May is the perfect time for your family to get out and enjoy the (sometimes) perfect St. Louis weather. Have some fun as a family at these delightful outdoor events before the summer heat takes hold.
Animals Aglow at the Saint Louis Zoo
Explore the Saint Louis Zoo in the evenings at the Chinese lantern festival Animals Aglow! Animals Aglow returns to illuminate the Saint Louis Zoo for the second year with dozens of new, towering lanterns and light displays. Don't wait: Animals Aglow is open nightly just through May 11 (and makes a perfect Mother's Day treat). Your family will enjoy more than 60 glowing displays, nightly cultural performances and specialty food and beverages available for purchase. Get tickets at stlzoo.org.
Photo courtesy of the Saint Louis Zoo
Strawberry Festival at Eckert Farms
There are more than strawberries (but plenty of those too) at this festival! Kids can enjoy carnival rides, a petting farm, pony rides, the children's play area and lots more. Admission is free but there is a fee for some activities, such as unlimited carnival rides for $10 per child. The Strawberry Festival is happening at Eckert's in Belleville May 10, 11, 17 & 18, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Learn more at eckerts.com.
Photo courtesy of Eckert Farms
Art Fair at Laumeier Sculpture Park
The nationally acclaimed Laumeier Sculpture Park Art Fair is a three-day, outdoor event held annually on Mother's Day weekend and features local, regional and national artists plus hands-on, creative art experiences for all ages. Pop in to the Creation Location and you'll find hands-on art activities, play stations and interactive entertainment designed just for kids. Stroll the beautiful grounds to see amazing art, enjoy local food and drinks, art demonstrations and live music. The Laumeier Sculpture Park Art Fair is happening May 9-11. Learn more at laumeier.org.
Photo courtesy of Laumeier Sculpture Park
Suson Park Farm Fridays
Suson Park in South County is a family favorite in St. Louis because there is so much to see and do. Farm Fridays hayrides, fishing, farm games, candle making, barn tours, horse petting, Kona ice, balloon creations and more. The next Farm Friday is coming up May 16. Learn more at stlouisco.com (click on Programs and Activities) or call 314-615-8822.
Photo courtesy of St. Louis County Parks and Recreation
Kick Off to Summer in Forest Park
Hosted by Forest Park Forever, The Magic House, St. Louis Public Library and the St. Louis County Library, Kick Off to Summer is a day of free family-friendly activities in our city's crown jewel of parks. Enjoy outdoor fun with The Bubble Bus, and activity stations sponsored by each organization. Kick Off to Summer will be held in Forest Park in the Visitor's Center parking lot on Saturday, May 31 from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Photo courtesy of The Magic House
For more family fun every day see our Things To Do calendar and sign up for our Family Fun newsletter.
Main photo: Stock.
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.
LEGO Club at the St. Louis County Library is a free opportunity for kids to gather and have fun building with LEGO bricks. LEGOs are provided.
This special story is geared to little ones ages 6 months to 2 years with a parent or caregiver. In addition to stories, there will be lap bounces, songs, rhymes and more!
Visit The Magic House for Toddler Time, a special early-morning program for toddlers. Children age 1-4 can take part in exhibits and exclusive interactive activities designed just for little ones. There are new themes every week!
Enjoy food, movies, music and refreshments at Downtown Summer Nights in Kiener Plaza on Thursdays throughout the summer. This weekly celebration takes place in the shadow of the Gateway Arch every Thursday through August 28. Entertainment includes a variety of family movies like Frozen, Mamma Mia, The Wiz and more, live music and even a special presentation of Shakespeare in the Park.
