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Your kids can test their might and compete with their peers in the Iron Kid Triathlon sponsored by St. Louis County Parks.

The competition consists of three part - a swim, bicycle ride and run. There will be two age divisions, 7-10 years and 11-14 in this friendly competition. Parents are encouraged to volunteer.

8 a.m. to noon at the Pavilion at Lemay. Cost is $20 per child in advance and $25 on the day of the event.

Your kids can celebrate the grand opening of the newest Play Studio by the St. Louis Teachers' Recycle Center and Play Your Art Out Studios.

At this free event there will be play in the studio, sidewalk chalk, log cabin building, VanGo the bookmobile, snacks and giveaways. 

10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

More information

See a live performance by Monkey Tales Theatre Company at this free performance that teaches kids that everyone is unique and has their own special gifts. 

In King Botany's Garden, the three princesses, Lily, Rose and Ivy, must show their father, King Botany, that they have what it take to rule the kingdom while he is away.

2 to 3 p.m. at the St. Louis Public Library Central Library Auditorium. Free.

More information: slpl.org

Thursday evenings this summer the Saint Louis Science Center is staying open until 8 p.m! Families can visit the new GROW exhibit and explore the journey of food, see a movie in the OMNIMAX Theater, and enjoy all the hands-on fun of the Science Center usually only accessible during the day.

Explore the new GROW Exhibit at the Saint Louis Science Center during its Grand Opening, where your kids can make treats for the chickens, ride on mini tractors, meet Dorothy and the Scarecrow from the Wizard of Oz, enjoy live music, giveaways and lots more.

Performers from the world-renowned Circus Flora Company will provide a free showcase at Citygarden, perfect for all ages. Then cool off in the spray plaza and fountains!

Have fun in Bluebird Park and catch a free movie with your kids. There will also be food trucks on hand.

June 24: Jurassic World. 8:45 p.m. (or dark)

Sept. 30: Hotel Transylvania 2. 7 p.m.

Free. in Bluebird Park, Ellisville. 

More information: ellisville.mo.us

Enjoy a free movie and live music in Ritz Park.

Once each month, South Grand hosts this free event. The schedule includes:

June 17: Movie: Labrinth (9 p.m.), Music by the Saturday Brothers (7:30 p.m.).

July 15: Movie: Top Gun (9 p.m.). Music by The Bottlesnakes (7:30 p.m.).

Aug. 19: Movie: Finding Nemo (9 p.m.). Music by Southwest Watson.

More information: southgrand.org

Little ones with big imaginations will have a blast on this nature adventure on Picnic Island in Forest Park. 

Bordered by shallow, cascading waterways, a suspension bridge, shade trees and a rock garden, Picnic Island is the perfect place for creative nature adventure. At this program, sponsored by the Missouri Department of Conservation, kids ages 0-6 will explore this beautiful paradise as they create their own story. Bring a hat, water bottle and wear shoes that can get wet.

What kind of animal eats more insects than birds? What moves more dirt around than earthworms? What lives an even more structured social life than bees? Hint: it has 6 legs and lives underground.

It’s the ant! In this program kids will discover more about ants and their astonishing variety of lifestyles. For ages 6 and up.

9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Free. At Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center. Reservations are required.

More information and reservations: mdc.mo.gov

Start summer with an extravaganza of fun for the whole family and kick off a summer of reading at the same time. 

The St. Louis County Library is holding Summer Reading Kick-Off Parties at four branches during the first week of June. Parties will include snow cones, face painting, a climbing walls and lots more. All activities are free. 

1-4 p.m. at the following branches:

June 1: Grant's View Branch.

June 2: Daniel Boone Branch.

June 3: Florissant Valley Branch.

June 4: Headquarters Branch.

In Shrek the Musical Jr., follow the adventures of an ogre who sets off on a quest to save a princess from a dragon. However, it turns out that to succeed, Shrek must battle an even bigger obstacle: learning how to believe in himself and open his heart to others.

This very family-friendly performance is presented by COCA.

Two performances: Friday, June 24 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, June 25 at 1 p.m. Tickets are $6 to $10.

More information and tickets: cocastl.org

Celebrate National Donut Day at this free donut tasting, complete with kids' activities and live jazz music.

Stop in to Ferring Jazz Bistro (Jazz at the Bistro) from 8 to 11 a.m. for donut tastings from 15 local shops, beverages from Starbucks and Oberweis, photo booth fun, a variety of kids' activities and great jazz.

Free. See the event on Facebook

Teens can enjoy an evening of creative expression with other teens who love to make art.

Teen Pizza + Art Night gives teenagers the opportunity to assemble, construct and experiment with unusual materials while they collaborate with their peers. All materials, food and beverages are provided.

A Laumeier Sculpture Park in the Kranzberg Education Lab. For ages 13-17. Cost is $20.

7 to 9:30 p.m. For more information and to register: laumeier.org

Kid-favorite and award-winning entertainer Farmer Jason, whose songs focus on teaching kids about the wonders of nature, will perform a lively, interactive concert geared to kids ages 2 to 8 at the Tick Tock Tavern.

The matinee is at 2 p.m. and advance tickets are encouraged. Tickets are $10 per person; children under 24 months are free if seated on a ticketed adult's lap.

Join members of the St. Louis Astronomical Society and the National Park Service for a night of stargazing on the grounds of the Gateway Arch.

This ranger-led event for all ages includes a special talk followed by telescope viewing.

On the grounds of the Gateway Arch. Free. 8 to 10 p.m. More information: gatewayarch.com

Bring your whole family to The Lodge Des Peres for a free night of swimming, games, a live DJ and fun giveaways. 

Have fun in the outdoor pool at this free event. Membership is not required. A donation of two canned food items per person is suggested. All food items will be donated to Circle of Concern. 

5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at The Lodge Des Peres.

More information: desperesmo.org

World-champion sand sculptor Dan Belcher shares tips and techniques on the art of sand sculpting at the site of his latest masterpiece, the 75-ton sandcastle on the shores of Sandcastle Beach at The Magic House. 

Kids can learn how to create their own "sandsational" sculpture using only sand and water. 

June 4 from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and June 5 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Free with regular admission.