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Fun, Free Events

Listings by AREA:
St. Louis, MO~STL=St. Louis
St. Charles, MO ~ SCC= St. Charles County
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April showers bring May flowers…and Earth Day…and National Parks Week!

Earth Day Fun…

Enjoy some of these for Earth Day activities created by Britni at “Play-Party-Plan” including treats, activities, and crafts galore.
​Dirt cups ~ ​Earth day printables, ~ ​Nature hunt ~ ​Earth Day activity ~ ​Nest treats ~ ​Outdoor games ~ ​Dirt cookies

St. Louis Earth Day Festival (STL), Saturday & Sunday, April 26-27, at the Muny Grounds in Forest Park. Information

National Parks Week is April 19-27, 2025

The St. Louis Metro area is lucky to have a National Park, a National Historic Site, and a National Historic Park.  This weekend you can celebrate the great outdoors with a walk in nature, or listen to some music to inspire you. National Park Week Ideas 

For People with Disabilities…

Camp Guardian – Specialized Youth and Adult Overnight Camp in St. Louis, MO, for all ages. June 23-27, 2025, at Babler State Park, Outdoor Education Center. Cost: FREE due to generous donations. Campers MUST apply by May 1, 2025 – Your application does not guarantee a slot in camp. Campers are notified of acceptance at camp. Staffed by dedicated volunteers affiliated with the Missouri National Guard, we provide a FREE week of summer overnight camp for individuals of all ages with special needs. Our camp is designed to accommodate a wide range of physical and developmental disabilities that meet the unique needs of each camper, and we are committed to ensuring that each one leaves camp with a sense of belonging. Camper Application HERE ~ Camp Website

BCI Manufacturing Career Summer Camp (SCC & ILL):  BCI is now accepting applications for our free, four-week summer camps—perfect for high school students with disabilities who are interested in exploring careers in manufacturing. Each camp blends hands-on training, instructor-led lessons, and field trips to local manufacturing companies. Campers will build valuable skills and complete a capstone project by the end of the program.  Thanks to a generous grant from SparkForce, this opportunity is completely free for families.

  • Missouri Camp: Location: Lewis & Clark Career Center – St. Charles, MO, Dates: July 14–August 8, 2025 from 8:00 AM–12:00 PM, Spots available: 15. APPLY for St. Charles Camp HERE
  • Illinois Camp: Location: World Wide Technology – Edwardsville, IL, Dates: July 14–August 8, 2025 from 8:00 AM–12:00 PM, Spots available: 5, APPLY for Illinois Camp HERE

BIG BLUE Swim School is Swim Angelfish Certified (SCC): We’re thrilled to share that our special needs program has been growing rapidly, and we are now proud to be Swim Angelfish certified! This certification enables us to provide specialized swim lessons tailored to individuals with unique needs, creating a safe and encouraging environment for all.

Check out our postcard for more details

 

 Fearless Day (SCC) – FREE, Saturday, April 26 from 10am-1pm at Westoff Park, 699 Sheppard Drive, O’Fallon, MO 63366. The Jabari Fearless Foundation is thrilled to invite you to the 1st Annual Fearless Fun Day, a special celebration in honor of Autism Awareness Month. This is more than just a gathering – it’s a day of fun, freedom, and connection for our amazing community. Kids will have the space to play, explore, and enjoy sensory-friendly activities, while parents can relax, mingle, and celebrate together. Register HERE

City of Berkeley Autism Awareness Event (STL) – FREE, Saturday, April 26 from 11am-3pm at the Berkeley Civic Center, 6120 Madison Ave, Berkeley, MO 63134. This event, sponsored by the Berkeley Betterment Committee, aims to provide resources, education, and community support for individuals and families affected by autism. We seek to create an inclusive space where attendees can access valuable information, engage with experts, and connect with a network of support. If you have questions, contact Tracy Cole, Chairman at [email protected], 314-704-2260 or Tracie Anthony, [email protected], 314-680-3356.

Delta Gamma Center, Celebration for Sight (STL), Sunday, April 27 from 12:30 to 3:30 pm at The Carousel Room at Faust Park, 15055 Faust Park Drive, Chesterfield, MO 63017 (map)  Check-in at 12:30 pm for the walk beginning at 1 pm, celebration follows. Come support the Delta Gamma Center that serves individuals with vision impairments. Our Celebration for Sight event is packed with activities that cater to all ages, including face painting, pony rides, the Bubble Bus, Beep Ball, Music Therapy demos, and a petting zoo. Carousel House cost is $2 per person unless waived by the event planner. Information

Parent Workshop: Understanding Your Sensory Child (SCC) – FREE, Tuesday, April 29 from 7:30-9:00 PM at Leaps and Bounds, 324 Jungermann Road, St. Peters, MO 63376. Join us for this free parent seminar as our occupational therapists share strategies and offer insight into behaviors resulting from sensory processing difficulties in areas such as attention, learning, behavior, motor skills, feeding skills, social skills, and emotional development. REGISTER HERE or call Leaps and Bounds at 636-928-5327 with questions.

