Latest News

Bring your family to the new Kings, Queens & Castles exhibition at the World Chess Hall of Fame. Created in collaboration with The Magic House, this innovative, interactive family exhibit brings the game of chess to life and provides an engaging introduction to individual chess pieces and game strategy. The exhibit features an array of hands-on elements. A drawbridge leading to a castle greets guests, a dress-up station transforms children into royalty, and life-sized chess pieces with cutouts for faces make for great photos! Learn more at worldchesshof.org.

Celebrate the 50th birthday of the Gateway Arch at the Arch 50 Festival. The day long, free celebration will include children's activities, food and drink vendors and live music throughout the day.  The celebration culminates in a world-class fireworks display showcasing the Arch.

Boasting a cast of St. Louis' top theatrical talents and a children's ensemble featuring kids of all ability levels, Mary Poppins, presented by Variety Children's Theatre, is a musical adventure for the whole family. Arrive early for photo opps with Mary Poppins herself.

Take a journey through the eyes of a few of Shakespeare's most adventurous characters. Magic and mischief will follow you as his exciting stories unfold before your eyes and ears.

Relive some of your favorite childhood fairy tales at the St. Louis Symphony's performance of Peter and the Wolf. This timeless classic about Peter and his animal friends (and foes) is set to music is enhanced with actors and projected visuals.

Aaron Likens, an accomplished public speaker, author and avid blogger, was diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome at age 20 and now works as the Easter Seals Midwest Autism Ambassador. He speaks frequently to parents and others to advocate early intervention services and to help others understand autism and the autistic mind.

Learn about nocturnal animals at the 6th annual Tails of the Night at the Wildlife Rescue Center. The Center treats more than 500 native nocturnal animals yearly, such as bats, foxes, opossums, raccoons and flying squirrels. You'll learn about the live of these seldom-seen neighbors from the volunteers and staff who care for them.

You can also take an audio tour of the wildlife rehabilitation facility and learn about the mission of the Wildlife Rescue Center. then grab your flashlight and head out to the nature trail.

Prepare to be astonished and amazed by some of the coolest acts that can only be seen at The Greatest Show on Earth! Ringling Bros. and Barnam & Bailey presented Circus Xtreme.

Join Spielberg Fitness and Junior Stars Cycling for the Cyclocross Color Fun Ride. The is a hybrid of an all-terrain biking adventure and color fun run.

No previous experience is needed. The color run ride includes a bike course full of obstacles, colored dust, bubbles, squirt guns, silly string and more. 

Registration includes an event t-shirt. The first 10 people to register get a free water bottle. Registration opens at 9:15 a.m.; the ride starts at 10 a.m. Free, but a $10 donation is suggested. Sponsored by Spielberg Fitness.

Your kids can enjoy Winter Science Blast Camps at the Saint Louis Science Center when school is out for winter breaks and holidays. Winter Science Blast Camp is for kids in grades 1 to 5.

Celebrate Star Wars Reads Day at various branches of the St. Louis County Library and St. Charles County Library.

Child Safety Day in St. Louis is an opportunity for kids to learn about all kinds of safety organizations that are in the community and have fun too. Fredbird is a special guest!

At Child Safety Day, kids can learn about fire safety from the St. Louis Fire Departmetn and tour the department's Safe House. The Missouri Department of Health will be giving away free bike helmets while supplies last. The St. Louis Police Department will also be on hand with their canines to demonstrate how the dogs respond to commands. 

Talkin' Trash, performed by Metro Theater Company, tells the story of Sam (played by Nicolas Tayborn), a young boy obsessed with trash and recycling. "It's a play about community, friendship and our relationship with 'stuff,'" said Nicholas Kryah, who was inspired to write the play by Sam Klein, a boy from St. Louis who was so fascinated by trash that he had his own recycling company by age 12.

Kids and families can learn how to protect themselves in the event of an earthquake at the Great ShakeOut. The Great ShakeOut Earthquake Drills are an annual opportunity to practice what to do during earthquakes and how to improve preparedness. 

Go places you've never imagined and explore the real science behind the unbelievable with The Science of Ripley's Believe It or Not! An extraordinary collection of intriguing objects and astonishing artifacts from Ripley's Believe It or Not awaits you. 

Preschool age children will enjoy story time, crafts, games and activities based on fun themes that promote socialization and sharing. Dress to get messy for this morning of outdoor Halloween fun.

A snack will be provided, and a parent must stay with the child for the entire event. Cost per child is $6 and registration is required. 

For ages 2 to 5. 10 to 11 a.m. at Paul. A. Schroeder Park in Manchester.

More information: manchestermo.gov