fun things to do with kids in St. Louis

The annual St. Patrick's Day Parade in downtown St. Louis is comprised of more than 120 units, including marching bands, floats, huge cartoon character balloons, more than 5,000 marchers and lots of clowns.

Find yourself immersed in a sea of blue as the Tropical Conservancy at The Butterfly House is flooded with 1500 Blue Morpho Butterflies during Morpho Mardi Gras. Join the party at the Bugs on Parade, make a masquerade mask, and inaugurate the season with the majestic creatures. The Opening Weekend Carnival also includes the Frog Princess, crafts, games, and a musical "petting zoo."

Let your kids have creative fun at Yucandu Art Studio over winter break! There will be multiple projects for each child to make using a variety of materials.

Winterfest will host some of your children's favorite princesses and superheroes this year, and you're invited to meet and take photos with them! 

Enjoy the iconic lights that adorn the Anheuser-Busch Brewery close up during walking tours. Brewery Lights features more than one million twinkling lights and lots of family friendly activities. New this year is an enhanced parade with Clydesdales and street performers, giant branded nutcrackers and interactive stage performances.

Drop off your kids for these gift workshops and they'll become creative little elves! Each child participating in Gift Workshops will make and wrap three fantastic gifts you are sure to love. No peeking!

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.