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Fun, Free Events Newsletter

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St. Louis, MO ~ STL=St. Louis
St. Charles, MO ~ SCC= St. Charles County
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Recreation Council News…

Visit the Recreation Council Table at the Next Steps Fair at Miriam High School (STL), Tuesday, November 17 at Miriam High School, 1138 N. Warson Road, St. Louis, MO, 63132. Open to Miriam High School Families from 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM & Open to the Public from 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM. Planning for the future can feel overwhelming, but the Next Steps Fair makes it easier. Families and students who learn differently are invited to explore programs, resources, and opportunities that can help with life after high school. Information

CALLING ALL TALENTED PERFORMERS…Enter the Recreation Council’s Evening of Entertainment Competition. If you have a talent you’d like to share, start practicing now and register to be part of the competition. Cash prizes are awarded for winners, and all go away with a feeling of accomplishment – “I DID IT !!!” Acts should be under 3 minutes and must include at least one person with a disability. Previous acts included singing, dancing, poetry reading, playing an instrument, comedy, and more. Performer applications are open NOW (click on this link). The event is happening on Saturday, April 24, 2027 from 7-9:30pm at Ladue Horton Watkins High School. FLYER ~ Information

A New You Tube Resource for Calming Screen Time…

Cozy Up and Watch Nana’s Place: Tired of kids’ shows with nonstop noise, flashing colors, and a million scene changes? A St. Louis grandma gets it. Stacy Rolfe created Nana’s Place, a gentler YouTube series filmed at a miniature horse sanctuary in Wildwood. Think Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood meets adorable rescue animals, with a little more room for kids to slow down and just be kids.  The animals are the stars. Meet miniature horses, donkeys, rabbits, and Handsome, the golden retriever, each helping teach lessons about kindness, differences, and compassion.  Slow is the whole point. Instead of flashy animations and rapid-fire scene changes, Nana takes kids on nature walks, reads stories, and gives them time to think, wonder, and explore.  It’s ready for your next screen-time session. All eight episodes of the first season are available on YouTube, with hands-on activities and a kindness curriculum in the works. Read More » ~ Start Watching HERE

Past Spotlights HERE

Events For People with Disabilities…

Thrivent Financial FREE online Special Needs Planning, Financial Workshop (Virtual), Thursday November 12 from 7-8 PM. Join this complimentary webinar to learn about planning your finances when you have a loved one with special needs. Whether you’re a caregiver, a family member, or simply looking to make smarter financial decisions, this session is an opportunity to learn practical tips toward building your family’s financial plan. You can also pass this invitation along to anyone you feel may benefit from this information. RSVP by 11/12/2026. 

HARBOR Unlimited Holiday Cook-Off (SCC), Saturday, November 14 from 9:00am-Noon at Veritas Christian Academy, 1145 Tom Ginnever Ave, O’Fallon, MO 63366.  Join us to create a variety of Thanksgiving mocktails, veggie pizzas, and tasty desserts. HARBOR Unlimited is a nonprofit organization that works closely with families who have a disabled person in their lives. Our monthly Launch Events are free for people of all ages with different abilities and their families. November Flyer ~ Free, but RSVP required

Accessible Viewing Area at Thanks-For-Giving Parade (STL) on Saturday, November 21 with parade starting at 2 PM. Accessible Viewing Area at 8th & Market Streets, in front of the Spire Building (700 Market Street). This beloved St. Louis tradition brings downtown to life with colorful floats, giant displays, marching bands, drumlines, dance groups and plenty of holiday cheer. The holiday magic continues with the Festival of Lights opening day of Winterfest at Kiener Plaza, one of St. Louis’ favorite seasonal celebrations near the iconic Gateway Arch. Stick around for the Ameren Missouri Festival of Lights, where downtown transforms into a sparkling holiday celebration featuring the lighting of The Salvation Army Tree of Lights, a dazzling drone show and fireworks. Parade Information ~ FAQ’s (scroll down to see Accessibility Section ~ Festival Of Lights Information

Giant Rocket’s Foundation, Autism and Safety: The Conversation, Part 1 (STL), Thursday, November 12 from 6 to 8 PM at 1518 Washington Ave, St. Louis, MO, 63103 (map). People with Autism can’t always say “I have autism.”  Clippers & Cops and Giant Rocket’s Foundation are bringing officers, families, barbers and our community into the same room for a real conversation about the autism and disability community and safety. FREE, but RSVP is requested. Giant Rockets Events-Information

