free things to do with kids in St. Louis

Are you looking for a fun, Thanksgiving-themed, creative activity for your family? Join the World Chess Hall of Fame & Galleries for a fun, hands-on Thanksgiving-themed workshop. This festive, family-friendly program is a fun, unique way to experience chess education through creative play.

Families are invited to the Saint Louis Art Museum on Sunday afternoon to participate in free hands-on art activities with fun themes and to explore the galleries. Each Family Sunday focuses on a different family-friendly theme. 

Wear your PJs at the Saint Louis Zoo for this whimsical, after-hours Zoo adventure! Pajama Party Night features storybook readings at 10 favorite animal habitats throughout the Zoo and a special "Zootime" story at the Schnuck Family Plaza.

Kids can meet a friendly CHAMP Therapy Dog and read to them to enhance their reading skills!

Visit the Missouri History Museum on Fridays in June and July for their Summer Family Fun Series! Enjoy a variety of free family activities, including crafts, performances, food, movement, and more! All activities are tied into Museum exhibits and St. Louis history, and focus on a different theme each week. This summer kids and families can learn about Juneteenth, celebrate America’s 250th birthday, explore Vietnamese culture in STL, and discover the wonders of the Mighty Mississippi!

Enjoy a free outdoor movie at Movies on the Plaza in the Central West End. Each month, trivia and prizes kick off the fun, so arrive early. Movies begin at 8 p.m.

Wolves, foxes, African painted dogs, and maned wolves, oh my! Learn all about the eight species of canids (animals in the dog family) that live at the Endangered Wolf Center and what you can do to help endangered species. Attendees at this free program will also have a chance to meet an animal ambassador up close!