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Fun, Free Events Newsletter

Listings by AREA:
St. Louis, MO ~ STL=St. Louis
St. Charles, MO ~ SCC= St. Charles County
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There’s a new Gym in Town…

Mapleplay Café Now Open at 2541 South Big Bend, Maplewood, MO 63143. Check out this new indoor play space with lots of play spaces for the kids, and coffee for adults. Created by a local mom of four, the new play café features age-specific play areas, a sensory gym, STEM activities, and classes designed to help kids learn, explore, and get their wiggles out. Unlike traditional indoor playrooms that primarily feature toys or trampolines, Mapleplay was designed with different ages and developmental stages in mind. Learn more about Mapleplay Café in this St. Louis Magazine Article. Open Monday-Thursday from 9 AM-2:30 PM and Friday from 9 AM-4:30 PM (no weekend hours at this time). Daily pass: $15 for the first child, $5 for each additional child, ages 0-6months get free entry ~ Covers a 1 hour 30 min. play window ~ Maplewood resident discount: $12. Website

We Rock the Spectrum Sensory Friendly Gym in St. Charles County – Grand Opening: We Rock The Spectrum – St. Charles, 220 Indacom Dr, St Peters, MO 63376. Cost: $16 per child. After months of hard work, planning, and preparation, we can’t wait to open our doors to the community. Join us as we celebrate the beginning of something truly special. At We Rock The Spectrum, our mission is to provide a safe, nurturing, and fun environment where children of ALL abilities can play, explore, make friends, and thrive together. We can’t wait to ROCK with you. We Rock The Spectrum – St. Charles ~ Flyer

Past Spotlights HERE

Events For People with Disabilities…

Autism Support Now: Sensory-Friendly Trunk or Treat in Florissant, MO (STL), Friday, October 30 from 6:30-8:30 PM at Autism Support Now, 533 Dunn Road, Florissant, MO 63033. Help us make Halloween a little sweeter, and a lot more inclusive. Our Trunk or Treat is designed to give children with autism and other developmental needs and their families a fun, welcoming, and sensory-friendly way to celebrate Halloween. Information

Arya Foundation Free Holiday Adaptive Toy Program: Apply by November 1, 2026. This program provides adaptive toys that are thoughtfully designed to meet the unique needs of children with physical, developmental, or sensory challenges. These toys promote inclusive play, empower families, and raise awareness about the importance of accessibility—all while spreading holiday cheer.  Families can apply to receive toys tailored to their child’s needs. Application Period: October 1 – November 1, 2026. APPLY HERE

ST. LOUIS COUNTY RESIDENTS: The Productive Living Board Survey: Open through Saturday, October 31. PLB is surveying individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), their families, and community partners to help prioritize funds and better understand what services are most needed in St. Louis County.  Take this short Community Needs Assessment survey (just 5 minutes) and help shape future services: Take Survey Here.  Questions? Call PLB at (314) 726-6016.

Easter Seals Autism Summit (Virtual): November 5 from 8:30 AM – 11:45 AM & November 6 from 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM. Join Easterseals Midwest for a Day of Learning, Connection, and Growth! Discover, share, and deepen your understanding of autism at our upcoming conference—open to families impacted by autism, students, and professionals seeking to expand their knowledge and practice. Registration Details: FREE for Easterseals Midwest families and families with a child with autism; $55 for professional registrations. Register Here

The Magic House Welcomes KEEN Families & Friends for Sensory-Friendly Event (STL), Saturday, November 14, 2026 from 8:30am-9:30am. The Magic House is opening early for KEEN families and friends to enjoy a sensory-friendly playtime. This is designed to provide children with disabilities a sensory-friendly opportunity to enjoy The Magic House – without the crowds. Families will have private access to The Magic House’s many activities. You are welcome to stay once The Magic House opens to the public but you must arrive by 9:30am for free admission. Click here to sign up for November 14, 2026 at The Magic House  Admission is free but registration is required.

