free things to do in St. Louis with kids

Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular

Families can help light up the trails at Memorial Park in Brentwood at the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular. There will be a pumpkin carving contest for adults and pumpkin painting for kids, free pumpkins and lots of prizes for the winners.

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Twilight Tuesday Concert at the Missouri History Museum

The Missouri History Museum hosts its popular free Tuesday evening concerts under the beautiful Forest Park sunset.

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Oktoberfest at Vago Park in Maryland Heights

Oktoberfest in Vago Park has something for all ages, including live music, the Bubble Bus, food trucks, face painting, hayrides, pumpkin painting and a costume contest for kids ages 10 and under.

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Harvest Festival and Boo Bash at the Olivette Community Center

The annual Harvest Festival and Boo Bash is fall and Halloween fun for the whole family. Enjoy games for kids, food trucks, tractor rides, a farm animal petting zoo, a costume contest and live music. Free and open to all.

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Magnetic Attraction Mad Science Workshop

Children will learn about the poles and power of magnets in this hands-on workshop from Mad Science of St. Louis that even provides children with the opportunity to make their own magnet to take home.

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Sensory Playground

Encourage your child's curiosity as they play and explore various sensory experiences at the Sensory Playground. For ages 2-6.

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Sound Wave Art

In a new twist on creating art, kids ages 9-13 can record their voice and paint a masterpiece using the sound waves they produce.

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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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6 Places to Find Fun on the Farm this Fall

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