The Book Buddies Shelter Pet Program lets kids to adore animals make a real difference in the lives of shelter pets.

As part of the Book Buddies Shelter Pet Program with the Humane Society of Missouri, kids ages 6-12 are trained to read to shelter pets. Reading to the shelter dogs helps to bring comfort them and reduces anxiety. It also makes the pet more adoptable. Reading helps shy dogs learn to relax around people and teaches high energy dogs and calm behavior is desirable.

Kids can enjoy a crime-fighting adventure as they build their favorite characters from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and master exciting Ninjago challenges.

A Bricks 4 Kidz Night Out is a high-energy evening full of LEGO entertainment for kids in kindergarten through grade 4. The theme of the night is Minecraft. 

Kids will craft key elements with LEGO bricks, build monsters, and construct their own world of Minecraft. Each child will take home a mini LEGO creeper from the popular game. Pizza and drinks are provided.

5 to 8 p.m. at the Bridgeton Recreation Center. Cost is $34 per child for Bridgeton residents and $38 for non-residents. 

If your family is into Star Wars, visit opening night of the new Star Wars toy exhibit at City Museum, featuring more than 20 live artists, a vintage Star Wars toy display, costume and trivia contest, prizes and more for your young Padawans.

Celebrate African-American literature, culture and heritage at the fourth annual African American Read In at the Gateway Region YMCA.

Guest authors Candi Pettiford, Floyd Boykin Jr., and Sylveser Chison will share their stories, passion and journey as authors. There will also be literacy and art activities for families, resource tables, and poetry performances by students of Crossroads Preparatory School and spoken word artists. Refreshments will be provided.

For all ages. 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Monsanto Family YMCA. Free.