The Ultimate Summer Guide to Family Fun in Forest Park

Forest Park is 1,300 acres, which means there is a lot of space to keep the little ones entertained all summer long! Take a look closer at all of the options to fill your family's calendar with tons of fun and mostly free options. The first official day of summer is June 21; however, this guide starts on June 1 to help you jump-start your calendar.

Don't forget: If you want to hop on and hop off at all of the popular destinations, the Forest Park Explorer is available all summer long and is free on Saturdays and Sundays.

Multiple Dates this Summer

Sundays at the Saint Louis Art Museum:

  • Too hot to be outside? Enjoy some cool air every Sunday at the Saint Louis Art Museum for Family Sundays. There are new themes each month with hands-on art activities and family-friendly tours of the galleries.

Jungle Boogie Friday Night Concert Series:

  • All ages can enjoy music on the outdoor stage in the center of the Saint Louis Zoo. In addition to the music, there are kid’s activities focusing on the conservation of endangered species through the Zoo’s WildCare Institute. 

  • Fridays, May 24 – August 30, 2019

Summer Family Fun Series at the Missouri History Museum:

  • The Missouri History Museum has a Summer Family Fun Series running all summer long. Take a look at some activities in June!

    • Music Mondays: Join the Missouri Historical Society (MHS) for live music and dance performances.

    • Storytelling and Crafts

    • Step into the Story

      • Children’s books will come to life through storytelling, movement workshops, hands-on activities, scavenger hunts, and more.

      • Every Thursday until July 25

Science at Sunset at the Saint Louis Science Center:

  • The Saint Louis Science Center is open late on Thursday evenings from June until August for an all-ages event including food and drink specials, live music and fun activities for everyone.

Bird Walk in Kennedy Forest:

  • Identify hundreds of species of birds in a free guided Bird Walk with experts from Forest Park Forever.

  • First Saturday of each month except forJuly

  • Register here.

Rent a Paddle Boat, Kayak or Canoe:

  • The Boathouse Paddle Co. is open seven days a week at the Boathouse in Forest Park. Spend a day out on the water and grab some food at the Boathouse in Forest Park. The kids will love paddling by the giant fountains at the Emerson Grand Basin!

Superpower Dogs at the OMNIMAX:

  • Meet real-life superhero dogs in this heart-felt film showing at the OMNIMAX at the Saint Louis Science Center this summer. Purchase tickets here.

June

Celebrate Merah’s 50th Birthday:

Shakespeare in the Park:

  • Shakespeare? Kid-friendly? Yes! There is a craft area for kids as well as performances beforehand including jugglers that will have the kids entertained from the jump. Shakespeare in the Park runs nightly, except for Monday nights, in Shakespeare Glen until June 23. Plan your visit.

Palestine Heritage Festival:

  • Celebrate Palestinian culture at the Palestine Heritage Festival on June 16. There will be a variety of vendors, folk dancing and authentic Palestinian food starting at 12:00 p.m. at the World’s Fair Pavilion. Learn more about the event here.

The Great Inflatable Race:

  • The Great Inflatable Race is an inflatable obstacle course fun run held in Forest Park on June 29. Check out all of the fun details of this run here.

Catch the Latest Exhibit at the Saint Louis Science Center:

  • Beat the heat by heading to the Saint Louis Science Center and checking out POMPEII: THE EXHIBITION. Relive the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius and the rediscovery of the Roman city of Pompeii with more than 150 authentic artifacts and engaging interactives.

  • Bonus! If you have not visited GameXPloration, go check it out! There is a life-sized old school Nintendo controller for you and the little one to control with your feet.

  • Still have time left in the day? Go outside for a bit to see the GROW Pavilion and Gallery, seeing the chickens is worth your venture outside.

Art Hill Film Series:

  • The Art Hill Film Series starts back up again on July 12 with Black Panther. Bring those kids 13 and up for a picnic on Art Hill overlooking the Grand Basin!

  • Don’t miss the popular classic Goonies on a massive screen on Art Hill on August 2. Take a look!

July

Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella Opens at The Muny:

  • From July 8-16 The Muny will be featuring Cinderella, the first Muny production in 16 years! You won’t want to miss the recent updates to The Muny completed just this season.

Lil’ Princess Girls Run:

  • The Diva Dash 5K and Lil’ Princess Girls Run will be held in Forest Park on Saturday, July 13. Girls ages 8 and under can participate in the fun run. Check it out!

Apollo 50th Anniversary Moon Landing Party:

  • Join the Saint Louis Science Center to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Apollo Moon Landing! There will be several inspiring events happening all day long on July 20.

FestAbility at the Missouri History Museum:

  • FestAbility: A Celebration of Disabilities is happening again at the Missouri History Museum on July 27 both inside and outside the Museum. Enjoy a day of fully accessible fun, including family-friendly activities, food trucks, and entertainment while celebrating all abilities.

August

I Love Forest Park 5K Kids Fun Run:

  • Do you and your family love Forest Park? Run (or walk!) the only race in Forest Park whose proceeds directly benefit the Park! There will also be fun options for the kids before the race! Learn more here.

Matilda at The Muny:

  • Head to The Muny premiere of Matilda on August 5-8. Purchase tickets or check out The Muny’s free seat option here.

St. Louis World’s Fare Festival:

  • The St. Louis World’s Fare Festival is a free annual event celebrating the 1904 World’s Fair from 1904. There is a section just for kids at the event held on August 16, 17 and 18.

September

St. Louis Symphony in the Park:

  • Experience a night under the stars listening to the St. Louis Symphony, enjoying a picnic and watching a spectacular fireworks display at the end of the evening on September 12.

The Great Forest Park Balloon Race:

  • Save the date for the ever-popular Great Forest Park Balloon Race and Balloon Glow on September 20-21. Guess what?! This year the event returns to the all-new Emerson Central Fields.

Hard to believe all of these events are happening just right here in Forest Park this summer! Want to explore the Park on your own? Take a look at ForestParkMap.org for all of ways you can get lost with your family in the Park for a day. See you soon!

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