Preschool

Bring your appetites to The Magic House for a brunch fit for a Very Hungry Caterpillar! Kids will munch on delicious foods just like the Very Hungry Caterpillar, enjoy hands-on activities inspired by the book collection, create their own Eric Carle insect and have the Magic House all to themselves as they enjoy some private playtime in the Very Eric Carle exhibit.

Ike Day, a former librarian for the City of Edwardsville, will lead preschoolers through a wonderful story telling time in the treehouse at the Watershed Nature Center in Edwardsville. The stories are focused on teaching children about nature through storytelling and exploration.

The Saint Louis Science Center is one of three science centers nationwide selected by Disney Junior and XPRIZE to launch Miles from Tomorrowland: Space Missions, a nationwide STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) program for children ages 2-8.

Cardinals mascot Fredbird will visit Eckert Farms in Belleville so he can meet and greet guests.

Bring your kids to meet Fredbird between 11 and 11:30 a.m. on July 18. or from 12:30 to 1 p.m. on August 8.

The visit with Fredbird is free. No reservations are required. 

More information: eckerts.com

Insect defenses and insects' role in our ecosystems will be explored in this fun, hands-on, workshop led by Mad Science. After learning about insects, children will use their new knowledge to make their own bug model to take home. 

For ages 3-6. Free, but registration is required. This workshop will be held at the following branches of the St. Louis County Library:

Kids ages 3 to 12 can celebrate the beginning of another school year at the Back to School Bash at the Center of Clayton. Mad Science, Abra-Kid-Abra and Bricks 4 Kidz will provide games, hands-on workshops and entertainment. 

All proceeds from the event benefit KidSmart, which provides school supplies to kids in need across the metro St. Louis area. Cost is $8 per child in advance or $10 at the door. 

More information: backtoschoolbashstl.com

Don't miss a free performance from award-winning local children's musical act Babaloo. This high-energy, interactive show allows kids to get wild and wacky as they become part of the fun. 

Babaloo performs free at the St. Louis County Library on the following dates and times:

Thursday, July 2, 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. at the Tesson Ferry Branch on Lin-Ferry Drive in South County.