In between the soccer games and screen time, make plans to experience local art and culture with the entire family. Below are just a few events in September that the kids will find as entertaining as you!

saint louis art fair
Sept. 7-9
As intriguing as you might find it walking around to hundreds of artist’s booths, your kids might not be so into it. But no fear! Set them free in the Creative Castle, an arts and crafts area for kids, or grab a seat at one of three stages for musical and other performances throughout the weekend, many geared toward your little ones, such as:
>> 9/8, 2:30 p.m.: Marko Polo uses his guitar to connect young audiences with entertaining and educational songs.
>> 9/8, 3:45 p.m.: Performance by the Consuming Kinetics Dance Company, which offers classes for ages 3 to 18 as well as adults.
>> 9/8, 6 p.m.: Get your kids dancing at the Kids Do Disco Party with DJ Alexis.

loufest
Sept. 8 & 9
Kids’ unabashed personalities mean prime dancing. Let them take in the amazing musical acts coming to town, but also head to LouKidz, a family-friendly alcove free for kids 12 and under with the purchase of an adult ticket. According to the website, it’s like “a really rich kid’s birthday party on steroids.” They can enjoy a bounce house, Bubble Bus, face painting, performances by Robot+Bike and more!

st. louis symphony free concert in forest park
Sept. 12
Live music and a picnic in Forest Park? Sounds like the perfect fall evening for the fam. The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra will perform at the base of Art Hill, and for a bonus the kids will love, it all ends with fireworks. Start time is 7 p.m.

the great forest park balloon race
Sept. 14 & 15
We have the largest and oldest free balloon race in the world right in our own backyard! The Friday night Balloon Glow is a magical sight to behold, and Boogie Chyld will be playing tunes on the main stage. Saturday, festivities begin at noon. The Purina Children’s Entertainment Area features activities for all ages, including inflatables, games and mural painting. Plus, there will be skydivers and performances by The Muny Kids, Krupinski Academy of Dance, the Purina Pro Plan PerformanceTeam and more! And let’s not forget the stars of the show: the more than 60 balloons will start taking off around 4 p.m.

Have an up-and-coming thespian, artist or musician in the family? Check out these local programs:
>> COCA Musical Theatre Classes in drama, dance and more for kids in preschool through high school; cocastl.org
>> DaySpring Arts & Education: Classes in theater, dance, music and more; dayspringarts.org
>> Gateway Center for Performing Arts: Stage productions featuring kids from elementary through high school; gcpastl.org
>>St. Louis Jewish Community Center Drama & Theater Educational programs for students from kindergarten through 10th grade; jccstl.org