KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter
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Fri, May 8: Mother's Day at the Edwardsville Children's Museum Sat, May 9: Compostapalooza Sat, May 9: Mother's Day Weekend at Eagle Fork Farms Sun, May 10: Mother's Day Brunch Fri, May 22:
20th Annual Missouri River Irish Fest 2026 Fri, May 22: St. Louis County Greek Festival Thu, Jun 4: MLP St. Louis Sat, Jun 6: FREE Family Fun Day - 50th Celebration - St. Louis Spirits Gymnastics Club Sat, Jun 13: Jeffco Family Fun Day Sat, Jun 13: Gabby's Dollhouse Fairylandia Fri, Jun 19: Father's Day at the Edwardsville Children's Museum Sat, Jun 20: St. Louis SERA Rodeo Sat, Jun 20: Kids Fishing Derby
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Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers: When they were handing out high school yearbook awards, some of my classmates unofficially, though cheerfully, voted me Least Likely to Become a Professional Cheerleader. I couldn’t really disagree: After all, I was a nerd before being a nerd came into fashion, much more comfortable in a library than at a pep rally. So much for teenage
predictions! Yesterday, my daughter Ella turned 25, which means KidsOutAndAbout turns 25, too. When Ella was imminent, and her sister Madison was one-and-a-half, I was realizing just how many incredible experiences for kids and families were all around us in Rochester, NY. Back then, before web calendars were a thing, finding out about stuff happening meant you had to know where to look. So during maternity leave from my old technology consulting firm, I
decided to build a place to make invisible opportunities visible, to celebrate the people who create them, and to build audiences for these great things. We’ve grown to a dedicated team of 20 people doing work that matters, serving 52 regions with 15 million readers per year and 750,000 weekly newsletter subscribers. So yes, I’m a professional cheerleader, and I love it. I love this. I love that my job is to help build an audience for the remarkable experiences
people are bringing to life. I love that our mission is to shine a light on the concerts, camps, classes, festivals, trails, museums, libraries, theaters, and local treasures large and small that become family stories and memories. Far from slowing down, we’re heading into hyper-drive for our Silver Anniversary, so stay tuned! Thank you for being part of the journey, and for giving us so much to cheer about. —Debra Ross, publisher of
KidsOutAndAbout.com, co-author of The Eclipse Effect: How to Seize Extraordinary Moments to Build Strong Communities
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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.
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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.
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Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis (BGCSTL) offers one of the most affordable, safe, and fun summer day camps in the Bi-State region. Our structured summer camps provide youth with opportunities for creativity, sports, field trips, STEM activities, and much more! We welcome kids and teens ages 6 to 18.
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At the YMCA Summer Day Camp, we turn ordinary summer days into extraordinary adventures! Our summer camp program offers an environment where safety is a top priority, led by our highly trained and trusted staff who ensure every child feels secure and supported. There is truly no place like this place for kids to explore and grow. As the ultimate "get dirty, have fun" place, we encourage campers to explore everything from cooking classes to creative arts. Throughout the week, kids will have a blast engaging in swimming, sports, STEM challenges plus much more! It's a summer of building confidence, making lifelong friends, and creating messy, wonderful memories.
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The public is invited to observe art unfolding before their eyes each day at “paint-out” events in a variety of locations from local wineries to historic sites, with special days in surrounding towns. Over 100 artists will be scattered about the small towns of Defiance, New Melle, and Augusta, capturing and recreating the rolling hills of wine country, the Missouri River bluff, prosperous farmland, the Katy Trail and historic structures. Each day, completed art will be on display and available for sale at the Augusta Harmonie-Verein hall as well as on location at each special event.
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The Greater St. Louis Book Fair sells hardback and paperback books, plus records, CDs, DVDs, comics and ephemera. Many of these items can be purchased for prices as low as a couple of dollars! We have hundreds of especially rare and collectible items in the Collector's Corner section at the fair. Our inventory includes first editions, limited editions, out of print editions, signed copies and other treasures. All such items are sold on a first come first serve basis, and prices vary.
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The Valley of Flowers Festival, a beloved tradition in Florissant, returns! This year, in partnership with the City of Florissant, the Knights of Columbus, and several local non-profit organizations, we are excited to announce that all festival activities will continue to take place at the Duchesne Grounds. This year’s theme, “Route 66: 100 Years of America’s Main Street” is an exciting time of celebration. For 100 years, Route 66 has been more than just a road; it’s been a symbol of adventure, connection, and the American spirit. Join us as we reminisce and celebrate the ways it has helped connect us!
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Nighttime public telescope viewing is offered monthly through public Star Parties. Beginning at dusk, a variety of telescopes are available on the grounds of the McDonnell Planetarium and operators will be on hand to answer questions and guide observing. Star Parties will not include a free Monthly Sky Lecture hosted inside the McDonnell Planetarium’s Orthwein Star Bay Theater due to renovations and upgrades through till June 2026. If observing conditions are poor the Star Party will be canceled.
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Immerse yourself in awe-inspiring Chinese cultural performances, music, art, and history while enjoying authentic cuisine. Since 1996, the Garden has collaborated with the Chinese Culture Education and Services Foundation to produce an event to celebrate Chinese culture. Hundreds of community volunteers work towards producing a weekend filled with colorful Chinese pageantry, art, music and dance, history and legends, and of course, wonderful food!