 

Giant Rocket’s Foundation Family Community Day (SCC), Saturday, November 7 from 11 AM to 1 PM at the Skate Haus,  2015 Campus Drive, St. Charles, MO, United States, Missouri 63301. Giant Rocket’s Foundation is teaming up with Clippers and Cops, sponsored by Waste Connections. Free to get in. Free to skate. Free skate rental. Pizza and a soft drink while supplies last. The Skate Haus is a sensory-friendly place where “Sensory is a Superpower!” Sign Up HERE

 

Halloween Headquarters…

CottleWeen Movie Night: Halloweentown (SCC), Thursday, October 29 with. Movies begin at 6:30 PM at Cottle Village, 6470 State Route N, Cottleville, MO 63304. Pack the blankets and lawn chairs for free showing of Halloweentown under the stars. The Field will take on an old-school drive-in feel with a 15-foot screen, concessions, and optional personal fire pit rentals. If it rains, Thursday screenings will move to Sunday. FREE EVENT • No ticket required. Information ~ Flyer

Halloween Parade and Outdoor Movie at Westport Plaza (STL), Thursday, October 29 from 6-9 PM at Westport Plaza, 111 WestPort Plaza Drive, St. Louis, MO 63146.  Show off your best costumes at our annual Halloween Parade starting at 6:00 PM. Stick around after the parade for a free outdoor double feature showing Hotel Transylvania 1 & 2. Grab your blankets, cozy up, and enjoy the movies starting at 6:30 PM. Come back on Friday, October 30 to enjoy another outdoor movie, “COCO”   Information

History-Lovin’ Halloween & Ghost Story Guitars (STL), Thursday, October 29 from 4-8 PM at the MO History Museum in Forest Park. Brace yourself for a night of wicked fun with History-Lovin’ Halloween Party from 4–7pm with a not-so-spooky, candy-free Halloween party. Go trick-or-treating through the galleries and play in the Haunted History Clubhouse followed by Ghost Stories and Guitars from 5–8pm so you can jam out to Halloween-themed rock and pop hits, and gather ’round the courtyard bonfire to hear chilling stories of haunted history in St. Louis. Flex your costume game—it’s all about that spooky swag. Information

 Halloween Walk in Downtown Kirkwood (STL), Thursday, October 29 from 4-7 PM in downtown Kirkwood, MO. Start at Kirkwood City Hall, 139 S. Kirkwood Road, 63122 from 4-5pm for a candy hand out and then head to businesses in downtown Kirkwood with trick-or-treating for children from 5-7 p.m. at participating businesses. Trick-or-treat locations are located throughout Downtown Kirkwood and participants will give free candy to children while supplies last. The streets in the heart of Downtown Kirkwood will be closed from 3:30-7:30 PM to increase safety for all participants. Information

TRICK OR TREAT ON MAIN (SCC), Friday, October 30, from 3-5 PM along Historic Main Street in St. CHarles, MO, 63301. Dress up your kids and trick or treat at the shops and businesses along Historic Main Street. Information

Trunk or Treat at The Hub (STL), Friday, October 30 from 6–8 p.m. at The Hub STL, 17065 North Outer 40 Road, Chesterfield, MO 63005. It will feature plenty of Halloween candy, costume contests, live music, and other activities. Families are invited to dress up and enjoy an evening of Halloween fun ahead of the holiday. Information

Annual Harvest Festival at Christ The King UCC (STL), Saturday, October 31 from 1 – 3 PM at Christ The King United Church of Christ, 11370 Old Halls Ferry Road, Florissant, MO, 63033. Enjoy candy giveaways, face painting, food, games, prizes, and more. Information

Tech or Treat at Gateway Global (STL), Saturday, October 31 from 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM at 1435 Mallinckrodt St, St. Louis, MO.  Whether you’re coming to collect candy, show off your Halloween costume, decorate a trunk, or simply enjoy an evening with your community, Tech-or-Treat is the place to be this Halloween. Enjoy plenty of candy and treats, music and entertainment, hands-on STEM activities, photo opportunities, and techie costumes are encouraged. Free and open to the public. Information

Legendary CWE Halloween Party (STL), Saturday, October 31 in the Central West End, North Euclid Ave., St. Louis, MO 63108. Free family-friendly activities for the kids from 11 AM-2 PM with costume parades and trick-or-treating. From 2-5 PM, enjoy live music by Jason Grewes. As night falls, the adult party begins at 6 PM with street performers and music from the main stage, Divas of The Grove, Fire Dancers, and a Flash Mob. The night caps off at 8 PM with an adult costume contest (ages 18+) featuring cash prizes followed by a street party until midnight (ages 21+). Learn more.

