This week is St. Louis’ annual Mardi Gras celebration in Historic Soulard. Although highs will only be in the 30s, it won’t keep brave souls in search of beads from
attending the festivities, including Saturday’s highly anticipated Grand Parade, one of the largest in the Midwest and the most attended event in the City of St. Louis.
Kids of all ages will line the streets to watch the array of floats and catch beads and treats tossed by float riders. This year’s theme is “Famous Couples.” The parade begins at 11 a.m. at Busch Stadium and snakes its way south to Anheuser Busch. Parking can be tight, so consider taking Metrolink or other public transportation and shuttle options.
If you miss out on Saturday’s fun, check out the Lumiere Place Light Up the Night Fat Tuesday Parade, a colorful, fun-filled nighttime parade winding its way through downtown St. Louis starting at 7 p.m.
For full information on both parades and other Mardi Gras festivities, visit www.mardigrasinc.com.
Amy Burger is a mom, freelance writer and communications professional with nearly 20 years experience working in St. Louis. Her work has appeared in numerous publications and media outlets including STL Parent, Missouri Life magazine, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Town & Style and kdhx.org, among others. When she's not working, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two beautiful girls at home in Kirkwood.
Explore songs, finger plays, music and more during this Music & Movement class for ages 0-6. Some sessions are held in person at various branches of the St. Louis County Library. Some sessions are virtual.
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.
Visit The Magic House for Toddler Time, a special early-morning program for toddlers. Children age 1-4 can take part in exhibits and exclusive interactive activities designed just for little ones. There are new themes every week!
Open Gym at Miss Kelly's Gym is an opportunity for any child to have supervised free play in the gym. They can work on existing skills, try something new, or simply play around. It is completely up to them! Open Gym is open to both members and non-members ages 12 and under.
Sensory-Friendly Nights are for guests with sensory sensitivities and their families. These special nights will mirror the traditional Animals Aglow experience and will include sensory maps, quiet zones and trained Zoo staff to assist individuals with sensory sensitivities.