Different Dynamics, Drums Alive (STL) – FREE, May 3 from 10:30-11:30am at Webster Groves Presbyterian Church, Room 211, 45 W Lockwood Ave, St. Louis, MO 63119. Experience the joy of Drums Alive this spring at a free demo session. This inclusive music and movement program engages participants of all abilities through rhythm, drumming, and exercise. No prior musical experience is necessary. People of all neurotypes and abilities, ages 8+, are welcome. Advanced registration is required. All sessions are limited to six participants. April 5 is an Animals Theme; May 3 and June 7 themes to be announced.  Registration is Required.

KEEN Open House (STL) – FREE, Sunday, May 4 from 1-3pm at St. Louis University High School, Danis Fieldhouse, 4970 Oakland Ave St. Louis, MO 63110.  Come out and learn about KEEN, Kids Enjoy Exercise Now. In addition to the usual sports fun, we will have games, activity booths, karaoke, sno-cones, and more. Siblings are welcome. Volunteer coaches will not be available for the open house, so parents will need to stay with their children. REGISTER HERE

Saturday Explorers: Painting Florals (STL), Saturday, May 3 from 2-3pm at the Weber Road Library branch, 4444 Weber Road, St. Louis, MO 63123 (map). Adults with cognitive and developmental disabilities are invited and caregivers are welcome. Saturday Explorers is a monthly program designed specifically for adults with disabilities. Contact Lauren Budde at 314-994-3300 or [email protected] at the Library for more information. Information

Family Field Day (STL), Friday, May 9 from 5-7pm at Irv Zeid Park located at 9100 Old Bonhomme Rd, Olivette, MO 63132.  The Freddie Ford Family Foundation invites you to a Family Field Day to celerate the end of the school year. Register your children 5 and up to compete in a 50 yd dash, sack race, standing long jump, obstacle course and more. Parents can also register to participate in activities, there will be games and vendors too.  A $20 donation is most appreciated if possible. RSVP here

 

Free Events for Everyone…

Augusta Plein Air Art Festival – Opening Day (SCC), Thursday, April 24 from 8:00 am – 7:00 pm in Historic Augusta, MO (map). The 22nd annual Augusta Plein Air Art Festival begins on April 24 and runs through May 3, 2025. “Plein Air” means “outdoors” and over 100 artists will converge on Augusta, Missouri, as well Defiance and New Melle, to paint the picturesque spring settings of this region. The public is invited to observe (FREE!) while the artists create art. Information

PlantTech Jam 2025 (STL), Saturday, April 26, 2025 from 12-4pm at Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, 975 North Warson Rd, 63132. The PlantTech Jam is free hands-on science, tinkering, and robotics fun for the whole family. This interactive event features science innovation and technology related activities for all ages. Learn more about the Danforth Center through a behind-the-scenes tour of our scientific facilities and prairie. ASL interpreting provided. Register HERE

Hiking and Hops (SCC), Saturday, April 25 from 3-4:30pm at the Historic Boone Home’s Vanbibber property, 2068 Hwy F, Defiance, MO, 63341 (map). Explore the abundance of wild plant foods that sprout in spring and sample their flavors in local craft brews at Hiking and Hops at The Historic Daniel Boone Home. Parks staff take participants on a short plant identification hike, followed by a tasting of craft beers from Sandy Valley Brewing infused with foraged flavors. Participants must be 21 and up. Hikers should bring a water bottle, wear comfortable hiking shoes, and dress for the weather. Pre-registration is required. Information

Blueprint4 Camp Information Fair (STL), Saturday, April 26 from 12-2pm at Challenger Learning Center-St. Louis, 205 Brotherton Lane St. Louis, MO 63135. While not a replacement for the full camp fair, this event provides a way to partner within North County and spread the word about the awesome camps and programs coming up this summer. Information

SIU’s 50th Great Cardboard Boat Regatta (ILL), Saturday, April 26 races begin at 1pm at at Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s Campus Lake, 1263 Lincoln Dr, Carbondale, IL 62901 (map). Although this event is a bit out of our metro area, it sure looks to be worth the drive. Watch a giant cardboard slice of pepperoni pizza, a floating cardboard Corvette, a cardboard shark with mouth agape, a purple monster, a colorful dragon, baby grand piano, or a mystery boat compete in SIU-Carbondale’s 50th Great Cardboard Boat Regatta. The goal is to put creativity, ingenuity, problem-solving skills and imagination to the test by using sheets of corrugated cardboard to create a human-powered watercraft that will successfully complete a 300-yard long, U-shaped racecourse. Contestants begin gathering at 10am and races begin at 1 p.m.  Facebook Page ~ Information

