Bluey’s Big Play
Bluey’s Big Play is a brand-new theatrical adaptation of the Emmy® award-winning children’s television series, with an original story by Bluey creator Joe Brumm, and new music by Bluey composer, Joff Bush. Join the Heelers in their first live theatre show made just for you, featuring brilliantly created puppets, this is Bluey as you’ve never seen it before, brought to real life.
Evolution Festival
August 26-27, 2023
Forest Park
Tickets are on-sale now to see Brandi Carlile, The Black Keys, The Black Crowes & more. A new, elevated music festival experience coming to St. Louis in Summer 2023
Festival of the Little Hills
St. Charles Main Street: 230 S. Main Street, St Charles, MO 63301
August 18-20, 2023
Midwest’s Premier Arts and Craft festival, complete with a Kids Corner!
Festival of Nations
Tower Grove Park: 4257 Northeast Drive, St. Louis, MO 63110
August 26-27, 2023
Our region’s largest multicultural celebration features more than 40 booths, non-stop dance and music, arts and crafts, and an international bazaar with unique gifts from around the world.
Grant’s Farm Summer Nights
Friday and Saturday Nights during summer
Live music is from 6 pm to 9 pm on Summer Nights. They are evenings filled with live music, good food and drink, and laid-back gatherings with family and friends. To join, simply purchase a Summer Nights Parking Ticket for the date of your choice.
In the Library with Louie (from the STL Blues)
See schedule for dates and locations
Louie is teaming up with the St. Louis County Public Library to visit different libraries in the St. Louis metro area. Louie will go over L.I.F.E. Goals with the visitors to the library. L.I.F.E. stands for learning, imagination, fueling your body, and exercising.
Kids attending a In the Library with Louie event will have the opportunity to answer hockey riddles, discuss their favorite healthy foods and snacks, actually do exercises with Louie, and practice their slapshots on an inflatable Slapshot machine. All participants will have an opportunity to meet Louie after the program.
Kimmswick Strawberry Festival
June 3-4, 2023, 10am-5pm
Historic Downtown Kimmswick
The Strawberry Festival will be bursting with fresh strawberries, strawberry shortcake, chocolate-covered strawberries, strawberry cheesecake, and strawberry iced-tea. Enjoy your favorite festival foods, too, like kettle corn, shish kebobs, funnel cakes, onion blossoms, BBQ, hamburgers and hotdogs and roasted corn on the cob along with many others.
Parking will be at Windsor Intermediate and High School campus on Highway 61/67 for a small fee. Bus Shuttles will run throughout the day to bring you back and forth. Handicap parking spaces at the Windsor Elementary School in Kimmswick are very limited. There is also parking at the two fields on each side of Hwy K and you can walk in from there. Weather permitting, of course.
Lantern Glow at Brookdale Farms
Jun 10, 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Brookdale Farms, 8004 Twin River Rd, Eureka, MO 63025, USA
Join us at Brookdale Farms for a magical and unforgettable experience at our Water Lantern Glow on June 10th, 2023! Immerse yourself in an evening filled with, live music by Kenny Deshields, a low-ropes course, and a mesmerizing display of lanterns!
Laumier Sculpture Park
Kick off your summer weekends at Laumeier Sculpture Park with their Finally Friday Series. Each Friday this summer, you’ll find food and beverage vendors onsite at the Park from 4-8 p.m. So grab a drink and a bite and celebrate that it is finally Friday!
Let them Eat Art
Historic Downtown Maplewood
Friday, July 7, 2023
6 pm – 10 pm
“Featuring live art demonstrations, performances by regional musicians and kids’ activities, plus food and drink from Maplewood’s award-winning food purveyors, Let Them Eat Art serves as a celebration of the arts and a whimsical tribute to Bastille Day. There will be plenty of shopping along the way, too: Maplewood retailers will have extended hours and offer special event-only promotions.”
Little Mermaid at the St. Louis Science Center on the IMAX screen
May 26 – June 4, 2023
If you’ve been waiting to see this summer blockbuster, catch it on the IMAX screen!
5050 Oakland Avenue, St Louis, MO 63110
The Muny
Catch a family-friendly show at the nation’s largest outdoor theater! If you haven’t seen a show on the Muny stage yet, you don’t know what you are missing. Bringing in national talent and blending it with the local talent of STL area teens and kids creates a one-of-a-kind experience for theater-goers.
