Family Archives

Top family-friendly events this week in St. Louis

From Disney characters on ice and giant trucks to free art festivals, little-reader fun, and a Dolly Parton-inspired singalong, these St. Louis-area events give families plenty of reasons to get out of the house this September.

Family

As free book access shrinks in Missouri, St. Louis’ Book Lady hopes to expand her literacy mission to fill the gaps

While new enrollments in Dolly Parton’s statewide Missouri book program are on hold, Linda Mitchell is working to put free books in more Metro East homes and finding new ways to sustain the Metro East Literacy Project.

by Emily Adams September 21, 2026 September 22, 2026

Family

The Novel Neighbor’s new stroller book club lets parents read without the homework

Strollers and Stories gives St. Louis parents and caregivers an hour to choose their own audiobook, walk with their little ones, and connect with other grown-ups, with no assigned title or discussion questions required.

by Emily Adams September 18, 2026 September 18, 2026

Family

St. Louis spots for kids who love planes, trains, and automobiles

Hop aboard pint-size locomotives, climb aboard transportation history, see planes up close, and more.

by SLM Staff September 17, 2026 September 17, 2026

Branded Content

A day in the life of Megan Sinclair

Here’s how Sinclair’s Lincoln Navigator helps her move from school drop-off to the showroom.

by SLM Partner Studio

Family

Why are we turning the splash pads off in September?

It’s a million degrees outside.

by Collin Preciado September 16, 2026 September 16, 2026

Family

St. Charles siblings Kamdenboy & Kyraboo take their YouTube success to the recording studio

With more than 1 billion YouTube views and recurring roles on Abbott Elementary, the young St. Louis–area stars are expanding their family-friendly world with a 10-song debut album.

by Emily Adams September 15, 2026 September 16, 2026

Party Pics

Photos: St. Louis Kids Book Club at Meramec Valley Branch

On September 10, families attended the monthly St. Louis Kids Book Club, presented by PNC and The Clark Family, and hosted by St. Louis County Library. This event took place at the Meramec Valley Branch and featured “The Future Book” by Mac Barnett.

by SLM Staff September 15, 2026 September 15, 2026

Family

John Burroughs senior combats medical misinformation with digital publication

Inspired by her research at WashU, high school senior Mia Schactman co-founded “Under the Microscope” to translate complex medical science into accessible, reliable news for the community.

by Drew Gieseke September 7, 2026 September 2, 2026

Family

Principia students design 3D-printed devices to help people with disabilities

Two teams from the St. Louis school became finalists in the international Make:able Challenge after designing assistive devices for members of the local community.

by Charlie Blasingame September 7, 2026 September 8, 2026

Family

Kids Club St. Louis opens with indoor play, ninja classes, and more for kids ages 0–10

From toddler movement classes to ninja obstacle courses, the new concept from Cheer St. Louis helps kids burn energy while building strength, balance, coordination, and confidence.

by Emily Adams September 4, 2026 September 4, 2026

Family Fun Guides

St. Louis spots for kids who love planes, trains, and automobiles

Hop aboard pint-size locomotives, climb aboard transportation history, see planes up close, and more.

by SLM Staff

Top things to do this month in St. Louis

Festivals, performances, exhibits, and more

by SLM Staff

Festival of Nations returns to Tower Grove Park this weekend

Hosted by the International Institute of St. Louis, the two-day festival on August 29 and 30 brings together food, retail, and performances from around the globe.

by Melissa Meinzer

10 corn mazes to visit near St. Louis

Find your way out of these fun mazes this fall.

by SLM Staff

Where to go apple picking near St. Louis

Prep for the arrival of fall with a trip to one of these local orchards.

by SLM Staff

Branded Content

What makes Pulaski County one of Missouri’s best weekend escapes

Pulaski County invites St. Louis travelers to spend a weekend floating scenic rivers, exploring Route 66, discovering local restaurants, and uncovering hidden gems just a short drive from home.

by SLM Partner Studio

Family

St. Louis mom launches line of plant-dyed baby essentials

After becoming a mother, former assistant fashion buyer Emily Hiemenz launched Emily Rose Botanicals.

by Emily Adams September 1, 2026 September 2, 2026

Dining

Café O’Play will bring coffee, food, and kid-friendly play to University City this fall

Slated to open October 21, the café from Urban Sprouts was dreamed up by preschoolers and designed with families in mind, with future plans to expand into after-school programming and food access for local families.

by Emily Adams September 1, 2026 September 5, 2026

Family

Ms. Karly Dances makes movement accessible for kids of all ages and abilities

From babies bouncing in their caregivers’ arms to children finding their own way across the dance floor, Karly Pierce Lystad’s St. Louis classes put joy, play, and inclusion first.

by Emily Adams August 31, 2026 August 31, 2026

Family

Elephant Baby postpartum retreat for moms could be coming to St. Louis

The St. Louis–based agency hopes to create The Well, a North County retreat where mothers can rest, recover, and find support at every stage of postpartum life.

by Megan Rubenstein August 31, 2026 August 28, 2026

Family

Meet Brian the Balloon Guy, the St. Louis balloon artist taking kids’ parties to the next level

From twisting party balloons to building a 15-foot mummy and 6-foot Charizard, the local entertainer has earned thousands of social media followers and a reputation as the “Blippi of balloons.”

by Caitlin Kerfin August 26, 2026 August 26, 2026

Family

Inside the St. Louis bubble factory behind the beloved Bubble Bus

For nearly 20 years, John and Beth Reider have delighted local families with the Bubble Bus. Now their Shrewsbury-based Atomic Bubbles makes everything from glowing bubbles to bacon-scented bubbles for dogs—and ships them around the world.

by Emily Adams August 26, 2026 August 26, 2026

Family

How to parent your college student without hovering

A WashU psychologist shares how parents can shift from managing to coaching while helping students navigate homesickness, independence, mental health, and the inevitable “pink sock” moments.

by Emily Adams August 25, 2026 August 25, 2026

Family

The Magic House reimagines Trike Town with new Route 66 exhibit

Opening August 22, “Trike Town: Route 66 Highway to Fun” lets kids pedal past pint-sized versions of St. Louis landmarks while celebrating the Mother Road’s 100th anniversary.

by Emily Adams August 19, 2026 August 19, 2026