Get ready for a packed weekend in St. Louis, balancing springtime fun with St. Patrick's Day celebrations! Don't miss the free Family Sunday at the Art Museum, the magical glow of Animals Aglow at the Zoo, or the big Florissant Parade.
See our top picks
Family Sunday—Ides of March
Saint Louis Art Museum
Free hands-on art activities for kids at the museum.
Family Sunday—Ides of March
Saint Louis Art Museum
Free hands-on art activities for kids at the museum.
Little Sliders Club
Slick City Action Park
Dedicated morning bounce time for kids 7 and under.
· March 14
4ST. LOUIS - ST. PATRICK'S DAY PARADEFREE : Catch the 57th annual downtown parade at noon, rain or shine. It's the biggest St. Paddy's celebration in the city center.This is the main city parade happening Saturday, offering big-city fun.
: Get moving with the family at this race event that features a specific Fun Run designed for kids. Located in West County, it’s a great Saturday morning activity.It has a dedicated Fun Run component, making it accessible for younger kids who want to participate in the St. Paddy's theme.
: Decorate six St. Patrick's Day themed sugar cookies in this class where you'll learn basic techniques. It’s a sweet, contained way to celebrate the holiday indoors.Hands-on cookie decorating is perfect for afternoon fun and guaranteed kid engagement.
CHOOKS WITH BOOKS: CHICKEN STORYTIMEFREE : Enjoy Saturday stories followed by a chance to see live chickens from the local organization Second-Hen'd. This is a charming, low-key event.It pairs reading with live animals, a huge draw for younger kids on a Saturday afternoon.
· March 15
8FAMILY SUNDAY—IDES OF MARCHFREE : Head to the Art Museum for hands-on art activities and interactive components designed just for kids. The theme changes each time, making it a great stop for creative fun.It's a completely free, guaranteed kid-focused event happening Sunday afternoon indoors.
FREE : Enjoy the parade starting at noon followed by a festival lasting until 6 PM. This is a great suburban option if you want to celebrate St. Patrick's Day.This is a confirmed, large-scale local St. Patrick's celebration happening Sunday.
: If you have very young jumpers, this special party time is dedicated just to them! Kids can wear green and enjoy jumping in a toddler-friendly environment.It's a dedicated morning time slot reserved specifically for 'Littlest Jumpers' to play safely.
: Dine with animal royalty in this special meet-and-greet event with reserved seating. This is one of the limited dates during their opening weekend.It’s a unique dining experience at a classic St. Louis spot during its opening weekend.
: Meet Spider-Man for crafts, open play, and photo ops in St. Charles. This looks like a super fun, focused morning event for little superhero fans.Character meet-and-greets combined with play are always a big hit, and this one is confirmed for Sunday morning.
EIMEAR ARKINS & EILEEN GANNON– ANNUAL ST. PATRICK'S DAY SHOW : Celebrate St. Paddy's a day late with this annual show featuring award-winning musicians Eimear Arkins and Eileen Gannon. A lovely Sunday afternoon musical treat.A focused, celebratory live music event perfect for a Sunday afternoon, centered around the weekend's theme.
: A late afternoon Irish celebration featuring Mitzi MacDonald and her daughters. It's a final chance this weekend to catch some lively, authentic St. Paddy's music.Another excellent, dedicated Irish music event, perfect for capping off the holiday weekend on Sunday.
: Visit the Butterfly House during the final days of this special exhibition featuring Blue Morpho butterflies. It’s a beautiful indoor escape before the event ends soon.This is one of the final days for this special limited-run butterfly exhibit, making it a timely visit.
Also On· anytime this weekend
3: Walk the Zoo grounds at twilight surrounded by towering, luminous lanterns depicting animals and plants. This is a beautiful, immersive way to experience the Zoo after dark.It offers a magical evening experience at a favorite local spot, perfect for families looking for something beyond the usual daytime zoo visit.
: This program blends storytelling with hands-on science for very young children. It’s a great, structured introduction to STEM concepts.It is a specific session catering to the 3-5 age group within the Science Center's offerings.
: A weekly morning program at Slick City just for younger kids (7 and under) to enjoy the park without the bigger crowds. Great for burning off Sunday morning energy.Dedicated morning time slot specifically limiting access to younger children.
Frequently Asked Questions
What free kids events are on in St. Louis this weekend?
This weekend (Mar 14-15) there are several free options including Family Sunday at the Saint Louis Art Museum (Sunday), the Florissant St. Patrick's Day Festival (Sunday), and the main St. Louis St. Patrick's Day Parade (Saturday).
Are there any special St. Patrick's Day events for kids?
Yes! Saturday has multiple themed races like the City of Chesterfield Shamrock Run and the St. Louis Parade downtown. Sunday features the Florissant Parade and Festival, plus a St. Patrick's Day-themed jump time at Sky Zone Shrewsbury.
What can we do on Saturday evening with the kids?
The best family option for Saturday evening is Animals Aglow at the Saint Louis Zoo, where you can walk through lantern displays from 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM.
