Get Creative, Get Slimy, Get Going to The Magic House

This fall the Magic House is overflowing with fun activities for kids of all ages. You can pet a turtle, hold a lizard, sell your old toys at the Kids' Flea Market, or invent a new one out of cardboard. There's also an exciting new traveling exhibit to introduce your kids to the oldest of all games, chess. Here's when to catch the fun:
 

Squirmy, Slimy, Scaly, Slithery Creatures Kids Love

September 17, 10 a.m.2 p.m. Free with regular admission.

The Magic House has invited several animal groups to share their love of not-so-cuddly creatures with your kids. If you ever wanted to pet a reptile, this is your chance! There will be lizards, snakes, birds of prey, bugs and spiders brought in by the Saint Louis Zoo, The World Bird Sanctuary, The Butterfly House and more. Serengeti Steve and his mobile reptile zoo will do a presentation with plenty of audience participation. 

Squirmy, Slimy, Scaly, Slithery Creatures Kids Love is free with regular admission.

 

Kids' Flea Market

September 25, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. No admission for shoppers. Reserve a booth ($15) if you want to sell.

Do you have a budding entrepreneur at home? The Magic House is inviting kids 16 and younger to set up shop at the 34th Annual Kid's Flea Market. Kids can sell handmade crafts, outgrown toys, books and games at the market and learn valuable business skills while cleaning out their rooms.

The Kids' Flea Market is an outdoor event that will be held rain or shine. 

 

Big Truck Day

October 12, 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. each day.

Do you have a little one with a big obsession for all things on wheels? Big Truck Day is for you! The Magic House has invited tons of trucks to its weekend backyard party. Get a close-up look and sit behind the wheel of some amazing trucks, like a cement mixer, a crane and a fire truck.

Big Truck Day is $18 per person for non-members and $12 per person for members. Your ticket includes a picnic lunch, a construction hat to decorate and admission to the Magic House. Space is limited, so reservations are suggested.

 

Cardboard Challenge and Creation Showcase

Challenge: All September long. Showcase: October 8, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Get your kids to think outside the box with a special Cardboard Creation Challenge going on all September in the Magic House Make-It Workshop. The workshop is stocked with cardboard, tools and accessories for kids to create anything they can dream up. The Challenge is inspired by Caine's Arcade and the Imagination Foundation. Kids can take their creations home or leave them on display at the Magic House.

On October 8 the museum will hold a showcase of cardboard wonders crafted by kids. Kids who enter the showcase will receive free admission to the Magic House for themselves and one adult. Crafters are asked to hang out with their cardboard creation for a while and demonstrate it for visitors.

The Cardboard Creation Showcase is limited to 100 kid inventors, so reserve your space now by calling the Magic House at 314-822-8900. Viewing the Showcase is free with admission.

 

Kings, Queens and Castles

October 1, 2016 – January 2, 2017. Open daily during regular hours. 

Take your kids inside a game of chess at this special exhibit designed by the Magic House and St. Louis' own World Chess Hall of Fame. Kids can learn about chess on a life-sized board, or become the pieces by crafting their own fanciful crowns. They can explore a medieval castle with turret slides, build castle walls with giant interlocking bricks or play a game of chess with a friend while sitting on child-sized thrones.The exhibit is designed for kids 3 to 11 and hopes to pique their interest in learning to play the world's oldest game, chess.

Kings, Queens and Castles is included with admission. 

Those looking to gain experience with tournament play can enter the Kids' Beginner Chess Tournament taking place Sept. 30 for players in grades 1-8. Participants will play in up to four rounds, 15 minutes per side, using a chess clock. Players should know how to play the game of chess, including how to check and checkmate as well as when to call a draw. Find out more about the Kids' Beginner Chess Tournament and how to register here.
 
Share This Story
Our Daily Things to Do email is the easiest way to plan your day.
Follow Us
 
Things to Do

Little Red Hen Playdate at The Waldorf School of St. Louis
Tuesday, January 27, 2026
Tuesday, February 24, 2026
Tuesday, March 24, 2026

Little Red Hen Play Dates are a wonderful way for children ages 0-6 and their caregivers to experience the magic of Waldorf Early Childhood Education. You and your child will bake bread — a weekly occurrence in the Waldorf School's Early Childhood Program — listen to stories; join in a circle time filled with songs, rhymes, and movement; and explore the outdoors in the mini meadow.

View this event »
Want daily ideas of things to do? How about special offers & giveaways? Sign up and we’ll handle the rest.
Popular Stories

10 Family-Friendly New Year's Eve Celebrations in St. Louis

Who says you have to stay up late to ring in the new year? Kids can make some noise and welcome 2026 at these daytime and early evening celebrations designed just for families with young partygoers. 

Continue reading »
The St. Louis Children’s Choirs Give Every Singer the Chance to Shine on Stage

Something beautiful happens every time a child performs their favorite song. Even if they stumble over a lyric or tumble off key, the joy they find in exploring their musical journey can be felt by those lucky enough to listen. When hundreds of these young voices come together on one stage, that’s when something truly magical happens.

Continue reading »
Winter Break Camps Offer School Break Fun for Your Kids

Winter Break Camps offer your kids a fun way to spend their break from school. They'll participate in engaging activities that will make their school break memorable. We rounded up some fantastic options for Winter Break Camps for kids of all ages. 

Continue reading »
Miriam Celebrates Neurodiversity, Supports Unique Learners

At Miriam School, students with complex learning differences are supported and celebrated as they grow academically, socially and emotionally. Miriam provides a tailored educational experience for learners in grades K-12 who have not found success in traditional classroom settings. Students’ challenges may stem from specific learning disabilities (i.e. dyslexia or dysgraphia), ADHD, level 1 autism, sensory processing disorder, anxiety, or speech and language disorders.

Continue reading »
Ninja Central is for Kids of All Ages and Abilities

From the moment they step onto a ninja training course, kids snap into activation mode – using their athletic skills to jump, climb, and balance their way through physical challenges and activating their minds to out-maneuver the puzzle of obstacles that stand in their way of victory. That combination is a powerful one and equips kids with the confidence, persistence, self-esteem, and creative thinking skills they need throughout their lives. And now, with the opening of Ninja Central, a top-tier ninja training facility in Maryland Heights, even more young athletes will get the chance to reach their full potential.

Continue reading »
You Might Also Like...

From Our Sponsors
Follow Us