Metro Theater Company

The Girl Who Swallowed a Cactus by Metro Theater Company - Free Public Performances

The Girl Who Swallowed a Cactus is Metro Theater Company's annual fall touring production and is perfect for all ages. In addition to appearing at schools across the St. Louis region and in Nashville, there will be several free public performances that are open to all. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.

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The Hundred Dresses

The Hundred Dresses tells the story of Wanda Petronski, the new girl in Room 13, who is a Polish immigrant who lives in a shabby house and doesn't have any friends. Every day she wears the same faded blue dress, but tells her new classmates that she has a hundred dresses at home. Her classmates tease Wanda about her hundred dresses until one day she disappears from school. As guilt overtakes the children, they decide to find out what happened to Wanda and to make amends. But is it too late? Bullying, friendship, and forgiveness as at the center of this play adapted from the beloved Newberry Honor Book by Eleanor Estes.

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Wonderland: Alice's Rock and Roll Adventure

How can you march to the beat of your own drummer when you're still writing the song? Part theater, part rock concert, all of your favorite characters are here in this new take on Lewis Carrol's beloved, poetic tale of self-actualization. From Metro Theater Company, this show is perfect for kids in kindergarten and up. Use promo code PARENT and save 25% on tickets.

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'Bud, Not Buddy' Brings a Beloved Story to the St. Louis Stage

Everyone’s life story comes with its own soundtrack – the music that picks us up at our lowest moments and the songs that celebrate the biggest milestones we reach. For 10-year-old Bud in “Bud, Not Buddy,” presented by Metro Theater Company (MTC) and Jazz St. Louis, his inspiring story is set to the sounds of a live jazz band featuring some of the most accomplished artists in St. Louis. And for those kids willing to join him on his incredible journey of discovery, resilience and love, it’s an experience for the eyes and ears they’ll never forget.

Bud, Not Buddy

Based on the internationally acclaimed novel, Bud, Not Buddy, this adventure follows 10-year-old Bud as he sets off on an epic journey to find his father who he believes is leading a traveling jazz band. Set in 1930s America, Bud's odyssey is filled with the joy of finding family and plenty of live jazz music.

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Hans Brinker and the Silver Skates

In this timeless story, Hans and Gretel Brinker strive to provide for their family and prove their own worth by entering a local speedskating contest. First prize is a pair of gleaming silver skates! The story culminates with a spectacular St. Nicholas Day race on the stage of The Grandel Theatre. Hans Brinker and the Silver Skates celebrates generosity, helping others and is an exhilarating tale of courage and determination. Save 20% on tickets with our promo code.

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Metro Theater Company’s New Season Encourages Kids to Write Their Own Story

In our technology-infused world where video games, TV and smartphones are vying for your children’s interest, live theater grabs their attention and holds on tight. When the stories they’re told help them make tough choices, connect to others, and learn how to navigate this topsy-turvy world we live in, it adds an extra level of excitement to each performance. Starting Sept. 18, Metro Theater Company will launch its 45^th season with three incredible plays to both entertain and inspire young theatergoers.

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Things to Do

Food Truck Friday in Tower Grove Park

Friday, April 26, 2024

Friday, May 17, 2024

Friday, June 14, 2024

It's the food truck event that started them all! Local food trucks gather for an evening of friends, fun, live music and plenty of great food at Sauce Food Truck Fridays. St. Louis' favorite mobile restaurants will be dishing out fresh fare and local brews in Tower Grove Park.

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Open Gym at Miss Kelly's Gym

Friday, April 26, 2024

Kids can work on existing gym skills, learn new skills or just play around during Open Gym at Miss Kelly's Gym. Reservations are not 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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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.

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First Art: Free In-Person Art Program for Ages 18-36 Months

Friday, April 26, 2024

Join in on First Art, a free art program for toddlers where the focus is on the process of making art rather than the finished product. Dress to get messy!

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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

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