via Flickr/Renata of Doom
July 12–15: Shark Week at the Saint Louis Zoo
Calling all land sharks: Celebrate Shark Week at the Saint Louis Zoo with live Caribbean music and shark-themed activities. Any guests dressed as a shark will score free admission to the Stringrays at the Caribbean Cove exhibit (admission is normally $4 per person). Visitors over age 13 are not permitted to use masks or face paint, but a cool shark hat is fine. Paying customers will receive an “I Survived Shark Week” sticker and 10 percent off munchies at Ray’s Bar & Grill and the zoo gift shop. The zoo is home to shy bonnethead, white-spotted, and brown-banded bamboo sharks. Free, Saint Louis Zoo, Forest Park, 314-781-0900.
July 15–16: Teddy Bear Picnic at the Field House Museum
Take your kids to a real Teddy Bear Picnic at the Field House Museum, where you can admire toys from the past. The picnic includes a tour of the museum’s new teddy bear exhibit, a hot dog lunch, fun crafts, story time, and a teddy bear parade. 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Saturday and noon–3 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $8 for kids ages 6 and under and $15 for ages 7 and up. 634 S. Broadway, 314-421-4689.
July 15: Dive-In Movie at the Lodge of Des Peres
Watch Finding Dory while splashing around the pool at the Lodge of Des Peres. No outside tubes are allowed, but don’t worry—the lodge has plenty of tubes on a first-come, first-serve basis. Members of the Lodge and Des Peres residents can check in early, beginning at 8 p.m.; non-residents can begin checking in at 8:30 p.m. The movie begins at 9 p.m. Free for members, $5 for residents, $10 for non-residents. 1050 Des Peres, 314-835-6150.
July 15: Exploring the Chinese Garden at the Missouri Botanical Garden
Bring the kids on a great green adventure at the Missouri Botanical Garden, and explore the wonders of the Chinese Garden. Children will have fun learning about plants and enjoying hands-on activities, games, and stories. $3 children ages 6–12, free for members, plus regular admission. Two sessions: 10:30–11:30 a.m. or 1:30–2:30 p.m. No RSVP required. 4344 Shaw.
July 16: Trucks & Tails at Purina Farms
Head to Purina Farms to see more than 20 trucks and the dogs that work with them. Kids can learn why fire trucks aren’t complete without a Dalmatian and why herding dogs are a rancher’s best friend. Children can take home balloon animals and enjoy games as well. Free. 10a.m.–2p.m. 500 William Danforth Way, Gray Summit.
