fun things to do with kids in STL

Thomas & Friends: Explore the Rails is pulling into The Magic House's station! Surrounded by everyone's favorite blue engine, Thomas, kids can explore the Island of Sodor's iconic locations: Knapford Station, Sodor Steamworks and more.

Delight in brilliant, colorful light displays with spectacular photo opportunities throughout the Zoo during Wild Lights. Walk through two tunnels with dazzling lights, and enjoy themed displays featuring snowflakes, candy canes, gumdrops, penguins, polar bears, tigers, giraffes and much more at this St. Louis family-favorite holiday tradition. New this year: Visits with Santa!

Discovery Club is an exploration of all kinds of science! Kids ages 7-11 will navigate through the sciences with projects, experiments and activities at this free program. Themes include robots, roller coasters, potato batteries and more. 

Those of us who can't stay awake until midnight can join the Missouri History Museum for a New Year's Eve countdown with two balloon drops! Visitors will enjoy live music, making crafts a super-sized story time followed by balloon drops at 11 a.m. and noon.

Your little one can wear pajamas and bring their favorite stuffed animal as they develop literacy skills during Pajama Story Time with the St. Louis County Library.  

Gather your pack – your kids and your cold-nosed companions – for a pet-friendly visit with Santa this year at Purina Farms. Cold-Nosed Candids are for families and their cats and dogs to have their photos taken with Santa, have snowball fights, visit the gift shop and more.

Celebrate the magic of the holidays the entire month of December at the Holiday Magic experience at The Magic House! Holiday Magic features festive decorations throughout the museum, Winter Wonderscape, a Snowball Showdown, Story Time with Mrs. Claus & Santa, a special Toddler Time experience and more.