• RAISING STL KIDS, TOGETHER •

6.29.26

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One thing about children is that they are remarkably easy to impress. This week, my son was equally excited about:

1. A squirrel.

2. A puddle.

3. A cracker he found in the car (and proceeded to eat, despite my best efforts to stop him)

And folks, the squirrel barely edged out the cracker.

Which is why I'm pretty confident this week's featured activity is going to be a winner. Starting June 30, families can make their own chocolate bars at Chocolate Chocolate Chocolate Company before touring the factory. Kids get to play chocolatier, parents get an outing that doubles as entertainment and dessert, and everyone leaves sticky, sure, but happy.

If this doesn't beat the mystery car cracker, I may need to recalibrate my expectations.

🥳 Join the family! You can now become a St. Louis Insider for exclusive discounts, members-only experiences, priority access to Family Playdates, and perks designed for families who are always looking for their next adventure.

📚 Get reading: Join us July 9 at the Grand Glaize Branch for the next St. Louis Kids Book Club, featuring storytime, crafts, and plenty of opportunities to spark a lifelong love of reading.

🎂 You’re invited: We're celebrating one year of Family Playdates with a birthday party at TotSpot Social on July 23—the place where this whole Playdate adventure began.

🤔 Question? Have an idea you wish we’d cover? Email me and let me know!

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THINGS TO DO

Top family-friendly events this week in St. Louis

From fireworks and parades to festivals and concerts, these Fourth of July events offer plenty of ways for families to celebrate Independence Day around St. Louis.

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SPONSORED Say hi to sloths at the Saint Louis Zoo! Slow down and spend the day with our two-toed sloths. Plan your visit to the Saint Louis Zoo to get a closer look at the new the Sloth Atrium—now open! Visit today!

A MESSAGE FROM SAINT LOUIS SCIENCE CENTER

The Blue Whale Story at the Saint Louis Science Center

Come face-to-fin with the largest creature ever when you visit The Blue Whale Story special exhibition.

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CREATE YOUR OWN

Chocolate Chocolate Chocolate Company launches make-your-own chocolate bar experience

Starting June 30, families can create their own custom chocolate bars before taking a behind-the-scenes factory tour at one of St. Louis' sweetest destinations. The new hands-on experience combines creativity, candy, and a peek at how thousands of chocolates are still made by hand each week.

🍫 Every chocolate bar is unique. Guests pour milk chocolate into molds and customize their creations with toppings like Oreos, gummy bears, marshmallows, sprinkles, and graham crackers before taking their finished bars home.

🏭 You'll go behind the scenes, too. The workshop includes a factory tour where families can watch chocolatiers dip, decorate, and package chocolates by hand.

🎨 It's creativity without the glitter cleanup. Company leaders hope kids leave with more than a sugar rush—it's a chance to create something from scratch and see how things are made in the real world.

Read More »

BRANDED CONTENT

The real secret to financial freedom

People spend decades planning for retirement. Then what? Chris Wedell of Volare Wealth Advisors shares why fulfillment, legacy, and intentional living are changing the way that people think about financial planning.

Lou's Clues: Sweet Treats

Meet Lou’s Clues—the weekly emoji puzzle game that turns St. Louis into one big family guessing adventure! 🧩✨ 

Can you crack the clues using only emojis? From famous STL landmarks and local foods to sports, neighborhoods, and hometown traditions, every puzzle is packed with St. Louis spirit. Kids can team up with parents, grandparents, siblings, and friends to solve the mystery together.

Celebrate your city one emoji at a time. New puzzles drop every week, so gather the family and see who knows the Lou best! 🏙️

Play Now »

SPONSORED CONTENT

Seeking personalized learning support in a Christian school setting?

Discover individualized support designed for diverse learners. Skilled teachers use research-based methods and effective resources to help students from early childhood through grade 12 reach their full potential. LASE Specialized Education.

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Time Out 🤪

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