Freddie Ford Family Foundation Events (STL), Parent Support Group: Saturday, November 14 from 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM at St. Louis County Library – Bridgeton Trails Branch, 3455 McKelvey Rd, Bridgeton, MO 63044 , (map). Join us for our Parent Support Group with Dr. Camesha Carter, Licensed Therapist to connect with other parents, learn practical ways to support your child, and leave with a better understanding of how to respond when behavior changes. Information ~ Parent Support Meeting Interest Survey ~ Stem Sustainability Power Hours: Saturday, November 21 from 2:30-4:30pm at the Clark Family Branch St. Louis County Library. We have partnered with NinePBS to offer stem focused activities where children and parents/caregivers engage in playful activities focused on problem solving and learning  perserverance through creative thinking. Space is limited to 10 kids and registration is required. Food will be provided. Mark your calendar for more Power Hours on 12/5/2026, 1/16/2027, 1/30/2027, 2/13/2027. Register HERE

Fun For Everyone Around Town…

YES! It’s craft fair season. (STL & SCC) Use the search field on the right side of the page to find a craft fair in your area. Information

St. Louis Storytelling Festival (STL), November 12-15, visit the website for locations and times across the St. Louis Metro Area. Celebrate the 47th annual St. Louis Storytelling Festival with our award-winning lineup, which promises something for everyone. From music-infused storytelling and beloved folktales from around the world to humorous anecdotes and compelling personal stories, discover a rich variety of voices and experience the magic of storytelling.  All events are free and will be presented at St. Louis County Library branches and venues throughout the St. Louis region. Information ~ Program Schedule

Christmas Movie Nights at Cottle Village (SCC), Thursday, November 12 starting at 6pm at The Field at Cottle Village, 6470 State Route N, Cottleville,MO.The best way to spread Christmas cheer? Watching Elf with the whole family, of course! Cottle Village is hosting an outdoor screening of the holiday favorite, complete with fire pits, popcorn, and plenty of room to spread out on the lawn. Bring your blankets and chairs, grab some snacks from The Tiny Tavern, and settle in for a cozy movie night. Mark your calendar for The Santa Clause on November 19. Weather permitting. Free. Information

Neighborhood Block Party Series Thursday, November 12 from 5-7pm at Taylor Park,  The City of Clayton invites you to enjoy lively evenings filled with music from a DJ, themed games and activities, face painting, local business booths, and a variety of food and beverage trucks. These family-friendly gatherings are the perfect way to meet neighbors, spend time outdoors, and celebrate the season together. Information

Dinovember (STL), November 13-28 at St. Louis County Library locations across St. Louis: Calling all junior paleontologists! St. Louis County Library is celebrating Dinovember with a month of dinosaur-themed activities for kids. From Dinosaur Yoga and Tea with T-Rex to creating dinosaur terrariums and exploring T-Rex Took My Toothbrush, there’s plenty of prehistoric fun to dig into. Times and locations vary. Check individual programs for registration details. Information

Beer Choir: Thanksgiving Edition ages 21 and older (STL), Friday, November 13 starting at 7pm at Das Bevo, 4749 Gravois Avenue, Saint Louis, MO 63116. Beer Choir is not a performance, it’s an interactive social singing experience open to all, no talent required! Grab a beer, grab a seat, and we’ll lead you through a couple hours of hilarious drinking songs and games. This will be a fun one! Free to attend Information

SciFest: Feast (STL) Saturday, November 14 from 9:30am-4:30pm at the Science Center, 5050 Oakland Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110. Enjoy our free, all-day event where you can meet and learn alongside experts in food and beverage science and production, nutrition, animal science, agriculture, health, environmental science, and more with hands-on activities, food and beverage sampling, and demonstrations for all ages. STL Magazine Article ~ Event Information

Macklind Street Games: Sauce & Toss (STL), Saturday, November 14 from 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM at 5835 Macklind Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63109 (map) St. Louis City League, in partnership with South City Sporting Goods, Skate St. Louis, CoRadius Coworking, Cornhole with Smooth Youth Academy, and other local partners, is bringing a new community event to Macklind Avenue. The event will feature youth and public sports activities, street hockey, cornhole, local vendors, food, music, and opportunities for neighbors and businesses to come together. Information

Play Date: Tiny Worlds, Big Stories (STL), Saturday, November 14 from 10-11:30am at Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis, 3750 Washington Boulevard. The CAM is hosting a free morning of creative play, hands-on art activities, and a special performance by Skystone Conservatory. Designed with ages 2–7 in mind, the event welcomes families with children of all ages and abilities to explore art together. Registration is encouraged. Free. Information

