Things to do with 9 year old: 21 Fun Activities Parents Can Do With Their 9-Year-Old

21 Fun Activities Parents Can Do With Their 9-Year-Old

It can be hard to come up with fun things to do with your kids, especially as they get older and harder to entertain. Here are 21 different ways you can spend time with your 9-year-old so that you’ll both be having lots of fun!

1. Play a Game Outside

There are lots of games you can play outside with your nine-year-old. You can play sports like basketball or baseball or running games like tag or red light green light. It’s good for your child to run around and get some sun. It can also be a way for you to get some exercise. Playing games outside is healthy and a lot of fun!

2. Play a Board Game

Board games are a lot of fun to play if you need to do something inside. They can be a good way to quietly occupy your child’s time. Some games can also teach children how to creatively problem-solve, and they can be a good way to teach your child how to be a good sport and not get upset if they lose. Just make sure to choose a board game that is age-appropriate.

3. Visit a Planetarium or Aquarium

It’s nice to visit a planetarium or aquarium with your nine-year-old. Not only is it a really cool place for a kid to explore, but it is educational. Your child can learn about space or oceans in an interesting, hands-on way.

Many of these places are designed for kids to keep them interested and occupied while they are also learning. The only downside is that it can be expensive, so it probably isn’t something you can do all the time. However, if you need something fun and educational to do with your nine-year-old one day, going to a planetarium or aquarium is a great choice.

4. Visit the Zoo

The zoo is another cool place to visit. There are a lot of interesting animals to look at and interact with. I used to get so excited to visit the zoo and see all the awesome animals, particularly the monkeys. Zoos also require a lot of walking, which can help your child get some exercise, even if you get exhausted. Zoos can also teach your child a lot about animals and maybe even help them find a new favorite animal.

5. Read a Book Together

Though nine-year-olds can read books by themselves, reading with them is a good way to spend some time with them. You can read more difficult books with them than they can read alone, which will help improve their reading ability.

You can read it out loud and let your child look at the page, or you can have them read it with you there to help with the difficult words or concepts. Reading is a great activity that can help you bond with your child and instill a love of reading.

6. Play Make-Believe

When I was nine, I loved playing make-believe. I would make up a story or scenario, then I would act it out, alone or with family. I pretended to be a ninja, a dragon, and a princess. This was my favorite activity to do as a child. I would spend hours acting out my little stories, imagining what was around me and what happened next. Whenever one of my family members would join me, we would have a blast together. Some of my fondest memories are of playing make-believe with my family.

Not all nine-year-olds will want to do this, but many will absolutely love it. Make sure to let your child take the lead on this so that they can use their imagination. Be willing to go along with what your kid wants you to be. This can help them develop creative skills and learn what kinds of stories they like or dislike.

7. Tell Stories

This activity is similar to playing make-believe, but it is less active and more word-oriented. Listening to your child tell a story is a good way to show them that you are willing to listen to them. It can also help them visualize things better, grasp abstract concepts, and develop language skills.

You can also play storytelling games where you and your child create a story together. You can give them a prompt which they then have to finish. You can also tell a story one line or word at a time, going back and forth. There are a lot of fun ways to tell stories through games.

8. Go for a Bike Ride

Bike rides are a lot of fun! You get to spend time outside in the fresh air, you get exercise, and you can discover new things. Riding around on bikes with your nine-year-old can be a fun way to give them the opportunity to explore. Even just riding around in your neighborhood can give them an opportunity to investigate the world around them, and maybe even meet some new people among your neighbors.

9. Go on a Hike

Another opportunity for nine-year-olds to explore is going on a hike. Hiking is a fun way to see some cool things in nature. They will be able to see some beautiful views and maybe spot some animals. Lots of nine-year-olds have a collection of cool-looking rocks or plants, and a hike is a great way for them to add to that collection.

10. Build a Fort

Building forts was one of the coolest things to do as a nine-year-old. Something about hanging out inside of something I made out of blankets was really exciting. It can be fun to help your nine-year-old build a fort, even if it is too small for you to go inside. Working together with your child, you can produce a really cool fort that your child will love.

11. Dance

Dancing together can be very fun and help you and your child get some exercise. Play some of their favorite songs or expose them to music that you like. There are a lot of physical benefits of dancing, such as improved muscle control and endurance. It can also help them better understand rhythm and melody. Dance can also help your child express themselves in a positive and unique way, and it encourages creativity.

12. Dress Up

Playing dress-up with a child is a lot of fun. Dressing up as someone else is great for a child developmentally, too. It encourages creative thinking, communication, language development, social skills, and testing out new behaviors.

Even if you only have a few clothing items for them to try on, this will help them be more creative with how they use the clothing items. Even just having a few blankets or sheets can encourage dress-up.

13. Cook

Nine-year-olds are more than old enough to help out in the kitchen. Letting them help you cook is a good way to bond with them and allow them to feel like they are pitching in to help. It is also good to teach them some cooking skills early so that they are able to feed themselves as adults. Just be careful when letting them near hot stoves or sharp tools, and try to delegate the simpler tasks while handling the more complicated stuff yourself.

14. Go Out to Eat

It sounds simple, but my siblings and I always loved going out to eat at restaurants. We had fun picking something off the menu, drinking soda, and eating something different than normal.

Some of my best memories are of spending time with my family at restaurants. It can also be a good opportunity for your child to make choices by choosing what they want to eat. Plus, you’re checking eating lunch or dinner off of your list of things to do.

15. Create an Art Project

Art projects are a really great activity for you and your child. Whether it’s painting, gluing, building, or anything else, art projects can bolster creativity. Here are a few art activities you can do:

• Sculpting with clay or Play-doh
• Origami
• Collages
• Watercolor painting
• Chalk drawing

16. Visit a Relative

Relatives are really good at spoiling children, so naturally, they are a lot of fun for a child to visit. You nine-year-old can have a blast playing with younger relatives or receiving attention from adults while you get to spend some quality time with family members. It can be a good way to socialize for both you and your child. Spending time with family is very important, and it is a great activity.

