KidsOutAndAbout Weekly Newsletter |
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Dear KidsOutAndAbout readers:
For 25 years, one of my core missions with KidsOutAndAbout has been to make invisible things visible, to celebrate what local communities offer families. Everyone is busy, and local treasures are easy to miss. Our job is to point, spotlight, nudge, and say Look here. Try this. Bring the kids. But there’s another kind of invisibility worth fixing:
The people who create these experiences rarely get to see their full impact. They track tickets sold and kids enrolled, but may never hear that your child talked about their field trip for six months, found courage on their stage, or simply felt welcome exactly when they needed it. That’s why our annual Top 20 Places to Take Kids survey matters. Each summer, we ask readers to vote for their favorite local places to take kids.
The results help families see what other families love. The ranking and comments help local organizations see that their work matters. So your three minutes becomes both a recommendation and a thank-you. The survey is simple: Click on your three favorite local destinations. Then also, optionally, nominate favorites in special categories—like arts, sports, and STEM education—and leave comments that we’ll pass along to the people who make these experiences
happen. So please click here to vote in the 2026 edition of the survey. Help families find the places they’ll love, and help the people behind those places know they’re making a difference. The survey will be open until June 20.
—Debra Ross, publisher of KidsOutAndAbout.com, co-author of The Eclipse Effect: How to Seize Extraordinary Moments to Build Strong Communities
P.S. If you're interested, check out the 2025 list here to see who won last year. |
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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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On the FLY STL Studios is NOT your typical summer camp. At our camps kids don’t just perform—they learn to FLY. Campers experience aerial silks, trapeze, harness flying, dance, acting, and circus arts, culminating in a fully produced live showcase each week. Each themed session blends creativity, confidence, and real skill development in a safe, professionally rigged environment led by industry experts. With a low camper-to-coach ratio and a phone-free focus, kids stay present, active, playful, and inspired. If your child is ready for something unforgettable this summer, this is where imagination takes flight.
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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.
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Art on the Square is a juried fine art show located at the Veterans Memorial Fountain in beautiful downtown Belleville, Illinois. Since 2002 Art on the Square has been ranked #1 and #2 in the nation by Art Fair Source Book over 10 times. Art on the Square is held annually the weekend after Mother’s Day. This year’s show will feature the original work of over 100 accomplished artists from over 27 states and one artist from outside the US. With over 50 new artists in 2026, Wine Court entertainment, as well as delicious local food and drink – Art on the Square is a three-day sensation for the eyes, ears, and palate! Children will enjoy Art on the Square’s extensive interactive Children’s Art Garden where they will create their own take-away art projects.
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Celebrate our community during Wentzville Days! This three-day festival includes food, drink and craft vendors, live music, a carnival, kids activities and more. The Wentzville Days Fair and Music Festival is a FREE community event in Historic Downtown Wentzville.
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It's International Water Safety Day! We're inviting kids ages 6-13 to join us on May 15th from 6-8:30pm to learn about water safety and put that knowledge to use in the pool. Kids will learn about the American Red Cross' Longfellow's Whale Tales while enjoying a dinner and a treat. Then we will head to the pool to swim! Water safety starts early, sign up today. VIP $15/Regular $18
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Join us for Monster Machines Day at The Lodge! See a police car, fire truck and much more up close during this FREE hands-on event. Climb in, look around and let your imagination take you for a ride! The program is free and no registration required! In case of inclement weather, visit www.desperesmo.org/weather.
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Grab your friends and your four-legged companion and join us in beautiful Tower Grove Park for the 30th annual Bark in the Park, presented by Purina! Known for its beautiful landscaping, popular Farmer’s Market and dozens of major St. Louis events each year, Tower Grove Park is going to be a paws-atively perfect place for you and your furry friends to celebrate the largest pet festival in the Midwest!
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Make plans to spend the weekend at the farm—it’s Strawberry Festival time! Gather your family and friends and head to our Belleville Farm for a fun-filled celebration of the season. Enjoy delicious festival food, sweet strawberry treats, and refreshing strawberry-themed cocktails while live music sets the mood all day long. Explore the farm and capture the moment at our many photo-worthy spots, then settle in for an easygoing day of music, food, and fresh air. Kids will love the pony rides, petting farm, children’s play area, and carnival rides, while adults relax, sip, and soak up the festival vibes. It’s a joyful, all-ages farm festival full of flavor, music, and memories—exactly how summer should feel. 10am–5pm (fee charged for select activities)
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In conjunction with National Kids to Parks Day, come celebrate and kick up your heels at First Missouri State Capitol State Historic Site during the return of the Historical Children's Festival. At this popular festival, you are invited to come live and play as children did in the 1820s and hear interesting stories about life in St. Charles when our first legislators were struggling to organize Missouri into statehood. Children can pick up a passport and journey through the 1820s while participating in hands-on activities to earn prizes. This event is free and open to the public, and there is no need to register.
