshop is for ages 3-5.

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Living in Space

Space adventures await at this free, out-of-this world workshop! Kids will complete an important space mission and build a model space station.

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All About Owls with the World Bird Sanctuary

More than 200 different species of owls share our earth. Meet several of them while learning about the importance of their existence at this free program.

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Candyland Trick or Treat

In addition to trick or treating, kids can enjoy pumpkin painting, mask decorating, a photo wall with props and more. Non-candy treats will also be available.

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Things to Do

Walk & Talk School Tour at the Waldorf School of St. Louis

Wednesday, December 6, 2023

Wednesday, February 21, 2024

Learn about Waldorf education by observing classes in session at the Waldorf School of St. Louis.

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Garden Glow at the Missouri Botanical Garden

More than a million lights will illuminate some of the Missouri Botanical Garden's most iconic locations, walkways will be transformed into sensory light tunnels providing an explosion of visual magic, and traditional candlelight village displays, festive drinks, s'mores and great photo opportunities will delight crowds of all ages.

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Garden Glow Family Nights at the Missouri Botanical Garden

Wednesday, December 6, 2023

Wednesday, December 13, 2023

Visit one of the most dazzling holiday light displays in the Midwest on these special Family Nights when children's tickets are just $5.

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Family Night With Fredbird

Wednesday, December 6, 2023

Wednesday, December 13, 2023

Wednesday, January 3, 2024

Bring your family to Cardinals Nation Restaurant on select Wednesday nights for Family Night with Fredbird! Meet Fredbird from 6:30-7:30 p.m., play games and win prizes! Kids 12 and under eat free per adult meal purchased.

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Holiday Lights at Grant's Farm: Drive-Through and Walk-Through Experience

Wednesday, December 6, 2023

Thursday, December 7, 2023

Friday, December 8, 2023

Grant's Farm welcomes visitors this holiday season to the 2023 Holiday Lights Drive-Through and Walk-Through Experiences featuring dazzling light displays, Santa and Mrs. Claus, a 50-foot LED Christmas tree, Clydesdale photos, and more.

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Family Night with Fredbird is back at Cardinals Nation! Join us at Cardinals Nation Restaurant & Bar on select Wednesday evenings this off-season! Bring your family for games, prizes, and meet Fredbird and take photos with him from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Kids eat free every Wednesday from 5 - 9 p.m.* To view the dates and make your reservation, visit cardinals.com/familynight

*One free kids meal per adult meal purchased. Dine-in only. For kids 12 and under.

The Pet-acular Holiday Bazaar is a family-friendly holiday festival especially for kids and dogs! This St. Louis favorite returns to the state-of-the-art Purina Event Center on Dec. 2-3. Visit the Kids Activity Area, take photos with Santa, have fun in Jingle Bell Junction, watch live musical entertainment and canine demonstrations, meet adoptable pets, visit the Slobber Town Activity Area for dogs, and shop for unique gifts from more than 25 local retailers! Pet-acular Holiday Bazaar admission is free; parking is $25 per car. There will be a dedicated sensory-friendly space for the duration of the event that will offer photos with Santa for families with children of all abilities from 12-12:30 each day. The Pet-acular Holiday Bazaar will be held December 2 and 3 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day. Reservations are required. LEARN MORE AT PURINAFARMS.COM

As you roam throughout the Zoo during U.S. Bank Wild Lights you’ll see dazzling displays, including new light tunnels and a 40-foot tree, as well as an inflatable maze, blizzard boulevard, camp fire corner, candy cane lane, polar point and lots more. Need a warm-up? Step inside the Insectarium to see invertebrates, sip on a novelty hot chocolate, toast some s’mores at one of the fire pits, or enjoy “The Polar Express” at the 4D Theater. If you’re cool with being cool, you’ll enjoy seeing the animals at Penguin & Puffin Coast, where it’s a brisk 45 degrees, or embrace the winter chill as you ride the Conservation Carousel. Adding to the merriment are holiday carolers, performing nightly. And for the kiddos: be sure to stop by the Woodland Workshop, where they can work on a free craft and write a letter to Santa. Select nights, Nov. 24 through Dec. 30, 5 to 8:30 p.m. Learn more at stlzoo.org/wildlights; tickets are on sale now!

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St. Louis Symphony Orchestra Sets the Stage for Family-Friendly Shows All Season Long

This season, the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra (SLSO) will once again hit the stage for its popular Family Concert series. Featuring three captivating performances, the series ensures orchestral concerts are accessible for families and thrilling for their kiddos, whether they’re regular concert-goers or experiencing the magic of SLSO for the first time. Add to the series SLSO family movie nights and digital concerts, and it’s an action-packed season for every music lover.

Life Lessons Learned at Overnight Camp

With the perfect blend of adventure and responsibility, camp life teaches kids valuable lessons they can use for the rest of their lives. If you send your child to overnight camp, here are some life lessons they are likely to learn.

5 Easy Ways to Start the School Year Without Losing Your Mind

As much as I love finding fun ideas on Pinterest for magical first-day photos and perfectly curated bento box lunches complete with animal face mini sandwiches, it doesn’t help me stay sane. Instead, it makes the pressure build that I am responsible for making the new school year absolutely amazing.

6 Places to Find Fun on the Farm this Fall

Visiting a farm can be a real adventure for city and suburban kids. Getting up close to and even feeding farm animals can lead to lots of fun and unexpected learning. We've rounded up some tried and true nearby options where your family can spend a day in the country and meet some new barnyard friends.