8 Essential Events for St. Louis Families in June

Kids will be out of school for summer break soon (and some already are) and families across St. Louis will be in search of fun ways to spend the long days. June is absolutely packed with great family events and activities Here are our top picks:

1. Circus Flora (6/1-6/25)

St. Louis' favorite circus returns to Grand Center with an all-new production called "Time Flies." Circus Flora will use the art of circus to transport the audience back in time, joining graceful aerialists and world-class acrobats to tell the story of a love triangle caught between the 1920s and the present. It all takes place under the air-conditioned red-and-white Big Top tent next to Powell Symphony Hall. Special performances include a "Little Top Wednesday" abbreviated show for younger kids, a peanut-free preview on June 1 for those with allergies and a sensory-friendly performance on June 22 for children with special needs. (Go to our Facebook page to enter to win free tickets to opening weekend!)

Circus Flora runs June 1-25 in Grand Center with evening and daytime performances (varies by date). Ticket prices range from $25-$50 and are available at metrotix.com. 

2. Webster Arts Fair (6/2-6/4)

Ranked among the top art fairs nationwide, the Webster Arts Fair offers fun for the entire family with more than 100 fine artists and craftspeople, food from favorite local restaurants, live musical performances, art demonstrations and a special studio area with hands-on family activities provided by Yucandu Art Studio. Guests can leave their personal mark on a large mural, Krueger Pottery will provide pot-throwing demonstrations, and Music Folk will offer kids the chance to try out musical instruments of all types, among other activities.

Webster Arts Fair runs June 2 through 4 on the campus of Eden Theological Seminary. Hours vary by date. Visit webster-arts.org for more information.

3. Family Fun Day at Ballpark Village (6/3)

Ballpark Village is bringing back and expanding its popular Family Fun Day events for 2017 with all proceeds benefiting St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Held on the Busch II Infield and West parking lot of Ballpark Village, the day of outdoor fun features more than 20 activities including performances, rides, inflatables, games and a climbing wall, among others. An all-access wristband allows kids to experience all of the fun as many times as they'd like throughout the afternoon, and kids under three are free!

Family Fun Day at Ballpark Village takes place Saturday, June 3 from 12-5 p.m. $10 bands, available on site, provide access to all activities. For more information, visit stlballparkvillage.com.

4. Magic House Visiting Artist Series: Sand Sculpture (6/4)

You don't need an ocean to play in the sand! As part of the Magic House Visiting Artist Series (supported by the Regional Arts Commission), visitors can watch world champion sand sculptor Dan Belcher build a 75-ton sandcastle outside in the museum's Sandcastle Beach, and then create their own unique sculptures with sand and water.

Visiting Artists Series: Sand Sculpture takes place Sunday, June 4 from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Magic House and is free with regular museum admission. For more information, visit: magichouse.org.

5. Scott Air Force Base 2017 Air Show & Open House (6/10-11)

Magic will truly be in the air as Scott AFB celebrates its Centennial Anniversary at this year's Air Show & Open House with very special guests the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds. It's been five years since the Thunderbirds performed at Scott, so aviation enthusiasts won't want to miss this one. Other weekend performances include the Army Special Operations Command Parachute Demonstration Team, the Black Daggers and “Tora, Tora, Tora,” a Commemorative Air Force recreation of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, among others. Entry is free!

The Scott AFB Air Show & Open House runs June 10 and 11 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit www.scott.af.mil/airshow2017 for more information.

6. Tour de Fun (6/11)

Tour de Fun returns to the JCC in June, offering families with young kids a carnival atmosphere that features rides, inflatables, a petting zoo, pony rides, vehicles to explore, a sports field, climbing wall, food and other entertainment and activities. This great family event is organized and hosted entirely by dads! The best part is that the funds raised from Tour de Fun help support scholarship assistance for Early Childhood Education and Family programming at the JCC.

Tour de Fun takes place from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Jun 11 at the JCC Staenberg Family Complex, Arts & Education Building For more information, visit: www.tourdefun.com.

7. Free Family Day at Laumeier Sculpture Park (6/11)

There's nothing like exploring your artistic side in one of our area's most beautiful and unique parks. Laumeier Sculpture Park’s Free Family Days provide families a chance to bond while encouraging observation, imagination, curiosity and creativity. The event offers a range of artistic activities that are simple enough for kids as young as four, yet complex enough to challenge more experienced young artists.

Free Family Day at Laumeier takes place Sunday, June 11 from 2-4 p.m. at the Kranzberg Education Lab and is open to all ages. For more information, visit laumeier.org.

8. Death By Tickle at St. Louis County Library Headquarters (6/23)

Kids will get the giggles as Juggling Jeff and Oh My Gosh Josh perform together in this hilarious stunt and comedy juggling show. Stick around after to join SLCL's Summer Reading Club! This free performance is part of the STArt series offering free Science, Technology and Art programs for kids. Space is limited so early arrival is recommended.

Death By Tickle starts at 6:30 p.m. Friday, June 23 at the St. Louis County Library Headquarters. Doors open at 6. For more information, visit slcl.org.