Photo by Bethany Ottens
Kids dance during a performance by the Gaslight Squares at the Whitaker Music Series at the Missouri Botanical Garden.
St. Louis Zoo: Catch the Jungle Boogie performances at the Saint Louis Zoo every Friday evening. The zoo stays open late, with live music and special kid-friendly activities starting around 5 p.m. in Schnuck Family Plaza. May 25–August 31 (no concert June 15). Saint Louis Zoo, Forest Park.
Ballpark Village: Watch family-friendly films like Ferdinand, Cars, and Beauty and the Beast projected on a 24-foot outdoor screen in the Busch II Infield on select Mondays this summer. Bring a blanket and arrive early (6 p.m.) to participate in activities related to each film. Movies start at 7 p.m. May 14, June 4, July 16, August 4, and August 20. Ballpark Village, 601 Clark.
Laumeier Sculpture Park: Get inspired by nature while bonding over art projects with your kids. Free Family Days are the perfect mix of art and nature for kids ages 4 and up. June 10 and August 12. Laumeier Sculpture Park, Kranzberg Education Lab.
Art Hill: Grab a blanket, pack cheese-sticks and juice boxes, and head to Forest Park for an alfresco performance of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. The pre-show, dubbed the Green Show, kicks off at 6:30 p.m. with period dancers, jugglers, and special activities for kids. Mainstage performance at 8 p.m. June 1–24, every nightexcept Tuesday. Shakespeare Festival St. Louis. Forest Park.
Missouri Botanical Garden: As part of the Whitaker Music Festival, families can enjoy free admission to the garden and live musical performances every Wednesday from June through August. Bring a blanket and pack a picnic (no glass), or purchase food, sno-cones, and adult beverages on-site. The Children’s Garden stays open until 7 p.m., and the music starts around 7:30 p.m. Missouri Botanical Garden.
Central Library: Mark your calendar for the 4th annual Comics Central Convention. Kids can wear their favorite cosplay costumes, participate in games, make crafts in the Star Clipper Craft Corner, attend a comics workshop, or have their portfolio reviewed by local publisher Lion Forge. Don’t miss the virtual-reality demonstration, mobile gaming with STL Game Trailer, and more than 20 vendors selling comics-themed merchandise. Step outside for a musical performance by The Shake Ups and to grab a bite at one of three food trucks. July 14,10 a.m.–3 p.m., Central Library, 1301 Olive,.
Tower Grove Park: Learn about different cultures through an array of food, art, music, and crafts at the annual Festival of Nations in Tower Grove Park. More than 75 cultures were represented last year, from Argentine to Zimbabwean. Families can learn a new dance, play international games, stroll through the world bazaar, try new fare, and make kid-friendly crafts. August 25–26, Tower Grove Park.
Fourth of July
Where to celebrate America's birthday with grand style—or hometown charm
For big fireworks...head to Fair St. Louis: The granddaddy of Fourth of July fairs returns to the Arch grounds this summer. Fair St. Louis also marks the completion of the CityArchRiver project and the grand opening of the new Arch Experience. Expect fantastic music, food, fun, and fireworks under the Arch. July 4, 6, and 7. Gateway Arch.
For nostalgia...head to Webster Groves Community Days: Rather avoid the crowds at the Arch? Celebrate the Fourth of July in Webster Groves. See a parade, visit a carnival, and eat tons of BBQ while sporting red, white, and blue. (The fair is free, but carnival rides require a wristband.) Webster Groves, Memorial Park, Webster Groves.
