Give your kids a truly international experience at Chinese Culture Days at the Missouri Botanical Garden. Become immersed in traditional Chinese arts, music, culture and cuisine at the Garden on Saturday and Sunday, May 15 and 16.
You may want to arrive by 11 a.m. on Saturday for a grand parade led by a dazzling 70-foot, 24-legged dragon winding through the crowd (this is meant to dispel bad luck and evil spirits). Traditional martial artists, lion dancers, gongs and drums follow to welcome good luck for the Year of the Tiger. The parade will be repeated again at 2 p.m. both days.
Other activities include guided tours of the Grigg Nanjing Friendship Garden, also known as the Chinese Garden, lessons in the ancient martial art of T’ai Ji, tea tastings and traditional Chinese music.
Chinese Culture Days runs from until 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both days. Admission is $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and $5 for children (ages 3 to 12) and Garden members.
By Amy Burger, Events Blogger for SmartParenting
Amy Burger is a mom, freelance writer and communications professional with nearly 20 years experience working in St. Louis. Her work has appeared in numerous publications and media outlets including STL Parent, Missouri Life magazine, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Town & Style and kdhx.org, among others. When she's not working, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two beautiful girls at home in Kirkwood.
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.
Bring your babies and toddlers to this free story time at the Missouri History Museum.
Storytelling in the Museum is an in-person storytelling event happening at 10:30 a.m. at the Missouri History Museum. This event, perfect for the preschool set, features engaging stories with themes like Grandparents Day, Hispanic Heritage Month, and mealtime. Storytelling in the Museum is free.
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.
Kids ages 1-5 are invited to a festive morning of Thanksgiving fun! They'll make a delightful Thanksgiving craft, enjoy a special story time celebrating the season of gratitude, and embark on a mini "Turkey Trot" around Walker Lake to collect some tasty treats.