Hidden Lake Lights in St. Charles County: now through October 31 from 6-9 PM (later on weekends) at 28 Lost Valley Court, St. Peters MO 63376 (map). We are a synchronized Halloween (and Christmas) light show with thousands of lights flashing to your favorite holiday songs. The show is 70 minutes, with 21 songs, and it’s amazing. Go on a weeknight and there will be fewer cars. Information ~ Website

Candy Cane Lane of New Town:  Six houses in a row that all decorate with their own theme and lights. Address: 3205 Granger Blvd., St. Charles (New Town) MO 63301. New Town Facebook Page

Halloween lights in St. Louis: These houses have yard-filled displays and are perfect for getting in your jammies and heading out for a drive before bedtime. Heading out with fam to look at lights isn’t just for Christmas. Save this for your next family adventure! 🎃 8038 Watkins Dr. Clayton, MO 63105, Candy Land Theme ~ 🎃 815 South Meramec Ave Clayton, MO 63105, Beach party theme ~ 🎃 502 Forest Run Drive Eureka, MO 63025, turn the radio onto 92.9FM and listen to the lights ~ 🎃 6500 block of Murdoch Ave, Candy Cane Lane turns into Candy Corn Lane with a handful of decorated houses. Information on the “Findsandfavesstl” Facebook Page

Candy Corn Lane is back in St. Louis Hills (Chippewa Street to the north/northwest, Hampton Avenue to the east, Gravois Avenue to the southeast, and the city limits/county border to the southwest) with a street full of spooky decorations. Mark your calendar to come back in December for Candy Cane Lane.  Information 

More Fun Around Town…

Stargazing Around Town: Fridays October 30 & November 6 at Broemmelsiek Park (SCC) and Friday, November 6 at the McDonnell Planetarium (STL). Stargazing is perfect for all amateur astronomers who are interested in learning more about the solar system. Daytime Solar Gazing happens on Sunday, November 15 at the McDonnell Planetarium.  

Comics & Print Making Expo (STL), Saturday, October 31 from 10 AM- 5 PM at the Sheldon Concert Hall, 3648 Washington Ave, St. Louis, MO 63108 (map). The St. Louis Independent Comics Expo (SLICE) showcases the work of over 100 comics artists, writers, printmakers, and poets to showcase their self-published books, comics, zines, prints, magazines, poetry, and more. Enjoy free family-friendly workshops and creative activities throughout the day.  FREE to attend. Information  

The Meadows at Lake St. Louis Summerfest Music Series (SCC), Sunday, November 1 from 6:30-8:30pm at The Meadows at Lake Saint Louis, 20 Meadows Circle Drive, Lake Saint Louis, MO, 63367. FREE admission for humans, and well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and your dancing shoes. Final concert is Nov 1, 2026. Information

Gateway Ringers Fall Concert: “Take Me Home” (STL), Sunday, November 1 at 4 PM at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, ELCA, 327 Woods Mill Road, Manchester, MO 63011. (map) Join us for one of our fall concerts as we present “Take Me Home.”  From “When Johnny Comes Marching Home” to “American Patrol” to “Sweet Caroline”, a feast of familiar favorites awaits as we reminisce with music celebrating our history.  All concerts are free and open to the public, no tickets required. Information

MDC’s “A Walk in the Park” Urban Hiking Days in St. Louis City (STL), Monday, November 2 from 9-11 AM at Compton Hill Reservoir Park. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) invites the public to explore the beauty, wildlife, and history of St. Louis at these short, easy, guided walks that will highlight the unique natural features, plants, animals, and history of each park. Free, but please Register.