17. Go to an Amusement Park

Going to amusement parks is very exciting for a nine-year-old, especially since some nine-year-olds are getting to the point when they are tall enough to ride on the big roller coasters.

An amusement park can be a fun day trip, though it can tire out both your child and you. You should make sure that you come prepared for a long day, with food, plans for breaks, and sunscreen. Amusement parks are exciting, and spending an afternoon at one is a really fun way to spend time with your child.

18. Go to the Theater

Going to see a play or musical is a super fun experience! Spending an evening at the theater is really cool, and it can also be educational and entertaining. This is a great activity to do with a nine-year-old.

Many nine-year-olds are mature enough to not only be able to sit through a theater production and actually enjoy it. Make sure to choose an age-appropriate show that will be entertaining and not too long. Nine-year-olds can generally sit still for around 40 minutes, so a play longer than 80 minutes with an intermission is probably going to be too long. Figure out how long the show is and make a judgment call based on your child’s attention span.

19. Watch a Sports Game

Taking your child to a sports game can be a fun way to bond. The atmosphere of sports games is very lively and exciting, and many nine-year-olds will enjoy watching a game.

However, don’t expect them to want to stay for the whole game. When my dad took my brothers and I to baseball games, we were begging to leave by the fourth inning.

If you are really invested in watching a sports game, bringing your nine-year-old is probably not the best choice. However, sports games can be a great experience for a nine-year-old, and a game may help them get interested in sports, which is a really great interest to have.

20. Play a Video Game

Spending time with your child via screen time is not the best option, but it can still have benefits. Lots of kids enjoy video games, and playing a game with them is a good way to show interest in what they like to do.

Playing a few rounds of a game can help you connect with them and give you an opportunity to work together with them. Many video games will help improve your child’s problem-solving skills, spatial reasoning, and imagination/creativity.

Being good at video games can also help children get to know more about computers, which is a great skill to have nowadays.

21. Watch a Movie

Movies are not the best activity, but enjoying a movie with your child can be a lot of fun. Every once in a while, you can have a movie night, watching a wholesome movie to relax and connect with your child. It is a fun way to spend time with family, and it can create lasting memories.

I can’t remember many specific details about playing tag as a child, but I can rewatch a movie I loved as a child and remember watching it with my family.

There are a lot of fun things to do with a nine-year-old, but the most important part is to be spending time with them. Cultivating a relationship with your child is very important. Enjoy this time that you get to spend with them and watch them learn and grow!

Things To Do In St Louis With Kids

Got Kids? You’re in the Right Place.

St. Louis is an impressive place, especially for families with kids. The region is brimming with free, world-class attractions, engaging events and flourishing public parks, making it an unrivaled choice for a weekend getaway or a lengthier stay.

Whether you’re traveling with toddlers in tow or preteens with an increasing sense of independence, St. Louis has immersive and memorable activities that everyone can enjoy together.

Explore upcoming kid-friendly events in St. Louis on our events calendar.

Entertainment Complexes

Amp Up Action Park

At Amp Up Action Park, there’s guaranteed fun at every turn. Zip around a custom-built track in the most technologically advanced indoor kart in the world and complete a heart-pounding adventure in the three-level, black light-lit laser tag arena. There’s also an elevated ropes course, axe throwing, arcade games and pickleball. Play as you go or purchase a two-hour pass, and when you get hungry, stop by the Filling Station Cafe or Trackside Tavern for bar bites, pizza, sweet treats and more. Parents can also sip beer, wine or sangria while their kids continue to play.

Main Event

For unlimited fun under one roof, head to Main Event in Chesterfield. From bowling to laser tag and billiards to mini golf, every activity and game is designed to bring family and friends together. You can also play arcade games, immerse yourself in a virtual reality experience, test your skills on the indoor ropes course and show off your smarts in one of the miniature escape rooms. If you’re in the area on Monday, take advantage of Main Event’s all-you-can-play promotion – it’s just $12.99 a person!

St. Louis Union Station

Once one of the largest and busiest passenger rail terminals in the world, St. Louis Union Station is now a wellspring of family-friendly activity. There’s something for kids of all ages – think a classic carousel, a mirror maze, a miniature golf course, a ropes course and even a Build-A-Bear Workshop. On the lake in front of the grand entrance, a fire and light show dazzles viewers, while the 3D light show in the Grand Hall captivates audiences with underwater scenes, Queen hits and more. Union Station is also home to the St. Louis Aquarium and the St. Louis Wheel.

Recreational Activities

Adventure Valley

Take flight at Adventure Valley, where 10 zip lines will propel you through a beautiful wooded ridge in Jefferson County. On one zip line, which is more than 1,100 feet long, you can reach speeds up to 50 miles per hour! If you would rather keep your feet on the ground, Adventure Valley also has a paintball park, which is open on Saturdays and Sundays for those 12 and older. Don’t underestimate how fun it can be to team up with your loved ones and play in a paintball tournament.

MADE for Kids

Get crafty with your kids at MADE for Kids, a 7,000-square-foot makerspace created by The Magic House. Suitable for kids aged four to 14, the wonderland features an immersive makers workshop, artists studio, design lab and entrepreneurs marketplace where kids can use their imaginations to tinker, create, invent, explore and discover. Watch as your youngsters experiment with screen printing, 3D printing, laser cutting, stop motion animation and more – you’re bound to be impressed.

Raging Rivers WaterPark

Water slides, wave pools and lazy rivers – Raging Rivers WaterPark is a kid’s paradise and the perfect place to cool off if you’re visiting St. Louis during summer. Take tiny tots to the Itty Bitty Surf City, sail down the Mississippi Monster with older kids and then relax in a rented cabana with an ice-cold drink. 2023 is Kidsfest at Raging Rivers, with daily magic shows in June and daily dog shows in July.

