The Greater St. Louis Metro Area Train Show features an entire gymnasium full of hundreds of feet of operating train layouts and another gymnasium full of train sets and Thomas Trains for sale by dealers from across the country.
Kids can get up close to a large "garden railroad" featuring trains running on the gymnasium floor. There will also be a large operating layout made entirely of LEGOS, a Thomas the Tank model train, and dozens of detailed scenes including a lock and dam and automobile plant.
Children under 12 and any student with an ID will get in free. Adult admission is $7 per person.
At the Kirkwood Community Center. Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 8 and 9. Saturday hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
More information: www.seetrains.com
Celebrating the history, culture, and people of Japan, the Japanese Festival at the Missouri Botanical Garden is one of the largest and oldest festivals of its kind in the United States. Your family can enjoy guided walking tours, bonsai, cooking, martial arts and origami demonstrations, sumo wrestling, and special activities for kids.
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.
See the Purina Incredible Dog Team perform extraordinary feats of athleticism and skill right here in St. Louis at Union Station this summer! Free performances are happening Thursdays through Sundays at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. at Union Station's Performance Plaza in front of the St. Louis Wheel.
At this free art program for ages 3-6 the focus is on the process of making art rather than the finished product. Dress to get messy!
Bring your babies and toddlers to this free story time at the Missouri History Museum.