parenting in St. Louis

Pirates, pumpkins, and yo-ho-ho a bunch of candy is what you'll find at Pirates and Pumpkins this October at the St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station. Guest can test if they've got what it takes to join the pirate crew by walking the plank, digging for buried treasure and making their own pirate hats.

Families and kids of all ages can enjoy festive decorations, entertainers, many of your favorite Zoo exhibits and lots more at the Saint Louis Zoo's nighttime, non-scary Halloween experience Boo at the Zoo!

Boo at the Zoo is a long-time St. Louis family favorite, with fun, spellbinding decorations and great photo opportunities, spooktacular entertainment as actors bring the decorated areas to life, interaction with the animals, fun at the 4-D Theater, Conservation Carousel, and more.

The Grinch is trying to steal Christmas! Help grow the Grinch's heart by joining in on this workshop full of Grinch activities. Kids will make Grinch dust to help stop the Grinch from coming to their homes and other crafts, as well as Grinch cookies. 

Kids ages 5-12 can choose their own Elf name and join in on the Elf Workshop. They'll create handmade gifts for someone special (different variations of crafts are offered for different age groups). 

Celebrate fall with a Fall Festival and Pumpkin Glow at Des Peres Park. Entertainment and activities include food trucks, Party Animals Mobile, hayrides, live music, face painting and balloon artists, inflatables, the Little Dreamer's Barnyard, and a glow-in-the-dark foam party.

The Fall Fest is free, open to all, and starts at 2 p.m.

The Pumpkin Glow starts at 6:30 p.m. Launch Jack-O-Lanterns into the Des Peres Pond to become part of a magical float. Participants must bring a pre-carved pumpkin weighing no more than 8 pounds once hollowed out.

Meet up in Forest Park for a fun storytime followed by nature adventures! These free story times are open to children of all ages and their caregivers. 

Enjoy tons of family fun at Chesterfield's Fall Festival. There will be live music, miniature pony rides, a petting zoo, carnival rides, pumpkin painting, balloon twisters, a photo booth, hay rides and plenty of festival food. Visit the vendor area to shop for crafts, too.