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Discover fun things to do with the family
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Silhouettes by Erik at Urban Fort | October 7
Third-generation silhouette artist Erik Johnson returns to Urban Fort for a day of custom keepsakes. Families can reserve individual time slots for hand-cut silhouette portraits, with duplicate copies and framing also available. Urban Fort Play, 3701 Foundry Way. $30 per silhouette; $15 for duplicates; reservations required.
Storytime with Cinnamon Anderson | October 7
Little readers can enjoy stories, floor-mat play, toys, simple crafts, and treats during a special storytime at Betty’s Books. Local author Cinnamon Anderson will lead the morning in celebration of her picture book Mama Mae’s Bakery and stick around for a book signing. 10–11 a.m. Betty’s Books, 8772 Big Bend. Free; registration requested.
100 Years in the Hundred Acre Wood | October 9
Celebrate a century of Winnie the Pooh with a special storytime and themed crafts at St. Louis County Library’s Eureka Hills Branch. The program is designed for children ages 3–8, and registration is recommended. 10 a.m. Eureka Hills Branch, 500 Workman. Free.
Best of Missouri Market | October 9–11
The Missouri Botanical Garden’s beloved fall market returns with more than 150 vendors offering handcrafted goods, local food, plants, jewelry, beer, wine, and more. Families can also stop by the Kids’ Corner for a petting zoo, face painting, pumpkin decorating, balloon art, and other activities. 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Missouri Botanical Garden, 4344 Shaw. $18 adults; $9 children ages 3–12; member pricing available.
Puzzle Like a Pirate | October 9
Older kids and teens can put their puzzle-solving skills to the test during this pirate-themed mystery at Adventures of Intrigue. Crews will explore the immersive 9,500-square-foot space while unraveling the suspicious disappearance of legendary pirate Captain Barney Cole. 6–9 p.m. Adventures of Intrigue, 2400 S. Jefferson. Ages 12+; $35 per person or $120 for a crew of four.
Boo at the Zoo | October 9–30
The Saint Louis Zoo’s non-scary Halloween tradition returns on select nights with festive decorations, roaming performers, nighttime animal viewing, and fall treats. New this year, families can see Dinoroarus after dark, explore the indoor Primate House, and take an evening ride on the “Booline” Railroad. A sensory-friendly night is planned for October 12. This is not a trick-or-treating event. 5–8:30 p.m. Saint Louis Zoo. $13 members; $16 non-members; free for children younger than 2.
St. Louis Teen Book Festival | October 10
Teen readers can spend the day with bestselling authors during St. Louis County Library’s free Teen Book Festival. The lineup includes Lynn Painter, Jasmine Guillory, Hafsah Faizal, Maureen Johnson, Scott Reintgen, and more, with panel discussions, author talks, and book signings throughout the event. Starting at 10 a.m. Clark Family Branch, 1640 S. Lindbergh. Free.
The St. Louis Children’s Choirs Fall Concerts: Share | October 10
Pack a picnic and spend the afternoon with The St. Louis Children’s Choirs during Share, a series of four informal mini concerts celebrating music and community. Families can bring their own picnic or purchase food onsite, with performances throughout the afternoon featuring different choir ensembles. Children ages 4 and older are welcome. 1, 2:30, 4, and 5 p.m. Parkway United Church of Christ, 2841 N. Ballas. $5.
Spirits of the Past | October 10
Step into the past after dark during a lantern-lit walk through the Historic Daniel Boone Home village. Guests will encounter storytelling vignettes inspired by legends, memories, and generations past along dimly lit paths. Visitors can choose a village-only ticket or add admission to the Boone Home. Evening hours. Historic Daniel Boone Home, 1868 Hwy F. $10 village only; $15 village and Boone Home.
Historic Shaw Art Fair | October 10–11
More than 120 artists will line Flora Place for the 34th annual Historic Shaw Art Fair, featuring ceramics, painting, photography, jewelry, fiber art, sculpture, and more. Families can browse the work, enjoy live music and food, and visit the student art gallery. October 10, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.; October 11, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Flora Place at Tower Grove Avenue. $8 advance weekend pass; $10 at the gate; ages 14 and younger free with an adult.
Howl at Powell | October 11
Costumes are encouraged at the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra’s not-so-scary Halloween concert for families. The 45-minute program will feature playful melodies, ghostly tunes, and seasonal surprises, with pre-concert activities beginning an hour before the performance. The concert is recommended for ages 6 and older, and sensory accommodations are available. 3 p.m. Powell Hall, 718 N. Grand.
CottleWeen Halloween Movie Nights | Through October 29
Pack the blankets and lawn chairs for free Halloween movies under the stars at Cottle Village. Every Thursday in October, The Field will take on an old-school drive-in feel with a 15-foot screen, popcorn, candy, themed snacks and drinks, and optional personal firepit rentals. The lineup starts with Hocus Pocus and continues with Beetlejuice, The Nightmare Before Christmas, Hotel Transylvania, and Halloweentown. If it rains, Thursday screenings will move to Sunday at 6:30 p.m. The Field at Cottle Village, 6470 State Route N. Free; optional firepit rentals $25.
Circus Harmony Halloween shows | Through October 31
Circus Harmony is putting the tricks in trick-or-treat all month long with family-friendly Halloween performances at City Museum and Grant’s Farm. Expect unicycling skeletons, wire-walking witches, juggling jesters, aerialists, acrobats, and more. Shows are included with admission to either attraction. City Museum; select Thursdays–Sundays at Grant’s Farm. Included with venue admission.
NEW: Ready Readers Storybook Walk
Ready Readers recently unveiled its first permanent Storybook Walk at Fogerty Park in University City. Families can follow a children’s book page by page along a paved park path, combining reading, movement, and outdoor play. Featured books will rotate throughout the year. Fogerty Park, 1540 N. 82nd. Free.
