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More than 1 million new and quality used books, CDs, magazines and records will be available at the 40th Annual Gateway Region YMCA Book Fair Aug. 17-21. Proceeds from the fair benefit Y Community Literacy programs.

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This is How Your Sleep Habits Affect Your Kids

In the first two years of a child’s life, parents lose a whopping six months worth of sleep. When they do sleep, most don't stay asleep for more than three hours at a time. Ouch! Once kids are older we can finally start sleeping through the night, right? Uh, not exactly.

Teen Summer Ending Party

Teens and tweens can play laser tag, enjoy virtual reality stations, crafts, raffle prizes and snacks from Chipotle Mexican Grill at a special party to say so long to the summer and get ready for the school year.

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Passport to Korea

Presented in collaboration with the Saint Louis Art Museum as part of the museum's Family Sundays program, Passport to Korea offers a chance to make traditional Korean arts and crafts, learn about the Korean alphabet, play games and more. Watch K-Pop dance performances from the Pyro Dance Team, and hear Korean stories in the storytelling corner. Free tours of the museum's Korean art collection also available.

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Dia de los Muertos Festival at the Missouri History Museum

This free celebration is a collaboration with Hispanic Festivals, Inc., and features fun activities for the whole family, including storytellling in Spanish, live music, dance performances, craft making, face painting, souvenir printmaking, food and drink vendors, a procession through Forest Park, and a free performance of Frida Libre by Metro Theater Company.

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Eureka Safety Day

At this free safety-focused event, families can enjoy free hot dogs, see the County Police Helicopter, pick up safety information from SSM Health, St. Louis Children's Hospital, the Rockwood Drug Free Coalition, the Missouri Poison Control Center and more. Plus, there will be games and prizes for kids.

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5th Annual Kids Fun Fest in Cottleville

Kids Fun Fest features tons of fun activities for kids, including the Bubble Bus, bounce houses, and inflatable obstacle course, Way Cool Balloons, emergency vehicles for kids to check out, superheroes, a petting zoo, pony rides, carnival games, barbecue, Kona Ice and lots more.

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Things to Do

Applefest at Eckert Farms

Wagon rides, live entertainment, great festival foods, a petting zoo and much more make this an apple pickin' good time for the whole family. There will be pony rides, a children's carnival, opportunities to feed goats and other farm animals, caramel apples, funnel cakes and more.

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Family Sunday at the Saint Louis Art Museum

Sunday, September 21, 2025

Sunday, October 5, 2025

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.

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Sea Lion Shows at the Saint Louis Zoo

See the Zoo's California sea lions perform acrobatic and athletic feats, including Olympic-style dives on a high-diving platform, flipper walks, frisbee tosses and plenty of surprises. While on stage with the sea lions, the Zoo's trainers explain sea lion behavior and positive-reinforcement training, in addition to the need for conserving the sea lion's ocean habitat.

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Sensory Friendly Science Time

Sunday, September 21, 2025

Sensory Friendly Science Time features reduced noise, modified lighting and sensory-friendly demonstrations at the Saint Louis Science Center.

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Purina Incredible Dog Team at St. Louis Union Station

See the Purina Incredible Dog Team perform extraordinary feats of athleticism and skill right here in St. Louis at Union Station this summer and early fall. Performances are free and take place at the Purina Performance Plaza in front of the St. Louis Wheel Thursdays through Sundays at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

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City Museum's Stuff the Bus Campaign Provides School Supplies for 160 St. Louis Schools

Visit City Museum August 4-17, bring school supplies to donate, and get discounted admission! That's the idea behind City Museum's Stuff the Bus campaign.

Take Your Kids on a Trip Through Time: History Exploration Days at the Missouri History Museum

Each day, the Missouri History Museum immerses kids in the stories of St. Louis, written over hundreds of years and told through hands-on exhibits, fun-filled activities, and special family-focused events. During the school year, young history buffs of all ages can take an unforgettable journey to our city’s past with a special monthly adventure designed just for them! The Museum’s highly-anticipated History Exploration Days, starting back up this September, lets kids engage with history in creative and unexpected ways and discover how those who came before us continue to impact their lives today.

Want Your Kids to Learn? Teach Them It’s Okay to Make Mistakes

It’s normal for parents to want to protect their children from failure. It’s also normal to want them to achieve, win, and do their best. But here’s the truth: We don’t learn anything new without making mistakes. I’ll say it again. Making mistakes is a crucial step in learning. If we’re fearful of making mistakes, learning comes to a screeching halt.

10 Ways to Improve Your Child's Listening Skills

Focused listening is one of the most important skills your child will ever learn. Children with strong listening skills do better in school, sports, relationships and, eventually, in their careers. But many children lack this important skill and parents are rightly concerned. First, listening is much more than just hearing.

7 Signs Your Kids Are Ready For Their First Sleepaway Camp

It’s time to decide whether to send your kids to sleepaway camp, but how do you know that's the right thing to do? How can you tell whether your kids are ready for their first extended stay away from home? Here are 7 important signs that experts say should inform your decision.

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At The College School in Webster Groves, our Reggio Emilia-inspired Early Childhood program nurtures each child’s natural curiosity through a thoughtful balance of play, exploration, and meaningful project work. Rooted in the belief that children are capable, creative thinkers, our program invites students to investigate real-world ideas and express their understanding through the “hundred languages” of art, nature, and play. Days are filled with joyful learning experiences—indoors and out—as children build foundational skills in language, math, social-emotional growth, and problem-solving. Our approach blends child-led inquiry with intentional guidance, allowing each student to grow at their own pace while developing confidence and a love of learning. With ample time spent in our outdoor classrooms, gardens, and nearby parks, students connect deeply with the natural world and learn the value of stewardship from an early age. We offer both part-time and full-time options to meet your family’s needs, and tuition assistance is available to help make our program accessible. Come see our warm, vibrant community in action—contact our Admissions Office today to schedule a personal tour! LEARN MORE

The Missouri History Museum celebrates education and family learning with History Exploration Days! One Friday per month from September to May (excluding November), homeschool families with kids of all ages can explore a different historical topic—together! All activities are FREE. Explore St. Louis history in new and exciting ways through interactive guided gallery tours, hands-on workshops, and community performances that align with each month’s theme, encouraging investigation, exploration, and creative fun. Activities are offered at various times throughout the day and are customized for specific grade level groups. Storytelling takes place in the morning, and all ages are welcome. Visit the craft room for fun learning experiences, with museum educators available to help learners participate in meaningful ways. Topics this school year include Growing Up in St. Louis, Holiday Toys, Black History, and Route 66. Detailed schedules of each day will be posted to the Museum’s website. The program is offered on October 10, December 12, January 16, February 20, March 13, April 10, and May 1. Learn more at mohistory.org

Since 1969, New City School has recognized that a foundation for lifelong learning begins in early childhood. Located in the historic Central West End neighborhood in a turn-of-the-century school building, a diverse community of students (age 3 through 6th Grade) participate in an engaging academic program that incorporates social-emotional learning and outdoor play. Class sizes are kept intentionally small to make sure that every child is known, loved, and challenged to become their best self. New City’s early childhood classrooms were reimagined and renovated in 2023, with naturalist-inspired spaces that foster collaboration and creativity. Preschool students also have opportunities to take advantage of all that the school has to offer—from cooking together in the kitchen, performing on stage in Founders’ Hall Theater, regular Music & Movement classes, and tinkering in the Tom Hoerr Innovation Lab. Join us for an admissions event or book a tour this fall to learn more.

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