Riverboats at the Gateway Arch

For the best views of the Gateway Arch and St. Louis’ working riverfront, climb aboard one of the Gateway Arch Riverboats. Both the Becky Thatcher and the Tom Sawyer are 19th-century replicas, transporting you to a time when steamboats ruled the river. Cruises are narrated by captains from the National Park Service, who bring the history of the Mississippi River to life. Whether you choose a one-hour day cruise or a two-hour dinner cruise, you’ll learn about the river’s role in the country’s history as well as its impact on St. Louis’ economy to this day.

RYZE Adventure Park

Open since September 2021, RYZE Adventure Park in Maryland Heights offers more than 100 obstacles, plus a heart-stopping zipline and a death-defying free fall, on its four-story Adventure Tower. Are you up for the challenge? The Adventure Tower isn’t linear, so you can make your own course, picking and choosing the activities and obstacles that you want to do. RYZE also has a Little Ninja Course where younger kids can climb and explore at their own pace. The course features 16 elements, all close to the ground but full of adventure. If you would rather keep your feet on the ground, check out the 18-hole state-of-the-art miniature golf course, which glows with neon lights at night.

Six Flags St. Louis

Were you born to ride…rollercoasters? Six Flags St. Louis boasts nine exhilarating rollercoasters (six steel and three wooden) with more than 22,000 feet of combined track. Located in Eureka, the amusement park continues to add attractions, appealing to thrill-seekers of all ages. Take toddlers and little kids to Bugs Bunny National Park, where they can ride, fly, spin and climb to their hearts’ content. Six Flags St. Louis also has a waterpark, Hurricane Harbor, for wet and wild summer fun.

St. Louis Wheel

Reaching a height of 200 feet, The Wheel is the tallest observation wheel in St. Louis. It boasts enclosed, climate-controlled gondolas and sweeping views of the St. Louis skyline. Want to splurge? The VIP gondolas offer opportunities for kids to learn concepts in math, engineering and geography; plus, they have leather captain’s chairs and a glass floor.

Turtle Playground

Before or after your visit to the Saint Louis Zoo, check out Turtle Playground. Especially great for little kids, the playground is a magnet for children of all ages who love climbing – here, they get to clamber on the backs of giant reptiles! Represented in concrete are a common snapping turtle, softshell turtle, red-eared slider, Mississippi map turtle, stinkpot turtle and three box turtles, plus seven oversized turtle eggs and a long, sinuous snake that appears to be taking a bite out of the nearby overpass.

Victory Raceway

Ready, set, go! At Victory Raceway, the electric go-karts reach speeds up to 45 miles per hour on the indoor racetrack. There are no two-seaters – everyone drives – and kids have to be at least six years old and 50 inches tall to get behind the wheel. We know what you’re thinking, but don’t worry – the junior karts only reach speeds up to 25 miles per hour.

Great Outdoors

Eckert’s

At Eckert’s, you can almost taste the history. Eckert’s Orchards took root in 1837, and today, there are three farms just across the river in Southern Illinois. Together, the farms present fun for all seasons with you-pick crops such as strawberries in spring; blackberries and peaches in summer; apples and pumpkins in late summer and early fall; and Christmas trees in winter. Eckert’s also has special events throughout the year, which feature farm animals, corn mazes, wagon rides, live music, festive foods and more.

Gateway Arch National Park

After a $380 million makeover, the national park land around the Gateway Arch and the Museum at the Gateway Arch is picture-perfect and ready for visitors. The verdant grounds feature stroller-friendly walkways and two reflection pools, but if you want a bird’s-eye view, take the tram ride to the top of the 630-foot monument. After you squeeze into a futuristic, five-person pod, it takes four minutes to ascend. At the top, small windows reveal spectacular views of the Old Courthouse, downtown St. Louis and beyond to the west and the Mississippi River and Illinois to the east. Tickets often sell out, so reserve your spots ahead of time.

Meramec Caverns

Uncover Missouri’s buried treasure beneath the rolling hills of the Meramec Valley. Meramec Caverns, the largest commercial cave in the state and one of the most awe-inspiring caves on the planet, boasts astounding formations, including glistening stalactites, magnificent stalagmites, an ancient “wine table” and a seven-story “mansion,” which were formed from the erosion of large limestone deposits over millions of years. Trained rangers guide captivating tours along well-lit walkways to some of the rarest and largest cave formations in the world – they’ll also show you where an episode of Lassie was filmed in 1966. The underground oasis is a cool 60 degrees year-round, and you can supplement the spectacular experience with other family-friendly activities, such as panning for gold, ziplining or taking a scenic excursion on the Meramec River aboard a canopy-topped riverboat.

Missouri Botanical Garden

Parents, listen up! One of the best playgrounds in St. Louis sits on 2 acres next to the Climatron conservatory inside the Missouri Botanical Garden. The Doris I. Schnuck Children’s Garden introduces kids at their most impressionable age to the significance of plants and nature in fun and innovative ways. Youngsters can splash through a stream, navigate a rope bridge and play with the locks and dams. They can climb to new heights in a treehouse and then glide down Spelunker’s Slide and cool off in a limestone cave. Bringing botany and 19th-century history to life, the garden also invites children and adults alike to explore the wetlands, board a steamboat and visit a Midwestern prairie village. The Missouri Botanical Garden has long been a place of beauty, serenity and discovery, and there’s plenty more to enjoy beyond this playground.

Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center

Nestled within 112 acres of oak-hickory forest in a quiet corner of Kirkwood, Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center introduces people of all ages to the wonders of the natural world. One of the three trails through the park features interpretive signage, and inside the nature center, you’ll find interesting exhibits, including an aquarium and a bee hive, which offer something for every season.

Animal Encounters

Endangered Wolf Center

Arguably the best-kept secret in the St. Louis area, the Endangered Wolf Center in Eureka aims to help save and protect wild canids by reintroducing Mexican wolves and American red wolves – the two most endangered wolves in the world – into the wild. Want to see the wolves for yourself? The Endangered Wolf Center offers a variety of daytime tours – from its signature endangered species tour to a specialized photography tour to field trips for schoolchildren – as well as nighttime howls. Education coordinator Jimmy Parsons can imitate each howl, and you might be lucky enough to hear the wolves howl back while learning more about wolf communication. Visiting the center, you’ll also meet other species of canids, including South American maned wolves, African painted dogs, fennec foxes, arctic foxes, swift foxes and a melanistic red fox named Cooper.

