
For many St. Louis families, the start of June represents the real start of summer. That's when the summer fun really starts to kick in, and the fact that so many activities and attractions are free is just a bonus! Here are our picks for family activities in June.
The Summer Family Fun Series at the Missouri History Museum
Visit the Missouri History Museum on Wednesdays and Fridays in June and July for their Summer Family Fun Series. On Wednesdays, enjoy a variety of free family activities, including crafts, performances, and scavenger hunts, all tied into Museum exhibits and centered on a different theme each week.
Learn about Caribbean, Latin American, and German cultures in STL, discover Missouri’s trains, planes and other forms of transportation innovation, celebrate the 10th anniversary of the History Clubhouse, and more! Fridays feature Storytelling in the Museum and Cuentos en el Museo programs, followed by a drop-in craft workshop. Hear classic American folktales, stories about Juneteenth, sweet treats and the 1904 World’s Fair, as well as other topics that families will love. The series is appropriate for children ages 2–12. Learn more at mohistory.org.
Photo courtesy of the Missouri History Museum
Circus Flora
A St. Louis tradition, Circus Flora returns for its 39th season with an all-new show, Urban Legend, June 5-22 at the Big Top in Grand Center. Once again, Circus Flora is set to dazzle audiences of all ages with its unique combination of circus performers from all over the world, original live music, exceptional storytelling and mega-talented cast. Urban Legend explores the question of, while all cities have legends and lore, what happens when the city's folklore comes to life in thrilling and unexpected ways? Circus Flora offers day and evening showtimes, a peanut-free preview, a sensory-friendly performance and theme nights. Tickets start at $10. Learn more at circusflora.org.
Photo courtesy of Circus Flora
Summer Zoo Weekends at the Saint Louis Zoo
Take advantage of the warmer weather to spend more time at our beloved Zoo this summer! Summer Zoo Weekends offer extended hours from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays (as well as 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays), for you and your family to explore all of your favorite summertime Zoo attractions. Take in a Sea Lion Show and visit Stingrays at the Caribbean Cove between rides on the Zooline Railroad.
And don't forget the Conservation Carousel, giraffe feedings, Penguin & Puffin Coast, and the twin polar bears Kallu and Kallik, who made their debut this year! Warm days are also the perfect time to visit the Zoo's 4D Theater showing "Animal Kingdom 4D" and Wild Explorer Virtual Reality Experiences showing "Great Migration" and "Gorilla Trek." Admission to the Zoo is free. Fees apply for some attractions and to park on Zoo parking lots. Learn more at stlzoo.org.
Photo courtesy of the Saint Louis Zoo
The Children's Performance Series in Tower Grove Park
Gather at the outdoor amphitheater in Tower Grove Park on Friday mornings for a summer of fun, free children's performances by beloved local entertainers. The interactive shows are part of the Children's Performance Series, introducing children to the performing arts in a fun, interactive way. Storytellers, musicians, dancers and more will encourage kids to clap along and be part of the experience. The 2025 lineup includes St. Louis favorites like Marko Polo, Celia's Sing Along Dance Party, Alma de Mexico, St. Louis Irish Arts and more. Find dates and times here.
Photo courtesy of Tower Grove Park
Sunsets and Snowcones on the Greenways
Enjoy free snow cones and watch as the sun sets on greenways across the St. Louis metro area at Sunsets and Snowcones sponsored by Great Rivers Greenway. This free summer series is designed to connect people to nature and community while highlighting the 135 miles of greenways maintained by the agency. Sunsets and Snowcones is for all ages and takes place on various evenings throughout June and July. Learn more at greatriversgreenway.org.
Photo courtesy of Great Rivers Greenway
Storytime in the Commons with PBS Kids Characters
Storytime in the Commons at NINE PBS returns on June 14 for another season of fun character visits and outdoor storytimes. In June, explore the fascinating world of science and nature. The fun includes a preview of Weather Hunters, a new animated STEM series, and a special chance to meet Nature Cat and Elinor from the PBS series, Nature Cat and Elinor Wonders Why.
Limited free parking is available in the Nine PBS lot, accessible on Spring Ave. Doors open at 9:30 a.m. and the event will last from 10 – 10:45 a.m. Guests of all ages are welcome. Activities and resources will be provided by Nine PBS, St. Louis Public Library, St. Louis Science Center, Belle Children’s Services of St. Louis Arc, Easterseals Midwest, and Variety Children’s Charity. Deaf Inc. will be providing ASL interpreting services. Storytime in the Commons is free but registration is required.
Groovin' in the Garden at The Magic House
Visit The Magic House this summer for a chance to move and groove with your family. Groovin' in the Garden is a summer concert series for all ages held in the front Play Garden at The Magic House. Bring a blanket and sit back and relax or enjoy the live music and get up and dance! In addition to great live music, enjoy ice cream from Andy's Frozen Custard and private playtime throughout the museum. Groovin' in the Garden kicks off June 13 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Cost is $15 per person, but free for members of The Magic House. Reservations are not required. Pay admission at the door. For more information, visit magichouse.org.
To find even more family fun this month, visit our Things To Do calendar and get our daily Family Fun newsletter.
Featured photo courtesy of the Saint Louis Zoo.
The Whitaker Music Festival at the Missouri Botanical Garden is a beloved summer tradition that presents free Wednesday evening concerts under the stars.
Meet Louie, the St. Louis Blues mascot, who will pose for photos and sign autographs at this free library event. Your kids will learn what it's like to be a mascot and what it takes to get ready for the season too!
Splash and play with your little one in this fun morning activity. No registration is necessary.
Join the Missouri History Museum for free family fun in June and July at the Summer Family Fun Series! Enjoy a variety of free family activities, including crafts, performances, and scavenger hunts, all are tied into Museum exhibits and centered on a different theme each week. Learn about Caribbean, Latin American, and German cultures in STL, discover Missouri’s trains, planes and other forms of transportation innovation, celebrate the 10th anniversary of the History Clubhouse, and more!
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.