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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.

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. 

Visit the Town and Country location of Coldwell Banker Gundaker for this special open house, featuring photos with Fredbird, hot dogs, balloon animals, face painting and refreshments.

11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Coldwell Banker Gundaker, 1100 Town and Country Crossing in Town and Country.

For all ages. Free, but reservations are requested by calling 636-394-9300.

Join the Great Rivers Greenway's Walk to the Wharf event on Thursdays this summer along the newly reopened Leonor K. Sullivan Blvd. 

You'll hear live music and can grab lunch from some of St. Louis' most popular food trucks as you see the recent improvements made along the riverfront and as work continues on the Arch grounds. 

Free. 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

For more information and a schedule of food trucks and live entertainment visit: greatriversgreenway.org

Celebrate the reopening of the new riverfront beneath the Gateway Arch at Picnic on the Riverfront, St. Louis' largest-ever community picnic.

Jam out to some great tunes every Tuesday evening at the Civic Park Bandstand in O'Fallon, Mo., at a kid-friendly concert complete with some of your favorite food trucks.

Bring chairs or blankets for lawn seating. 6:30 to 9 p.m. Admission and parking are free.

More information and a schedule of local bands: ofallon.mo.us 

During Exciting Excavations, your preschooler will learn about the role of Paleontologists and Archaeologists through hands-on excavation activities. 

If you're crazy about all things Firefly this First Friday at the Saint Louis Science Center is for you.

Activities include a live taping of the Geek Universe radio show featuring Dr. Dan Yezbick of St. Louis Community College about what makes Firefly so exceptional and why it continues to have a large following, crafts from Spiderloom and Arch City Crafts, makerspace innovations with Inventor Forge, a Smuggling Challenge, a Firefly photo opp, Coloring at First Friday and more.

Experience flight and wonder at the Paper Kite Butterfly Festival at The Butterfly House. Watch paper kite butterflies fly through the tropical conservatory, see kite building demonstrations, build original butterflies. and decorate your very own kite to take home.

Celebrate World Turtle Day complete with fun activities for kids and giveaways for the whole family.

You'll also celebrate the June 3 opening of the new film Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows. 

10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Life Science Lab at the Saint Louis Science Center.

More information: slsc.org

Are you looking for an awesome art camp for your kids this summer? Learn more about Artscope's Camp Create at this free open house.

Visitors can explore the Cozy Cottage Castle (Artscope's home) in Tower Grove Park, enjoy art activities and musical guests, and get to know the Camp Create counselors. Light refreshments will be provided. 

5 to 7 p.m. at Artscope in Tower Grove Park. Reservations are not required.

More information: artscopestl.org

Have fun and get a free safety check at this Bike Safety Rodeo. Bring your kids and their bikes to this free event featuring helmet fittings and free helmets, a road safety practice course provided by the Eureka Police Department, a bike give-away, bike maintenance demo and more.

The Bike Safety Rodeo also features crafts provided by the St. Louis County Library, first aid demos, and the opportunity to recycle old or unused bikes to support BikeWorks youth and community programs.