Digging Up Dessa is the newest production from Metro Theater Company. This comedy-drama-adventure is designed for audiences age 10 and up. In-person and virtual performances take place on select afternoons and evenings through November 7.
Dessa is the modern-day 12-year old with no shortage of mysteries to solve and fossils to find. Her days are filled with buried treasures just waiting to be uncovered. But when her family of three unexpectedly becomes a family of two, this smart, funny young scientist struggles to overcome her grief and anger at all the changes in her world. Dessa's unlikely comfort comes from a remarkable new friend, one only she can see and hear - Mary Anning, the 19th century paleontologist who discovered a breakthrough dinosaur fossil at the age of 12 and became and pioneer in her field.
But why is her portrait not on the museum wall alongside those of her male counterparts? Dessa decides that she's going to fight to earn Mary the respect she deserves. With help from her new classmate and once-rival, Nilo, Dessa unearths secrets of the past and present - for Mary's legacy and her own way forward. Themes of the story include resilience, history, dealing with grief, empowerment for girls and STEAM.
Digging Up Dessa is an adventurous comedy-drama that runs 60 minutes in length and is appropriate for ages 10 and up. It's playing on select afternoons and evenings through November 7 at the Grandel Theatre. Virtual performances are available October 20-November 7.
In-person and virtual field trips for students are available Wednesdays through Fridays at 10 a.m. on select days.
For tickets and more information, visit metroplays.org
Stop in and have some fun in the indoor pool at the Lodge of Des Peres with your little one at this drop-in swim time for kids up to age 6. No pre-registration is needed; Water Waddlers is open to residents and non-residents of Des Peres.
The Preschool Science Series is an open exploration learning lab for young scientists - ages 18 months to 5 years - and their families. Activities are designed around research that shows children learn best through play, inquiry and shared experiences with their parents and caregivers.
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.
Learn ways to nurture your baby's development and make new friends in a relaxed, supportive environment at Baby & Me, a free class offered at the St. Louis County Library. Baby & Me classes are for parents and caregivers with pre-walking infants ages 0-12 months.
Upper Limits Single Day Camps are a great way to keep your kids active and engage when school is out. Single-day rock climbing camps are for ages 7 -15 and are held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Upper Limits locations in Chesterfield and Maryland Heights.