Grant’s Farm

Families with kids flock to Grant’s Farm – and for good reason. The St. Louis treasure boasts more than 900 animals, along with storied architecture, from Ulysses S. Grant’s humble log cabin, which he built in 1855, to the Busch Family Estate, often referred to as the “Big House.” Your visit starts with a short tram ride through Deer Park, where you might spot free-roaming antelope, deer and various bovines, including bison, water buffalo, yaks and domesticated cattle. When the tram stops, you can get off and ride a camel, watch a short and sweet animal show or feed the goats. (Warning: Those little guys can be aggressive.) Before you leave, stop by the German-style stables to see the iconic Clydesdales as well as classic cars and carriages. At the Bauernhof, enjoy lunch or a light snack; guests over 21 are also invited to grab two free beers. Yes, you read that right. Welcome to St. Louis! Admission to Grant’s Farm is free, but parking is $15.

Lone Elk Park

It’s a deer. It’s a bison. It’s a wild turkey! Lone Elk Park, a 546-acre wildlife management area, offers frequent wildlife sightings whether you drive or walk through the park. If your kids can handle it, follow the White Bison Trail – a 3-mile loop with twists and climbs – for the opportunity to spot white-tailed deer, elk, waterfowl and more.

Purina Farms

Life is better with a pet, and Purina Farms teaches visitors how to connect with theirs on a deeper level. It all starts with understanding and appreciating dogs and cats and their unique abilities. So, head to the Purina Farms Visitor Center (open to the public from mid-April through October), which includes the Incredible Dog Arena, where the Purina Incredible Dog Team demonstrates its skills; the Pet Center, featuring a 20-foot, multi-level home for adoptable cats; and the Barn and Play area, which houses domestic farm animals.

Saint Louis Zoo

A leading zoo in animal management, research, conservation and education, the Saint Louis Zoo should be at the top of your travel bucket list. At the entrance to the zoo, stop by The Living World, a 65-foot rotunda with natural light from the glass-domed ceiling and an assortment of life-size shark, squid and stingray sculptures. Then, journey outside to meet the amazing animals that bring the zoo to life. On any given day, you might see bears splashing in plunge pools, monkeys swinging through the trees or penguins squawking for more fish. General admission is free, as is street parking, and the Emerson Zooline Railroad is worth the money if your kids tire of walking. Your littlest ones might also enjoy a ride on the Mary Ann Lee Conservation Carousel, featuring 64 hand-carved wooden animals that represent some of the protected and endangered species at the zoo. The thrills never stop, so plan to spend a good chunk of time here.

Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House

On any given day, more than 60 species of tropical butterflies dance through the conservatory at the Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House. Most people become enchanted by the experience, but some can get scared if too many butterflies land on them. Besides the delicate insects, the conservatory houses more than 150 tropical plants – in case you just want to focus on their beauty. Throughout the year, the Butterfly House also hosts special events for all ages, such as Morpho Mardi Gras, the BOOterfly House and Supper with Santa.

St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station

Hey, there’s a shark on track 36! The St. Louis Aquarium was retrofitted in a 19th-century train station, and visitors of all ages will love discovering which creatures now live along the tracks. The aquarium holds approximately 250,000 gallons of water and more than 13,000 animals. Keep an eye out for green sea turtles, paddlefish, sea dragons, cownose rays and Lord Stanley, the blue lobster. Love aquatic animals? Consider taking a behind-the-scenes tour of the St. Louis Aquarium, which includes personalized animal encounters that your kids won’t soon forget.

Suson Park

On a picturesque plot of land in St. Louis County, approximately 25 minutes from downtown St. Louis, Suson Park boasts a wonderful playground, catch-and-release fishing and a working animal farm. Kids can get up close and personal with cows, horses, pigs, sheep, chickens and turkeys, or you and your family can take a leisurely stroll around the grounds. Pack a picnic and enjoy a bite in one of the three shelters in the park.

World Bird Sanctuary

Walk on the wild side at the World Bird Sanctuary. Founded in 1977, the sanctuary aims to protect and preserve all manner of winged friends through conservation, rehabilitation, education and advocacy. The World Bird Sanctuary encompasses more than 305 acres and houses more than 200 birds, offering a one-of-a-kind wildlife experience. Meet a proud eagle, talk to a colorful parrot, encounter an emu and learn to appreciate vultures. This is one attraction that you shouldn’t miss, and we recommend planning ahead to join a guided tour. Dark winter nights are the perfect time to join one of the Owl Prowls, for instance, where you can meet the amazing birds that fly by moonlight. Held on select evenings from November through March every year, Owl Prowls offer an exciting opportunity to learn more about the intriguing life of owls from a local naturalist. Come face-to-face with live owls, take an easy night hike across the grounds and try to call to an owl in the wild. Hoot. Hoot.

Museums, Galleries and Public Art

Citygarden

Designed specifically for families, Citygarden should be on your list of things to do in St. Louis. The downtown oasis includes conversation-starting sculptures, lush plant life, rain gardens, dancing fountains and a 180-foot-long shallow pool with a six-foot-tall waterfall where kids can cool off. This is a perfect pit stop between visits to the Gateway Arch and Busch Stadium – just make sure you have a towel handy.

City Museum

City Museum is difficult to describe; it’s best to just go. Housed in a 600,000-square-foot former shoe company warehouse, the unique attraction is as much a playground as it is a museum. Exhibits consist largely of repurposed architectural and industrial objects, from broken tiles to safety deposit boxes to stainless steel buffet pans. This is a truly immersive experience, where you can climb into a bow whale’s mouth, rocket down a 10-story slide and pilot a plane suspended in the air. You can also navigate an underground tunnel system, marvel at pancake art, test your circus skills and write with the world’s largest pencil. How serious is City Museum about exploring? The gift shop sells knee pads – which aren’t a bad idea.

