Metro Theater Company

'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.

The Gala Goes Family-Friendly with Metro Theater Company’s Toy Fest

With A PLAYful Celebration: Toy Fest, Metro Theater Company (MTC), which creates professional theater for kids, has put to rest snooze-fest fundraisers and created a gala straight out of our wildest imaginations. With Toy Fest, parents and kids alike can enjoy non-stop fun from dinner through dancing, and best of all, help support award-winning programs that treat kids to the best in children’s theater.

Metro Theater's Newest Production Explores the Meaning of Love, the Importance of Family

When all of the holiday madness gets to be too much this December, take a breather by taking in a remarkable show with your favorite kiddos. Beginning Dec. 5, Metro Theater Company will present a new family favorite, The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane at the Missouri History Museum. Following the adventures of a toy rabbit who longs to return to the little girl who loves him, this magical fairy tale and modern American classic is the perfect holiday gift to share with your little theater fans.

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane

See the life-changing adventure of Edward Tulane, a toy that cares for noone but himself but eventually learns what it means to love others, live on stage at the Missouri History Museum. The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane is produced by Metro Theater Company. Save 20% on afternoon performances Dec. 26-30 with our promo code!

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Things to Do

Museum Babies Storytelling

Bring your babies and toddlers to this free story time at the Missouri History Museum.

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Storytelling in the Museum from the Missouri History Museum

Storytelling in the Museum is an in-person storytelling event happening at 10:30 a.m. at the Missouri History Museum. This event, perfect for the preschool set, features engaging stories with themes like Juneteenth, Sweet Treats, Summer and more. Storytelling in the Museum is free.

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Paws for Reading from the St. Louis County Library

Tuesday, February 10, 2026

Read to a friendly therapy dog from DUO Dogs, Inc. After the story, the dog's handler will answer any questions kids have about therapy dogs, pet care and more. For ages 3-11. Registration is required for this free program.

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LEGO Club at the St. Louis County Library

LEGO Club at the St. Louis County Library is a free opportunity for kids to gather and have fun building with LEGO bricks. LEGOs are provided.

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Pint Size Party: Be My Valentine

Tuesday, February 10, 2026

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Popular Stories

10 Sweet Ways for Kids to Celebrate Valentine's Day

Feel the love and have lots of fun at these Valentine's Day-themed events just for kids and families.

Spring Break Camps Offer a Variety of Activities for Kids and Teens in St. Louis

Excitement is building for summer and the wide variety of summer camp experiences available for kids in the St. Louis metro area. But first! Spring break is around the corner, and there are plenty of Spring Break camps enrolling now.

Single-Day Camps & Fun for Your Kids on President's Day

Are you looking for a fun way for your kids to spend President's Day while school is out? Here are some one-day camps and other fun activities to keep your kids busy, learning new skills, and having fun.

Ninja Central is for Kids of All Ages and Abilities

From the moment they step onto a ninja training course, kids snap into activation mode – using their athletic skills to jump, climb, and balance their way through physical challenges and activating their minds to out-maneuver the puzzle of obstacles that stand in their way of victory. That combination is a powerful one and equips kids with the confidence, persistence, self-esteem, and creative thinking skills they need throughout their lives. And now, with the opening of Ninja Central, a top-tier ninja training facility in Maryland Heights, even more young athletes will get the chance to reach their full potential.

Miriam Celebrates Neurodiversity, Supports Unique Learners

At Miriam School, students with complex learning differences are supported and celebrated as they grow academically, socially and emotionally. Miriam provides a tailored educational experience for learners in grades K-12 who have not found success in traditional classroom settings. Students’ challenges may stem from specific learning disabilities (i.e. dyslexia or dysgraphia), ADHD, level 1 autism, sensory processing disorder, anxiety, or speech and language disorders.

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Plan your child's summer at the biggest Summer Camp Expo in the St. Louis area, featuring 60+ local and regional summer camps offering day- and sleep-away camp experiences all across the St. Louis region and beyond. Bring your kids to Summer Expo 2026 and learn about a wide variety of summer learning and summer camp opportunities for kids of all ages. The Summer Expo is presented by Parkway-Rockwood Community Ed, sponsored by STL Parent and STL Camps, and is open to all families from any school district across the St. Louis metro area. Admission is free! 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday, February 1 at Parkway West High School.

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Give your child a summer full of discovery, creativity, and hands-on fun at Mad Science of St. Louis Summer Camps! Offered at 13 convenient locations across the St. Louis area, our week-long camps are designed for curious kids ages 5–11 who love to ask questions, experiment, and explore how the world works. Campers launch rockets into the sky, investigate the mysteries of Earth and space, explore the gross (and fascinating!) side of science, or crack codes like real secret agents. Whether your child is building robots, designing space-age solutions, or coding games that get them moving, every day is packed with discovery and confidence-building fun. See our seven exciting camp themes and register at stlouis.madscience.org.

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Planning a birthday? Celebrate big in epic themed party rooms like the Princess, Space, Jungle & more! Ditch the screens - plan your ultimate indoor adventure! LEARN MORE

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