free things to do with kids in St. Louis

Laura Ingalls Wilder: Voice of the Prairie

Laura Ingalls Wilder is famous for her series of Little House on the Prairie books, but fans may not know the real-life story behind these beloved tales. Join the Imaginary Theatre Company for a look at the remarkable writer, philosopher, and chronicler who left us a charming and captivating record of life as an American pioneer.

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Story Time at the Farm

Take your little ones to this free storytime, where they'll enjoy an interactive reading of favorite children's books, following by a related hands-on activity.

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New Year's Eve Open Play

Kids can participate in free open play indoors at January-Wabash Park as they prepare for a Noon Year's Eve countdown.

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Open Play at January-Wabash Park

Bring your kids to have fun at this free Simple Positive Play Open Play Date indoors at January-Wabash Park.

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Tech for Tots

Children are never too young to code, go on a learning adventure with robots, make code-a-pillar to go in all different directions or teach Dash & Dot how to do cool tricks.

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Tinker Tots

Imaginative play builds language and critical thinking skills while kids have fun. At this free Tinker Tots workshop, kids will use a variety of curious objects to tinker and create their own unique masterpiece.

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Fox Family Picnic at the J

There will be activities for kids, food trucks, tours, outdoor fitness classes and lots more.

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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.