Holidays in St. Louis

Think Outside the (Toy) Box: 11 Creative, Non-Toy Gift Ideas for Kids

The holiday season’s hottest toys have hit the shelves, and children around the world are eagerly adding these coveted items to their holiday wish lists. But how many new toys do our children actually need?

Holiday Greetings That Lighten Your Load and Brighten Others’ Lives

Every year at this time, busy moms and dads race to send out a J. Crew-worthy family holiday card that makes all other parents envious.

When Toys Get All Stereotypical on You

The other day I headed off to the craft store to finish off my Christmas gift list. My godson, a four-year-old budding Van Gogh, wanted some new art projects to work on.

When I entered, I was engulfed in a display of make-your-own headbands and jewelry, manicure sets and scrapbooks, vajazzlers and macramé thong kits. But what I didn’t see were kits ideal for those with XY chromosomes.

Sure, there were some awesome gender-neutral Crayola kits as well as a paint-your-own coffee mug, but I thought that was a little insensitive for a preschooler trying to kick his caffeine addiction.

Finally, behind a glitter-bomb-your-own-purse set, I uncovered a lowly wooden car kit – the only blue box in a sea of pink and purple.

I’m not the only one who has difficulty finding a specific gift for a child whose interests don’t fall into a stereotypical gender mold.

5 Fun and Festive Ways to Celebrate the Holidays in St. Louis

The holiday season is upon us here in St. Louis, which means that many St. Louis families are busy, busy, busy with shopping, decorating, and holiday gatherings.

Caught up in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season? Don’t forget that our city offers many wonderful holiday traditions for families to enjoy, so gather your kids and take advantage of these fun and festive ways to celebrate the true magic of the holidays:

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Things to Do

Budding Artists Preschool Art Program

At this free art program for ages 3-6 the focus is on the process of making art rather than the finished product. Dress to get messy!

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Preschool Science: Science Tots at the Saint Louis Science Center

Thursday, April 25, 2024

Saturday, April 27, 2024

Thursday, May 9, 2024

Science Tots is designed for children ages 18 to 36 months. The class provides opportunities to support brain development and learning. Toddlers and their grown-ups will explore STEM topics through songs, stories, hands-on exploration and play.

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Animals Aglow at the Saint Louis Zoo

Explore the Saint Louis Zoo in the evenings at the new Animals Aglow exhibit. Bring your family to experience the luminous glow of 50 towering lanterns depicting animals, plants and traditional Chinese elements. Don't miss this celebration of culture and art!

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Toddler Thursday at Mastodon State Historic Site

Thursday, April 25, 2024

Toddlers and their grownups can learn, create and play during Toddler Thursday at Mastodon State Historic Site. Each session explores a different topic related to nature and includes activities and a craft.

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Dinoroarus at the Saint Louis Zoo

Dinoroarus is back for a limited time at the Saint Louis Zoo. This engaging attraction for all ages features 14 groupings of animatronic and stationary dinosaurs - colorful, prehistoric creatures that move realistically, some roaring and spiting or placidly munching on lush vegetation.

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Child development researchers at Washington University School of Medicine are inviting 4-7-year-old children and a caregiver to participate in a study investigating what children know about suicide along with risk factors for experiencing suicidality early in life. We are seeking children who have and who have not experienced suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Children who participate will 1) answer brief questions about their understanding of suicide (we want to learn what children at different ages know, we do not teach them anything new), 2) play games, and 3) complete a safe and non-invasive EEG. Caregivers will complete interviews and surveys. Families can earn up to $110 for participating. LEARN MORE AND SIGN UP HERE

We also have current studies for 12-14-year-old girls and their mothers. Check out our website or email us at childlab@wustl.edu.

In this thrilling blend of classical music and classic animation Bugs Bunny and his Looney Tunes pals join audiences of all ages at Stifel Theatre with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra for Bugs Bunny at the Symphony. A dozen of the world’s most iconic Looney Tunes—What’s Opera, Doc?, The Rabbit of Seville, Corny Concerto, Baton Bunny, Long-Haired Hare, and many others—plus five brand-new animated shorts—will be projected on the big screen, while their exhilarating original scores are played live by the SLSO, conducted by George Daugherty. Bugs Bunny at the Symphony will be presented on Saturday, May 11 at 7 p.m. at Stifel Theatre. LEARN MORE AND GET TICKETS.

Witness high-flying canine athletes, experience up-close encounters with farm animals, or visit adoptable cats and dogs all at the Purina Farms Visitor Center, located just 30 minutes west of St. Louis! Officially opening for the 2024 season on April 20 & 21, guests who visit opening weekend will get the first look at the newly renovated Visitor Center lobby. Visit on Saturdays this season to attend our NEW magic show focused on responsible pet ownership. Open mid-April to October, Wednesday-Sunday, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Daily admission is free unless otherwise stated during a special event. We look forward to seeing you! LEARN MORE

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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

Starting in June, 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.