free things to do in St. Louis with kids

Math with Clifford

After listening to a Clifford tale, children sort the Big Red Dog's belongings to discover the simple math concepts of counting and order.

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Detective Science

Kids can inspect fingerprints, mystery powders, ink samples and teeth impressions and become a science detective to create an identity.

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The Science of Magic

Kids and tweens can explore invisibility, super-strength, levitation and mind reading, and find out what they do or do not have to do with real science.

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Zoobusters

Can you get warts from a toad? How do snakes smell their prey? Kids ages 8-11 will examine common misconceptions about animals with the help of some live animal guests.

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Drive In Movie Night

Take the drive-in movie indoors at this special event for kids. They'll have an indoor party at a pretend drive-in movie theater after making their own cardboard car.

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Preschool Architect

Art, science and play go hand-in-hand in this exploration of building with all kinds of blocks.

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Digging for Dinosaurs

Kids can learn all about their favorite prehistoric creatures at Digging for Dinosaurs, a free workshop for preschoolers age 3-5.

Presented by Mad Science of St. Louis, in this workshop, get an up-close look at a dinosaur tooth and participate in a mini dinosaur dig. Registration is required.

Digging for Dinosaurs will be held:

Sept. 6 at 10 a.m. at the St. Louis County Library, Grand Glaize Branch.

More information and registration: slcl.org

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Budding Artists Preschool Art Program

At this free art program for ages 3-6 the focus is on the process of making art rather than the finished product. Dress to get messy!

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Museum Babies Storytelling

Bring your babies and toddlers to this free story time at the Missouri History Museum.

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Storytelling in the Museum from the Missouri History Museum

Storytelling in the Museum is an in-person storytelling event happening at 10:30 a.m. at the Missouri History Museum. This event, perfect for the preschool set, features engaging stories with themes like Mardi Gras, geology, Black History Month, Groundhog Day and more. Storytelling in the Museum is free.

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Sensory Friendly Tuesday Tales at the APA of Missouri

Tuesday, April 23, 2024

Sensory Friendly Storytime at the APA includes storytime and pet interaction for the littlest learners with accommodations for children who thrive in a calm setting.

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Dinoroarus at the Saint Louis Zoo

Dinoroarus is back for a limited time at the Saint Louis Zoo. This engaging attraction for all ages features 14 groupings of animatronic and stationary dinosaurs - colorful, prehistoric creatures that move realistically, some roaring and spiting or placidly munching on lush vegetation.

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Child development researchers at Washington University School of Medicine are inviting 4-7-year-old children and a caregiver to participate in a study investigating what children know about suicide along with risk factors for experiencing suicidality early in life. We are seeking children who have and who have not experienced suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Children who participate will 1) answer brief questions about their understanding of suicide (we want to learn what children at different ages know, we do not teach them anything new), 2) play games, and 3) complete a safe and non-invasive EEG. Caregivers will complete interviews and surveys. Families can earn up to $110 for participating. LEARN MORE AND SIGN UP HERE

We also have current studies for 12-14-year-old girls and their mothers. Check out our website or email us at childlab@wustl.edu.

In this thrilling blend of classical music and classic animation Bugs Bunny and his Looney Tunes pals join audiences of all ages at Stifel Theatre with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra for Bugs Bunny at the Symphony. A dozen of the world’s most iconic Looney Tunes—What’s Opera, Doc?, The Rabbit of Seville, Corny Concerto, Baton Bunny, Long-Haired Hare, and many others—plus five brand-new animated shorts—will be projected on the big screen, while their exhilarating original scores are played live by the SLSO, conducted by George Daugherty. Bugs Bunny at the Symphony will be presented on Saturday, May 11 at 7 p.m. at Stifel Theatre. LEARN MORE AND GET TICKETS.

Witness high-flying canine athletes, experience up-close encounters with farm animals, or visit adoptable cats and dogs all at the Purina Farms Visitor Center, located just 30 minutes west of St. Louis! Officially opening for the 2024 season on April 20 & 21, guests who visit opening weekend will get the first look at the newly renovated Visitor Center lobby. Visit on Saturdays this season to attend our NEW magic show focused on responsible pet ownership. Open mid-April to October, Wednesday-Sunday, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Daily admission is free unless otherwise stated during a special event. We look forward to seeing you! LEARN MORE

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