As the summer months slip away and the end of August grows closer, back-to-school season is about to kick into gear—but the fun shouldn’t end there. Join together as a family and rekindle your child’s excitement for learning with stimulating activities, spoil them with a yummy sweet treat, or ignite a new passion with recreational workshops and classes.
Discover fun things to do with the family
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Use your imagination at Forest Park’s natural playground, perfect for kids fond of the outdoors and all things nature. The 17-acre play area consists of nine activity areas, featuring climbable logs, hand water pumps, tree tunnels, and more. 5595 Grand in Forest Park.
With a plethora of educational exhibitions and attractions, the Saint Louis Science Center will get your child inspired about school again. Learn about everything from the space mission to Mars to agriculture here on Earth. Don’t forget to visit the museum’s fossil friend, SUE, at the new exhibition, too! 5050 Oakland.
Imagine a giant playhouse with an art studio, a St. Louis CITY SC simulation room, and kid-friendly construction zone—are you picturing The Magic House yet? The St. Louis Children’s Museum offers hundreds of diverse, interactive exhibitions and stations for kids to continue learning creatively even after the school bell rings. MADE for Kids—The Magic House’s sister location—focuses on STEAM activities. 516 S. Kirkwood; 5127 Delmar.
Get all the jitters out on ziplines, kid-friendly ninja courses, outdoor mini golf, and more at RYZE Adventure Park. There’s activities suited for all ages, sparking the inner child in parents and letting the real ones run wild. 12420 Grace Church.
Foundry Art Centre Kids Workshops
Local artist Taylor Marrie and Foundry Education Coordinator Christine Tavares lead kids in creative success and expression in these weekend workshops at the Foundry Art Centre. Classes include painting and clay activities, and are drop-off only. Parents and guardians can enjoy the Foundry’s current exhibitions or wait in the lounge as their kids create. 520 N. Main.
Meet some furry friends, explore historic architecture, and get a close interaction with Clydesdales at Grant’s Farm, where general admission is free. Their Summer Nights experience extends throughout August, providing summer fun even into the start of the school season. 7385 Grant.
Devour some sweet treats in the vintage hearth of Crown Candy Kitchen, which is also home to St. Louis’ oldest soda machine. With housemade chocolate candies, tasty sundaes, and sandwiches perfect for lunch, this blast-from-the-past—serving since 1913—is a one-stop destination for hungry tummies after school. 1401 St. Louis.
Alongside regular menu favorites, Jilly’s Cupcake Bar and Café features a special curation of monthly cupcakes. Stop by for a celebration, birthday, or just to devour delectable cakes. Plus, they serve ice cream to wade you over the last of the hot summer months. 8509 Delmar.
Gateway Center for Performing Arts
These acting, dancing, music, and theater classes offered at the Gateway Center for Performing Arts are specialized for kids of various ages. The Center’s payment schedule is based on the number of class hours attended each week, allowing families to invest as much time and money as they’d like. 8045 Big Bend.
Looking for a playful day trip before school starts? Eckert’s in Belleville, Illinois, is a classic pick-your-own farm with seasonal fruits, vegetables, and sunflowers. Quickly plunge into fall with apple picking in August as the last of summer’s offerings dwindle. Plus, enjoy lunch at their deli, some tasty drinks from the Cider Shed, and a sweet treat from the bakery on your way out. 951 S. Green Mt, Belleville, Il.
