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Butterflies are beautiful creatures with many unique characteristics. Learn the life history of butterflies and identification techniques for common species found throughout Missouri. You'll also learn how to attract these pollinators to your own backyard. For ages 10 and up.

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

More information: mdc.mo.gov  

If you walk near woods or trees, the mammals you are most likely to see are squirrels. They are fun to watch as they run and jump and play, flick their bushy tails, chase each other up trees, bury acorns in the fall and dig them up again to eat in winter. But in spite of the playfulness that makes squirrels fun to watch, they face the same challenges in their lives as any other kind of wildlife. Learn more about these lively little mammals as we celebrate their lives with activities and crafts.

Alien Worlds and Androids brings the work of scientists to life in an exhibition that presents the possibility of life existing beyond Earth through the use of robots, telescopes, space probes and high-tech laboratories.

This family-centered play date, sponsored by Parents as Teachers, is designed for parents and their children ages 6 months to 3rd grade. At the block party stations, you'll explore early math and science skills together with your child. At the nature stations, children will do hands-on activities that stimulate their curiosity and understanding of the world around them. Other actitivies include music and a playground.

The countdown begins for the 2017 Total Solar Eclipse! On August 21, 2017, the St. Louis region will experience a total solar eclipse when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, blocking the Sun for more than two minutes. 

You and your kids can learn about the upcoming eclipse now and get ready for one of nature's most amazing events.

Kids love Captain Underpants! Come meet the author of the wildly successful  Captain Underpants book series at the St. Louis County Library on Aug. 30. Kids can wear their super hero capes for this special night of storytelling, games, giveaways and wild fun.

6:30 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m. Seating is limited and early arrival is recommended. 

See thousands of colorful and ornate lanterns light up the night sky when this ancient Chinese tradition returns to the Missouri Botanical Garden for the summer season. The Lantern Festival features 22 all-new sets of lanterns crafted from silk and steel, offering visitors the opportunity to experience an event rarely staged outside of Asia.

Bring blankets, chairs and an appetite for Brentwood's outdoor movie series, complete with food trucks! Enjoy a fun family Saturday night in the park and a free movie.

Movies begin at sundown (about 7:45 p.m.) and food trucks will arrive approximately 45 minutes prior. The movie schedule includes:

August 22: The LEGO Movie

Sept. 12: Frozen

At Brentwood Park. More information: brentwoodmo.org

Bring your appetites to The Magic House for a brunch fit for a Very Hungry Caterpillar! Kids will munch on delicious foods just like the Very Hungry Caterpillar, enjoy hands-on activities inspired by the book collection, create their own Eric Carle insect and have the Magic House all to themselves as they enjoy some private playtime in the Very Eric Carle exhibit.

You and your kids can step back in time, explore, discover and play in some favorite St. Louis places in a welcoming environment where nothing is hands-off.

Celebrate the end of summer and the beginning of a new school year with a fun back-to-school event at the library. There will be crafts and games for ages 7-11.

7 to 8 p.m. Free.

At the St. Louis County Library, Daniel Boone Branch.

Challenge your family members to some good old-fashioned fun at this free event at the library. You'll go outdoors if weather permits. Otherwise, you'll take the fun indoors. For all ages.

Free. 10 a.m. At the St. Louis County Library, Daniel Boone Branch.

Learn about the science behind NASA's New Horizons spacecraft as it probes the dwarf planet and its moons at the August First Friday at the Saint Louis Science Center. First Friday will feature free hands-on activities, presentations, sci-fi trivia, sci-fi films and more.

Your family can enjoy live music, face painting, balloon art, free bike helmets and helmet fittings and lots more to start the school year off right at Taubman Prestige Outlets in Chesterfield. This free event will be held during the Missouri Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday Weekend, Aug. 7-9.