St. Louis Parent | stlparent.com

COCA Expands Its Theatre Series to Thrill the Entire Family

It’s hard to plan a night at the theater that everyone in the family can enjoy. There’s not enough slapstick for the kids, not enough action for dad, and not enough Justin Timberlake for mom.

Dirty Laundry: Parenting News and Gossip (Mostly Wrinkled)

When you’re busy helping your kids with their homework, pretending to go to Pilates, and skipping PTA because you have one more season of The League left to watch, catching up on news sites and watching Brian Williams gets pushed to the sidelines. (But why in the world would you ever neglect dreamy Brian Williams?)

So welcome to our latest feature, Dirty Laundry, in which we've sorted through the enormous (and colorful) piles of parenting news and gossip so you don't have to. And we're throwing it in the spin cycle along with a little bit of snark and a whole lot of judgment.

Meet the Real Music Stars at the STL Symphony Family Concerts

As much as our kids love their technology and pop music, we as parents can help introduce them to the first musical superstars.

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by Julia Bollman, publisher of STL Parent

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We've Moved 9 Times in 6 Years. Are We Home Yet?

Trying to explain the last few years of my life to people who don’t know me well is always a bit of a challenge.

What I Learned From The Cleanse

This week I decided to try my first cleanse because, well, frankly jeans season intimidates me more than swimsuit season.

Hear me out.

On My 10th Anniversary, Here's What I Want My Kids to Know

Last weekend, the husband and I spent our 10-year wedding anniversary doing something we frequently did before the little Plegges came along – enjoying a weekend music festival and making fun of that drunk girl.

Between making googly eyes at Brandon Flowers and mentally chastising the 20-somethings for some of their fashion choices (Honestly girls – you will never have a better butt than you do at age 21. To take it for granted with your ironic mom-jean shorts makes me weep.), I looked over at my husband and thought, man, I am lucky to have him. And also how ridiculous he would look in a hipster tank top and neon sunglasses.

In honor of our 10-year anniversary, I wanted to share with my own kids a few words of wisdom to follow when picking out a mate. I know, I know, I have no room to talk – 10 years is just a blip in the overall game of life, but by Hollywood standards, we’re celebrating our diamond anniversary, worthy of a surprise potluck and card shower in the church basement.

To my darling daughters:

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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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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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