free things to do in STL with kids

It's turkey time and time to wobble to Andrews Academy for free enrichment activities for preschoolers and their grown ups.

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The Celia and Little Celia Show

Jeanie Bryan's Celia and Little Celia show is a one-of a kind musical puppetry experience featuring singalong favorites plus new, original music that delights all ages.

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Healthy Heroes Firefighter Challenge

At this health, safety and fitness-focused event, kids ages 5-10 can run a timed, obstacle course-style race and compete in simulated firefighting skills to see if they can meet the Healthy Heroes Firefighter Challenge.

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Things to Do

Garden Glow at the Missouri Botanical Garden

Monday, November 18, 2024

Tuesday, November 19, 2024

Wednesday, November 20, 2024

More than a million lights will illuminate some of the Missouri Botanical Garden's most iconic locations, walkways will be transformed into sensory light tunnels providing an explosion of visual magic, and traditional candlelight village displays, festive drinks, s'mores and great photo opportunities will delight crowds of all ages.

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Kindergarten Prep

Monday, November 18, 2024

Your child is old enough to start kindergarten, are they ready? Are you? At this special presentation, both you and your child will get a brief overview of what is expected before your child even enters the classroom. You'll also receive a free backpack and school supplies. Registration is required.

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Little Red Hen Playdate at The Waldorf School of St. Louis

Monday, November 18, 2024

Tuesday, December 17, 2024

Monday, January 13, 2025

Little Red Hen Play Dates are a wonderful way for children ages 0-6 and their caregivers to experience the magic of Waldorf Early Childhood Education. You and your child will bake bread — a weekly occurrence in the Waldorf School's Early Childhood Program — listen to stories; join in a circle time filled with songs, rhymes, and movement; and explore the outdoors in our mini meadow.

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Paws for Reading from the St. Louis County Library

Monday, November 18, 2024

Read to a friendly therapy dog from DUO Dogs, Inc. After the story, the dog's handler will answer any questions kids have about therapy dogs, pet care and more. For ages 3-11. Registration is required for this free program.

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Holiday Photo Ops with Santa Claus at The Garden Glow

Monday, November 18, 2024

Tuesday, November 19, 2024

Monday, November 25, 2024

Take memorable photos with Santa at The Missouri Botanical Garden's Garden Glow light display. During these special evenings, you and your family can take photos with Santa at Christmas-card worthy photo spots amid the sparkling wonderland of Garden Glow.

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Join The College School in Webster Groves for their Admissions Open House on Saturday, November 16 from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Explore classrooms, meet expert faculty, and learn all about the benefits of experiential learning for Preschool through Eighth Grade. Enjoy curated coffee, cocoa and cookies from the Coffee Culture truck. Register at thecollegeschool.org.

Bring your family to Cardinals Nation Restaurant on select Wednesday nights for Family Night with Fredbird! Meet Fredbird from 6:30-7:30 p.m., play games and win prizes! Kids eat FREE per adult meal purchased from 5 to 9 p.m. (Dine-in only, for kids 12 and under) Meet Fredbird from 6:30-7:30 p.m., play games and win prizes!

For more information and reservations: cardinalsnation.com

Gather your pack – your kids and your cold-nosed companions – for a pet-friendly visit with Santa this year at Purina Farms. Cold-Nosed Candids are for families and their cats and dogs to have their photos taken while they frolic through the snow provided by the Bubble Bus! You'll enjoy photos with Santa, frolic in the flurries, a gift shop and additional festivities! Cold-Nosed Candids will be held December 7-8 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day at Purina Farms. Registration is required. Admission is free; parking is $5 per vehicle. Spots are limited. LEARN MORE AND REGISTER

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