2023 Season:
June 12 – 18: Beautiful The Carole King Musical
June 22 – 30: Disney’s Beauty and the Beast
July 5 – 11: Chess
July 15 – 21: West Side Story
July 25 – 31: Little Shop of Horrors
August 4 – 10: Rent
August 14 – 20: Sister Act
1 Theatre Drive, St. Louis, MO 63112
Pig and Whiskey Festival
July 28-30, 2023
Featuring some of the area’s most beloved BBQ joints, national and local bands, craft cocktails, lots of Schlafly beer, and of course – whiskey, bourbon, scotches, and more. Pig & Whiskey is family friendly complete with interactive games for all ages, bounce houses, a vendor village, bull riding, and more! Adults can stroll down Whiskey Row, or get new recipe ideas from our local mixology and chef stage.
Play Day in the Park
June 10, 2023 from 10am-2pm
From fishing and bubbles, to roller skating and robotics, there will be fun activities for kids ages 4 – 12 years. This family-focused free event is a “play-full” way to kick off the summer, while highlighting the power of play in children’s lives!
The Princess Bride: Live In Concert
June 16-18, 2023
Join your St. Louis Symphony Orchestra and embark on a swashbuckling adventure filled with romance, wit, and daring duels in The Princess Bride: Live in Concert. Experience one of the most beloved films of all time as never before—with the power of a full symphony orchestra performing the entire musical score live-to-picture.
Sauce Food Truck Friday
JUNE 9 4-8PM
JUNE 23 4-8PM
JULY 14 4-8PM
JULY 28 4-8PM
AUGUST 18 4-8PM
SEPTEMBER 8 3:30-7:30PM
SEPTEMBER 22 3-7PM
Tower Grove Park
Trucks line up along Southwest Drive between Kingshighway Boulevard and Center Cross Drive. Southwest Drive is closed to personal vehicle traffic during the event. Please note that drivers CANNOT ENTER at Kingshighway Boulevard. Please enter the park on Magnolia Avenue or Arsenal Street. Directional signs in the park will show the way.
St. Charles County Fair
July 25 – 29, 2023
Livestock
Fair Queen Pageant
Rides
Motorsports
Rotary Park: 2577 W. Meyer Road, Foristell, MO 63348
St. Louis Shakespeare Festival
Twelfth Night
May 31 – June 25, 2023
Forest Park: 6604 Fine Arts Drive, St. Louis, MO 63110
Bring blankets, chairs, food, and drink and enjoy this adaptation of one of Shakespeare’s plays. There are activities for kids before the play starts and everyone will enjoy the play at sunset. Seating for Shakespeare in the Park is FREE and open to all on a first come first serve basis. No reservations required, but a limited number of pre-reserved seating options are now available for purchase.
St. Louis World’s Fare Heritage Festival
Forest Park – Upper Muny Lot
1 Theatre Dr, St. Louis, MO 63112
September 2-4, 2022
“St. Louis World’s Fare will be held on September 3-5, 2021. There will be performing arts stage; 1904 worlds fair society and history displays; kids island; backyard games; bar olympics; healing arts center with free yoga classes; historic shuttle tours; ferris wheel; food truck row; and much more.”
Summer Family Fun Series
Missouri History Museum : 5700 Lindell Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63112
Thursdays throughout the summer
Join us on Wednesdays and Fridays every week in June and July for summer fun. Enjoy a variety of family activities, including crafts, performances, and scavenger hunts on Wednesdays, and then visit us again on Fridays for Storytelling in the Museum and Cuentos en el Museo programs at 10:30am, followed by a two-hour drop-in craft workshop. The Summer Family Fun Series is great for children ages 2–12!
Summer Friday Festivals: Firefly Festival at the Butterfly House
Faust Park Butterfly House: 15193 Olive Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63017
June 17, 2022 7:30 – 9:00 pm
Celebration of the firefly with activities that showcase their amazing talents.
Summer Storytime in the Nature Playscape
Nature Playscape in Forest Park
Join us for Summer Storytime in the Nature Playscape on Monday mornings at 10:00 a.m. from June 5 to July 24. Our St. Louis Public Library partners lead stories and songs in the Meadow. Bring your imagination, and we’ll bring snacks, water and picnic blankets!
Twilight Thursdays at the Missouri History Museum
June 1 – The Stax Records Catalog
6 – 8 pm
Catch the final Twilight Thursday at the Missouri History Museum! This popular, free outdoor concert series takes place on the North Lawn and brings a lineup of spectacular shows from local musicians and bands. Grab your blankets and lawn chairs, pack your picnic basket, and listen to music under a beautiful Forest Park sunset. Some of the area’s best food trucks will also be on hand each week.
Bring family, friends, and food, and revel in the music as the sun sets. Museum galleries are open late, and some of the area’s best food trucks will be on hand.
