To help limit the spread of Coronavirus and to support public health efforts, many family attractions have closed temporarily. In the meantime, we invite our readers to enjoy virtual events highlighted in our Things To Do calendar. When you do go out, follow public health guidelines: wear masks, practice social distancing and wash your hands frequently. To learn why social distancing is important and effective in lessening the spread of COVID-19, hear from Dr. Alexis Elward, Chief Medical Officer at St. Louis Children’s Hospital.
Family Fun Heats up for the Summer: Eight Ways to Play in St. Louis in June
If your child is an arts lover, June was made for them! Throughout the month, they can sit ringside at a world-renowned circus, boogie the day away at family-friendly concerts, and even explore a new hands-on makerspace created just for kids. Best of all, you can jump in on the fun!
Summer Children’s Concert Series at the Piper Palm House, Starts June 5
Your little ones can shake, shimmy and groove all summer long at Tower Grove Park’s annual children’s music series! Featuring performers from across St. Louis and plenty of audience participation, this free series spotlights a different theme each week, giving your child the chance to experience a world of music. Each one-hour concert begins at 9:30 a.m. every Wednesday at Piper Palm House and includes kid-friendly refreshments.
The Summer Children’s Concert Series runs June 5-August 7. For more information, visit towergrovepark.org.
Circus Flora’s “The Caper in Aisle 6,” Starts June 6
Among the cereal, chips and cookies, an ancient and unexpected substance is about to turn an ordinary supermarket visit into an out-of-this-world adventure. During Circus Flora’s 33rd jaw-dropping season, aerialists, high wire walkers and trapeze artists will wow your family and leave you breathless as they uncover the secrets hiding in aisle six. Special performances this season include the Peanut-Free Preview Night on June 6, Little Top Performances for younger children and those who prefer a shorter daytime show on June 12, 19 and 26, and the Sensory-Friendly Performance on June 20.
“The Caper in Aisle 6” runs through June 30. For ticket information, visit the Circus Flora website.
The Magic House @MADE, Opening June 7
This summer, creative kids in St. Louis will have access to their own makerspace when their favorite children’s museum opens The Magic House @MADE, its first permanent satellite learning center. Created in partnership with the Cortex Innovation Community and housed on the second floor of MADE STL, this unique interactive experience features four areas—a Makers Workshop, Artists Studio, Designers Lab, and Entrepreneurs Market Place—all of which will help bring kids’ incredible ideas to life. And don't miss the Delmar Maker Fair on June 22, hosted by Made St. Louis and featuring activities for all ages1
The Magic House @ MADE is open to all, but geared toward kids ages six to 13. Admission is $5.00 for anyone age one and older.
Life Outside Festival, June 8
UPDATE 6/4: The Life Outside Festival has been rescheduled due to flooding in Creve Coeur Lake Memorial Park. It will be held on Sept. 21 at a new location – St. Vincent County Park.
If you’re interested in trying a new outdoor adventure, but not sure where to start, Great Rivers Greenway’s Life Outside Festival connects you to experts in biking, rock climbing, paddle boarding, and more. At each booth, you’ll learn about the expenses involved, classes you can take and clubs you can join. Plus, with a variety of free activities, from yoga to kayaking to arts and crafts, available throughout the day, it’s the perfect way to introduce your kids to all the fun they can have when they put down the smartphone and pick up a new hobby.
Visit Life Outside Festival for more information.
Purina Pet Project Day, June 9
Your kids can make a difference for the hundreds of homeless pets in St. Louis looking for their forever homes. At Purina Farms’ annual Purina Pet Project Day, your family will meet adoptable dogs and cats as well as create toys, beds and other supplies to make their stays at local shelters a little more comfortable. Other activities, including a photo station, games, and an arts and crafts project, will also be available. Activity tickets are $5 each with a portion of the proceeds benefitting local animal welfare organizations, or you can donate an item from the shelter request list to get a ticket for free.
Purina Pet Project Day runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission to Purina Farms and parking are free.
Family Workshop: Mudworks, June 15
It’s the best of both worlds for kids—they can spend the day getting dirty and end up with something beautiful to bring home! Laumeier Sculpture Park’s Mudworks clay workshop gives children ages four to 12 the chance to try their hand at sculpting by using slabs, coils and pinch pots. At the same time, they’ll strengthen their motor skills and learn how to problem solve through the power of art.
Family Workshop: Mudworks runs from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and costs $45, which includes one adult and one child. Finished pieces can be picked up at Laumeier the following week. To register, visit laumeier.org.
Countrytime Festival & Kids Carnival, June 15-16
Purina Farms’ twist on the county fair guarantees plenty of fun for every member of the family, including the four-legged ones! For two days, the grounds will be packed with non-stop activities, including a Kids Carnival, bounce houses, train rides, duck herding demos, and strolling entertainers. Be sure to grab some BBQ, roasted corn and other carnival treats, and head to the stage for live music from Nashville band Royal South on Saturday and local favorite Wild Horse Creek Band on Sunday.
Admission to the Countrytime Festival is free. Parking is $10 per car and includes admission to the Kids Carnival for each child age 12 and under.
Family Fun Night: Mr. Stinky Feet, June 21
Grab your kids and your dancing shoes! For more than 20 years, Jim “Mr. Stinky Feet” Cosgrove has gotten families on their feet with his one-of-a-kind take on kid-friendly rock with tunes like “Bop Bop Dinosaur” and “Put Down the Binky.” Now, this national star brings his high-energy, interactive show to the St. Louis County Library Headquarters for a night of his biggest hits and new fan favorites!
Doors to Family Fun Night open at 6 p.m., and the show starts at 6:30 p.m. Admission is free. For details, visit slcl.org.
Looking for even more family fun this summer? Check out our Things To Do Calendar and sign up for our Things To Do email newsletter for summer festivals, concerts, workshops, and tons of fun activities for kids!
Photos courtesy of the Life Outside Festival and Circus Flora.
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Metro East mom Nicole Plegge is the lifestyle and pop culture blogger for STL Parent. Besides working as a freelance writer & public relations specialist, and raising two daughters and a husband, Nicole's greatest achievements are finding her misplaced car keys each day and managing to leave the house in a stain-free shirt. Her biggest regret is never being accepted to the Eastland School for Girls. Follow Nicole on Twitter @STLWriterinIL
