Latest News

Head Lice Love Summer Vacation as Much as Your Kids Do

Your kids aren’t the only ones celebrating the end of the school year. Head lice love summer, according to removal expert Libby Lutz. There’s heat, there’s humidity and, best of all, there’s a lack of school personnel disturbing their peaceful procreation.

Lutz, who founded Lice Busters St. Louis, said the back-to-school season is her busiest time, but lice are common in the summer too. Because it takes four to six weeks for lice to cause itching and thus give away their hideout, school vacation is a great incubation period for an infestation.

Continue reading »
What's New Under the Big Top at Circus Flora

My daughter and I were lucky enough to attend the first night of the 25th season of Circus Flora. This year’s show, Vagabond Adventures, is full of death defying tightrope walkers, high-flying acrobats, talented animals and everyone’s favorite clown, Nino. Unlike many large-scale circuses you may have seen, every seat under this big top is a great seat. In fact, the venue is so intimate you may feel the wind through your hair as the trapeze act The Flying Pages whiz past your head.

Continue reading »
What Do You Really Need for a New Baby?

I have three children and I must admit when I was pregnant with my first we picked out Pottery Barn bedding, a high-priced swing, crib, bassinet and more! I had no clue what a baby actually needed so anything in the baby section went on the registry. Well, three children later I realized that I made some mistakes. When baby #3 arrived all I really wanted was a few gift cards and diapers.

So what do you really need?

Continue reading »
Give Your Brain a Work Out at Body Worlds & the Brain at the Saint Louis Science Center

In 2007, St. Louis was introduced to Gunther von Hagens’ incredible Body Worlds 3 exhibition at the Saint Louis Science Center. Visitors were amazed, shocked and intrigued at the display of preserved transparent body slices, bones, organs and hundreds of bodies in various poses and positions. The show has since moved on, but von Hagens’ is back with a new installation of twisting, jumping and leaping bodies.

Continue reading »
Five Great Summer Family Hikes in St. Louis

In honor of Summer Fun Week at St. Louis Kids Magazine's SmartParenting blog, I am going to overcome my fear of snakes and disgust of mosquitoes (I obviously need to stop watching Animal Planet) and start hiking with my family. Maybe I’ll ease into nature with a "Gentle Hike" at Columbia Bottom Conservation Area.

Each second Saturday of June, July and August, a naturalist will take hikers on a flat, paved and short walk to a different part of the Conservation. June’s adventure will travel to the prairie demonstration area in front of the Visitor Center.

Continue reading »
Kicking off a Healthy St. Louis Summer

The weather seems to be having a tough time making up its mind just what season it should be, but we SmartParenting bloggers have no doubts: Next weekend is the start of summer!

This week we’re focusing most of our attention on ideas for summer – things to do, recipes to cook, books to read, and (my topic for today) ways to stay healthy.

Continue reading »
Seven Reasons to Plan a Kid-Free Getaway

This past week, Mr. P and I spent a few glorious, gin-soaked days in Savannah, Georgia.

We truly loved Savannah. I loved the way the jasmine and honeysuckle smelled when we walked through the city’s 22 park-like squares. The way the locals stopped us on the street to offer us help and suggestions when we were lost, their accents like, as Andy on The Office says, “molasses just sort of spillin’ out of their mouths.”

Continue reading »
How to Prepare Your Child for Sleep Away Camp

When Jenny Wolkowitz’ youngest daughter went to a two-week sleepover camp for the first time, the girl decided she didn’t need her favorite stuffed animal and left it at home. Days later, Wolkowitz had to put the toy in a box and send it to her homesick daughter by overnight delivery.

Continue reading »
Ending the School Year on a Full Stomach Thanks to Operation Backpack

It’s no surprise our kids aren’t as healthy as they should be.

Continue reading »
My Son Is Going to Prom. Why Am I in Tears?

Ah, the wonderfulness that is prom season is upon us. This is the time of year that the malls are filled with teen girls preparing for their big day buying gowns and accessories and getting their hair curled and primped. 