The Griot Museum of Black History

Located in the Old North St. Louis neighborhood, the Griot Museum of Black History reveals the broad scope of Black history and culture with educational and engaging exhibits. Its mission is to collect, preserve, interpret and share the stories of Black people, highlighting their regional connection to American history and their contributions to the country’s development. The core galleries of The Griot include artifacts, memorabilia and life-size wax figures. Most kids have fun “meeting” people who had a real impact on St. Louis, including Josephine Baker, Dred and Harriet Scott, James Milton Turner and Miles Davis.

Laumeier Sculpture Park

At Laumeier Sculpture Park, you can enjoy more than 60 sculptures al fresco. Meandering along the walking trail through the 105-acre, open-air museum and sculpture park, you get a close-up view of a huge eyeball, a larger-than-life deer and a pile of massive, crumpled cylinders. You can even walk, climb or sit on some of the large-scale pieces. While you’re here, encourage your kids to invent their own titles for the sculptures and ask them what they see, think and feel about each piece. Like so many of the magical places in St. Louis, Laumeier Sculpture Park is free and open to the public.

The Magic House

An epic adventure for preschoolers and young children, The Magic House offers hands-on interactive exhibits, where they can explore a child-size village, investigate scientific wonders, discover a new culture and take on the role of a doctor or veterinarian. Older kids will also enjoy surrounding themselves in an enormous bubble, experimenting with a 3D printer and taking a video with their hand on an electrically charged ball. (Spoiler alert: It makes your hair stand up!) In the Star-Spangled Center, parents might even learn something about a U.S. president or two. On top of that, The Magic House hosts special exhibits and events throughout the year. It’s all located approximately 20 minutes from downtown St. Louis in the charming suburb of Kirkwood, which also provides parks and restaurants for more family fun.

Miniature Museum of Greater St. Louis

Have you ever wanted to feel like a giant? The Miniature Museum of Greater St. Louis boasts an extensive collection of tiny objects in room boxes, dollhouses and displays. Located in the heart of the Bevo Mill neighborhood, the museum focuses on the cultural and educational aspects of the miniature works.

Missouri History Museum

Explore the storied history of St. Louis, from its founding in 1764 to the present day. The Missouri History Museum’s exhibits occasionally change, but they’re always well done. Little ones will love the History Clubhouse, where they can build a downtown skyscraper, play house in the ancient city of Cahokia, serve food at the 1904 World’s Fair and pilot a steamboat on the Mississippi River. Coloring STL, another current exhibition, allows visitors to interact with St. Louis’ most fascinating buildings by coloring them, right on the walls.

Myseum

A combination children’s museum, science museum and indoor playground, Myseum has 30 unique exhibits to explore. Kids can dig for dinosaurs, play with glow shapes, interact with the video wall, “work” at an imaginary zoo clinic and more. Every visit offers something new, educational and, above all, fun for growing minds. Just remember to bring socks!

National Blues Museum

The National Blues Museum explores the history of the blues and celebrates the genre as the foundation of all modern American music. Featuring artifact-driven exhibits and high-impact, technology-driven experiences, the museum has a cool factor for kids. During your visit, you’ll even have the opportunity to write your own blues song and add a guitar track – no strumming skills required.

National Great Rivers Museum

The mighty Mississippi River has many stories to tell, and the National Great Rivers Museum wants to share them with you. Housed in a 12,000-square-foot facility adjacent to Melvin Price Locks and Dam, the museum is the direct result of a partnership between the Meeting of the Rivers Foundation and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Through interactive exhibits, a theater and free public tours, the National Great Rivers Museum introduces people to the great rivers in the area, their unique environments, their roles in our history and their impact on our lives today. You can do a self-guided tour, but the daily tours led by staff members are more exciting for kids. Available at 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., the tours take 45 minutes, and they allow you to experience the locks and dam from the view of a lockman.

National Museum of Transportation

Do your kids love planes, trains and automobiles? The National Museum of Transportation has one of the largest and best collections of transportation vehicles in the world, encompassing more than 190 major exhibits. Check out the Union Pacific #4006 – known as “Big Boy,” it’s the largest successful steam locomotive ever built. Ooh and aah at a 1901 automobile – built by the St. Louis Motor Carriage Co., it’s the oldest of only nine such cars still in existence. And marvel at Virgin Hyperloop’s Pegasus pod, which can transport cargo – and eventually people – at airline speeds with zero direct emissions. There’s a lot to climb in and on at the museum, and for the littlest ones, there’s the Creation Station play area.

Saint Louis Art Museum

Travel across time, places and cultures at the Saint Louis Art Museum. Boasting one of the country’s leading comprehensive collections, the free museum in Forest Park inspires discovery and elevates the human spirit. Younger kids will dig the colorful paintings and ancient artifacts, while older kids might enjoy a deeper dive into the artwork with an audio guide. On select Sundays, the museum offers family-friendly tours with hands-on activities; each Family Sunday features a different theme and art project. Wee Wednesdays – including a look at art from the museum’s collection, story time and an art activity – are also recommended for kids three to five.

Saint Louis Science Center

Another fantastic and free attraction, the Saint Louis Science Center specializes in “Aha!” moments. As you test the laws of physics, sneak by a life-size, animatronic Tyrannosaurus rex, explore the night sky and build a replica of the Gateway Arch, you’ll ask and answer hundreds of questions. You might also consider paying for a special exhibition or a film at the OMNIMAX Theater if something sparks your interest.

Theater and Performing Arts

Circus Flora

Acrobats, aerialists, comedians and daredevils – Circus Flora has assembled the most breathtaking circus artists from around the world for an arresting and unforgettable family-friendly experience. The theater company, which performs at The Big Top in the Grand Center Arts District, specializes in one-ring circus productions, combining the energy of both traditional and modern circus arts. Aiming to engage audience members on different levels, it focuses on emotional narratives and inspirational physical feats. Don’t miss this opportunity to teach your kids that adventure and excitement are everywhere.