Metro East
Bellevue Summer Concert Series
Concerts at the Square
10 Public Square, Belleville, IL 62220
“Bring your lawn chairs and settle in for some great music outdoors in downtown Belleville on the square. Every Monday, a different band will entertain the public, FREE, starting at 7 pm
Concerts at Bellevue Park
401 Bellevue Park Drive, Belleville, IL 62226
“Enjoy the summer nights and great music outdoors at our historic park. Every Thursday evening, different bands will entertain the public FREE, starting at 7 pm.”
Eckert’s Events in Belleville
Adults and kids alike will find much to do this summer at Eckert’s! With live music, their Bites + Flights events pairing food with their hard cider, kids eat free events in their restaurant, a Father’s Day Luau Bash, and more … Eckert’s is the place to be this summer!
951 S. Green Mt. Road, Belleville, IL 62220
Tour de Belleville
June 10, 2023
Rides begin at 11 am
The Tour de Belleville is a family friendly, noncompetitive trek over a relatively easy course to give riders a scenic view of the city. For everyone’s safety, helmets are required.
Choose a 6 mile course, or a 16 mile route.
951 S. Green Mount Road, Belleville, IL
Outdoor
Bee Tree Park
2701 Finestown Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63129
Located on the Mississippi River, Bee Tree Park offers gorgeous views and lots of fun. Families can enjoy the 10-acre lake that is stocked by the Missouri Department of Conservation, five hiking trails, a playground, and numerous picnic sites.
The Boathouse Paddle Co
“We know why you really came to The Boathouse at Forest Park. The food was a bonus, but you came here to live out your childhood dream as a pirate or a naval commander. Well, we won’t burst your bubble. We can’t offer you the high seas, but Post Dispatch Lake is a fantastic place to launch a mini-expedition on our paddle boats, canoes, kayaks, and paddle boards. Our boats may not be the USS Constitution, but we can promise they’ll float.
We open every morning, and close around sunset each night. Rent our boats by the hour to explore Forest Park from an entirely new perspective. Stay up to date on special events like moonlight picnics and paddleboard yoga.”
6101 Government Drive, St. Louis, MO 63110
Castlewood Stables
Dates are scheduled out one month at a time. Check website often for new dates to open up!
Check out their parent-and-me events on select weekends throughout the summer! At these events, horses and ponies are saddled up and available in the arena for kids to ride. To ensure you don’t spend all morning standing in lines waiting for horses, they also have a petting zoo with everything from a rhea bird to a zebra and so many other animals to feed and interact with, and a fun craft. You’ll have two hours at your own pace to spend the morning as you wish!
15811 Jedberg Lane, Ballwin, MO 63021
Circus Flora
June 1 – 25, 2023
This summer, Circus Flora enters the daring world of espionage! With nods to beloved spy stories throughout the years, Undercover introduces the world’s top double agent who faces an archvillain obsessed with world domination. Our spy has plenty of helpful allies – but the villain has a team, too. Will good overcome bad . . . and how?
Aerialists, acrobats, contortionists, and comedians will craft this thrilling story, which will captivate your whole family!
3401 Washington Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63103
Castlewood State Park
1401 Kiefer Creek Road, Ballwin, MO 63021
The park has hiking and mountain biking trails that range from those great for first-time riders to ones that even the most experienced will return to time after time. Good fishing, broad meadows filled with wildlife, and plenty of recreational facilities make the park a favorite for people who want an adventure or just to get away.
Creve Coeur Lake Memorial Park
“Creve Coeur Lake Memorial Park is 2,145 acres in size. Located in Maryland Heights, Missouri, it is the largest park in St. Louis County parks system. You will never run out of stuff to do while visiting the park because there is something for everyone. In the warmer seasons, guests can rent boats or bicycles to spend the day adventuring. Getting out on the water is a blast if you rent a canoe, kayak, or paddleboard. If you just want to take in the breathtaking view of the lake, try the 3.8 mile asphalt trail that surrounds the lake. This loop trail is ideal for walkers, runners, bikers, or other activities like rollerblading. Pets are also welcome as long as they are kept on a leash.”
13725 Marine Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63146
Eckert’s for Strawberry + Peach Picking
(check website to see which fruits are in season)
951 S. Green Mt. Road, Belleville, IL 62220
Endangered Wolf Center
“The Endangered Wolf Center is a non-profit wildlife facility in Eureka, Missouri, United States, near St. Louis that is dedicated to preserving and reintroducing to the wild critically endangered species of wolves. It is certified by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.”