St. Louis Earth Day Festival (STL), Saturday & Sunday, April 26-27, at the Muny Grounds in Forest Park. The St. Louis Earth Day Festival is a community tradition to learn about sustainable products and services offered by local businesses and organizations, meet local area non-profits that share Earth Day values, as well as showcasing local entertainment and local Green Dining Alliance restaurants.  Whether you are coming for the food, the music, the activities, or the people watching, we promise you will leave a little more inspired about real progress being made to preserve our planet and a little more connected to those on the front lines. Information

St. Vincent Greenway Celebration Bike Ride (STL), Sunday, April 27 with registration at 12:30pm, ride beginning at 1:30 pm, and return from Earth Day Festival at 5:30 pm. FREE. Meet at the Wellston Metro Station, 6402 Plymouth Avenue, Saint Louis, MO 63133.  Join us for an exciting journey on the St. Vincent Greenway to Celebrate Progress and Sustainability. We’ll kick off at the Wellston Metro Station, riding along the beautiful St. Vincent Greenway to Gwen Giles Park, where we’ll preview the plans for the transformative Hodiamont Greenway. We will then continue our ride to Forest Park for the Earth Day Festival, a vibrant celebration of sustainability and environmental action. Ride Information Here ~ If you can’t make this ride, mark your calendar for the Deer Creek Greenway Ride in Brentwood on May 10.

Florissant Valley of Flowers Festival and Parade (STL), May 2-4, 2025 at the KOC Duchesne Grounds, 50 St. Francois St. Florissant, MO 63031.  Enjoy an unforgettable weekend full of family-friendly fun, delicious food, live music, vendors, activities. On Saturday, May 3 beginning at 10am, enjoy the ever popular car show on St. Francois Street: Car Show Information. On Sunday May 4, enjoy the VOF Parade at 1:30pm. Information

Main Street in Bloom (SCC), Saturday, May 3 & Sunday, May 4 from 11am-5pm in Historic St. Charles, MO. Flowing ribbons and floral wreaths will adorn the lamp posts while merchants will be decorating with flowers, and beautiful displays will create the perfect backdrop for a photo to remember. Enjoy a parade at 1:40 PM each day with the Lewis & Clark Fife and Drum Corps, then Maypole Dance at 2:00 PM, Children’s craft areas, children’s face painting, plus photo opportunities, floral displays, and more. Information

Midwest Maifest (SCC), Saturday, May 3 from 2-6pm at New Town at St. Charles Amphitheater 3504 Rue Royale Street, St Charles, MO 63301. Midwest Maifest is a one-day festival to celebrate the arrival of Spring and the rich German heritage in St. Charles County. The festivities includes live German entertainment and music, events and activities for all ages, and food and craft vendors. Event is free, but tickets are required for beer sampling. Information

Play Mornings with The Magic House at Forest Park (STL), Saturday, May 3 from 9:30am–12 noon at the Forest Park Visitor’s Center (map).  This free, drop-in program for young children includes themed activities provided by The Magic House. May’s theme is “Flower Power” so come and enjoy a morning with us. Information

Gateway Ringers Handbell Concert (STL), May 4, 2025, Spring Concert, 4:00 pm, Sisters of the Precious Blood St Joseph Chapel, 204 N. Main St, O’Fallon, MO 63366. The spring season features a variety of stories including excerpts from the famous Moussorgsky Pictures at an Exhibition, some spirituals, some handbell originals, a movie theme and much more. All concerts are free and open to the public, no tickets required. www.gatewayringers.org

Westport Plaza Movie Night: Star Wars, A New Hope (STL), May 4 at Westport Plaza, 111 WestPort Plaza Drive, St. Louis, MO 63146. Come enjoy a nice spring evening and an outdoor movie on the plaza.  Information

 Cinco De Mayo, Piñata Party (SCC), Saturday, May 4 at 12:30pm & 3pm at Chicken ‘N Pickle, 1500 S. Main, St Charles MO 63303. On Saturday, our youngest guests ages 12 & under take a swing at our pinatas: Piñata Smash #1 at 12:30 PM,  Piñata Smash #2 at 3:00 PM. The fun happens all weekend with delicious meal deals and family-friendly activities as we celebrate Cinco de Mayo in true CNP style. Information

Mark your calendars for these events in May…

  • *Adapted Pickleball Night (SCC), May 5 Information
  • *Encouraging Leisure and Social Skills: Virtual Workshop, May 7 Register Here
  • * Sensory Friendly Morning at the Magic House, May 10 Register Here
  • St. Louis Civic Orchestra Concert (STL), May 10 Information
  • Stitch ‘n B***h – Fiber Arts Club (SCC), May 15 Information
  • Family Nights at The Magic House (STL), May 16 Information
  • Westport Plaza Movie Nights (STL), May 16 Information
  • Shakespeare In the Park: Hamlet (STL), May 28 – June 22 Information

* = specialized event for people with disabilities

Recreation Council Reminders…

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… 

If you want to receive this newsletter weekly to your inbox, send your email address to [email protected]

* Purchase the Autism image above on Amazon at www.amazon.com/Awareness-Interesting-Sometimes-Mysterious-Tumblers