fun things to do with kids in STL

Join Craft Alliance every Third Saturday of the month for a free, hands-on craft workshop designed for kids ages 5 and up, along with their parents or caregivers. Led by professional teaching artists, families create together in the Craft Alliance studios — exploring clay, fiber, textiles, metals, and more.
No registration required—just drop in and get creative!

Play Dates follow a monthly theme that invites close looking, hands-on art making, and safe, creative play. Plus, you'll enjoy performances from guest artists that get everybody moving!

Experience the magic of the holidays with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra! St. Louis native Kennedy Holmes joins the SLSO to perform seasonal favorites and exciting twists in this beloved annual tradition. Even Santa stops by for a special guest appearance! 

Thomas & Friends: Explore the Rails is pulling into The Magic House's station! Surrounded by everyone's favorite blue engine, Thomas, kids can explore the Island of Sodor's iconic locations: Knapford Station, Sodor Steamworks and more.

Delight in brilliant, colorful light displays with spectacular photo opportunities throughout the Zoo during Wild Lights. Walk through two tunnels with dazzling lights, and enjoy themed displays featuring snowflakes, candy canes, gumdrops, penguins, polar bears, tigers, giraffes and much more at this St. Louis family-favorite holiday tradition. New this year: Visits with Santa!

Discovery Club is an exploration of all kinds of science! Kids ages 7-11 will navigate through the sciences with projects, experiments and activities at this free program. Themes include robots, roller coasters, potato batteries and more. 

Those of us who can't stay awake until midnight can join the Missouri History Museum for a New Year's Eve countdown with two balloon drops! Visitors will enjoy live music, making crafts a super-sized story time followed by balloon drops at 11 a.m. and noon.