The Fabulous Fox

Ready for a showstopper? The Fabulous Fox attracts audiences from near and far for Broadway shows such as Frozen, The Lion King, Six and Wicked. Dress your best and enjoy a night at the theater, where the lights, costumes and songs will keep your kids enthralled. Before the curtain rises, grab a bite to eat at The Fountain on Locust – and save room for dessert! The ice cream cones, old-fashioned sundaes and creamy milkshakes are irresistible. The boozy floats and signature ice cream Martinis are also must-try treats for those 21 and older.

The Muny

During summers in St. Louis, the limelight shines on The Muny. For more than 100 years, the outdoor theater has filled Forest Park with the sounds of Broadway, attracting out-of-town professionals as well as local talent for memorable musicals ranging from As You Like It (the very first production ever mounted at what would become The Muny) to Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. Every season features a few kid-friendly productions – think Matilda the Musical, Mary Poppins and Annie. The shows are enchanting, electrifying and empowering, and every night, there are free seats available on a first-come first-served basis, so everyone can experience the magic of live theater.

Want to take your kids to a live sporting event? From Cardinals baseball to Blues hockey to Battlehawks football, St. Louis gives fans something to cheer about all year long! Check out our St. Louis sports guide for more information.

What to do with a child at home 8-9 years old

At the age of 8-9 years old, the child more and more often shows his independence, wants to show himself as an adult, but at the same time remains quite fragile. He needs proper nutrition, good rest and enough sleep (9 hours a day).

Of course, for normal development, children need to move more and be outdoors more often, but today we will talk about what to do with a child if he has to stay at home.

If you decide to brighten up your leisure time and buy games and toys for your child, pay attention to the fact that children at this age are interested in traveling, adventures and the universe. A telescope, a microscope, sets of a young chemist, physics, sets of experiments and tricks will help to arouse curiosity in them.

What about books?

If your child likes to read, buy some children’s fiction. It helps to develop thinking, the child learns to analyze other people’s actions, to reflect on the motives that move the main characters, to draw conclusions.

Bright encyclopedias about space, nature, and technology will help stimulate interest in knowledge.

Well, if you see that your baby does not have a craving for reading, try alternative options: listening to audio books, watching filmstrips, looking at comics.

What else can a child of 8-9 years old do at home?

Creativity and needlework

Get your child interested in some kind of creativity that is relevant today: scrapbooking, card making, wood burning, sawing with a jigsaw, bead weaving, macrame, embroidery, knitting, decoupage, felting. To make the task easier, buy ready-made kits for creativity: sand paintings, creating and coloring plaster figurines, making photo frames, coloring a picture by numbers, working with felt and fur, making toys, creating photo albums, voluminous applications, etc.

If there are some holidays in the near future, give the task to the child to make home decor, handmade cards, posters. A good task would be to make and wrap gifts for each family member.

Color of the day game

Ask the child to choose any color, for example yellow. Give him clothes in yellow tones, find yellow foods and shades for breakfast, lunch and dinner, decorate the table with yellow accessories. Yellow drawings, toys and even the frequent use of the word “yellow” should accompany the child throughout the day.

Game “Build a Shelter”

You need to build a house, a cave, a tent using available materials. As materials, a table, chairs, bedspreads, sheets, pillows are suitable.

Pick Up Sticks Game

Even small children love this traditional game. Take ten popsicle sticks or plastic straws. The child holds them in his hand, then releases them, and they fall on the table. The kid must carefully collect them one at a time so as not to move those lying nearby. If he moves at least one, the game ends.

Dress Up Game

Children love to dress up. Girls like to try on their mother’s high heels, dresses and skirts, while boys like their father’s shoes, caps and hats.

Invite your child to pretend to be a character by selecting the appropriate costume from your wardrobe (alien, superman, cowboy, princess, etc.).

Circus game

Buy your child a clown nose, a plastic bow tie, a wig, give them huge shoes and invite them to play in a circus where they will act as a clown. Let him come up with a script and perform.

Book balancing game

Have the child walk around the room trying to hold the book on their head without touching it with their hands. Choose books in different formats.

Orchestra Game

Have your child organize an orchestra with homemade musical instruments (metal tea cans, pots, wooden spoons, etc.).

Treasure Hunt Game

Children love to find and hide things, so they will love the treasure hunt game. Toys and household items are suitable as treasures. To make the game more interesting, draw a map.

Balloon volleyball

Don’t know what to do with a child of 8, 9 years old at home? Place chairs some distance apart. Stretch a rope between their backs. Arrange a game of volleyball.

Home badminton

If you don’t have rackets, take magazines, a balloon will do instead of a shuttlecock. Play badminton, and you can also arrange competitions to see who can throw the balloon the farthest from one end of the room to the other.

Game “What’s missing?”

Place five items on the table. Let the child look at them carefully and remember. Then he will close his eyes, and you hide one object. Opening your eyes, your child should guess what is missing.

“Guess what it is” game

Blindfold your child. Explain that he should move around the room carefully, with his arms outstretched in front. Touching an object, he must say what it is.

Obstacle course

Build an obstacle course for the child to pass. Use a bench, overturned chairs, thick ropes. Obstacles need to be passed in different ways: jump over something, step over, crawl under something, go around something.

Picture an animal game

Let the child think of an animal and show its habits with gestures. And you guess and vice versa.

Car racing

Make cars out of matchboxes or other materials at hand. Draw a track on a sheet of paper or wallpaper, you can also make it on the floor using paper adhesive tape. Draw a start and finish. Use the stopwatch to race.

Stamps

Don’t know what to do with a child of 8, 9 years old at home? Teach him how to make stamps out of potatoes by cutting out an original pattern in it. Give the paint, and let him create his own personal, unique stamp.

Which hand?

