KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter |
|
|
|
Fri, Mar 27: The Art Fair at Queeny Park
Sat, Mar 28: EGGstravaganza at Chesterfield Parks, Recreation & Arts Department
Sat, Mar 28: Adaptive Egg Hunt at Maryland Heights Centre
Fri, Apr 3: Underwater Egg Hunt at Maryland
Heights Centre
Sat, Apr 11: Main Street Kid's Day at Belleville Main Street
Sat, Apr 25: Tons of Transportation at Center of Clayton
Sat, Apr 25: St. Louis Earth Day Festival at Forest Park- Across from Cricket Field
Thu, Apr 30: Greater St. Louis Book Fair at Queeny Park- St Louis
Sat, May 2: Chinese Culture Days at Missouri Botanical Garden |
Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers: The first time I can remember having to take a public stand on anything was in eighth grade English. We were assigned an essay on a controversial topic and told we’d present our arguments to the class. When he handed back our papers, Mr. Schmidt added a twist: no reading. We’d speak from notes. I was horrified. After school, I tried to negotiate my way out of it. “This
makes me really uncomfortable,” I told him, hoping for mercy. He looked at me over his glasses. “That’s the whole point,” he said. “To get stuff done, you have to get comfortable being uncomfortable. Don’t worry, you’ll live.” Mr. Schmidt was right. I didn’t die. And more important, I learned something that stuck: Discomfort isn’t a stop sign, it’s just part of the road, and all roads are bumpy. That lesson shaped how I've raised my kids, too. Karate helped
Madison and Ella distinguish between effort and injury. Long car rides taught them to rely on their own imaginations. Theater nudged them to stand however close to the spotlight they could manage, even when they’d rather disappear. And summer camps—those muddy, unpredictable, gloriously imperfect experiences—gave them countless chances to try something new and realize I can do this without the stigma that can accompany failing in other contexts. Growth rarely happens
inside the comfort zone, which is why I’m such a believer in giving kids opportunities to stretch beyond what feels easy. Summer programs are perfect for this, so that's why during "summer camp search season" we focus on showcasing the wide variety of camps and programs available in each area we serve. Here's the link
to the portal page. These days, as we approach the 25th anniversary of KidsOutAndAbout.com in June, I see that same principle playing out: The technology has changed, the business climate has changed, but the equation hasn’t. Discomfort still shows up right before something meaningful. And I still hear Mr. Schmidt’s voice in my head: Don’t worry, you’ll live.
—Debra Ross, publisher of KidsOutAndAbout.com, co-author of The Eclipse Effect: How to Seize Extraordinary Moments to Build Strong Communities
|
|
|
KidsOutAndAbout.com: Discover more. Do more. Connect more. If you like my publisher's column, you can easily scroll through past columns in the "Notes from Deb" section of our site. |
|
|
|
It’s GLOW time! Come see NEW lanterns at Animals Aglow presented by Wells Fargo, only at the Saint Louis Zoo. At this celebration of culture and art, you’ll walk around the Zoo at twilight amidst the luminous glow of over 60 towering lanterns depicting
animals, plants and traditional Chinese elements. You’ll find a wide array of culinary creations and unique handicrafts for purchase, and guests can buy tickets to several open Zoo attractions. Animals Aglow runs Wednesdays through Sundays, March 13 through May 17. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Learn more and purchase tickets at stlzoo.org/animalsaglow.
|
|
|
|
Celebrate spring in the Easter Bunny’s Garden. Visits with the Easter Bunny are a timeless tradition the whole family enjoys. Commemorate your visit with a photo session. Reservations are encouraged, however, not required.
|
|
|
|
Hop down the bunny trail and join us at Eckert’s Annual Egg Hunt for a day of farm fun made just for kids. Grab a basket and head out on the hunt as little ones collect up to 12 eggs while exploring the farm.
Between egg hunts, families can enjoy a tractor ride around the farm, visit the petting zoo, decorate a cookie, plant a seed to take home, stop by the duck pond, and receive a special surprise from the Easter Bunny. Don’t forget to snap a free photo in our cheerful Bunny photo scene before you go.
|
|
|
|
Dine with animal royalty in this exclusive experience you’ll only find at Grant’s Farm. Kids and the young-at-heart will cherish this opportunity to spend time with some of our most popular animal stars.
|
|
|
|
This year, we’re going bigger, brighter, and longer. For the first time, we’re introducing two teams – freshwater grit meets saltwater flow. Two waters. One splashy showdown. Cheer them on as animal training takes center stage – Aquarium style.
|
|
|
|
Hop on over to Laumeier and celebrate World Frog Day with us! Work alongside local ceramic artist and amphibian enthusiast, Anne Morgan, as you learn simple sculpting and handbuilding techniques to create your very own ceramic amphibian friend for your
home, office, or garden. Use colorful underglazes and playful textures while learning about the importance of frogs (and other amphibians) in our ecosystem—and how they spring to life each year with the season! Big or small, silly or realistic—your frog is up to you! Bring your creativity and be ready for a ribbiting good time. Leave your project with us to be kiln-fired and pick up your finished piece the following week.
|
|
|
|
Hop on over to Brentwood Ice Rink for the 3rd Annual Skate with the Bunny! Registration includes admission, time with the Bunny on the ice, crafts and a good bag for the first 100 kids with admission at the door. Bring your own camera to take your special
photo with the Bunny. Pre-registration will be available online.
|
|
|
|
From dance to drama to musical performances, experience the magic of theater with our new On-Stage Performance Series. Designed to inspire a love of the arts and dramatic play, monthly performances will take place in Story Time Theater or Whitaker Theater.
