Gateway Arch

America's Biggest Birthday Party returns to the Gateway Arch grounds featuring free admission, live entertainment, a festival zone for family fun, a fairway with vendors, Purina's Incredible Dog Team and stunning fireworks displays.

View this event »

Reading with a Ranger

Take your kids to a new reading program offered at the Gateway Arch Museum. Reading with a Ranger is a free program for families. You'll receive a copy of a themed children's book and read it together with a park ranger, have a group discussion, then explore the museum and Gateway Arch grounds.

View this event »

Ghosts of the Arch Grounds

Meet at the West Entrance Plaza at the Gateway Arch for Ghosts of the Arch Grounds. Visitors will learn about the various incarnations of the Arch Grounds as they evolved from French fur trading post to warehouse district to the present Gateway Arch National Park. Experience the ups and downs of historical figures like Pierre Laclede, Thomas Targee, James Eads and Percy Green.

View this event »

Time to Celebrate Spring in St. Louis! See Our Top Picks for Family Fun in April

With egg-themed events held throughout St. Louis, weekends in April are as packed with fun as your kids’ Easter baskets. But the excitement isn’t all focused on the bunny—this month features kid-friendly theatre productions, Earth Day celebrations and STEM-related activities that will open up a world of fun for your little ones.

Downtown St. Louis History Walking Tour

Meet up with a park ranger and take a free walking tour that explores downtown St. Louis and its most popular landmarks.

View this event »

Free Family Fridays at the Old Courthouse

Free Family Fridays at the Old Courthouse are a great opportunity for kids to learn about St. Louis history, the westward expansion and take part in hands-on craft projects.

View this event »

Stargazing at the Gateway Arch

Join members of the St. Louis Astronomical Society and the National Park Service for a night of stargazing on the grounds of the Gateway Arch.

This ranger-led event for all ages includes a special talk followed by telescope viewing.

On the grounds of the Gateway Arch. Free. 8 to 10 p.m. More information: gatewayarch.com

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

Japanese Festival at the Missouri Botanical Garden

Saturday, August 31, 2024

Sunday, September 1, 2024

Monday, September 2, 2024

Celebrating the history, culture, and people of Japan, the Japanese Festival at the Missouri Botanical Garden is one of the largest and oldest festivals of its kind in the United States. Your family can enjoy guided walking tours, bonsai, cooking, martial arts and origami demonstrations, sumo wrestling, and special activities for kids.

View this event »

Applefest at Eckert Farms

Sunday, September 1, 2024

Monday, September 2, 2024

Saturday, September 7, 2024

Wagon rides, live entertainment, great festival foods, a petting zoo and much more make this an apple pickin' good time for the whole family. There will be pony rides, a children's carnival, opportunities to feed goats and other farm animals, caramel apples, funnel cakes and more.

View this event »

Science Storytime at the Saint Louis Science Center

Young visitors and their families are invited to the Energy Stage to enjoy interactive read-alouds of science-themed picture books. Story times are followed by a short demonstration or discussion connected to the book's main concepts.

View this event »

Train Rides at the Wabash, Frisco & Pacific Railroad

The Wabash, Frisco & Pacific Railroad invites you and your kiddos to come ride the train! The Wabash, Frisco & Pacific is a historic, 12-inch gauge live steam train in Glencoe, Missouri, that is open most Sundays for public train rides. Reservations are required.

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 town while learning about bicycle safety and the importance of wearing a helmet.

View this event »

See All Things to Do

You Might Also Like...

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 September 12-15th at 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 is helping families say "Yes!" CLICK HERE for more information and get tickets!

Lace up and leash up for a great cause! You and your dog are invited to run, jog, or walk in the Purple Leash 5K & Fun Run at Purina Farms on October 12. Compete for top dog in our 5K race or take it easy in our 1-mile fun run. Put your paws to the pavement and then head over to the TAILgate after party for food, drinks, music and more all while raising awareness for the Purple Leash Project. All purple outfits and purple dog gear are highly encouraged! The Purple Leash Project was born out of the Purina mission to bring and keep pets and people together and the RedRover® mission to bring people and their pets from crisis to care. Your support of the Purple Leash Project assists domestic violence shelters on their journey to welcome family pets by funding pet-friendly renovations. LEARN MORE AND REGISTER

Vetta Sports Kickaroos, the perfect soccer program for young children to develop a love for the game while having loads of fun! Designed for kids ages 18 months to 6 years, Kickaroos focuses on fundamental soccer skills through engaging, age-appropriate activities. Our experienced coaches create a positive and supportive environment where children can learn at their own pace, building confidence and coordination. Each session is packed with exciting games and drills that emphasize teamwork, sportsmanship, and basic soccer techniques. Kickaroos isn’t just about soccer; it’s about fostering a lifelong love for physical activity and helping kids develop essential motor skills and social abilities. Whether your child is taking their first steps on the field or refining their budding talents, Vetta Sports Kickaroos is the ideal place to start their soccer journey. Join us and watch your child thrive, one kick at a time! Sign up for a free trial class!

From Our Sponsors

Popular Stories

COCA Ignites Creativity and Sparks Fun for Kids of All Ages, All Summer Long

Stroll along the Walk of Fame in the Delmar Loop, and you’ll spot the playwrights, actors, and artists who got their start in St. Louis, from Tennessee Williams and Katherine Dunham, to Tina Turner and John Goodman. Just a few steps away and around the corner, a new generation of Gateway City superstars will discover their love for the visual and performing arts this summer.

Farmer's Markets Make Great Family Outings! Here is Your 2024 Guide to Farmers Markets Across the St. Louis Area

A trip to the farmer’s market is a fun outing for the entire family – and it can be educational too. Make plans to visit one (or several) of these top St. Louis farmers’ markets this spring and summer, so that you and your kids can learn more about where your food comes from and indulge in some of the freshest, seasonal produce the St. Louis region has to offer. Plus, many of these markets offer activities just for kids, feature food trucks, welcome dogs, and more.

SUE: The T. Rex Experience to Roar Into the Saint Louis Science Center

This summer. families can meet Sue, the most complete, best-preserved Tyrannosaurus rex ever found, in the Lou! The Saint Louis Science Center will welcome SUE: The T. rex Experience beginning June 8. The special exhibition features the latest scientific discoveries about the species as a whole along as well immersive, sensory exploration of life in the Cretaceous period.

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.

10 Reasons Your Teen Might Love to be a Camp Counselor

Day or sleepaway summer camp is the perfect place for teens to transition to the world of the employed. The paycheck is nice, but being a summer camp counselor has other rewards, too.