
May is the perfect time for your family to get out and enjoy the (sometimes) perfect St. Louis weather. Have some fun as a family at these delightful outdoor events before the summer heat takes hold.
Animals Aglow at the Saint Louis Zoo
Explore the Saint Louis Zoo in the evenings at the Chinese lantern festival Animals Aglow! Animals Aglow returns to illuminate the Saint Louis Zoo for the second year with dozens of new, towering lanterns and light displays. Don't wait: Animals Aglow is open nightly just through May 11 (and makes a perfect Mother's Day treat). Your family will enjoy more than 60 glowing displays, nightly cultural performances and specialty food and beverages available for purchase. Get tickets at stlzoo.org.
Photo courtesy of the Saint Louis Zoo
Strawberry Festival at Eckert Farms
There are more than strawberries (but plenty of those too) at this festival! Kids can enjoy carnival rides, a petting farm, pony rides, the children's play area and lots more. Admission is free but there is a fee for some activities, such as unlimited carnival rides for $10 per child. The Strawberry Festival is happening at Eckert's in Belleville May 10, 11, 17 & 18, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Learn more at eckerts.com.
Photo courtesy of Eckert Farms
Art Fair at Laumeier Sculpture Park
The nationally acclaimed Laumeier Sculpture Park Art Fair is a three-day, outdoor event held annually on Mother's Day weekend and features local, regional and national artists plus hands-on, creative art experiences for all ages. Pop in to the Creation Location and you'll find hands-on art activities, play stations and interactive entertainment designed just for kids. Stroll the beautiful grounds to see amazing art, enjoy local food and drinks, art demonstrations and live music. The Laumeier Sculpture Park Art Fair is happening May 9-11. Learn more at laumeier.org.
Photo courtesy of Laumeier Sculpture Park
Suson Park Farm Fridays
Suson Park in South County is a family favorite in St. Louis because there is so much to see and do. Farm Fridays hayrides, fishing, farm games, candle making, barn tours, horse petting, Kona ice, balloon creations and more. The next Farm Friday is coming up May 16. Learn more at stlouisco.com (click on Programs and Activities) or call 314-615-8822.
Photo courtesy of St. Louis County Parks and Recreation
Kick Off to Summer in Forest Park
Hosted by Forest Park Forever, The Magic House, St. Louis Public Library and the St. Louis County Library, Kick Off to Summer is a day of free family-friendly activities in our city's crown jewel of parks. Enjoy outdoor fun with The Bubble Bus, and activity stations sponsored by each organization. Kick Off to Summer will be held in Forest Park in the Visitor's Center parking lot on Saturday, May 31 from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Photo courtesy of The Magic House
For more family fun every day see our Things To Do calendar and sign up for our Family Fun newsletter.
Main photo: Stock.
It's Monster Machines Day at Des Peres Park! See a police car, tow truck, bulldozer, fire truck and much more up close during this hands-on, free event. Kids can climb in and look around and let their imaginations take them on a ride.
Take your family to watch birds of prey fly right over your head, macaws speak the English language and much more at the WOW! Amazing Animal Show at the World Bird Sanctuary. Every program showcases different animals so each day is a new experience.
There are more than strawberries (but plenty of those too) at this festival! Kids can enjoy carnival rides, a petting farm, pony rides, the children's play area and lots more.
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.
The Taste of Maplewood Street festival brings together foodies, shoppers and music lovers to enjoy the bites, sights and sounds of Maplewood. The festival includes live entertainment from two stages, children's activities, and local restaurants and retailers offering food, drinks, and specialties.