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Grab your fancy little hat and gloves and join us for a lovely afternoon tea party. We will have delicious tea and snacks! We will also have crafts and games to make your afternoon even more enjoyable. **Parent participation required, this is not a drop-off program. You will only register your child.
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Annie Malone Children & Family Services invites you to partner with us for the May Day Community Festival & Talent Showcase on Sunday, May 17, 2026—a family-friendly celebration in the park featuring live performances, a community marketplace, youth and small business spotlights, and judged awards. The parade is our agency’s largest fundraiser with proceeds covering both direct program costs and operating expenses not covered by other sources of revenue. This year’s festival is designed to honor the supporters and participants who stood with us last year, while creating an even more engaging experience for the St. Louis community. Your sponsorship helps power the stage, support safe and welcoming event operations, and expand the impact of Annie Malone’s work with children and families—while providing your organization meaningful visibility, community connection, and measurable recognition before, during, and after the event.
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Celebrate the spirit of Spring, German-style. Create lasting memories with family and friends. Grant’s Farm offers unique and fun experiences for everyone at every age. Animal shows, historic sites, delectable food, adult beverages, and of course, the world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales. Any day is a special occasion when Grant’s Farm is on the agenda. Best of all, admission is free!
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Calling all kids 8th grade and under, come join the fun! This is always one of the kids’ favorite events of the year, and you won’t want to miss it! Bring the family, cheer them on, and watch the excitement as the contest gets underway. Make plans to stop by, have some fun, and see why this event is such a big hit with the kids every year!
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- Storytime in the Park - Wapelhorst Park, Muegge Road, Saint Charles, MO, Friday, May 15, 2026, 10 am
- Sunset Concert Series - 370 Lakeside Park, Lakeside Park Drive, St. Peters, MO, Friday, May 15, 2026, 6:30 pm
- Storytelling: May - Missouri History Museum, Lindell Boulevard, St. Louis, MO, Friday, May 15, 2026, 10:30 am
- Songs and Stories - Babies & Toddlers - Maplewood Public Library, 7550 Lohmeyer Ave, Maplewood, MO 63143, Saturday, May 16, 2026, 10-10:30 am
- Free Family Nights -The Magic House - The Magic House, St. Louis Children’s Museum, 516 S Kirkwood Rd, St. Louis, MO 63122, Saturday, May 16, 2026, 5-8 pm
- Lego Club - Ferguson Municipal Public Library, North Florissant Road, Ferguson, MO, Saturday,
May 16, 2026, 3-4 pm
- Monster Machines Day - The Lodge Des Peres, Des Peres Road, Des Peres, MO, Saturday, May 16, 2026, 9 am- 12 pm
- Historical Children's Festival - 200 South Main Street, Saint Charles, MO, Saturday, May 16, 2026, 10 am- 3 pm
- Plant America Garden Expo 2026 - Weldon Spring Site Interpretive Center, Missouri 94, Saint Charles, MO, Saturday, May 16, 2026, 10am- 3pm
- Unearth a Story: Summer Preview | Unearth a Story - Jefferson County Library - Arnold Branch, 1701 Missouri State Rd, Arnold, MO 63010, Saturday, May 16, 2026, 10 am
- Saint Charles Farmers Market - 370 Lakeside Park, Lakeside Park Drive, St. Peters, MO, Saturday, May 16, 2026, 8 am- 1 pm
- Overland Farmers Market - 2500
Woodson Rd, Overland, St. Louis, MO 63114, Saturday, May 16, 2026, 8 am- 12 pm
- North City Farmer's Market - 2700 N 14th St, St. Louis, MO 63106, Saturday, May 16, 2026, 9:30am- 12pm
- Lake Saint Louis Farmers & Artists Market - Lake St. Louis Farmers And Artists Market, Meadow Circle Drive, Lake Saint Louis, MO, Saturday, May 16, 2026, 8 am - 12 pm
- Ferguson Farmer's Market - 501 South Florissant Road, Ferguson, MO, Saturday, May 16, 2026, 8 am- 12 pm
- Arnold Farmers Market - Arnold Farmers Market, 2400 Bradley Beach Rd, Arnold, MO 63010, Saturday, May 16, 2026, 8 am- 12 pm
- Memorial May – St. Louis, MO - Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, Sheridan Road, St. Louis, MO, Saturday, May 16, 2026, 8 am
- Real
Champions Fight Night - 2nd Street, St. Peters, St. Charles, Missouri, Saturday, May 16, 2026, 3-10 pm
- Ainad Shriners Youth Fishing Rodeo - Quail Restoration Association, 8303 Concordia Church Rd, Belleville, Illinois, Sunday, May 17, 2026, 11 am
- PLANETARIUM: Monthly Solar Sunday Telescope Viewing - James S. McDonnell Planetarium, Clayton Avenue, St. Louis, MO, Sunday, May 17, 2026, 11 am- 3 pm
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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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