social media guide for teens

YouTube and Snapchat, two of the most popular apps among middle and high school students, pose understandable concerns for parents. From graphic content to stranger danger, from the Momo hoax to the Tide Pod challenge, and countless stories linking social media use to depression, both apps can seem like minefields of potential danger. This free presentation will answer those questions, and help parents better communicate with their teens about social media.

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Things to Do

Applefest at Eckert Farms

Saturday, September 12, 2026

Sunday, September 13, 2026

Saturday, September 19, 2026

Wagon rides, live entertainment, great festival foods, a petting zoo and much more make this an apple pickin' good time for the whole family. There will be pony rides, a children's carnival, opportunities to feed goats and other farm animals, caramel apples, funnel cakes and more.

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Manchester Homecoming

Saturday, September 12, 2026

Sunday, September 13, 2026

Enjoy carnival rides, a parade, kids' entertainment, live music and more at this three-day festival in Schroeder Park.

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Zootoberfest at the Saint Louis Zoo

Saturday, September 12, 2026

Sunday, September 13, 2026

Saturday, September 19, 2026

Enjoy a family-friendly celebration of autumn at the Saint Louis Zoo's Zootoberfest! Kids can participate in all the regular Zoo fun and explore new adventures at Zootoberfest activity stations. Families will enjoy an Oktoberfest-style event with beer and root beer, German-themed cuisine, and live music.

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Sea Lion Shows at the Saint Louis Zoo

Saturday, September 12, 2026

Sunday, September 13, 2026

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.

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Preschool Science Series at the Saint Louis Science Center

Saturday, September 12, 2026

The Preschool Science Series is an open exploration learning lab for young scientists - ages 18 months to 5 years - and their families. Activities are designed around research that shows children learn best through play, inquiry and shared experiences with their parents and caregivers.

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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 September 11, 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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