• CURATED FUN FOR STL KIDS & THEIR GROWN-UPS •

7.30.26

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A message from deputy editor Emily Adams

When I was a kid, summer had a very specific recipe: One county fair. At least one pitcher of homemade lemonade per week. A few mosquito bites. Riding something that spun way faster than it should have. Staying outside until the streetlights came on. Repeat.

Now that I'm the parent, I've realized I'm the activities coordinator for someone else's childhood. It’s a responsibility I take very seriously, and it stresses me out way more than it should.

I spend an embarrassing amount of time asking questions like, "Have we gone to Ted Drewes yet?" "Do we need to fit in one more Cards game?" and "Is it even legally August if we haven't eaten at and/or seen a drive-in movie?"

The good news? This weekend checks almost every box. There's a brand-new Super Fair packed with rides and circus acts, sunflower fields in bloom, balloon glows, Touch-a-Truck, county fair fun, and Carl's Drive-In waiting with frozen mugs of root beer.

🎢 This week's Screen-Free Summer Challenge: Say yes to one thrilling ride, whether it's a roller coaster, Ferris wheel, water slide, the zoo train, or even just going that much higher on the swing at your neighborhood park. Bonus points for hands-up, happy screaming.

🗓️ As for my family's weekend? We're checking another childhood classic off the summer bucket list with a trip to Six Flags. My toddler will be living his best life in Bugs Bunny National Park with a lollipop as big as his head, while I'll be trying to convince myself that riding the kiddie train five times in a row absolutely counts as a theme park day.

🤔 Question? Have an idea you'd love to see us cover? Email me and let me know!

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Top Weekend Events

🎉 Celebrate Summer!

July 31 | 10 a.m.–1 p.m. | Missouri History Museum, 5700 Lindell | Free ⭐

💃 Toddler and Me: Dance and Play

July 31 | 10–11:30 a.m. | Saint Louis Art Museum, One Fine Arts | Free ⭐

🚒 Touch-A-Truck

July 31 | 10 a.m.–noon | St. Vincent Community Center, 7335 St. Charles Rock | Free ⭐

🎶 Children's Performance Series

July 31 | 10–10:45 a.m. | Stupp Center Amphitheater, Tower Grove Park, 4257 Northeast | Free ⭐

🎈 Balloon Glowdeo

July 31–August 1 | 6–11 p.m. | Brookdale Farms, 8004 Twin Rivers | Tickets vary

🎃 Summerween

July 31–August 2 | Times vary | The Magic House, 516 S. Kirkwood | Included with admission

🎢 Super Fair

July 31–August 8 | Times vary | World Wide Technology Raceway, 700 Raceway | Admission starts at $10

🌻 Sunflower Festival

August 1 | 10 a.m.–2 p.m. | Eckert's Belleville Farm, 951 S. Green Mount | Free festival admission ⭐

🌱 Summer Harvest of the Garden

August 1 | 9–10 a.m. | Children's Garden Club Nursery at Queeny Park, 1675 S. Mason | Free ⭐️

❄️ Meet, Greet & Play with Elsa

August 1 | 10 a.m.–noon | Wild Sprouts Play Place, 3010 N. Hwy. 94 | $25 per child

🎡 St. Charles County Fair

Through August 1 | Times vary | Rotary Park, 2577 W. Meyer | Ticketed event

🧱 Brick Convention

August 1–2 | Sessions from 10 a.m.–1 p.m. & 2–5 p.m. | Greensfelder Recreation Complex, 550 Weidman | $15 online; $20 door

⚽ City Wide Cup

August 2 | Noon–3 p.m. | STL Athletic Center, 2300 Hitzert | $150 per player

See the full family-friendly events calendar »

A MESSAGE FROM ACADEMY OF THE SACRED HEART, EDUCATING IN ST. CHARLES SINCE 1818

Small classes and exceptional academics inspire joyful learning

Academy of the Sacred Heart is a Catholic, independent school for children of all faiths in Pre-K (age 3) through eighth grade. With a 9:1 student/teacher ratio, students thrive in small-by-design classes ensuring each child is known and loved.

Schedule Your Tour »

THRILLS & CHILLS

The debut of Super Fair at World Wide Technology Raceway brings thrills from July 31–August 8.

New Super Fair brings rides, circus acts, and family fun to Metro East

If your family's summer bucket list still has "go to a carnival" unchecked, a brand-new fair is rolling into the Metro East with roller coasters, free circus performances, roaming characters, and enough rides to keep everyone entertained.

🎡 It's a big debut. The Super Fair arrives at World Wide Technology Raceway from July 31–August 8. The fair features more than 100 rides and attractions, including thrill rides, family favorites, and multiple free circus shows each day.

🎪 There's fun beyond the rides. Meet roaming storybook characters, catch live circus performances, and take advantage of sensory-friendly accommodations, including designated quiet zones for families who need a break.

💵 You can save, too. Unlimited ride wristbands start at $25 during presale, and the fair offers student admission, BOGO wristbands, and other weekday discounts to help make a family outing more affordable.

THE KIDS' TABLE

Carl’s Drive-In

Nothing screams hamburger stand louder than Carl’s, and no kid can refuse a flat-grilled cheeseburger and a homemade root beer in a frozen mug. Finish off this week’s Kids’ Table pick with a Ronnie’s Rocky Mountain, an XL version of a drumstick.

🍽️ More family-friendly restaurant picks »

HOUSE OF LOU PODCAST

St. Louis photographer on her new book, ‘Coastal Granddaughter’

Tune in to House of Lou to hear all about the makings of Heidi Drexler Stehr’s new coffee table book that she describes as ‘a photographic love letter to Cape Cod and the Islands.’