Mothers like me are also bustling around to make sure that each and every detail is taken care of for this monumental night of teenage-hood. But this is also a time of year for sadness for some of us as we notice that our children are growing up and will soon be adults. What is supposed to be a glorious time can be a melancholy event for parents who recognize that their children will soon be out of the family nest.
 
A few weeks ago when my son announced he was going to prom, I was quite cool. I went to prom both my junior and senior year in high school and considered it a big deal. But as the event creeps closer, it has been a time of reflection for me. This little boy who used to poop in diapers and follow me around like my shadow is now 17 years old, attending prom, and will be graduating next year and going off to college. How can this be?
 

Continue reading »
Our Daily Things to Do email is the easiest way to plan your day.
Follow Us
 
Things to Do

Music & Movement
Wednesday, March 11, 2026
Friday, March 13, 2026

Explore songs, finger plays, music and more during this Music & Movement class for ages 0-6. Some sessions are held in person at various branches of the St. Louis County Library. Some sessions are virtual. 

 

 

View this event »
Toddler Time at The Magic House

Visit The Magic House for Toddler Time, a special early-morning program for toddlers. Children age 1-4 can take part in exhibits and exclusive interactive activities designed just for little ones. There are new themes every week!

 

 

View this event »
Open Gym at Miss Kelly's Gym in Cottleville
Wednesday, March 11, 2026

Open Gym at Miss Kelly's Gym is an opportunity for any child to have supervised free play in the gym.  They can work on existing skills, try something new, or simply play around. It is completely up to them! Open Gym is open to both members and non-members ages 12 and under.

 

 

View this event »
Auditions for the St. Louis Children's Choirs
Wednesday, March 11, 2026
Wednesday, March 25, 2026
Saturday, April 18, 2026

Friendly and fun, auditions at The St. Louis Children’s Choirs are a great way for us to get to know one another. Auditions consist of your child singing a short song followed by a short informational meeting. A singer's ensemble placement is based on age, skill, maturity, and availability. The St. Louis Children's Choirs has an ensemble for every singer!

 

View this event »
Want daily ideas of things to do? How about special offers & giveaways? Sign up and we’ll handle the rest.
Popular Stories

10 Sweet Ways for Kids to Celebrate Valentine's Day

Feel the love and have lots of fun at these Valentine's Day-themed events just for kids and families.

Continue reading »
Spring Break Camps Offer a Variety of Activities for Kids and Teens in St. Louis

Excitement is building for summer and the wide variety of summer camp experiences available for kids in the St. Louis metro area. But first! Spring break is around the corner, and there are plenty of Spring Break camps enrolling now. 

Continue reading »
Single-Day Camps & Fun for Your Kids on President's Day

Are you looking for a fun way for your kids to spend President's Day while school is out? Here are some one-day camps and other fun activities to keep your kids busy, learning new skills, and having fun.

Continue reading »
Ninja Central is for Kids of All Ages and Abilities

From the moment they step onto a ninja training course, kids snap into activation mode – using their athletic skills to jump, climb, and balance their way through physical challenges and activating their minds to out-maneuver the puzzle of obstacles that stand in their way of victory. That combination is a powerful one and equips kids with the confidence, persistence, self-esteem, and creative thinking skills they need throughout their lives. And now, with the opening of Ninja Central, a top-tier ninja training facility in Maryland Heights, even more young athletes will get the chance to reach their full potential.

Continue reading »
Miriam Celebrates Neurodiversity, Supports Unique Learners

At Miriam School, students with complex learning differences are supported and celebrated as they grow academically, socially and emotionally. Miriam provides a tailored educational experience for learners in grades K-12 who have not found success in traditional classroom settings. Students’ challenges may stem from specific learning disabilities (i.e. dyslexia or dysgraphia), ADHD, level 1 autism, sensory processing disorder, anxiety, or speech and language disorders.

Continue reading »
You Might Also Like...

From Our Sponsors
Follow Us