James S. McDonnell Planetarium

Planetarium Shows at the James S. McDonnell Planetarium in Forest Park

Visit the James S. McDonnell Planetarium in Forest Park and see a star show to experience the largest artificial sky in the Western Hemisphere. Star shows are lead LIVE by one of the Planetarium's educators, creating a new and tailored experience for every audience.

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Cosmic Cantata

Take in a cosmic musical extravaganza when special guests join the St. Louis Symphony against a backdrop of incredible projections in the James. S. McDonnell Planetarium.

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Happy 30th Birthday Little Star Pajama Party

The beloved children's Planetarium show that the whole family can enjoy, The Little Star That Could, celebrates the 30th anniversary of its premiere, and you and your little ones are invited to celebrate at this special birthday pajama party.

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Full Harvest Moon Observing

Celebrate the full Harvest Moon by getting a closer look at our nearest neighbor in space through public telescope viewing designed for families (weather permitting).

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Pluto Party at the Planetarium

Celebrate the 10th anniversary of Pluto's status as a dwarf planet with star shows and fun family activities throughout the day.

The Planetarium's star shows will focus on Pluto and NASA's New Horizon's mission.

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the James S. McDonnel Planetarium in Forest Park.

More information: slsc.org

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Astronomy Day

Join the Saint Louis Science Center and members of the St. Louis Astronomical Society for fun astronomy activities for all ages.

You can learn about telescopes and how you can begin exploring the stars on your own, and, if the weather permits, take part in solar observing near the Planetarium entrance.

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. All activities are free.

More information: slsc.org

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New Planetarium Show Allows Visually-Impaired Kids to (Literally) Touch the Stars

The Saint Louis Science Center has debuted a new star show designed specifically for children who are blind or have low vision. “Feeling the Stars,” adapted from the existing show “The Little Star That Could,” gives individuals with visual impairment an accessible and immersive experience in the James S. McDonnell Planetarium.

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Things to Do

Big Truck Day at The Magic House

Sunday, October 4, 2026

Roll on over to The Magic House for a truckload of fun! Truck lovers of all ages will get up close to a crane, firetruck, bucket truck, sleeper cab and more!

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Halloween Nights at Grant's Farm

Sunday, October 4, 2026

Get into the Halloween spirit with some spooky fun and celebrate with the animals at Grant's Farm. Enjoy Halloween tram rides featuring Halloween lights, spooky scenes, live actors, scare zones, a Halloween-themed show, monster mash party and more. Costumes are encouraged.

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Open House at Miriam School and Learning Center

Sunday, October 4, 2026

Discover a community dedicated to empowering neurodivergent students at Miriam School and Learning Center. Miriam School is renowned for its personalized approach to education, supporting students with diverse learning needs including ADHD, autism, speech/language disorders, anxiety, specific learning disabilities, and sensory processing differences.

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Family Sunday at the Saint Louis Art Museum

Sunday, October 4, 2026

Sunday, October 18, 2026

Sunday, November 8, 2026

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.

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Fall Fest at Grant's Farm

Sunday, October 4, 2026

Saturday, October 10, 2026

Families can enjoy the Fall Fest Kids Zone and all the fun of the farm at the Grant's Farm Fall Fest. There will be seasonal treats, animal feedings, a petting zoo, themed photo spots, and the world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales too!

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Dinoroarus Comes Roaring Back at the Saint Louis Zoo

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Get Ready to Climb and Explore at These Free Big Truck Days

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Travel Back in Time Every Friday at the Missouri History Museum’s Free Summer Family Fun Series

There comes a point every summer when all that “free time” isn’t so fun anymore. Your kids are bouncing off the walls, it’s too hot to hit the playground, and every activity seems to come with a big price tag. That’s when the screens come out, and parents find themselves counting down the minutes to bedtime. Thankfully, when Friday rolls around each week, your family can experience a mini summer getaway through history – no travel required.

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Your Guide to Free Outdoor Family Movies this Summer

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Lace up and leash up for a great cause! You and your dog are invited to run, jog, or walk in the Purple Leash 5K & Fun Run at Purina Farms. Compete for top dog in the 5K race or take it easy in the 1-mile fun run. Put your paws to the pavement and then head over to the TAILgate after party for food, drinks, music and more all while raising awareness for the Purple Leash Project. All purple outfits and purple dog gear are highly encouraged! The Purple Leash Project was born out of the Purina mission to bring and keep pets and people together and the RedRover® mission to bring people and their pets from crisis to care. Your support of the Purple Leash Project assists domestic violence shelters on their journey to welcome family pets by funding pet-friendly renovations. Sunday, October 11. FIND OUT HOW TO REGISTER

The Missouri History Museum celebrates education and family learning with History Exploration Days! One Friday per month from September to May, homeschool families with kids of all ages can explore a different historical topic—together! All activities are FREE. Explore St. Louis history in new and exciting ways through interactive guided gallery tours, hands-on workshops, and community performances that align with each month’s theme, encouraging investigation, exploration, and creative fun. Activities are offered at various times throughout the day and are customized for specific grade-level groups.

Storytelling takes place in the morning, and all ages are welcome. Visit the craft room for fun learning experiences, with museum educators available to help learners participate in meaningful ways. Topics this school year include colonial St. Louis, baseball, Black history, and wildlife. Detailed schedules for each day will be posted to the Museum’s website. The program is offered on October 9, November 13, December 11, January 15, February 19, March 19, April 9, and May 14. LEARN MORE

See the Purina Incredible Dog Team perform extraordinary feats of athleticism and skill right here in St. Louis at Union Station this summer! Featuring some of the most talented canines in the country, the Purina Incredible Dog Team consists of more than 20 remarkably gifted dogs and two trainers who entertain audiences with extraordinary feats of athleticism and skill. Spectators can watch the team demonstrate a variety of canine sports while dogs of different breeds fly through the air to catch a flying disc, leap over a high jump, and maneuver through a series of obstacles in an agility course. Free performances are happening Thursdays through Sundays at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. at Union Station's Performance Plaza in front of the St. Louis Wheel. Learn more at purina.com/purinafarms.

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