
Give your kids a truly international experience at Chinese Culture Days at the Missouri Botanical Garden. Become immersed in traditional Chinese arts, music, culture and cuisine at the Garden on Saturday and Sunday, May 15 and 16.
You may want to arrive by 11 a.m. on Saturday for a grand parade led by a dazzling 70-foot, 24-legged dragon winding through the crowd (this is meant to dispel bad luck and evil spirits). Traditional martial artists, lion dancers, gongs and drums follow to welcome good luck for the Year of the Tiger. The parade will be repeated again at 2 p.m. both days.
Other activities include guided tours of the Grigg Nanjing Friendship Garden, also known as the Chinese Garden, lessons in the ancient martial art of T’ai Ji, tea tastings and traditional Chinese music.
Chinese Culture Days runs from until 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both days. Admission is $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and $5 for children (ages 3 to 12) and Garden members.
By Amy Burger, Events Blogger for SmartParenting
Amy Burger is a mom, freelance writer and communications professional with nearly 20 years experience working in St. Louis. Her work has appeared in numerous publications and media outlets including STL Parent, Missouri Life magazine, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Town & Style and kdhx.org, among others. When she's not working, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two beautiful girls at home in Kirkwood.
Visit the James S. McDonnell Planetarium in Forest Park and see a star show to experience the largest artificial sky in the Western Hemisphere. Star shows are lead LIVE by one of the Planetarium's educators, creating a new and tailored experience for every audience.
Stop in and have some fun in the indoor pool at the Lodge of Des Peres with your little one at this drop-in swim time for kids up to age 6. No pre-registration is needed; Water Waddlers is open to residents and non-residents of Des Peres.
The Saint Louis Science Center has expanded its Preschool Science Series to include new offerings for different age groups of young scientists. Storybook STEM is for ages 3 to 5.
LEGO Club at the St. Louis County Library is a free opportunity for kids to gather and have fun building with LEGO bricks. LEGOs are provided.
Explore the Saint Louis Zoo in the evenings at the Chinese lantern festival Animals Aglow! Animals Aglow returns to illuminate the Saint Louis Zoo for the second year with dozens of new, towering lanterns and light displays.