Upcoming family events in the community
Published June 23, 2021
St. Louis Symphony helps Jewish community celebrate Shabbat
When/Where? 5 to 6 p.m. Friday, June 25 at the J’s Staenberg Family Complex TSG Day Camp Pavilion and Soccer Field
Virtual/In-person? In-person
Description: The Jewish Community Center is inviting the entire community to a free, outdoor “house” concert. It’s featuring some talented musical guests: small ensembles composed of members of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra. Together they are presenting a “Symphony Prelude to Shabbat,” featuring music from legendary Jewish composers such as George Gershwin, Irving Berlin, Aaron Copeland and more. Those in attendance will be treated to a brass quintet, woodwind quintet and string quartet, the latter of which will feature Rabbi Amy Feder of Congregation Temple Israel as vocalist. Feder is also president of the St. Louis Rabbinical and Cantorial Association.
FABA (Families at Bais Abe) Shabbat popsicles in the summer
When/Where? 4-5 p.m. June 26 (and July 10) at Bais Abraham Congregation, 6910 Delmar Blvd.
Virtual/In-person? In-person
RSVP required? No
Description: FABA invites friends of all ages for Shabbat popsicle hours this summer in the Bais Abe backyard! Come join the fun on the 2nd and 4th Shabbats of the month in June and July.
Free special events at Gateway Arch National Park
When/Where? Sunday, June 27
Virtual/In-person? In-person
RSVP required? See below
Description: 8 a.m.: Ranger-led run around the park will begin at the Arch’s west entrance and loop around the monument, utilizing the park’s brand-new trails. Space is limited, so call 877-982-1410 to reserve your spot.
9 a.m. to noon: Head to the south leg of the Gateway Arch to take part in some old-school fun with classic toys and games such as Jacob’s Ladder and the Game of Graces. Participants can also make and take home their own button for giving these games a try.
10 a.m.: Meet at the Arch’s west entrance and bring your own mat and towel for a yoga session that’s fun for the entire family. Participants will enjoy using games and discussion to experience the many benefits of yoga, and they’ll leave the session encouraged to apply their learning “off the mat” through journaling, drawing and other activities.
11 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Catch the St. Louis Unions Vintage Base Ball Club playing vintage baseball under the Arch. Attendees will also learn about 19th-century baseball through interactive discussions about vintage uniforms, equipment and much more.
Emerson Dinoroarus opens at the Zoo
When/Where? Through Oct. 31 at the St. Louis Zoo
Virtual/In-person? In-person, outdoors
RSVP required? No, but reservations for the zoo are required at www.stlzoo.org/visit/zoo-reservations
Description: This engaging attraction (in the former children’s zoo area) for all ages features 16 different groupings of animatronic and stationary dinosaurs. The cost is $5.95/ticket with advanced zoo reservation (free for zoo members).
The History Clubhouse at the Missouri History Museum in Forest Park
When/Where? One-hour play sessions at 10 and 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 and 3 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays each week throughout the summer
Virtual/In-Person? In-person. All visitors ages 9 and older who have not been vaccinated are required to wear a face mask.
RSVP required? Free, advanced reservations are required by calling 314-361-9017 or by emailing [email protected].
Description: This interactive space is specially designed for children and their families. Start by exploring downtown St. Louis, complete with re-creations of iconic buildings that stand up to 15-feet tall. Then take a trolley ride back in time to serve food at a café during the 1904 World’s Fair, pilot a steamboat on the Mississippi River, and playhouse in the ancient city of Cahokia. Dress up in period costumes, put on a puppet show, fish over the edge of a canoe, and so much more, all while experiencing local history.
Family-friendly Friday night service
When/Where? 5:15 p.m. Friday, June 25 at Congregation B’nai Amoona, 324 S. Mason Road
Virtual/In-person? In-person
RSVP required? www.bnaiamoona.com/upcoming
Description: Enjoy kid-friendly outdoor Shabbat services. Families who register ahead of time will receive a challah to take home.
Pop-Up Shabbat
When/Where? 6-7 p.m. June 25 at United Hebrew Congregation, 13788 Conway Road
Virtual/In-person: In-person, outdoors. In the case of rain, watch on UH’slivestream page. Services will not move into the building.
RSVP required? No
Description: Enjoy outdoor Shabbat evening services. Bring your own chair or blanket. Sweet treat to follow.
Rhythm and Ruach family music classes
When/Where? June – multiple times and locations
Virtual/In-person? In-person, outdoors
RSVP required? Yes, pricing info and registration here
Description: Families with children from birth to 5 can register now for 4-week summer sessions with Morah Shelley.
Books and Buddies
When/Where? 10 a.m. July 5 (and July 19) at the World Bird Sanctuary
Virtual/In-person? In-person, outdoors
RSVP required? No, admission is free, $2 donation requested
Description: Looking for some exciting outdoor learning for your little ones? We’ll hang out outside and read a story together, and then you’ll meet one of our animal ambassadors!
Outdoor Music at Kol Rinah
When/Where? 10 a.m. Saturday, July 10 (also Aug. 7) at Kol Rinah, 7701 Maryland Ave.
Virtual/In-person? In-person
RSVP required? Registration required, email [email protected]
Description: Outdoor musical service geared toward children from birth to age 5. Masks required for those 2 years and older.
Family Kabbalat Shabbat
When/Where? Friday, July 23 (also August 20) at 5:45 pm at Kol Rinah, 7701 Maryland Ave.
Virtual/In-person? In-person
RSVP required? Registration required. Email [email protected]
Description: Geared toward families with children in preschool through middle school. Masks required for those 2 and up.