For this game, you need to prepare some pebbles or small coins. One player hides both hands behind his back and clamps an object in one of them, then puts them forward, and the other must guess which hand this object is in.

Eggshell Mosaic

Remove egg shells, wash and dry on paper. Shred it. Get some plastic cups. Pour water into them and dissolve a little paint of different colors. Arrange the shells in cups, mix and let stand for 15-20 minutes to color the shell. Let the child take out the shell and lay it out on a sheet of paper so that it dries. After that, you can make a picture of a multi-colored mosaic.

Puppet show

Cover the table with two sheets so that children can crawl under it. And the sheets went one on top of the other in the form of a curtain. Fairy-tale characters can be puppets, toy animals. Dolls can be made from socks or other scrap materials.

Shadow play

This game is based on the use of light and shadow. Hang a sheet of paper in the center of the room. Turn off the lights and light the sheet with a flashlight from the back. To get a shadow, someone has to move their fingers and hands between the sheet of paper and the flashlight.

We bring to your attention some options for what else you can do with a child at home 8-9 years old

• Construction.
• Modeling from plasticine, dough.
• Studying the environment with a microscope.
• Drawing.
• Applications.
• Sets for tricks.
• Painting on wood.
• Making slimes.
• Face painting.
• Paintings by numbers.
• Research kits.
• Sets for creating jewelry.
• Crafts from gypsum, clay.
• Crafts from natural material.
• Painting on stone.
• Painting on metal, glass.
• Creating candles.
• 3D puzzles.
• Reading books.
• Solving puzzles, crossword puzzles.
• Board games.
• Game “Twister”.
• Game of “Words”.
• Game “Crocodile”.
• We make photo frames with our own hands.
• Learning to cook.
• We grow indoor plants.
• We study encyclopedias.
• We participate in house (apartment) cleaning.

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I don’t know what to do with a 9-year-old child

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10/26/2013 07:36

Somehow there was no such problem before, but now it appeared: if I go about my business, I really don’t know what to offer my daughter to do, except for a TV set and a tablet. Those. as soon as I start cleaning and cooking, the child is immediately in front of the TV. Yes, and at other times it’s harder for me to occupy it, before it was possible to sculpt, draw, make something, but now my skills are no longer enough for an adult child. Now she is sick, we will be at home for two days, what can we think of instead of a TV set? What do your children do 9-10 years?

Anonymous

26.10.2013 07:48

My, if there is a free minute – reads. This is the simplest and most useful. Sometimes crossword guessing. I have nothing against TV, I’m only against advertising When 40 minutes of an interesting program has 15 minutes of “pads” – I consider such a waste of time a crime. Therefore, he only watches the BBC movies that I downloaded, Animal Planet and the like. He loves the site stranamasterov.ru very much – there you can find interesting ideas and create something with your own hands. There is absolutely not enough time! There are interesting classes that are postponed for months (!!!!), we just didn’t have time yesterday, we didn’t have time today, and tomorrow we’ll probably not have time again 🙁 I translated a funny picture onto a plank, I wanted to burn it out – there’s no time. , in Photoshop I made a collage of cool photos – also waiting in the wings. And all this will lie for a long time, because until the whole Conan Doyle is over, it obviously won’t start. So I envy you. (Daughter is also 9years) There are a lot of sports sections and circles at school, she tried to go to karate and origami – she just liked it, there are no words, but she doesn’t have time.

Anonymous

26.10.2013 07:57

What does she read about Conan Doyle? About Sherlock Holmes? I would like her to do something active, and not for a book, telecom, computer. But, of course, a book is better than a TV set, if you have to choose.

Anonymous

10/26/2013 08:15

Yes Sherlock Holmes. (or maybe not, he will come from school, I’ll ask, I started exactly with him 🙂 – it’s just that my complete works are still in the closet.) Is it active for sports? or type of handiwork? You clarify, because just what to do is an extensive question, now someone will write that it is interesting to learn languages ​​in some busuu, but this does not suit you at all.

Anonymous

10/26/2013 10:13

At this age, my children: – go to school and do their homework – walk 1-3 hours a day (depending on the season) – attend clubs and sections (not numerous) – spend time with friends at us at home or with friends (minimum 2 hours a day) – helping around the house (0.5 – 1 hour a day) – reading – spending time with parents playing board games or watching TV series (minimum 1 hour a day, more than 2 hours) – play on a computer or watch cartoons / films, including educational films (1 hour a day) We do not have a TV and game consoles.

Golden Valley **K**

10/26/2013 12:36

you have a girl and she is already 9 years old. It is not clear why when you clean or cook – she is on the sidelines. But what about the future hostess? 😉 Involve her too. Do you have a hobby? Do you knit, embroider, etc.? Get her involved too. If not, start doing something together, learning something. When she is sick (let her get better!) – books, magazines, movies on a disk – this is normal if she has to lie in bed.

kuze4ka V.I.P.

10/26/2013 15:14

Lessons. If there are holidays, then you can give additional tasks or read. With such a breakdown, the child quickly finds white for himself, so as not to wander around.

Ioulia C.B.

10/26/2013 16:09

I envy you. We have the opposite – NO TIME!!! We don’t turn on the TV, we don’t have time to play on the tablet. While I’m busy, my daughter is doing things that don’t need my help. – School homework. – Chess homework. Truly an endless event. – Reading on the program for next summer. – Preparation for the Russian Bear cub. Well, she also loves books Secrets of Plasticine – she can sculpt for hours, she also loves to draw. And yes, when free time, playing with toys, if there is time – maybe for hours. But, really, this rarely happens.

Afel *

10/31/2013 13:05

O. We are also preparing for the bear cub at home, we are studying the old years (tasks) In that year, among the 3rd grade. she alone was given a diploma and a badge. scored the most points. So we are training for this year. (Like November 14 will be)

Anonymous

31.10.2013 20:41

One thing is a pity – I have not been able to find another such successful Olympiad yet. Tasks in the Bear cub are very well balanced – both simple, and medium, and complex, and for thinking, and for knowledge … We will also have Kangaroo in mathematics, but it’s somehow strange there … Either very simple problems, or already difficult … And there was also an Intellectual Marathon – there was some kind of mura there … :-(((

Afel *

11/01/2013 10:12

for sure, I myself love to solve these tasks :-). And we did not participate in Mathematics in kangaroo (of our own free will). my daughter knows math very well, but she has a problem with logic.

