free things to do in St. Louis with kids

Trick or Treating at the Brentwood Library

Stop by the Brentwood Public Library anytime between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. for free indoor trick or treating.

Take your kids for some free indoor trick or treating at West County Center mall. Visit participating stores that will be giving out candy for little ghouls and goblins.

View this event »

Visiting Artist Series: The Elves and the Shoemaker Performance

Based on the tale by The Brothers Grimm, the Imaginary Theatre Company tells the story of the kindly cobler whose good deed is rewarded with the help of magical events. This heartwarming story is a reminder that with kindness, generosity and hope, anything is possible. Enjoy a performance of The Elves and the Shoemaker at The Magic House on December 7, with shows at noon and 2:30 p.m.

View this event »

After Dark/Under the Stars at Laumeier Sculpture Park

See what Saturn and Jupiter look like up close while you learn about different telescopes that astronomers use at this stargazing opportunity for all ages.

View this event »

Weekend Workshops at The Magic House @ MADE

Kids ages 8 to 11 will enjoy a true maker experience, including laser cutting, LEGO robotics, clay creations, printmaking and more.

View this event »

Neighborhood Naturalist Workshop with the Saint Louis Zoo

Kids can use their observation skills to discover the wonderful biodiversity in their own communities while meeting animals that make their home in Missouri and Illinois.

View this event »

Mini Monster Mash at the Youth Activity Park

This Mini Monster Mash is designed for kids 8 and under, so it's full of non-scary fun! Costumed kids will enjoy s'mores as they decorate pumpkins. Everyone gets to take home a treat-filled goody bag.

View this event »

Pages

Want daily ideas of things to do? How about special offers & giveaways? Sign up and we’ll handle the rest.

Things to Do

Planetarium Shows at the James S. McDonnell Planetarium in Forest Park

Visit the James S. McDonnell Planetarium in Forest Park and see a star show to experience the largest artificial sky in the Western Hemisphere. Star shows are lead LIVE by one of the Planetarium's educators, creating a new and tailored experience for every audience.

View this event »

Trike Town at The Magic House

Adventures abound at Trike Town, the outdoor, child-size city at The Magic House. Kids can pick out their favorite little red tricycle and explore the entire city. The adventure includes a stop at the craft shop, where kids can create their own fall-themed craft, a candy shop, firehouse and more.

View this event »

Storytime at the Nature Playscape in Forest Park

Monday, September 25, 2023

Monday, October 2, 2023

Meet up at the Anne O'C. Albrecht Nature Playscape in Forest Park for a fun storytime followed by nature adventures! These free story times are open to children of all ages and their caregivers.

View this event »

Teaching in Room 9 from Nine PBS

New this season, Teaching in Room 9 takes learning beyond the classroom as viewers discover our region's resources. Children will explore the coloring wall at the Missouri History Museum, learn about dinosaurs at the Saint Louis Science Center, and experience African art and mummies at the Saint Louis Art Museum, just to name a few.

View this event »

Daytime Playtime at Olympia Gymnastics

Monday, September 25, 2023

Thursday, September 28, 2023

Monday, October 2, 2023

Daytime Playtime is an open gym for children ages 2-5 where the possibilities for fun and learning (through fun) are endless! Children will participate in activities that build coordination, strength, balance and self-confidence. They'll develop stronger motor skills, social skills, and take part in theme-based creative activities

View this event »

See All Things to Do

You Might Also Like...

For over 25 years, Purina® Pro Plan® has given incredible canine athletes the platform to showcase their amazing abilities in exciting events like dock diving, flying disc, agility and more! Watch incredible dogs from across the country compete in the Incredible Dog Challenge National Finals on September 30th, 10:30 a.m. - 4 p.m., at Purina Farms. Bring the family, grab a bite to eat, shop from local retailers and witness incredible dogs in action. Admission is free. Parking is $5. Parking capacity is limited and registration is required. A portion of your parking fee will be donated to Open Door Animal Sanctuary. Learn more and register at purinafarms.com

"This is Halloween!"

Join the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra for a spine-tingling experience as we revisit one of Tim Burton’s most adored films, The Nightmare Before Christmas. Feel the thrill as the film unfolds on the big screen with dialogue, singing, and effects accompanied by Danny Elfman’s hauntingly charming score, brought to life by your St. Louis Symphony Orchestra. Bring your families, don your frightful costumes, and immerse yourselves in the macabre beauty of Halloween. Remember, every day is Halloween in our world! Catch The Nightmare Before Christmas in Concert October 6 & 8. Friday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. at the Stifel Theatre. Jason Seber, Conductor. GET TICKETS

Kids grow fast—way faster than your budget. Keeping up with your kid’s needs can be overwhelming & expensive. You want to give your family what they need, and say "Yes" to the things they want. But, how?! Just Between Friends O’Fallon/Belleville can help! JBF O'Fallon/Belleville is a twice a year, pop-up kids & maternity consignment sale where local families can shop and save hundreds of dollars on everything they need to raise confident, stylish, good-looking kids! Shop our Fall & Winter Sale on October 5-8 at our NEW location: the Gateway Convention Center in Collinsville. So you can stop running around to retail stores & garage sales and instead, get everything you need for the next 6 months—all in one clean, safe, organized space! And after the sale, unsold items can be donated to our charity partners serving the community. JBF O'Fallon/Belleville helping families say "Yes!" Learn more and get early-shopping tickets!

From Our Sponsors

Popular Stories

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.

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.

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.

Your Family's Late Summer Adventure is the 2023 Greenway Quest!

Back by popular demand! The Greenway Quest from Great Rivers Greenway awaits, and this year your mission is a truly buzzworthy scavenger hunt! Take to the St. Louis area's greenways (and City Museum) to find one of 250 hand-painted bee rocks along the trails. When you find one, you'll be entered to win one of several prize packages with goodies like City Museum tickets, greenway swag and gift certificates from some of the St. Louis area's family favorites!

Drawn In: The New Animated, Literacy-Boosting Series that's Made in STL

Tyler, Nevaeh, Jadyn, and Grace – the fearless foursome of the new animated series “Drawn In” – have captured the imagination of viewers in St. Louis and ignited their love of learning with every new adventure. The show was conceived, created, and produced in St. Louis, and the majority of voice talent is based in the metro area. You can catch it on Nine PBS.