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Fiesta all day, baseball all night! Join the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce in the Together Credit Union Plaza for our Fiesta De Mayo party complete with live music with Los De La Lou, Hispanic dancers, vendors, and featured drinks with Una Vida and Dulce Vida tequila. Come for the fiesta and stay for the Cardinals vs LA game at 6:15pm. This event is FREE to attend and open to all ages, event starts at 1pm.
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See our amazing eagles in action! Meet eagles for photo opportunities, play themed games, and make crafts! During the show you will learn all about eagles while our Keepers bring live birds out for you to see up close! Show times: 11am, 1pm, & 3pm
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Mark your calendars! Free Comic Book Day (FCBD) is almost here. On the first Saturday in May, May 2, comic shops across the country will be celebrating one of the best days of the year for fans. It’s your chance to grab free comics, discover new stories, and connect with your local community of fans and creators. This year’s lineup is packed with support from some of the biggest names in comics. Here’s the initial line up of comic publishers: Archie Comics, DC Comics, Dynamite Entertainment, Image Comics, Mad Cave Studios, Oni Press, Titan Comics, Udon Entertainment and Vault Comics! There will be a story for every kind of reader.
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Join us for a splashing good time on Sunday, May 3rd at the Goldfish Warson Woods Safety Day! This is a FREE Community Event! All ages welcome!
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Side by side. Because art is more fun when we do it together. Not just for moms—this workshop is for any kid and their favorite grownup. Bring mom, dad, grandma, grandpa or anyone special—and create a project together! Perfect for kids in grades K-5th. (Please no pre-k)
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Make unforgettable memories with your little ones at Elmo’s Got the Moves—the all-new Sesame Street Live show! This exciting experience brings Elmo and his Sesame Street friends to the stage with singing, dancing, and favorite songs like “Sunny Days,” “Elmo’s Got the Moves,” and “Letter of the Day.” Families will laugh, learn, and play together in a heartwarming celebration that you’ll treasure long after the final song.
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- Planetarium Star Party - Clayton Avenue, St. Louis, MO, Friday, May 1, 2026, 6:30-10 pm
- First Fridays - 520 North Main Center, St Charles, MO 63301, Friday, May 1, 2026, 5-8 pm
- Songs and Stories - Babies & Toddlers - 7550 Lohmeyer Ave, Maplewood, MO 63143, Saturday, May 2, 2026, 10-10:30 am
- Music and Movement Storytime - 225 North Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63108, Saturday, May 2, 2026, 10:30-11:30 am
- Diaper Distribution and Sensory Play Time - 1301 Olive Street, St. Louis, MO 63103, Saturday, May 2, 2026, 10:30 am- 12 pm
- Baby & Me: Lapsit In - 1701 Missouri State Rd, Arnold, MO 63010, Saturday, May 2, 2026, 10 am
- DIY Crafts: Quilling - 1200 Corporate Parkway, Wentzville, MO, Saturday, May 2, 2026, 2-4 pm
- Fiesta De Mayo - Clark Avenue, St. Louis, MO, Saturday, May 2, 2026, 1
pm
- Fan Fest! Free Comic Books! - Missouri PP, High Ridge, MO, Saturday, May 2, 2026, 12-4 pm
- Story Time at The
Novel Neighbor - 7905 Big Bend Blvd, Webster Groves, MO 63119, Saturday, May 2, 2026, 10:30-11 am
- Saint Charles Farmers Market - 370 Lakeside Park, Lakeside Park Drive, St. Peters, MO, Saturday, May 2, 2026, 8 am- 1 pm
- North City Farmer's Market - 2700 N 14th St, St. Louis, MO 63106, Saturday, May 2, 2026, 9:30am- 12pm
- Lake Saint Louis Farmers & Artists
Market - Meadow Circle Drive, Lake Saint Louis, MO, Saturday, May 2, 2026, 8 am - 12 pm
- Ferguson Farmer's Market - 501 South Florissant Road, Ferguson, MO, Saturday, May 2, 2026, 8 am- 12 pm
- Arnold Farmers Market - 2400 Bradley Beach Rd, Arnold, MO 63010, Saturday, May 2, 2026, 8 am- 12 pm
- Maifest at Grant's Farm - 10501 Gravois Rd, St. Louis, MO
63123, Saturday, May 2 to Sunday, May 3, 2026, see website
- Free Comic Book Day - Multiple locations, Saturday, May 2, 2026, see store location for hours
- Goldfish Swim School Safety Day! - Manchester Road, Warson Woods, MO, Sunday, May 3, 2026, 2:30-5:30 pm
- Kickstart a Healthy Future: Sports and Drug Prevention for Youth - 1900 W Randolph St, St Charles,
MO, Sunday, May 3, 2026, 11 am- 1 pm
- Washington Farmers' Market Sprouts Kids Club - 323 W Main St, Washington, MO 63090, Sunday, May 3, 2026, 8 am- 1 pm
- WorldFest - Casino Center Drive, Maryland Heights, MO, Sunday, May 3, 2026, Noon–5:00 p.m.
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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!
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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.
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Have a great weekend!
Debra Ross Publisher, KidsOutAndAbout.com Mom of Madison and Ella
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