First Fridays: Foundry Art Centre (SCC) Friday, November 6 from 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm at Foundry Art Centre, 520 North Main Center, Saint Charles, MO 63301. Visitors can spend time in the galleries, meet resident studio artists, engage with the community, and enjoy a wide array of art programming, entertainment, and special events. Information ~ Grand Center Arts District (STL) Friday, November 6 from 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm Galleries are free and open until 9:00pm. Discover the remarkable array of visual arts in St. Louis’s premier neighborhood for arts and culture while enjoying cocktails, conversation, and entertainment. Stick around for after party events, dinner or a show. Information

Gallery Laughs (STL), Friday, November 6 from 5-8pm with comedy show beginning at 6:30pm at the Art Museum in Forest Park, 63110. Enjoy live music and stand-up comedy by STL-Made actor and filmmaker Guy Torry at SLAM’s Gallery Laughs. Free tickets will be available in person at the Museum starting at 10 am on the day of the performance at the welcome desk in Taylor Hall. Information

Pumpkin Smash (STL), Saturday, November 7 from 9 am to 1 pm at Blackburn Park,  .Don’t toss your pumpkins in the trash – give them a smashing send-off instead. Participate in the annual Pumpkin Smash, a fun and environmentally friendly way to discard pumpkins after Halloween. Smash your pumpkin to pieces with a baseball bat and deposit the contents into a large dumpster so they can be diverted from the landfill. Pumpkins collected during the event will be composted, turning seasonal decorations into nutrient-rich material rather than waste. Please remove candles, lights, wax, paint, stickers, plastic (googly eyes/glitter) and other non-compostable decorations. This year’s event will feature informational booths, educational activities, games, and giveaways. Participating municipalities include Webster Groves, Brentwood, Maplewood, Crestwood, and Sunset Hills. Can’t make it to the festivities? The dumpster will remain on site for self-serve drop-offs all week long through Friday, November 13. Information

Celebrate Veterans Day at Soldiers Memorial (STL), Saturday, November 7 with parade beginning at 10:30am at the Soldiers Memorial, 1315 Chestnut Street, St. Louis, MO 63103. Join Soldiers Memorial Military Museum for a festive morning honoring the veterans who have served our nation. Wave American flags, cheer on the Veterans Day Parade, create thank-you signs for veterans, and enjoy family-friendly activities, including a special visit from the Honorary Grand Marshal, an American bald eagle from the World Bird Sanctuary. It’s a joyful community celebration of service, gratitude, and patriotism for all ages. Free and open to all. Information

St. Charles Salutes Veterans Day Celebration (SCC), Saturday, November 7 from 11 AM – 3 PM. Join us as we honor the brave men and women who have served our country. The day begins with a parade down Main Street, followed by a ceremony at the Veterans Memorial and a community celebration at the Lewis & Clark Boathouse featuring food, drinks, vendors, music, and more. Parade at 11:00AM & Celebration from 12:00PM – 3:00PM. Information

Church of the Shepherd Fall Festival (SCC), Saturday, November 7 from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm at Church of the Shepherd, 1601 Woodstone Drive, St. Charles, 63303. FREE fall fun for the whole family. Join us for free food and drinks (please RSVP so we know how much food to provide), inflatables and bounce houses, playground and gaga ball pit, games and crafts, surprises you’ll have to see to believe.  RSVP HERE ~ Church of the Shepherd Facebook Page

Hispanic Festival Día de los Muertos (STL), November 7 & 8 from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM at Missouri History Museum, 5700 Lindell Blvd, 63112. Celebrate Día de los Muertos at the Missouri History Museum. Enjoy altars, live music, dance performances, food, face painting, souvenir printmaking, live music and dance performances, an art display, food and drink vendors, and more. www.hispanicfestivalstl.com ~ Information

Family Sunday at the Art Museum (STL), Sunday, November 8 from 1–4 pm at The SLAM, One Fine Arts Drive, Forest Park, St. Louis, MO, 63110. This week, explore your emotions with a special screening of the movie Inside Out, a family-friendly tour, 10-minute interactive performances by Metro Theater Company, and the Create Lab where you can color your emotions through therapeutic art exercises. 

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…