6750 Tyson Valley Road, Eureka, MO 63025
Forest Park
“Forest Park, which is owned and operated by the City of St. Louis, is considered one of the nation’s greatest urban public parks. The Park’s 1,300 acres feature beautiful landscapes sprinkled with forests, ecosystems, nature reserves, lakes and streams, as well as five of the region’s major cultural institutions and endless opportunities for recreation. Forest Park attracts 13 million visitors each year, making it the sixth most visited urban park in the United States.
Forest Park truly offers something for everyone — amazing destinations and institutions that challenge the mind, a Dual Path system that invites both leisurely walks and intense workouts, quiet places to picnic and read, and a variety of popular festivals and events — all set in the background of a city oasis, a place to escape it all.”
Within Forest Park, you will find the Missouri History Museum, The Muny, the St. Louis Art Museum, and the St. Louis Science Center. You will also find athletic fields, and a golf course.
Forest Park Nature Playscape
“An exciting new Forest Park destination is now open to the public. Funded by donors to Forest Park Forever and completed in partnership with the City of St. Louis, the Anne O’C. Albrecht Nature Playscape is a 17-acre experiential play space with natural landscapes that include native and diverse species. Featuring nine distinct activity distinct activity areas, the free destination includes sand play areas, willow tunnels, stump steppers, boulders and rocks, hand water pumps and much more. The goal: Encourage visitors — especially kids — to connect with nature as they engage their senses as they explore, discover and learn.”
Located in Forest Park between the World’s Fair Pavillion and the Jewel Box.
Concourse Drive, St. Louis, MO 63110
Go Ape! Zipline
“Go Ape Zipline & Adventure Park takes scenic to new levels, literally, up to 45 feet in the trees. Our aerial adventure offers amazing views of the natural lake and surrounding woodlands. Our high-ropes course takes between 2-3 hours to complete.
So much more than a canopy tour, the Go Ape Treetop Adventure will have you navigating 31 crossings with suspended obstacles, jumping into our Tarzan swings and flying from the treetops to the ground on one of our five ziplines.”
13219 Streetcar Drive, Maryland Heights, MO 63043
Golf at the Galleries
June 9 – August 16, 2023
Join us for the 6th season of this playable, artist-designed, nine-hole mini golf installation, designed to be inclusive, family friendly and accessible. All proceeds from Golf the Galleries support The Sheldon’s visual arts programming, offering opportunities for local and national artists to share their work with the St. Louis community through free gallery exhibitions and educational programs.
3648 Washington Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63108
Grant’s Farm
“Grant’s Farm celebrates America’s past with a commitment to the future. Honoring both the 18th president of the United States and the Busch family legacy, the Farm is a refuge for more than 900 animals, representing more than 100 different species.” A popular St. Louis destination since 1954, Grant’s Farm is the 281-acre ancestral home of the Busch family, named for Ulysses S. Grant who originally worked a portion of the land. Take a tram ride through the deer park, feed baby goats, ride a camel or a carousel and finish the day off with an ice cold Budweiser!
10501 Gravois Road, St. Louis, MO 63123
Lone Elk Park
Drive through wildlife park, free to the public, however donations are encouraged. “Lone Elk Park is a wildlife management area, with bison, wild turkey, waterfowl, elk and deer. Motorcycles are prohibited. Domestic animals are not allowed, even if confined in a vehicle.”
1 Lone Elk Park Road, St. Louis, MO 63088
Meramec Caverns
Beneath the fertile rolling hills of the Meramec Valley, lies a complex of mineral formations and color as rare and unique as they are beautiful. These jewels of nature which took thousands of years to grow, are preserved in the spectacular sights of Meramec Caverns.
Guided tours by trained rangers are conducted along well-lighted walkways. Learn how an ancient limestone “Wine Table” and an entire 7-story mansion were formed… all underground. On tour you will see both the rarest and largest cave formations in the world.
Best part? The caves are a cool 60 degrees, year round … what better place to spend a hot, sticky, humid summer day than at Meramec Caverns? Yes, it’s a bit outside of the St. Louis area limits, but it’s well worth the drive.
1135 Hwy W., Sullivan, MO 63080
Missouri Botanical Gardens
A greenhouse dome, a Victorian home & gardens, a butterfly house & more spread across 79 acres. There’s also a children’s garden open from April to October. Tickets are available online or when you arrive.
Don’t miss the Chihuly exhibit in the Garden from May 2 – October 15, 2023.
4344 Shaw Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63110
The Muny
“What began as a grassy spot between two oak trees has grown into the nation’s oldest and largest outdoor musical theatre. The Muny’s storied history is one of vision, perseverance and commitment to culture and community. Think of The Muny as a blank canvas to a memorable night out. You’ll always see a great show, but the rest of the experience is entirely up to you. Picnic in the grass or a cocktail in the pavilion? Suit and tie or Saturday shorts? Date night or group outing? At The Muny, the answer is always yes!”
