What kind of animal eats more insects than birds? What moves more dirt around than earthworms? What lives an even more structured social life than bees? Hint: it has 6 legs and lives underground.

It’s the ant! In this program kids will discover more about ants and their astonishing variety of lifestyles. For ages 6 and up.

9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Free. At Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center. Reservations are required.

More information and reservations: mdc.mo.gov

Start summer with an extravaganza of fun for the whole family and kick off a summer of reading at the same time. 

The St. Louis County Library is holding Summer Reading Kick-Off Parties at four branches during the first week of June. Parties will include snow cones, face painting, a climbing walls and lots more. All activities are free. 

1-4 p.m. at the following branches:

June 1: Grant's View Branch.

June 2: Daniel Boone Branch.

June 3: Florissant Valley Branch.

June 4: Headquarters Branch.

In Shrek the Musical Jr., follow the adventures of an ogre who sets off on a quest to save a princess from a dragon. However, it turns out that to succeed, Shrek must battle an even bigger obstacle: learning how to believe in himself and open his heart to others.

This very family-friendly performance is presented by COCA.

Two performances: Friday, June 24 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, June 25 at 1 p.m. Tickets are $6 to $10.

More information and tickets: cocastl.org

Celebrate National Donut Day at this free donut tasting, complete with kids' activities and live jazz music.

Stop in to Ferring Jazz Bistro (Jazz at the Bistro) from 8 to 11 a.m. for donut tastings from 15 local shops, beverages from Starbucks and Oberweis, photo booth fun, a variety of kids' activities and great jazz.

Free. See the event on Facebook

Teens can enjoy an evening of creative expression with other teens who love to make art.

Teen Pizza + Art Night gives teenagers the opportunity to assemble, construct and experiment with unusual materials while they collaborate with their peers. All materials, food and beverages are provided.

A Laumeier Sculpture Park in the Kranzberg Education Lab. For ages 13-17. Cost is $20.

7 to 9:30 p.m. For more information and to register: laumeier.org

Kid-favorite and award-winning entertainer Farmer Jason, whose songs focus on teaching kids about the wonders of nature, will perform a lively, interactive concert geared to kids ages 2 to 8 at the Tick Tock Tavern.

The matinee is at 2 p.m. and advance tickets are encouraged. Tickets are $10 per person; children under 24 months are free if seated on a ticketed adult's lap.

Join members of the St. Louis Astronomical Society and the National Park Service for a night of stargazing on the grounds of the Gateway Arch.

This ranger-led event for all ages includes a special talk followed by telescope viewing.

On the grounds of the Gateway Arch. Free. 8 to 10 p.m. More information: gatewayarch.com