free things to do for kids in St. Louis

Wildwood Holiday Tree Lighting with Visits from Santa Claus

Saturday, December 7, 2024

Join in on lighting up the Wildwood Town Center Plaza with a Tree Lighting Ceremony, enjoy visits with Santa, shopping from local vendors, and stay warm by the fire pits while you make s'mores!

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Preschool Science Series: Storybook STEM at the Saint Louis Science Center

Thursday, December 5, 2024

Saturday, December 7, 2024

Sunday, December 8, 2024

The Saint Louis Science Center has expanded its Preschool Science Series to include new offerings for different age groups of young scientists. Storybook STEM is for ages 3 to 5.

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Sea Lion Shows at the Saint Louis Zoo

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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Big Truck and Safety Day in Eureka

Kids can explore a collection of big trucks and safety vehicles on display at Eureka High School during Big Truck and Safety Day.

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Under the Stars at Laumeier Sculpture Park

Join members of the St. Louis Astronomical Society for an evening of stargazing for all ages at Laumeier Sculpture Park. See what our moon and other planets look like up close while you learn about different telescopes that astronomers use.

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Unicorn Day at The Heights

Celebrate National Unicorn Day by meeting and having your picture taken with an actual unicorn*, then enjoying a unicorn story time and plenty of unicorn-themed crafts, snow cones, and face painting.

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Play Date Theater Presents Anansi the Spidder

Have you heard of the fearless spider called Anansi? This West African tale is about a cunning spider who uses all of his wit to get what he wants. This free performance will be held at the Central Library.

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Winter Wonderland in Tilles Park

Experience the holiday lights at Winter Wonderland in Tilles Park, where you'll find two million beautiful holiday lights and animated displays. This year's Winter Wonderland is drive-through only.

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Walk & Talk School Tour at the Waldorf School of St. Louis

Wednesday, December 4, 2024

Wednesday, January 8, 2025

Learn about Waldorf education by observing classes in session at the Waldorf School of St. Louis.

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Garden Glow at the Missouri Botanical Garden

More than a million lights will illuminate some of the Missouri Botanical Garden's most iconic locations, walkways will be transformed into sensory light tunnels providing an explosion of visual magic, and traditional candlelight village displays, festive drinks, s'mores and great photo opportunities will delight crowds of all ages.

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O'Fallon Celebration of Lights

The annual Celebration of Lights in Fort Zumwalt Park in O'Fallon, Mo., has been a holiday tradition since 1991.

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Garden Glow Family Nights at the Missouri Botanical Garden

Wednesday, December 4, 2024

Wednesday, December 11, 2024

Visit one of the most dazzling holiday light displays in the Midwest on these special Family Nights when children's tickets are just $5.

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Join The College School in Webster Groves for upcoming admissions events. Explore classrooms, meet expert faculty, and learn all about the benefits of experiential learning for Preschool through Eighth Grade. Admissions Quick Tours are set for December 6 and January 10, with an Early Childhood Open House on January 11 from 9 - 10:30 a.m., and Middle School Open House on February 25. Learn more and register at thecollegeschool.org.

Bring your family to Cardinals Nation Restaurant on select Wednesday nights for Family Night with Fredbird! Meet Fredbird from 6:30-7:30 p.m., play games and win prizes! Kids eat FREE per adult meal purchased from 5 to 9 p.m. (Dine-in only, for kids 12 and under) Meet Fredbird from 6:30-7:30 p.m., play games and win prizes!

For more information and reservations: cardinalsnation.com

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 while they frolic through the snow provided by the Bubble Bus! You'll enjoy photos with Santa, frolic in the flurries, a gift shop and additional festivities! Cold-Nosed Candids will be held December 7-8 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day at Purina Farms. Registration is required. Admission is free; parking is $5 per vehicle. Spots are limited. LEARN MORE AND REGISTER

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Where to Find Santa in St. Louis This Holiday Season

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Farmer's Markets Make Great Family Outings! Here is Your 2024 Guide to Farmers Markets Across the St. Louis Area

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