free things to do in St. Louis with kids

Hop, crawl or slither over to Play Street Museum for a visit with Serengeti Steve and The Reptile Experience. Kids will have play time in the museum as well as a fun, interactive show featuring live reptiles. 

Celebrate reading at the Little Readers Festival. This free event features a variety of activities and performances, and kids ages 5 and under will receive free books and shaved ice. Activities will be provided by Ready Readers, the Animal Protective Association, St. Louis Cardinals, Nine Network, Florissant Fire Departments, We Stories, and others. Guests will also enjoy performances by Ms. Libby and storytime with Elephant and Piggie.

Kids can explore a collection of big trucks and safety vehicles on display at Eureka High School during Big Truck and Safety Day. 

At this free art program for ages 3-6 the focus is on the process of making art rather than the finished product. Both in-person and virtual sessions are offered.

See the Zoo's California sea lions perform acrobatic and athletic feats, including Olympic-style dives on a high-diving platform, flipper walks, frisbee tosses and plenty of surprises. While on stage with the sea lions, the Zoo's trainers explain sea lion behavior and positive-reinforcement training, in addition to the need for conserving the sea lion's ocean habitat.

Come to the Brentwood Firehouse for a free showing of Soul. Enjoy the movie next to the firetrucks! 

Kids ages 8-10 can join the quest to make the perfect cookie! They'll explore at least two cookie styles, such as bar, drop, or shaped; and a range of ingredients, such as cocoa, chocolate chips, oatmeal, lemon or peppermint. Along with way, participants will learn the basics of baking and a dash of personal preference and creativity.