
The Book Buddies Shelter Pet Program lets kids to adore animals make a real difference in the lives of shelter pets.
As part of the Book Buddies Shelter Pet Program with the Humane Society of Missouri, kids ages 6-12 are trained to read to shelter pets. Reading to the shelter dogs helps to bring comfort them and reduces anxiety. It also makes the pet more adoptable. Reading helps shy dogs learn to relax around people and teaches high energy dogs and calm behavior is desirable.
In children, the program nurtures empathy and helps them develop reading skills. Participants sit outside the dog's kennel and read to them. There is no direct contact with the dogs in this opportunity.
One parent is required to attend the training and must accompany the child every time they come to read. Closed-toes, rubber-soled shoes are required. Kids are welcome to bring their favorite book or can choose to read from HSMO's library of more than 100 animal-themed books.
The next training sessions is set for Jan. 31 from 12:30 to 2 p.m. at the Humane Society's Macling Ave Headquarters. Cost per child is $5.
For more information and online registration, go to hsmo.org
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.
The Saint Louis Science Center has expanded its Preschool Science Series to include new offerings for different age groups of young scientists. Storybook STEM is for ages 3 to 5.
Explore songs, finger plays, music and more during this Music & Movement class for ages 0-6. Some sessions are held in person at various branches of the St. Louis County Library. Some sessions are virtual.
Free outdoor concerts are back at the Missouri History Museum. The Spring series of concerts features favorite bands, food trucks, and exhibits inside the museum that are open to the public until 8 p.m. on concert nights. Concerts are held from 6-8 p.m.
Explore the Saint Louis Zoo in the evenings at the Chinese lantern festival Animals Aglow! Animals Aglow returns to illuminate the Saint Louis Zoo for the second year with dozens of new, towering lanterns and light displays.