“Children’s China: Celebrating Culture, Character, and Confucius”
Through September
Discover fun things to do with the family
Subscribe to the St. Louis Family newsletter for family-friendly things to do and news for local parents, sent every Monday.
Visit The Magic House to take a closer look at Chinese culture in the modern world. Six exhibits bring the topic to life while integrating the teachings of Confucius. Your family can participate in such activities as celebrating the Chinese New Year with a Chinese dragon and learning about everyday life at a contemporary classroom, restaurant, park, and more. $10 admission. The Magic House, 516 S. Kirkwood, 314-822-8900, magichouse.org.
26th Annual St. Louis Earth Day Festival
April 26
The St. Louis Earth Day Festival is the second-largest Earth Day celebration in the country. The festival provides a gateway to living a more sustainable lifestyle. Participants can enjoy diverse cuisines, local musical acts, and educational activities. Free. 11 a.m.–6 p.m. Muny grounds, Forest Park, 314-282-7533, stlouisearthday.org.
Once on This Island
April 22–May 3
The Black Rep stages a Caribbean adventure that is sure to be a hit with children of all ages. It’s an adaptation of The Little Mermaid—but with a French Antilles twist. Peasant Ti Moune summons the power of the gods for the sake of her true love, Daniel. Showing for a limited time, the Calypso-themed performance will entertain the entire family. Call for prices and times. Edison Theatre, Washington University, 6445 Forsyth, 314-935-6543, theblackrep.org.
14th Annual Art on the Square
May 15–17
Enjoy the original works of more than 100 artists from around the world. Catch live performances, snack on local foods, and let the little ones enjoy an interactive section where aspiring artists can create their own masterpieces. Free. 5–10 p.m. Fri, 10 a.m.–8 p.m. Sat, 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Sun. Belleville public square, Belleville, Illinois, 618-233-6769, artonthesquare.com.
Lewis and Clark Heritage Days
May 16 & 17
This annual celebration commemorates Meriwether Lewis and William Clark’s departure from St. Charles on their epic journey more than two centuries ago. See a grand parade, as well as a military encampment, fife and drum corps muster, musket and cannon demonstrations, and performances. Free. Call for times. Frontier Park, 500 S. Riverside, St. Charles, 636-946-7776, lewisandclarkheritagedays.com.
Eighth Annual Spring to Dance Festival
May 22–24. Dance companies from across the Midwest showcase a wide range of styles. Whether your tastes run to contemporary, classical, or tap, you’ll find something to intrigue you during three nights of fun. Call or go online for times and prices. Touhill Performing Arts Center, 1 University Blvd., University of Missouri–St. Louis, 866-516-4949, dancestlouis.org.
Kimmswick Strawberry Festival
June 6 & 7
In early June, the charming town of Kimmswick celebrates the strawberry with a festival boasting craft and food vendors, carnival rides for kids, and live entertainment all over town. But the most important part: those delicious strawberries and the resulting sweets—shortcake, cheesecake, chocolate-covered strawberries… All await the strawberry lover’s consumption. Free. Call for times. Kimmswick, 636-464-6464, visitkimmswick.com.
Disney’s The Aristocats
June 17–28
Join tomcat Thomas O’Malley as he attempts to rescue catnapped Duchess and her kittens. Stages St. Louis’ jazzy production features such numbers as “Ev’rybody Wants to Be a Cat.” Call or go online for times and prices. The Playhouse at Westport Plaza, 635 Westport Plaza, 314-821-2407, stagesstlouis.org.
Fair Saint Louis
July 2–4
What better place to spend the Fourth of July weekend than at Forest Park? Fair Saint Louis will include a kids’ zone, fireworks, and the Freedom 4-Miler and Family Fun Run. And big-name acts will take the stages near Art Hill. Free. Go online for a schedule of events. Forest Park, 314-434-3434, fairsaintlouis.org.
Disney’s Beauty and The Beast
July 29–August 7
See this classic Disney love story performed under the stars. One of the best-loved musicals in the world, Beauty and the Beast is a tale as old as time. You won’t want to miss this version. Call or go online for times and prices. The Muny, 1 Theatre, 314-361-1900, muny.org.
Spellbound!
August 6–22
Protagonist Arabella summons courage, magic, and music to traverse a myth-ical land. She learns important life lessons as she encounters shapeshifting beasts, magic potions, and enchantresses. This musical from Stray Dog Theatre promises to be a funny and educational treat. Call or go online for times and prices. Tower Grove Abbey, 2336 Tennessee, 314-865-1995, straydogtheatre.org.
