Elementary Age

Little ones with big imaginations will have a blast on this nature adventure on Picnic Island in Forest Park. 

Bordered by shallow, cascading waterways, a suspension bridge, shade trees and a rock garden, Picnic Island is the perfect place for creative nature adventure. At this program, sponsored by the Missouri Department of Conservation, kids ages 0-6 will explore this beautiful paradise as they create their own story. Bring a hat, water bottle and wear shoes that can get wet.

What kind of animal eats more insects than birds? What moves more dirt around than earthworms? What lives an even more structured social life than bees? Hint: it has 6 legs and lives underground.

It’s the ant! In this program kids will discover more about ants and their astonishing variety of lifestyles. For ages 6 and up.

9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Free. At Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center. Reservations are required.

More information and reservations: mdc.mo.gov

In Shrek the Musical Jr., follow the adventures of an ogre who sets off on a quest to save a princess from a dragon. However, it turns out that to succeed, Shrek must battle an even bigger obstacle: learning how to believe in himself and open his heart to others.

This very family-friendly performance is presented by COCA.

Two performances: Friday, June 24 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, June 25 at 1 p.m. Tickets are $6 to $10.

More information and tickets: cocastl.org

Kid-favorite and award-winning entertainer Farmer Jason, whose songs focus on teaching kids about the wonders of nature, will perform a lively, interactive concert geared to kids ages 2 to 8 at the Tick Tock Tavern.

The matinee is at 2 p.m. and advance tickets are encouraged. Tickets are $10 per person; children under 24 months are free if seated on a ticketed adult's lap.

World-champion sand sculptor Dan Belcher shares tips and techniques on the art of sand sculpting at the site of his latest masterpiece, the 75-ton sandcastle on the shores of Sandcastle Beach at The Magic House. 

Kids can learn how to create their own "sandsational" sculpture using only sand and water. 

June 4 from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and June 5 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Free with regular admission. 

If you're crazy about all things Firefly this First Friday at the Saint Louis Science Center is for you.

Activities include a live taping of the Geek Universe radio show featuring Dr. Dan Yezbick of St. Louis Community College about what makes Firefly so exceptional and why it continues to have a large following, crafts from Spiderloom and Arch City Crafts, makerspace innovations with Inventor Forge, a Smuggling Challenge, a Firefly photo opp, Coloring at First Friday and more.

Experience flight and wonder at the Paper Kite Butterfly Festival at The Butterfly House. Watch paper kite butterflies fly through the tropical conservatory, see kite building demonstrations, build original butterflies. and decorate your very own kite to take home.