On-Stage Performance Series events are free with Museum admission.
This program was made possible by a generous donation from the Hunter Family Foundation.
|
|
|
|
Celebrate Women’s History Month with St. Charles County Parks! Bring your favorite doll for a special themed tea party celebrating women who make history. Learn about notable women from Missouri, share your own story, and create a doll-sized craft—all while
enjoying tea and treats. This program is for all ages. Cost is $10 per person. Pre-registration is required. Children 16 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
|
|
|
|
NO PARENTS ALLOWED!! We will have a blast playing eating and swimming. Pizza, drinks and desserts will be provided. Pre-registration required online or at The Pointe at least 4 days prior to the event. Day of registration will not be taken. Please bring a
swimsuit and towel.
|
|
|
|
The Magic House hosts Free Family Night every third Friday of the month from 5-8 p.m. These special nights enable a family (up to two adults and four children) to visit the Museum at no cost.
Free Family Nights are sponsored by Emerson.
|
|
|
|
Level up your Friday night on March 20th with two Gamer Showdown sessions from 4–6pm and 6–8pm. Grab your crew, choose your team—Roblox, Minecraft, or Fortnite—and earn points in games all night to see who takes the crown. Compete in the Level-Up Trivia
Challenge, Fortnite Freeze Royale, Netherworld Glow Limbo, and the Obby Speed Skate while fueling up with Power-Up ICEE specials. Admission is $8, with $5 skate rental (if needed).
|
|
|
|
Did you know that school-age children are experiencing increased anxiety, depression, and feelings of isolation due to the rise in social media, video games, and screen time? Give those screens a break and join us for an evening of connection and fun!
|
|
|
|
|
|
The all-new 2026 Camp Invention® program, Spark, is coming to curious kids in your community this summer! Rising K-6 campers will collaborate with friends to tackle hands-on, open-ended challenges. They’ll team up with robotic capybaras, ride the waves of entrepreneurship, uncover the power of protecting their ideas and build a DIY space rocket! Each experience is designed to spark confidence, build persistence and create unforgettable summer memories. Visit invent.org/save/camp to secure your spot! Register using CIFUN25 by 3/31 to save $25 or CIFUN20 by 4/28 to save $20 when you register. Interest-free payment plans are available, making camp affordable for all families.
|
|
|
- Free spring mini photo session with Shoott! - St. Louis - Shoott - Shoott, Broadway, New York, NY, USA, Friday, 03/20/2026, See link for times
- Board Game Night at Waldorf STL - The Waldorf School of St. Louis - 814 Bell Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63119, Friday, 03/20/2026, 6-7:30 p.m.
- Songs and Stories - Babies & Toddlers -
Maplewood Public Library, 7550 Lohmeyer Ave, Maplewood, MO 63143, Friday, 03/20/2026, 10-10:30 am
- Movie & A Meal: Tangled - Jefferson County Library - Arnold Branch, 1701 Missouri State Rd, Arnold, MO 63010, Friday, 03/20/2026, 11 am
- Free Family Nights -The Magic House - The Magic House - The Magic House, St. Louis Children’s Museum,
516 S Kirkwood Rd, St. Louis, MO 63122, Friday, 03/20/2026, 5-8 pm
- In the Gallery| Creative Women on the Cusp - St Louis Public Library - Schlafly Library, 225 North Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63108, Friday, 03/20/2026 to Sunday, 03/22/2026, all day
- Easter Bunny at West County Center - West County Center, 80 W County Center Dr, Des Peres, St. Louis, MO 63131, Friday, 03/20/2026 to Sunday, 03/22/2026, • Monday – Saturday, 11am – 8pm • Sunday, 12pm –
6pm
- Lululemon Easter Basket Giveaway - lululemon - West County
Center, 80 W County Center Dr, Des Peres, St. Louis, MO 63131, Friday, 03/20/2026 to Sunday, 03/22/2026, Any
- Lego Club - Ferguson Municipal Public Library, North Florissant Road, Ferguson, MO, Saturday, 03/21/2026, 3-4 pm
- Kids Time: Wind Science - Jefferson County Library - Arnold Branch, 1701 Missouri State Rd, Arnold, MO 63010, Saturday, 03/21/2026, 3 pm
- Arnold
Chamber Eggstravaganza - Arnold Chamber - Fox Senior High School, Jeffco Boulevard, Arnold, MO, Saturday, 03/21/2026, 10:30 am- 12 pm
- FREE Photo with the Easter Bunny- Bass Pro Shops - St. Charles - Bass Pro Shops - Bass Pro Shops, 1365 S 5th
St, St Charles, St. Charles, MO 63301, Saturday, 03/21/2026 to Sunday, 03/22/2026, See Store for Hours
|
|
|
|
The KidsOutAndAbout annual guide to summer camps in the St. Louis area is back! You can search by date, age, or categories like day/overnight, sports, drama, music, theatre, arts & crafts, technology, robotics, horseback riding, preschool, & more.
Our guide puts summer fun right at your fingertips!
|
|
|
|
|
|
Looking for a thrilling family-friendly adventure in the St. Louis area? Escape rooms are interactive, puzzle-packed experiences where you and your team work together to solve clues and complete your mission-all before time runs out! Whether you're escaping
a spooky cabin, cracking a high-stakes heist, or breaking a magical curse, escape rooms offer exciting, screen-free fun for kids, teens, and adults.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Click here to discover Birthday party locations in the St. Louis area. From Arcades to Ziplines our Big List will help you think outside the box and plan the party of your kids' dreams! KidsOutAndAbout has dozens of ideas!
|
|
|
Have a great weekend!
Debra Ross
Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com
Mom of Madison and Ella |
|
|
