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8 Essential Events for St. Louis Families This May

Summer doesn’t officially start until June, but the month of May is filled with outdoor (and a few indoor) events and adventures that are perfect for St.

Clayton Summer Kick Off

Kick off the summer at this free celebration featuring barbecue food trucks, games and entertainment for kids and live music.

Happening on Central Avenue in Clayton, the Summer Kickoff includes music by Queens Boulevard, kids' activities, including a hula hooper, balloon artist, fire performer and cowboy, and food trucks featuring barbecue fare.

5-9 p.m. along Central Avenue in Clayton. More information: claytonmo.gov

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Celebrate Children’s Book Week in St. Louis

As parents raising children in the digital age, it can be difficult to prioritize the importance of time spent with a good book. Despite our best efforts, it sometimes seems like today’s youth are more interested in Plants vs.

Potpourri: 500 Family Garage Sale at John Burroughs School

Don't miss the 48th annual Potpourri event at John Burroughs School, one of the oldest and largest garage sales in the St. Louis area. Free admission and parking.

The school's field house will be filled with more than 28,000 square feet of bargains: furniture, clothings, toys, books, small electronics, household items and much more. The sale is open to all.

7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at John Burroughs School in Ladue.

More information: jburroughs.org

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Healthy Kids Day at your local Family YMCA

Get kids moving and learning and find out about ways your whole family can have fun and be healthier at this free family event at your local branch of the Gateway Region YMCA.

At Healthy Kids Day, happening at YMCA branches across the St. Louis metro area, you can learn about the Y's programs for kids and adults, find out about summer camp opportunities, take part in games like kickball, take sampler classes, arts and crafts, kid-friendly yoga, free health screenings and lots more. Activities vary depending on the branch. Activities are free and open to the public.

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Music and Movies at the Meadows

Come have some fun on summer nights during Music and Movie Nights at The Meadows, featuring free outdoor movies, concerts from favorite local bands, food trucks and more.

Music and Movies will take place at center court - Clock Tower Plaza at the Meadows of Lake Saint Louis. Bring lawn chairs for seating.

All movies start at dusk, concerts begin at 6:30 p.m. The schedule includes:

August 25: Summer Movie: Hotel Transylvania 2

More information: themeadowsatlsl.com

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Mother Daughter Tea at Once Upon a Bash

Celebrate Mother's Day a bit early at this Mother-Daughter Tea Party! You and your special little lady (or ladies) will enjoy tea and pastries and you'll each paint a ceramic tea cup and saucer planter to take home, complete with a package of flower seeds.

10 to 11:30 a.m. at Once Upon a Bash in Maplewood. Cost is $20 per person.

For more information and to sign up: onceuponabash.com

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Things to Do

Owl Prowl at the World Bird Sanctuary

Saturday, November 8, 2025

Friday, November 14, 2025

Come over to the dark side and meet the amazing birds that exist by moonlight. Owl Prowls are an opportunity for families to learn about owls from the naturalists at the World Bird Sanctuary.

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Open Gym at Miss Kelly's Gym in Creve Coeur

Kids can work on existing gym skills, learn new skills or just play around during Open Gym at Miss Kelly's Gym in Creve Coeur.

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Open House at New City School

Saturday, November 8, 2025

Visit New City School for the annual Open House. Take a closer look at the newly reimagined and renovated Early Childhood classrooms and connect with faculty, current families, and alumni. Learn about the admissions process, take a guided tour, and hear about the curriculum and community with informative choice sessions.

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Kindergarten Prep

Saturday, November 8, 2025

Thursday, November 13, 2025

Monday, November 17, 2025

Your child is old enough to start kindergarten, are they ready? Are you? At this special presentation, both you and your child will get a brief overview of what is expected before your child even enters the classroom. You'll also receive a free backpack and school supplies. Registration is required.

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Kids CAN Help Food Drive

Saturday, November 8, 2025

Sunday, November 9, 2025

Children can help families with food insecurity in our local communities and get into The Magic House or MADE for Kids for free during the Kids Can Help food drive. Children 12 and under who bring in three canned food items each will be admitted to The Magic House for MADE for Kids free of charge on November 2 and 3.

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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.

Your Guide to the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra's New Season of Concerts for Kids and Families

Whether kids are exploring the savannahs of Simba’s kingdom or traveling through the Marvel Universe, their adventures are set to an incredible live soundtrack that inspires a lifelong love of music. Here is your guide to the 2025-26 St. Louis Symphony Orchestra concerts for kids and families (and teens!).

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.

Miriam Celebrates Neurodiversity, Supports Unique Learners

At Miriam School, students with complex learning differences are supported and celebrated as they grow academically, socially and emotionally. Miriam provides a tailored educational experience for learners in grades K-12 who have not found success in traditional classroom settings. Students’ challenges may stem from specific learning disabilities (i.e. dyslexia or dysgraphia), ADHD, level 1 autism, sensory processing disorder, anxiety, or speech and language disorders.

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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Something BIG just landed in Maryland Heights…

Say hello to Ninja Central – a one-of-a-kind movement space where kids run, jump, climb, and soar toward strength, agility, and unshakable confidence. This isn’t your average gym. This is next-level ninja –built from scratch with purpose, passion, and a whole lot of heart. How did it all happen? Because one person had the courage to dream big. Ray Overmann, founder of the non-profit Team Central, saw a need - a space where kids could move freely, build real strength, and feel like superheroes in their own story. Now that dream is real, right here in our community.

Ninja Central opens November 15th. Come be part of something BIG.

Attend the Community Sneak Peek, a free event for families to meet our staff, tour the gym, and test out all the amazing Ninja equipment. Reserve your spot here!

The College School in Webster Groves invites you to our Open House on Saturday, November 15 at 9 AM—a chance to experience our hands-on, heart-engaged approach to Preschool–8th Grade. At TCS, learning is active and meaningful: students investigate real questions, collaborate with peers, and apply ideas in the classroom and outdoors. In close-knit classes, teachers know each child and shape challenges that are appropriately rigorous and joyful. Our approach grows lasting capacities—creative problem-solving, empathy, communication, and the courage to try, learn, and try again—timeless skills that serve students in any future. During Open House, you’ll meet educators, explore our campus, and learn more about our vibrant community. Come see how dynamic academics and outdoor adventure work together to spark a lifelong love of learning and a sense of purpose. Reserve your spot here. We look forward to meeting you!

Bring your family to Cardinals Nation Restaurant on select Wednesday nights for Family Night with Fredbird! Meet Fredbird from 6:30-7:30 p.m., play games and win prizes! Kids eat FREE per adult meal purchased from 5 to 9 p.m. (Dine-in only, for kids 12 and under) Meet Fredbird from 6:30-7:30 p.m., play games and win prizes! The next Family Night with Fredbird is November 12!

For more information and reservations: cardinalsnation.com

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