America's Birthday Parade, a tradition in St. Louis since 1878 (formerly known as the Veiled Prophet Parade or V.P. Parade), kicks off on July 4th at 9:30 a.m. at 20th and Market Streets. The theme for this year's parade is "The U.S. Experience." The parade route proceeds down Market Street and ends at Market and Broadway.
The year's parade features 14 marching bands from across the region, beautifully designed floats, huge, helium-filled character balloons, special performances throughout the parade and dozens of organizations representing our community and region.
More information: americasbirthdayparade.com
Learn about the parade route here.
A St. Louis family favorite – the Children's Garden at the Missouri Botanical Garden – will close for the season on November 1-2, and children are invited to have an adventure exploring all the Garden has to offer before the gates close.
Families are invited to the Saint Louis Art Museum on Sunday afternoon to participate in free hands-on art activities with fun themes and to explore the galleries. Each Family Sunday focuses on a different family-friendly theme.
Families can enjoy the Fall Fest Kid's Zone and all the fun of the farm at the Grant's Farm Fall Fest. There will be seasonal treats, animal feedings, a petting zoo, themed photo spots, and the world famous Budweiser Clydesdales too!
Hear stories in Spanish read by native Spanish-speaking storytellers at the Missouri History Museum's Cuentos En El Museo - Storytelling in the Museum in Spanish. In these free storytelling sessions, the museum's youngest visitors explore traditional and contemporary storybooks and do hands-on crafts.
Sensory Friendly Science Time features reduced noise, modified lighting and sensory-friendly demonstrations at the Saint Louis Science Center.