Chilly Family Fun: Eight Ways to Play in St. Louis This January

Now that the holidays are over, it’s a long, cold crawl until spring finally rears its head. To keep your kids from bouncing off the walls during those long weekends stuck indoors, bring them to any of the following events where they can be entertained for an afternoon or burn off all that extra energy that builds up over the winter months.

Accelerando, January 19-20, 26-27

The mind-boggling mystery of a spy thriller is taken to heart-racing new heights in Accelerado, Circus Harmony’s latest performance. For an afternoon, this social circus’ young acrobats morph into elite spies on the hunt for a top secret document that’s disappeared. But solving the mystery requires more than brainwork—these flying children must master new acts, including the Chinese Pole and Hoop Diving, to decode the clues. Purchase your tickets for $20 per person today so you can sit ring-side for this edge-of-your-seat adventure.

Accelerado will be presented on January 19, 20, 26, and 27 at City Museum. Performances are held at 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. on Saturdays and at 2 p.m. on Sundays. To purchase tickets, visit www.circusharmony.org/accelerando.

The Cat in the Hat, January 19 and 20

The book world’s most mischievous cat jumps off of the page and on to the stage in this theatrical adaption of the children’s classic. During The Cat in the Hat, audience members are invited into the home of Sally and her little brother when an unexpected feline guest pops in to wreak havoc throughout the day—and a brings a whole lot of fun along the way! It’s an adventure only Dr. Seuss could imagine, and a story brought to life by The St. Louis Family Theatre Series.

The Cat in the Hat will be performed on January 19 and 20 at 2 p.m. at the Florissant Civic Center Theater, 1 James J. Eagan Dr. Tickets are $8 per person and can be purchased by calling 314-921-5678.

The Loop Ice Carnival, January 19 and 20

Bundle up for the coolest event in St. Louis! Once again, The Loop Ice Carnival blows in to University City to celebrate everything frigid, frosty and frozen! In addition to checking out the famous ice carving demonstrations and sculptures, kids can glide down ice slides, soar through the air on a zip line, and fly the skies on the Ferris wheel. The free event also includes human snow globes, live performances, games, and much more. And this year, you may even hit the jackpot when joining the search for $1,000 in dollar coins frozen in ice cubes.

The Loop Ice Carnival runs from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on January 19 and 20. For more information, visit www.visittheloop.com.

Eagle Days at the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge, January 19 and 20

This January, keep your eyes on the skies when our favorite bald eagles return to their winter home in St. Louis. From the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge, trained volunteers can help your family scope out these magnificent birds of prey as they hunt, soar and roost around the Mississippi River. The event also includes children’s arts activities, photo opportunities, and a live eagle educational program as well as a history lesson led by Lewis and Clark reenactors.

This free, family-friendly event will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on January 19 and 20. For details, visit www.greatriversgreenway.org.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Celebration at UMSL, January 21

Honor the life, the work and the contributions of Dr. King by joining the University of Missouri – St. Louis for a morning of incredible performances and inspirational speeches. The impressive lineup includes filmmaker and activist Bree Newsome, KMOV reporter Justin Andrews, soloist Brian Owens, and the St. Louis Children’s Choirs. Tickets are free and include both complimentary parking and light refreshments following the ceremony.

The Celebration will be held at Touhill Performing Arts Center, 1 University Boulevard, beginning at 10 a.m. Tickets are available through Eventbrite.

Soulard Mardi Gras Family Winter Carnival, January 26

Why should kids be left out of the Mardi Gras fun just because they haven’t hit the legal age for Hurricanes? Bring them down to the free Family Winter Carnival for an afternoon of fun, including bounce houses, performances from local artists, story time, and a petting zoo. Plus, first responders will have their vehicles on site to explore. The children’s parade kicks off at 3 p.m., but there’s plenty of time to craft your own masquerade masks and festive crowns before taking to the streets.

The Family Winter Carnival runs from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Soulard Market Park, 9^th and Lafayette Ave. Details can be found at www.stlmardigras.org/events/family-winter-carnival.

Summer Opportunities Fair, January 26

May is still months away, but many of St. Louis’ most popular camps fill up faster than you can say summer vacation. Get a head start on the season by attending the St. Louis Summer Opportunities Fair at John Burroughs School. For one afternoon, you can visit with representatives from more than 160 day and overnight camps right here in our region and around the world, helping you find the perfect opportunity for your kiddos, no matter their interests.

Sponsored by John Burroughs, MICDS and Whitfield School, the Fair will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and is located at 755 S. Price Rd. Find the information you need at www.summeropportunitiesfair.org. Can't make the fair? Plan your child's summer using our online Summer Camp Guide.

Splash and Bubbles Breakfast, January 27

Go under the sea for a morning of fun—no SCUBA gear required! During this special breakfast to spotlight The Magic House’s splashy new exhibit, Splash and Bubbles: Dive in, Lend a Fin!, kids can grab some grub, make fish faces in the photo booth, and craft their own surf-inspired artwork before joining their friends Splash and Bubbles for some educational playtime. Based on the PBS Kids TV show, the exhibit lets kids “swim” with sea creatures, explore a sunken ship, and take endless adventures to help them understand why protecting our oceans is so critical.

Splash and Bubbles Breakfast will be held from 9 a.m. to 11 am. Tickets for the breakfast are $15 per person for members; $22 for non-members. Reservations are required and can be made on The Magic House website.

Looking for more family fun? Check out our Things To Do calendar anytime, or subscribe to our daily Things To Do email newsletter!

_{Photo courtesy of Visit the Loop.}