free things to do in St. Louis with kids

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.

Trick or Track is a family Halloween celebration featuring a costume parade and trick or treating around the National Museum of Transportation in Kirkwood.

At this free art program for ages 3-6 the focus is on the process of making art rather than the finished product. Dress to get messy!

See the Zoo's California sea lions perform acrobatic and athletic feats, including Olympic-style dives on a high-diving platform, flipper walks, frisbee tosses and plenty of surprises. While on stage with the sea lions, the Zoo's trainers explain sea lion behavior and positive-reinforcement training, in addition to the need for conserving the sea lion's ocean habitat.

Daniel Tiger is back in town and is hosting Be My Neighbor Day at Nine PBS in St. Louis! Kids and families can enjoy Be My Neighbor Day: Let's Build, featuring big truck day, one of the most popular events of the summer. 

Celebrate reading at the Little Readers Festival. This free event features a variety of activities and performances, and kids ages 5 and under will receive free books and shaved ice. Activities will be provided by the Bubble Bus, Miss Libby's Music Party, Llama Llama Story Time, and more. Guests will also get to meet Fredbird and the St. Louis Blues mascot Louie from 12:15 to 12:45 p.m.!

This 7,000 square-foot makerspace is designed for kids to play, explore create and collaborate. Visitors have a chance to "paint" on the digital easel, use a pottery wheel to create a clay creation, design for a 3D printer, launch air rockets, build robots and circuits and more!