Parenting is incredibly rewarding and fun, but it’s also exhausting. Everyone needs a break at some point, whether it’s just to get a few hours of quiet time, connect with friends, or have a date night. Luckily, St. Louis has a wide variety of drop-off programs that offer kids supervised play while parents can take a little time off.
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Not sure what to do with your kids over their break? Taste Buds Kitchen is open when schools are closed. If your kid thinks he’s the next Gordon Ramsay, loves to bake, or simply likes making a mess in the kitchen, this might be the option for you. Offering both summer cooking camps and school holiday camps for beginners ages 4 to teen, your kids can attend a three-hour camp and learn to make cupcakes, bread, or doughnuts.
Who: Ages 4–teen
When: Check the calendar for available dates. Three-hour camp times are determined by age.
Where: 367 Winding Woods, O’Fallon, Missouri
Cost: $65 per day
Contact: 636-224-8254
Founded nearly 25 years ago by a parent and teacher, Kidsplay aims to give parents a safe, educational, quality childcare option. Open late, with both indoor and outdoor playgrounds to accommodate all weather and educational activities, Kidsplay is an excellent option for daytime and nighttime drop-offs. Although Kidsplay does offer unannounced hourly and daily visits, the rates and availability are on a “first-come, first-serve basis,” so they recommend enrolling to ensure a spot. In addition to offering drop-in care, Kidsplay also offers infant care, two’s and three’s programs, preschool, pre-K, and KidsKlub for before and after school care.
Who: 2–12 years (call for infant availability)
When: Monday–Thursday, 6:30 a.m.–10 p.m.; Friday–Saturday, 6:30 a.m.–midnight.
Where: 2949 Highway K. O’Fallon, Missouri; 459 Lafayette, Manchester
Cost: Call for rates
Contact: O’Fallon, 636-379-9494; Manchester, 636-227-1800
Miss Kelly’s gym offers monthly Parents’ Nights Out, in which gymnastics instructors lead them through fun and safe activities, obstacles, challenges, and games. Children ages 3–10 who are potty-trained are welcome to join for $30–$35, and siblings are half price.
Who: Ages 3–10
When: Monthly dates vary. Check calendar.
Where: Bellerive Plaza, 12802 Olive, Creve Coeur
Cost: $30 for members; $35 for non-members
Contact: 314-493-1100, [email protected]
With six locations around the city–Rock Hill, Festus, Ellisville, Chesterfield, Mid Rivers, Manchester, and Gateway–Olympia Gymnastics offers a variety of themes for its monthly Kids’ Night Out events, which run from 6–10 p.m. Your kids will have more fun than you at Disco Night, Beach Party, Dinowars, Special Ops, and more.
Who: Ages 3–14
When: Monthly, 6–10 p.m. Check the calendar for availability.
Where: Multiple locations
Cost: First child $30, second child $18, third child $10
Contact: Check olympiagymnastics.org.
If your kids love bouncing, climbing, and sliding, Bounce U might be the right pick for you, and they offer school holiday camps as well. Twice monthly on Fridays, Bounce U opens its doors in the evenings for more than 3 hours of pizza, games, and bouncing. Reservations are required, and parents must pay in advance.
Who: 5 years and up
When: Twice monthly, 6–9:30 p.m. Check the calendar for dates.
Where: 17365 Edison, Chesterfield
Cost: $29 for first child, $25 for siblings
Contact: 636-532-5867
Edward Jones Family YMCA has monthly Kids’ Night Out, where 2- to 5-year olds will have free play and kindergarteners through tweens will do games, crafts, themed activities, and take advantage of the open gym and pool (be sure to bring swim clothes and towels). Oh, and there’s pizza for all ages. This YMCA also offers Y Club before and after school, summer day camp, early childhood education, School’s Out camp, and child care as well.
Who: Ages 2–12
When: 5:30–9 p.m. Check the calendar for dates.
Where: 12521 Marine, Maryland Heights
Cost: $20 for members, $35 for nonmembers
Contact: 314-439-9622, [email protected]
Little Bits Gym offers both Parents’ Nights Out and summer camp. On two Saturday evenings per month, 6:30–9:30 p.m., kids can enjoy snacks like pizza, cookies, and cupcakes, watch a movie, do crafts, play ninja, or tumble in the gym. Parents will need to create an account and fill out a waiver online.
Who: Ages 3–12 (must be potty-trained)
When: Twice monthly on Saturdays. Check the calendar for dates.
Where: 6225 Ronald Reagan, Lake Saint Louis
Cost: $35 per child
Contact: 636-312-4044
Once a month, Brentwood Community Center hosts a uniquely themed Parent’s Night Out. Kids can do crafts, eat dinner, catch a flick, play games, and even go ice skating. There is currently a waitlist for April’s event, but check back for future dates.
Who: Ages 5–10
When: Monthly, 5:30–9:30 p.m.
Where: 2505 S. Brentwood, Brentwood
Cost: $25 for residents, $30 for nonresidents
Contact: 314-963-8689
Regardless of age or experience, this art studio believes everyone is creative. It’s all in the name: Yucandu (pronounced yū-‘ken-dū). The first Friday of every month, kids grades kindergarten through fifth are invited to Kids’ Art Night Out, where they’ll craft their little hearts out making mosaics, Squishmallow paintings, and slime.
Who: Kindergarten–5th grade
When: First Fridays of every month, 6–8:30 p.m.
Where: 20 Allen, #110, Webster Groves
Cost: $45 per child
Contact: 314-963-4400