Dad Story Time (STL), Saturday, November 14 at 10am at St. Louis County Library’s Florissant Valley Branch, 195 S. New Florissant Road, Florissant, MO. Calling all dads and father figures! St. Louis County Library is teaming up with Black Men Read for a new storytime series designed to help dads connect with their little readers. Families can enjoy stories and activities together, and every child attending will take home a free book to keep the reading fun going. Registration is recommended. Free. Information:

Solar Sunday (STL), Sunday, November 15 from 11 AM- 3 PM at the McDonnell Planetarium in Forest Park. A variety of solar telescopes and safe viewing techniques are used to provide guests safe views of the Sun, including the ability to see features like sunspots and solar prominences. Solar Sunday Information

Classic Bike Night at Schlafly (STL), Monday, November 16 from 5-8pm at Schlafly Bottleworks, 7260 Southwest Avenue, Maplewood, MO 63143 (map). This FREE family-friendly event features lots of vintage motorcycles, Schlafly beer (ages 21+)  and food, music by a DJ and outdoor fun. FREE admission. People of all ages are welcome to this is an outdoor event. Well-behaved dogs on leashes allowed, but not inside tents nor the restaurant. Information

Streets of St. Charles Annual Tree Lighting (SCC), Wednesday, November 18 from 4:30-6pm at Streets of St. Charles,1520 S. Fifth St.Saint Charles, MO 63303. Kick off the holiday season with us at Streets of St. Charles for our Annual Tree Lighting & Holiday Market. Join us for an evening filled with festive cheer, featuring live caroling, free hot chocolate, and local vendors & holiday market shopping. Information

Frenchtown Tree Lighting (SCC), November 21 from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM at Eco Park 1800 N. Second Street, St. Charles, MO 63301. Come kick off the season with our Frenchtown neighbors and businesses. We have Santa coming to town, live music & holiday cheer, family games, story time, and food vendors. The Frenchtown Tree Lighting is at 6:00 PM and the after-party continues at Bench Racers w/the 4th Street Band. Information

Thanks-For-Giving Parade & Festival Of Lights (STL) Saturday, November 21 with parade starting at 2 PM followed by the Festival. Jion us in Kiener Plaza for this beloved St. Louis tradition brings downtown to life with colorful floats, giant displays, marching bands, drumlines, dance groups, and a special appearance by Santa Claus himself. The holiday magic with the Festival of Lights in Kiener Plaza. This annual event ushers in the Holiday Season in St. Louis with the lighting of the Salvation Army Tree of Lights and the opening of Winterfest! The opening day of Winterfest will feature all of the season’s favorites: ice skating, S’mores, heated igloos, plus the Festival of Lights tree lighting ceremony at 5:45pm, Drone Show at 6:30pm and a fireworks finale at 7pm. Attendance is FREE. . Parade Information ~ FAQ’s (scroll down to see Accessibility Section ~ Festival Of Lights Information

Second Nature Zoo Preschool – Open House (STL), RSVP for Sunday, January 10, 2027 from 9 am to 12 noon. The St. Louis ZOO is excited to invite you to to learn more about Second Nature Zoo Preschool. Join us for our open house and learn about our Reggio-inspired program, where children  spend at least 50% of their day outdoors, drawing inspiration from animals and nature. Choose from 2 open house dates:  RSVP HERE

Dinovember (STL), November 13-28 at St. Louis County Library locations across St. Louis: Calling all junior paleontologists! St. Louis County Library is celebrating Dinovember with a month of dinosaur-themed activities for kids. From Dinosaur Yoga and Tea with T-Rex to creating dinosaur terrariums and exploring T-Rex Took My Toothbrush, there’s plenty of prehistoric fun to dig into. Times and locations vary. Check individual programs for registration details. Information

Check out these links for more fall fun in the Metro area (some charge entry fees):

 

Recreation Council & Partner Reminders…

Guide of more than 50 metro area parks. The best parks in the metro St. Louis/St. Charles area

Missouri Department of Conservation FREE nature classes:  Visit these links to find all the class listings: MDC’s Free Classes & Programs Sign up for email or text alerts to stay informed of MDC’s latest programs and events here: Sign Up for MDC News.

Search for more Activities in your part of town…

Here are a few links to continue your search for fun in the metro area. Some places charge entry fees, so check on costs before you go.

Footnotes…