They say the more a mom enjoys her motherhood, the more her kid enjoys their childhood. My husband will be the first to tell you I thrive in self-sacrificing survival mode–a mentality that is all too easy to slip into while navigating parenthood for the first time. But during last week’s snow days, my toddler entered his mimic era. When I laugh, he laughs. When my eyes light up, so do his. When I dance, he wiggles his hips like Elvis. And when I looked stressed, I couldn’t help but notice that sweet little toddler practicing furrowing his own brow. My next mom mission? Soaking up every bit of joy I can–so that my son does, too. This is how I’m starting:
⚽ Despite the fact that I am generally allergic to all athletics, I’m embracing the fact that I have an extroverted, active little boy who wants to run and kick all day, every day. That said, you better believe we’ll be signing up for CITY SC’s new Kids Club. Get the details below.
🌱 I’ll be paying special attention to little, natural wonders of the world alongside my kid, who is amazed by just about everything adults tend to take for granted. The Children’s Garden Club seems like the perfect place to start. Read more below.
💕 I’ve always been a tradition-lovingholiday celebrator, but I think having a young kid is an extra-special reason to go big on the festivities that I typically don’t pay much mind. Valentine’s Day for us used to simply mean heart-shaped pizza and a rom-com. This year? Funfetti cupcakes, wind-up heart toys, handmade valentines, and a cookie-decorating class for two. Scroll for more of our favorite themed events and local gift ideas.
🫶 And as long as my little love is mimicking my actions–especially in the current climate–I’ll be careful to speak and spread only kindness and empathy. Here’s to raising the next generation to be better than those who came before them.
Wishing you a wonderful week with the ones you love!
🤔 Question? Have an idea you wish we’d cover? Email me and let me know!
KNOW SOMEONE WHO'D ENJOY THIS EMAIL? DIRECT THEM HERE TO SIGN UP.
Things to Do
For even more great ideas for things to do this week, subscribe to our Weekend newsletter, delivered every Thursday. And if you’re looking for classic seasonal activities, check out our below guides.
SPONSOREDNow Open: Climb aboard Thomas & Friends™: Explore the Rails! for a limited-time, hands-on adventure at The Magic House. Find out more!
A MESSAGE FROM CLASSIC AIRE CARE
St. Louis’s premier HVAC, plumbing, and electrical service provider
Classic Aire Care is here to make your life more comfortable. They stand behind their work with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. For maintenance, service, or replacements, call Classic Aire Care.
St. Louis CITY SC is making matchdays even more fun for families with the launch of CITY Kids Club, a new program designed just for young soccer fans. Built around CITY2 matches and aimed at kids ages 5–12, the club mixes games, gear, and special experiences that let kids feel like part of the team—while giving parents a relaxed, kid-forward way to enjoy the beautiful game together.
⚽ Made for young fans: CITY Kids Club is designed for kids ages 5–12 who want to cheer, chant, and feel part of the action.
🎟️ Tickets included: Membership comes with tickets to a specially branded CITY2 Kids Club match on July 26.
🧣 Exclusive swag: Kids get annual Kids Club merch, an exclusive scarf, plus collectible CITY SC cards and stickers.
🎨 Family-first matchday vibes: CITY2 games lean into kid-friendly fun with face painting, autograph sessions, PA-for-a-day moments, and chances to join the supporters section.
📈 Watch future stars grow: CITY2 matches give kids a front-row seat to the next generation of CITY SC players working their way to the first team.
💰 Affordable for families: Membership is $39 per season, with discounts for siblings and additional savings for Season Ticket and myCITY+ members.
Trending Now: Experiential travel and adventure travel
Travel in 2026 is all about experiencing the destination—not just seeing it. From From immersive cultural experiences to adrenaline-fueled adventures, plan the trip of your dreams with AAA Travel.
GROWING TOGETHER
The beloved Children’s Garden Club that’s been quietly growing in St. Louis for 27 years
For nearly three decades, the Children’s Garden Club has been a sweet, muddy-handed tradition for St. Louis families. This free, monthly program from St. Louis County Parks and Recreation invites kids and grown-ups alike to slow down, dig in, and learn together—planting, harvesting, and creating hands-on projects that nurture curiosity, responsibility, and a lifelong love of nature.
🌱 It’s free—and fills up fast. The 2026 season begins February 7, with one-hour Saturday sessions at 9 a.m. Registration opens on the 15th of the month prior and spots go quickly.
🥕 Kids grow real food. A working garden at Queeny Park lets kids plant vegetables in spring and return later to harvest what they’ve grown—yes, they take it home.
🐦 Every month brings a hands-on project. From fairy gardens to bird feeders, each session includes a take-home project tied to simple conservation lessons and big-picture nature connections.
Celebrate originality this Valentine's Day by investing in unique, handmade items from Artisans In the Loop. Discover curated artworks, bespoke jewelry, and intricately crafted mugs and scarves, each imbued with the personal touch and meticulous care of its creator. Find them now.
Cub Creek Science Camp is the nation’s only summer camp with a hands-on zoo, inspiring kids to explore science, animals, and adventure through unforgettable experiences. Discover camp today.