St. Louis Parent | stlparent.com

Why Winter Is a Great Time to Get Your Kids Into the Pool

The American Red Cross estimates that over 90% of families with children spend at least some time in the water during the summer months, so it makes sense that summer is the prime season for children’s swim lessons.

Dear Lego: Why Do Boys Have All the Adventures?

Welcome to Mom's Happy Hour, in which we sort through the latest news about parents, parenting and pop culture so you don't have to.

If you’re going to make them pink, at least make them exciting

I'm So Over(Doing) It: Valentine's Day Then and Now

When I was in high school our Student Council had an annual fundraiser selling little netted bags of Hershey's Kisses for $1.

Happy Birthday St. Louis! Here's How to Celebrate in Style at the Missouri History Museum

The city of St Louis is celebrating a very special birthday this year, and the Missouri History Museum has big plans to commemorate the city’s 250th anniversary in style.

Motherhood: What's Your Story?

It may seem a little early to start thinking about Mother’s Day, but if you have a story about motherhood that you would like to share, the time to start writing is now.

Angry and Alone: Helping Kids Deal with Grief

For anyone who loses a parent, a sibling or someone else they love, it can be a heartbreaking experience.

Mom's Happy Hour: Some Kids Aren't Always Smarties

Welcome to Mom's Happy Hour, in which we sort through the latest news about parents, parenting and pop culture so you don't have to.

Kids aren't always Smarties

Kids do stupid things. Like the time I walked in to find a stack of pillows at the bottom of our staircase and a four-year-old ready to jump from the top. Or the time when my brother was 16 and tried to leap a plastic construction fence to show off and got his foot caught and broke his arm.

Now kids are snorting Smarties in order to blow the candy dust out their noses or mouths like cigarette smoke. There’s no known high or benefit, just a group of middle schoolers who think the practice will get them the ladies and the respect of their schoolmates who are too scared to ingest the most inedible candy in the world.

There are a couple of huge issues with this. One, it’s mimicking the drug problem we have in this country. Two, the candy is leaving sugary remnants lodged in the nose, increasing the risk for nasal maggots. If we didn’t think our kids could get any grosser, they go and become infested.

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Things to Do

Preschool Science Series: Storybook STEM at the Saint Louis Science Center

The Saint Louis Science Center has expanded its Preschool Science Series to include new offerings for different age groups of young scientists. Storybook STEM is for ages 3 to 5.

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Twilight Thursdays Concert Series at the Missouri History Museum

Thursday, September 18, 2025

Thursday, September 25, 2025

Free outdoor concerts are back at the Missouri History Museum. The fall series of concerts features favorite bands, food trucks, and exhibits inside the museum that are open to the public until 8 p.m. on concert nights. Concerts are held from 6-8 p.m.

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Toddler Time at The Magic House

Visit The Magic House for Toddler Time, a special early-morning program for toddlers. Children age 1-4 can take part in exhibits and exclusive interactive activities designed just for little ones. There are new themes every week!

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Toddler & Preschooler Dance Party

Thursday, September 18, 2025

Join Ms. Amanda in the Makerspace at the Edwardsville Children's Museum for a fun, lively Dance Party. The toddler-friendly tunes will accompany free play time and musical instrument exploration.

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Free Children's Yoga at Brentwood Public Library

Thursday, September 18, 2025

Thursday, September 25, 2025

Thursday, October 2, 2025

Take part in a free yoga session just for kids! Children's yoga, presented by Complete Harmony, is held at the Brentwood Public Library on Thursdays from 9:30 to 10 a.m. Classes include stories, movement and mindfulness and are geared for children up to age 5. Bring a yoga mat or towel.

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See All Things to Do

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Popular Stories

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 September 12, 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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