fun activities for kids St. Louis

Children's Performance Series in Tower Grove Park

Gather at the outdoor amphitheater in Tower Grove Park for a summer of fun children's performances by beloved local entertainers. The free interactive shows are part of the Children's Performance Series, introducing children to the performing arts in a fun interactive way. Storytellers, musicians, dancers and more will encourage kids to clap along and be part of the experience.

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The Bubble Bus + Water Features Turn on at Citygarden

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Petting Zoo at the St. Louis Wheel

The Animals 'R Us Petting Zoo will be at Union Station on Sunday and Monday, May 28 & 29, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Purina Performance Plaza.

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Tapescape Opens at The Magic House MADE for Kids

The Magic House, MADE for Kids will be hosting an exhibit of its own as TapeScape, an innovative playscape made almost entirely out of packing tape, opens for play on June 2 in the makerspace.

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Family Day at the Contemporary Art Museum

Families are invited to take part in activities hosted by the Contemporary Art Museum, the Pulitzer Arts Foundation, and the Sheldon Concert Hall & Art Galleries. There will be food, fun art activities and interactive performances in the shared outdoor spaces near all three institutions.

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HullabaZoo at the Saint Louis Zoo

Enhance your Friday fun at HullabaZoo at the Saint Louis Zoo! These themed afternoons and evenings are full of family activities unique to the Zoo. Enjoy live entertainment you can dance to, and kid favorites like the Bubble Bus. Plus, kids can join in animal-related educational activities focusing on conserving endangered species.

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African Arts Festival + Fundisha Children's Folktale Dance Theatre with Mama Lisa

Entertainer Mama Lisa will present "Words that Move in Africa." During this session, kids will learn to remember and present a story with Fundisha Children's Folktale Dance Theatre.

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U.S. Bank Wild Lights at the Saint Louis Zoo

Thursday, November 30, 2023

Friday, December 1, 2023

U.S. Bank Wild Lights at the Saint Louis Zoo is back for another beautifully lit season. Your family can stroll through the Zoo grounds surrounded by a million lights! Visitors will see twinkling light displays, enjoy fun photo opportunities, holiday carolers, Santa's woodland workshop, roaming entertainers, and lots more in this enchanting holiday wonderland.

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Garden Glow at the Missouri Botanical Garden

Thursday, November 30, 2023

Friday, December 1, 2023

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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Brewery Lights at Anheuser-Busch Brewery

Enjoy the iconic lights that adorn the Anheuser-Busch Brewery close up during walking tours. Brewery Lights features more than one million twinkling lights and lots of family friendly activities. New this year is an enhanced parade with Clydesdales and street performers, giant branded nutcrackers and interactive stage performances.

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Water Waddlers Indoor Drop-In Swim

Stop in and have some fun in the indoor pool at the Lodge of Des Peres with your little one at this drop-in swim time for kids up to age 6. No pre-registration is needed; Water Waddlers is open to residents and non-residents of Des Peres.

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Preschool Science Series: Storybook STEAM at the Saint Louis Science Center

The Saint Louis Science Center has expanded its Preschool Science Series to include new offerings for different age groups of young scientists. Storybook STEAM is for ages 3 to 5.

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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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