Illinois Metro East

American Indian Education Days at Cahokia Mounds

Learn about American Indian customs, beliefs, dress, crafts and arts at the Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site.

Share the day with Native American artists, craftspeople, demonstrators and performers.

10 am. to 5 p.m. Free.

Stop in to Vetta Sports for a free open house, featuring soccer demo classes for kids, fun on inflatables, raffles and prizes and other fun activities for kids.

Soccer demos will be led by Coach Dave Fernandez.

Open Houses will be held:

Saturday, Aug. 13 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Vetta Sports Sportsplex in Belleville, Ill.

Sunday, Aug. 14 from 1 to 4 p.m. at Vetta Sports O'Fallon, Ill.

Free and open to all.

More information: vettasports.com

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Family Tree Community Fair

Touchette Regional Hospital will once again hold its annual health event and back-to-school kickoff for families in the Metro East. This fifth annual event includes free school supplies, free boys' haircuts and health screenings for the entire family.

In addition, there will be games, kids' activities, food and prizes. The Family Tree Community fair is free and runs from 9 a.m. to noon at Touchette Regional Hospital.

More information: touchette.org

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Frozen at the Tower

Anna and Elsa from Frozen will meet and greet little fans and pose for photos on the top two levels of the Lewis & Clark Confluence Tower.

There will also be Frozen balloon art provided by Jay "The Balloon Dude."

10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Cost is $1 for children and $2 for adults.

More information: confluencetower.com

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Fireworks at the Confluence

See a stunning fireworks display from the top two levels of the Lewis and Clark Confluence Tower.

Tickets are $20 for the top level and $15 for the middle level. Seating is limited.

More information and tickets: confluencetower.com

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Fireworks at the St. Louis Regional Airport

Celebrate the July 4th holiday a bit early at this fireworks display at the St. Louis Regional Airport.

The display begins at 9:15 p.m. Free.

More information: visitalton.com

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Hummingbird Festival at Pere Marquette Lodge

Your family can learn all about hummingbirds, plus enjoy crafts & activities for kids, food and art vendors, live music, wine tastings and more at this annual festival.

Visitors can watch as local hummingbird experts measure, weigh and band the birds, and can also take a tour of the historic Lodge. Admission is free.

At Pere Marquette Lodge in Grafton, Ill. More information: visitalton.com

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Things to Do

Breakfast with Santa at The Magic House

Sunday, December 14, 2025

Sunday, December 21, 2025

This is one breakfast your family is sure to flip over! You and your little short stack are invited to enjoy Breakfast with Santa at The Magic House. Registration is required.

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Wild Lights at the Saint Louis Zoo

Delight in brilliant, colorful light displays with spectacular photo opportunities throughout the Zoo during Wild Lights. Walk through two tunnels with dazzling lights, and enjoy themed displays featuring snowflakes, candy canes, gumdrops, penguins, polar bears, tigers, giraffes and much more at this St. Louis family-favorite holiday tradition. New this year: Visits with Santa!

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Supper With Santa at The Butterfly House

Sunday, December 14, 2025

Santa is making a stop at The Butterfly House before he makes his trip around the world, and he wants to enjoy a meal with your family! Enjoy a delicious dinner, visit Santa's Workshop and Mrs. Claus's Cookie Kitchen, and have your picture taken with the guest of honor - Santa!

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Winter Wonderland in Tilles Park

Experience the holiday lights at Winter Wonderland in Tilles Park, where you'll find two million beautiful holiday lights and animated displays.

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Breakfast with Santa at the Saint Louis Zoo

Your family can enjoy a gourmet, festive breakfast buffet complete with a visit from the man of the hour: Santa.

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Families seeking festive fun over winter break are invited to join the Missouri History Museum for its annual Winter Getaway. Celebrate with make-and-take crafts, musical performances and wintery storytelling themes from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. each day. Ring in the New Year with little ones at the Noon Year’s Eve Celebration. For a complete daily schedule, visit the Museum’s website.

December 27 | Wild Winter. Explore the history and importance of animals in our region with touchable artifacts, storytelling, interactive workshops and crafts.

December 28 | All Dressed Up. Learn about all things clothing, fashion, and design, from kids to adults. Drape mannequins, design sneakers, watch a fashion show, and make your own paper dolls.

December 30 | Christmas across Europe. Discover how European Christmas traditions became part of American celebrations. Enjoy Christmas carols in a variety of languages, make ornaments and play pretend winter market.

December 31 | Noon Year’s Eve. A family celebration of the new year that ends at noon, with TWO giant balloon drops, live music, crafts and storytelling.

Step into 36,000 sq ft of tropical, action-packed fun - built for kids and grown-ups! Climb through a massive 3-story jungle gym, race down the towering volcano slide, bounce on trampolines, dive into foam pits, and explore a toddler area made just for little adventurers. Hungry? Their in-house cafe has everything you need to fuel the fun: pizza, wings, mac & cheese, funnel fries, a coffee bar, and more!

Planning a birthday? Celebrate big in epic themed party rooms like the Princess, Space, Jungle & more! Ditch the screens - plan your ultimate indoor adventure! LEARN MORE

Plan your child's summer at the biggest Summer Camp Expo in the St. Louis area, featuring 60+ local and regional summer camps offering day- and sleep-away camp experiences all across the St. Louis region and beyond. Bring your kids to Summer Expo 2026 and learn about a wide variety of summer learning and summer camp opportunities for kids of all ages. The Summer Expo is presented by Parkway-Rockwood Community Ed, sponsored by STL Parent and STL Camps, and is open to all families from any school district across the St. Louis metro area. Admission is free! 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday, February 1, 2026, at Parkway West High School. Stop by the STL Camps booth at the entrance and enter to win a free week of camp!

Learn more at summerexpostl,com

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