12 Kid-Friendly Summer Concert Series for St. Louis Families

Outdoor summer concert series are a St. Louis summer staple – and as parents, we’re lucky that many of the best are specifically geared toward kids and families. Here are our top picks for perfect places to hear music under the stars (and in a few cases under the sun) this summer.

1. The Whitaker Music Festival at MOBOT

These Wednesday evening concerts at the Missouri Botanical Garden are an annual favorite for St. Louis families. Admission to the Garden is free after 5 p.m., with the concert beginning at 7:30 p.m. So what can you do while you wait? Pack a picnic and enjoy the beauty of the Garden or, better yet, take the kids to play in the Children’s Garden, which stays open late (until 7 p.m.) during the Whitaker Music Festival.  Visit www.mobot.org for dates and a schedule of performers.

2. Grooving in the Garden at the Magic House

Listen to live music from some of St. Louis most whimsical, family-friendly bands at the Magic House on select Friday evenings from 4 to 7 p.m. Grooving in the Garden offers kids the opportunity to dance and play in the museum’s front garden and is included with regular admission. Free Andy’s ice cream samples will be available too (while supplies last). View the complete schedule at www.magichouse.org.   

3. Sounds of Summer Concert Series at the Chesterfield Amphitheater

Regional and national musical acts will take the stage at the Chesterfield Amphitheater on select Saturday evenings this summer. The Sounds of Summer Concert Series is free, and features both fixed seating and lawn space for those who prefer to bring their own blankets and lawn chairs. Featured acts begin at 7:30 p.m. and opening acts at 6:45 p.m. For a list of dates and performers, visit www.chesterfield.mo.us.

4. Summer Concerts in Faust Park

Also in Chesterfield this summer are the Summer Concerts in Faust Park on Tuesday evenings. Enjoy the beautiful outdoor setting with your family, listen to live music by local bands and indulge in snacks and drinks from the concession stand or dinner from a local food truck. A schedule of performers is available at www.chesterfieldmochamber.com.

5. Jungle Boogie Concerts at the Saint Louis Zoo

The free Jungle Boogie Concerts at the Saint Louis Zoo are held most Friday nights throughout the summer from 5 to 8 p.m. Bring your own lawn chairs to the Schnuck Family Plaza to hear everything from Country to Rock to Motown. Exhibits are open until 7 p.m. on Jungle Boogie nights, concessions are available and there will also be animal-related activities for the kids focused on the conservation of endangered species.

6. Children’s Concert Series at the Piper Palm House

Bring your children to the Piper Palm House in Tower Grove Park on Wednesday mornings at 9:30 a.m. for a unique, interactive concert experience. Designed to introduce kids to different musical styles, the Children’s Concert Series at the Piper Palm House features a different theme each week. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis and doors open at 9:15 a.m. Learn more at www.towergrovepark.org.

7. Free Summer Concert Series at Des Peres Park

The Free Summer Concert Series at Des Peres Park takes place on three different Friday evenings this summer: June 10, July 8 and August 12. Concerts are free and open to the public, and take place from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Bring blankets or lawn chairs; be sure to arrive early so kids can explore all that the nearby playground has to offer.  

8. Eckert’s Summer Concerts

Did you know that there are free summer concerts at Eckert’s EVERY Friday and Saturday night throughout the summer? The Eckert’s Summer Concerts take place from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Belleville Farm, Memorial Day through Labor Day, and feature family-friendly bands, food and drink for purchase and even a place for kids to play while the adults relax to the music.

9. Music and Movies at the Meadows

Head to the Meadows at Lake St. Louis every OTHER Thursday evening this summer if you’re hoping to catch a free, family-friendly concert. At Music and Movies at the Meadows, concerts from local bands like Dr. Zhivegas will alternate with family-friendly movies like Zootopia. Concerts start at 6:30 p.m.; bring your own lawn chairs and come hungry, since food trucks will be on hand.

10. O’Fallon Jammin’ Concert Series

Admission and parking for the O’Fallon Jammin’ Concert Series are both free, so pack up the kids and spend your Tuesday evenings at the Civic Park Bandstand in O’Fallon, MO from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Concessions and food trucks will both be available, and different bands will be featured each week. Follow Visit O’Fallon on Facebook for the most recent updates.

11. Music on Main in St. Charles

Enjoy the historic charm of St. Charles Main Street at the Music on Main concerts that take place on the third Wednesday of each month, May through September. The free outdoor concert series takes place from 5 to 7:30 p.m. between the 100 and 200 block of N. Main Street (don’t worry, it’s closed to traffic).  Both food and drink are available for purchase.   

12. Family Dinner and Concert Nights at the Sunset Hills Aquatic Center

Here’s a unique twist on a summer concert! At the Sunset Hills Aquatic Center, families can swim, have dinner and hear a local band play poolside. On Family Dinner and Concert Nights, local restaurants and food trucks will be on hand selling food from 5:30 to 7 p.m., with live music from 6 to 8 p.m. Admission for non-members is $4 after 5 p.m.; members are free. Call the front desk at (314) 842-7946 for more information.    

_{Photo: O'Fallon Jammin'}