1 Theater Drive, St. Louis, MO 63112
Rockwoods Reservation
2751 Glencoe Road, Wildwood, MO 63038
Explore the springs, caves, and rock formations as you hike the trails at Rockwoods Reservation. Kids can have fun splashing in the creek beds and searching for the various animals and plants that call the reservation home. The Rockwoods Reservation Visitor Center is currently closed to the public.
Six Flags St. Louis
Come experience Missouri’s largest, most thrilling theme park filled with over 45 exciting rides, shows, & attractions!
4900 Six Flags Road, Eureka, MO 63025
St. Louis City SC
Catch a soccer game at one of the St. Louis City SC’s home games!
326 S. 21st Street, St. Louis, MO 63103
St. Louis Zoo
“Home to over 12,000 animals, representing 500 species, the St. Louis Zoo is recognized worldwide for its innovative approaches to animal care and management, wildlife conservation, research, and education. One of the few FREE zoos in the nation, the St. Louis Zoo attracts approximately 3 million visitors annually and is the most visited attraction in the region. And, as a free zoo, visitors are encouraged to come back again … and again!
1 Government Drive, St. Louis, MO 63110
Wabash, Frisco, + Pacific Railroad
1:00am – 4:00pm on Sundays only
First Sunday in May through the last Sunday in October
The Wabash, Frisco, and Pacific Railroad invites you to come aboard our 12 inch gauge steam railroad! The ride is a two mile round trip lasting about 40 minutes and travels along the scenic Meramec River.
101 Grand Avenue, Glencoe, MO 63038
World Bird Sanctuary
“World Bird Sanctuary is both a unique St. Louis attraction and entertaining environmental education opportunity. With over 305 acres and over 200 animals in our care, we offer a one-of-a-kind wildlife experience. World Bird Sanctuary’s mission is to preserve, protect and inspire to safeguard bird species as part of the global community for future generations.” … “World Bird Sanctuary bustles with activity on 305 acres of Missouri hardwood forest, featuring our public buildings, avian exhibits and five hiking trails.”
125 Bald Eagle Ridge Road, Valley Park, MO 63088
Metro East
Alton Summer Night Market
Jacoby Arts Center – 627 E. Broadway, Alton, IL 62002
Join us every Thursday night from 7-10pm for the Night Market ~ an awesome summer series where you can enjoy live music in an outdoor setting, plus artwork and other handmade/homegrown products, as well as vintage & hip thrift items! The event will take place both indoors in the gallery of Jacoby Arts Center (627 E. Broadway) as well as outdoors in the neighboring pocket park which bring the 600 block of Broadway to life. Walk next door to have dinner at FLOCK food truck park!
Thursday nights June 1-July 27, 2023
Edwardsville Arts in the Park
Edwardsville City Park- 101 South Buchanan St., Edwardsville, IL 62025
“Bring a picnic and a blanket while you meet your neighbors and friends to one or all of Edwardsville most treasured summer events – June to September enjoy arts, entertainment, and activities in Edwardsville City Park.”
Includes Children’s Art in the Park, Concerts in the Park, Movies in the Park, Summer Symphony Series, and Shakespeare in the Park
International Horseradish Festival
June 2-3, 2023
11am-10pm
101 W. Main Street, Collinsville, IL 62234
“Come to Collinsville, Illinois to be a part of the fest devoted to all things horseradish celebrated the first weekend in June in Uptown Collinsville on Main Street.
Where else can you learn how to prepare your own horseradish, join in any of the classic Horseradish Festival Contests, visit the Craft Village, or just sample the food and listen to the Live music.”
Pere Marquette State Park
13112 Center Lane, Grafton, IL 62037
Located on the Great River Road just north of Grafton, Pere Marquette State Park offers miles of hiking trails and bike trails, equestrian trails, fishing spots, and campgrounds. The lodge at the state park is a great place to relax and enjoy the view of the Mississippi, play a game of giant chess, or sample some Missouri wines at the winery on site.
Starved Rock State Park
2678 E 875th Road, Oglesby, IL 61348
Starved Rock State Park is about a 3-hour drive from St. Louis, but definitely worth the drive. Amazing waterfalls are active in the spring and after heavy rains. There 13 miles of trails to explore and the Illinois River offers fishing (ice fishing, too), boating, extraordinary views and great places to relax. Visit the Lodge and see the largest two-sided fireplace in Illinois!