parenting in St. Louis

COCA presents its summer musical, Matilda live on stage! Matilda Wormwood, a young girl with extraordinary powers, uses her love of reading and storytelling as an escape from her life with her neglectful parents. She befriends a kind teacher who encourages her to embrace her uniqueness, and leads her to discover her own remarkable powers.

View this event »

Shark Day at the Saint Louis Zoo

Celebrate Shark Day at the Saint Louis Zoo! Enjoy steel drummer entertainment, learn fascinating facts about sharks, including how conservation efforts upstream in St. Louis make a difference in the challenges sharks face in the ocean. Plus, guests who wear a shark costume will receive free access to Stingrays at the Caribbean Cove!

View this event »

STEAM Day Festival

Sign up for a day of free family fun with STEM workshops, activities, lunch and learning at the STEAM Day Festival. This free event is open to students in grades K-12 and their families.

View this event »

Preschool STEAM at the Library

Preschoolers ages 3-6 will explore areas of science, technology, engineering, art and math at Preschool STEAM. These free sessions are offered at various branches of the St. Louis County Library. Registration is required.

View this event »

Delmar Maker's District Juneteenth Celebration

Experience one of St. Louis' largest Juneteenth festivals at the Delmar Maker's District's Juneteenth Celebration. Activities will take place June 18 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Families can enjoy art, music, food & refreshments, a youth vendor fair, craft making and more.

View this event »

Books for Babies on the Lawn

Bring your little ones, 6 months to 2 years, to Books for Babies on the Lawn at Kirkwood Public Library. There will be stories, songs, rhymes and lap bounces, along with time to socialize with other babies.

View this event »

Juneteenth at the Missouri Botanical Garden & Children's Garden: Free Admission

The Missouri Botanical Garden is offering free admission to all visitors on June 19 in honor of Juneteenth. Admission to the Children's Garden will also be free for the day.

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

Storytime at the Nature Playscape in Forest Park

Monday, April 29, 2024

Monday, May 6, 2024

Monday, May 13, 2024

Meet up at the Nature Playscape 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.

View this event »

Preschool Storytime at the Kirkwood Public Library

Preschool Storytime is geared to ages 2-5.

View this event »

Daytime Playtime at Olympia Gymnastics

Daytime Playtime is an open gym for children ages 2-5 where the possibilities for fun and learning (through fun) are endless! Children will participate in activities that build coordination, strength, balance and self-confidence. They'll develop stronger motor skills, social skills, and take part in theme-based creative activities.

View this event »

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.

View this event »

Museum Babies Storytelling

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

View this event »

See All Things to Do

You Might Also Like...

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

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

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.