fun for STL kids

The Nightmare Before Christmas in Concert

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.

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Fright Night at Babler State Park

Come out to beautiful and spooky Babler State Park for Halloween family fun like no other experience you'll find! Take a walk down the "terrifying trail" that will take you through multiple haunted cabins. Stay for some Halloween-themed crafts and complete the experience by adding on a hotdog meal and s'mores?

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Halloween Treat Street

Children 12 and under can participate in trick or treating, pumpkin decorating, a balloon artist, festive Halloween music, a costume contest and more.

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First Friday at the Saint Louis Science Center: Studio Ghibli

The Catbus is now boarding! The October First Friday at the Saint Louis Science Center will feature all things Studio Ghibli! Catch a screening of the beloved Studio Ghibli films Kiki's Delivery Service or My Neighbor Totoro in the OMNIMAX Theater. Explore the themes and science often used by Hayao Miyazaki from flight to environmental sustainability. Test your trivia knowledge, engage in educational activities, play the building-wide game - there will be so much to do!

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Great Green Adventures: Seeds on the Move

Whether by wind, water or animal fur, seeds are on the move this time of year. Visit Great Green Adventures at the Missouri Botanical Garden to explore seeds big and small.

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Parent & Me: Outdoor Ed Experience at Babler State Park

Indulge in nature and experience a day outdoors with your little one as you engage in activities that will help you build your "outdoor toolbox," including a short hike/storybook walk, and more on the beautiful grounds of Babler State Park.

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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.

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Things to Do

Heritage and Freedom Fest

Thursday, July 3, 2025

Friday, July 4, 2025

Saturday, July 5, 2025

The city of O’Fallon, Mo., throws a fantastic, family-friendly celebration at the Ozzie Smith Sports Complex over the 4th of July holiday weekend.

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Webster Groves Community Days and Fourth of July Celebration

Thursday, July 3, 2025

Friday, July 4, 2025

Year after year, Webster Groves Community Days continues to be one of the largest Independence Day community celebrations in the area, including one of the most popular 4th of July parades.

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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.

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Water Waddlers Outdoor Drop-In Swim

Splash and play with your little one in this fun morning activity. No registration is necessary.

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Sea Lion Shows at the Saint Louis Zoo

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.

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Festivals & Fireworks to Celebrate July 4th in St. Louis

It's time to celebrate Independence Day in St. Louis, and because this year July 4th falls on a Friday, your family can look forward to a full weekend of festivals and fireworks. Check out these family-friendly celebrations that include carnivals, fantastic fireworks and lots more.

Summer Fun in St. Louis Starts Now! Your Guide to Family Fun this June

For many St. Louis families, the start of June represents the real start of summer. That's when the summer fun really starts to kick in, and the fact that so many activities and attractions are free is just a bonus!

Why Summer Camp is Great for . . . Parents

Being able to focus on yourself, your partner, and other people in your life who mean a lot to you is no small matter. As parents, we’re used to being responsible providers and caregivers. However, there’s so much more to a person: we’re also partners and friends. These are important parts of our identities that we need to cultivate. Sending your kids to summer camp may bring out your more playful side that you haven’t shown for a while.

7 Signs Your Kids Are Ready For Their First Sleepaway Camp

It’s time to decide whether to send your kids to sleepaway camp, but how do you know that's the right thing to do? How can you tell whether your kids are ready for their first extended stay away from home? Here are 7 important signs that experts say should inform your decision.

Want Your Kids to Learn? Teach Them It’s Okay to Make Mistakes

It’s normal for parents to want to protect their children from failure. It’s also normal to want them to achieve, win, and do their best. But here’s the truth: We don’t learn anything new without making mistakes. I’ll say it again. Making mistakes is a crucial step in learning. If we’re fearful of making mistakes, learning comes to a screeching halt.

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Visit the Missouri History Museum on Wednesdays and Fridays in June and July for their Summer Family Fun Series! On Wednesdays, enjoy a variety of free family activities, including crafts, performances, and scavenger hunts, all are tied into Museum exhibits and centered on a different theme each week. Learn about Caribbean, Latin American, and German cultures in STL, discover Missouri’s trains, planes and other forms of transportation innovation, celebrate the 10th anniversary of the History Clubhouse, and more! Fridays feature Storytelling in the Museum and Cuentos en el Museo programs followed by a drop-in craft workshop. Hear classic American folktales, stories about Juneteenth, sweet treats and the 1904 World’s Fair, as well as other topics that families will love. The series is appropriate for children ages 2–12. For more detailed information on each day’s activities, visit the Museum’s website. Please note there is no program on Wednesday, July 2.

Vetta Sports Spring Break and Summer Camps are where every kid wants to be! Give your kids a full week of sports, activities and friends during their school's Spring Break or all summer long at Vetta Sports. Enrollment is open for kids ages 5-12 for camps in a fun, active, creative environment full of sports, games, friends and special activities. LEARN MORE AND ENROLL TODAY!

From arts, to STEM, to nature, sports and beyond, you'll find the best summer adventures for your kids in our Summer Camp Guide. Enroll now and plan your family's best summer yet. Our Summer Camp Guide is searchable for your child's interests, age, your location, whether you need before and after-care, and even for specific weeks. You'll find exciting opportunities for kids ages 3 to teenagers. Check our Summer Camp Guide now to get started!

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