child development

The Importance of Traditional Play in a Digital World

Play comes naturally to kids. They use it as a way to express their feelings and learn new things. But in the age of electronics we live in, video games and screens can take over a child’s free time. Screen-free, or traditional play, offers benefits kids just don't get from playing on an iPad or on the latest game console.

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5 Ways to Help Your Child Build Friendships

For many kids building friendships comes as naturally as breathing in air or waking up in the morning. For others, the process is filled with landmines of fear, anxiety and discouragement. Experts agree that friendship-building is a skill – it can be learned. And parents can help their kids develop the social skills that help make friendship building come more naturally.

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Purposeful Parenting

Parents serve as developmental guides for their children. Each child is unique and brings along a profile of strengths, weaknesses and biologically driven inclinations to this relationship. Parents scramble, often unsuccessfully, to find the best way to help or guide their children. They can end up blamed - but not trained - for their child's behavior. 

This free presentation will aid parents in decoding the messages behind a child's behavior, understanding how children really think and feel, and reducing the number of needless parent/child conflicts.

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BlockFest Play Date

This family-centered play date, sponsored by Parents as Teachers, is designed for parents and their children ages 6 months to 3rd grade. At the block party stations, you'll explore early math and science skills together with your child. At the nature stations, children will do hands-on activities that stimulate their curiosity and understanding of the world around them. Other actitivies include music and a playground.

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Festival of Nations
Saturday, August 29, 2026
Sunday, August 30, 2026

Festival of Nations is St. Louis' biggest multicultural celebration. Enjoy a wide variety of live music, international fare, and gift booths featuring fair trade gifts and handmade crafts. Guests can also enjoy children's activities.

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Wee Weekend at the Saint Louis Art Museum
Friday, August 28, 2026
Saturday, August 29, 2026

Preschoolers can learn, play, explore and grow at the Saint Louis Art Museum's Wee Weekend program for its youngest visitors. Join in on the adventure as your little one discovers new ways of interacting with art and each other. 

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Sea Lion Shows at the Saint Louis Zoo
Friday, August 28, 2026
Saturday, August 29, 2026
Sunday, August 30, 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
Friday, August 28, 2026
Saturday, August 29, 2026
Sunday, August 30, 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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On-Stage Performance Series at The Magic House
Saturday, August 29, 2026
Saturday, September 26, 2026

From dance to drama to musical performances, The Magic House presents the On-Stage Performance Series for kids of all ages. Designed to inspire a love of the arts and dramatic play, monthly performances take place at the Story Time Theater or Whitaker Theater inside The Magic House. On-Stage Performances are included with Magic House admission.

 

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Popular Stories

Dinoroarus Comes Roaring Back at the Saint Louis Zoo

The Dinoroarus exhibit brings prehistoric fun back to the Saint Louis Zoo this summer with 20 lifelike dinosaur animatronics and sculptures on the Zoo's Historic Hill.

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

If your kids love to explore big trucks and vehicles, these upcoming Big Truck Days are a perfect weekend or weeknight outing. They'll get to climb on and explore fire trucks, police vehicles, bulldozers, bucket trucks, ambulances and lots more.

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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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City Museum's Stuff the Bus Campaign Provides School Supplies for 160 St. Louis Schools

Visit City Museum August 3-31, bring school supplies to donate, and get discounted admission! That's the idea behind City Museum's Stuff the Bus campaign.

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Your Guide to Free Outdoor Family Movies this Summer

Seeing a movie at the theater is a magical experience, but when summer rolls around, it’s time to get outside and enjoy free movies under the stars! Free family movie nights abound across the St. Louis area, so grab your kids, a blanket or lawn chairs, and get ready for some cinematic fun. Here's where to find them:

 

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