
The annual ThurtenE Carnival at Washington University brings together the university and greater St. Louis communities for three days of rides, cultural performances, food booths interactive games and more. Rides are geared toward all ages.
It is the largest and oldest student-run carnival in the nation and is open to all.
Carnival hours are:
Friday, April 14 from 4 to 8 p.m. (unlimited wristband night)
Saturday and Sunday, April 15 and 16 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
General admission is free, and tickets for rides and special performances are available on-site.
Held on the campus of Washington University near Francis Olympic Field. Net proceeds benefit ArchCity Defenders, a holistic legal advocacy organization that supports universal access to healthcare, housing, educational and employment opportunities, and shared public spaces.
More information: thurtene.org
Take your family to watch birds of prey fly right over your head, macaws speak the English language and much more at the WOW! Amazing Animal Show at the World Bird Sanctuary. Every program showcases different animals so each day is a new experience.
Visit the James S. McDonnell Planetarium in Forest Park and see a star show to experience the largest artificial sky in the Western Hemisphere. Star shows are lead LIVE by one of the Planetarium's educators, creating a new and tailored experience for every audience.
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.
Young visitors and their families are invited to the Energy Stage at the Saint Louis Science Center to enjoy interactive read-alouds of science-themed picture books. Story times are followed by a short demonstration or discussion connected to the book's main concepts.
Play Day in the Park is a fun, free community event sponsored by The Magic House, Forest Park Forever, the St. Louis Public Library and the St. Louis County Library. The day is meant to showcase the importance of play and reading in children's lives. Activities include bubble play, outdoor art, parachute games, STEM activities, sports and more.