
If you’re looking for a delightful way to spend some time together as a family in January, especially if you have young children, take in COCA’s production of Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Musical.
This play is full of adventure, song, funny family dynamics and gigantic dancing laundry as it takes you through what should have been a simple trip to the laundromat by a daddy, his young daughter, Trixie, and her Knuffle Bunny. Instead, things go wrong and if you’ve ever had a child attached to a beloved stuffed animal or other “lovey,” you can guess what might have happened.
Trixie can’t quite communicate that her Knuffle Bunny has been left behind, but Mom gets involved when the pair return home, and catastrophe is avoided.
The production is from The Kennedy Center and based on the Caldecott Honor-winning picture book by Mo Willems (a six-time Emmy Award winner). The music is by Grammy winner Michael Silversher.
The on-stage production has been delivered at the Kennedy Center and other notable locations across the country and has been as enthusiastically received as the picture book. And it’s the perfect length for younger members of the audience who might not have the patience for a longer play.
COCA is delivering five, one-hour day and evening performances between Jan. 21 – 23. Tickets cost between $14 and $18. You can watch a few promotional videos here and then purchase tickets here.
By Michelle Cox, contributing writer for SmartParenting
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.
Families are invited to the Saint Louis Art Museum on Sunday afternoon to participate in free hands-on art activities with fun themes and to explore the galleries. Each Family Sunday focuses on a different family-friendly theme.
See the Zoo's California sea lions perform acrobatic and athletic feats, including Olympic-style dives on a high-diving platform, flipper walks, frisbee tosses and plenty of surprises. While on stage with the sea lions, the Zoo's trainers explain sea lion behavior and positive-reinforcement training, in addition to the need for conserving the sea lion's ocean habitat.
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.
Sensory Friendly Science Time features reduced noise, modified lighting and sensory-friendly demonstrations at the Saint Louis Science Center.