01.11.2013 10:26

Do you need to prepare separately? I didn’t even think about it. And what are those tasks? Are there examples on the internet?

Anonymous

11/01/2013 11:11

here is an example of tasks from the organizer’s website http://www. rm.kirov.ru/tasks.htm

kuze4ka V.I.P.

02.11.2013 20:26

Tell me, what site did you download last year’s assignments from? Now I tried to download it on the first one that came across, avast blocks it. ———————– Found it, thanks 🙂

NeverLand **

04.11.2013 23:01

Why are you preparing for the Bear Cub?) funny…

Anonymous

26.10.2013 16:24

Why do you invent classes for such an adult child? With a slight movement of the hand, the antenna is pulled out of the socket and “Oh, you need to call the master … Masha, come on, help me clean the vegetables for dinner.” Then the child himself will figure out what to do. By the age of five, my children went completely offline, I only bought them kits for creativity, stationery and praised them based on the results of their activities.

Yagaya Baba C.B.

26.10.2013 18:16

Let her help around the house or she can’t get out of bed? And all sorts of women’s needlework was not offered to her? Knitting, embroidery, etc. You can buy an inexpensive cross-stitch kit, which attracts many. Or bake all kinds of cakes, girls usually like it too

Reindeer **K**

26.10.2013 18:59

but she herself can’t draw and draw? storytelling at worst. crossword puzzles, different puzzles to play on the muses. instrument or work out your hobby somehow. Doesn’t she do anything for you? Yes, listen to music. Lots of options.

Prairie dog V.I.P.

10/31/2013 01:31

You can read, help your mother with cooking and cleaning, take care of pets and plants, gymnastics and fitness on the simulator, hair and skin care, just do some extra work out on various benefits. .

Kirochka V.I.P.

11/02/2013 01:03

because you have a tablet and a TV available, the child does not want to play by himself. My child is 8.5 years old. The TV is very limited, he watches a maximum of 40 minutes and then not every day. almost does not look. He plays Lego, draws or makes crafts, invents what he will do, draws and decorates, plays board games, likes to roll cars and a tank on the remote control, role-playing games.

Anonymous

11/02/2013 22:35

+100 TV and tablet in such an unlimited amount is just a bad habit, not a need.

Amigita *

02.11.2013 22:42

Does she have favorite dolls? Do you like girly magazines? My monsters also love barbies. He likes to just draw or arrange the life of dolls, invent. For example, a bed for the daughter of a Bigfoot – cardboard, cotton wool, glitter and sequins, tulle, cocktail sticks, glue, white ref fur – you can do so much beauty!

Amigita *

04/10/2020 13:16

On this topic, I recommend Alina Yasnaya’s article about what to do with children at home. There are over 20 tips. Written by a mother of 3 children with 10 years of remote work experience when the children do not go to the garden. https://alinayasnaya.ru/chem-zanyat-detej-doma/

id557093451 +

26.10.2013 20:33

oh, 9-10 years old, I don’t do anything… there is no free time at all. and if there is, then at that age they can sculpt, draw, embroider, knit, read … to be honest, your problems are not clear

Mom Katya V.I.P.

10/31/2013 10:38

Basically, they are engaged in circles – at home, almost only time for lessons. But if suddenly a minute falls out – either reading, or needlework – he already embroiders decently, he is mastering knitting from labor – he is left-handed 🙁 With pleasure he performs various tasks in mathematics or solves puzzles. Well, if among all this the holidays are sick for a couple of hours a week baldeny in front of the TV will be entertained – I don’t mind, everyone needs to relax sometime, including stupidity 🙂

Waxwing C. G.

10/31/2013 13:03

we don’t have free time (10 years), at any free minutes on weekdays she does homework, we have many of her favorite music circles. school, embroidery (circle), drawing (studio), English (tutor), sports club at school. So, TV only on weekends (we don’t even turn it on), tablet almost never, thank God. time, if it happens on vacation, or in tech. weeks sometimes-bike, roller skates or museums-theaters (we love it very much)

Anonymous

11/01/2013 10:37

we are probably lucky with the “habitat”. But when his son has free time, he just goes for a walk with friends in the yard. They play football, basketball, hide-and-seek in Moscow)) In the summer – great, roller skates. My son is also 9 years old. And girls sometimes play with them or walk separately. It’s a pity that now it’s less common, because there are a lot of activities and it’s getting dark already early

Anonymous

02. 11.2013 02:27

mine, at any free minute, grabs the tablet, of course 🙂 but this is strictly limited. In principle, there is no free time at all, three workouts a week + music + a couple of circles in after-school. When he is sick, he lies flat. And if it doesn’t lie, then I send it to school.

Natashkina V.I.P.

03.11.2013 00:20

Between lying in a layer and sending to school, there is such a phase as recovery 🙂 to the doctor anyway on Friday at 15 o’clock!!! And to school in general from Monday and not earlier!! In these few days, you can shoot yourself from their convalescent nature …

Anonymous

04.11.2013 01:37

clear. Mine hasn’t been sick for so long at TTT school. Is it at 9 years old that children get sick? And often? We really are in Germany, here you can go to school without a certificate from a doctor. He lies flat for two or three days, and on the 4th day there is no temperature, so I send him to school. And everyone here does it. Well, this is how people go to work.

Natashkina V.I.P.

04.11.2013 02:09

I was ill at 9 and 10. No, not often. Most often it happens during an epidemic of influenza or acute respiratory infections in Moscow. February March. Cold and damp. There are a lot of people, and even in public transport, some kind of infection and sneezes 🙁 Without a certificate, you can only 2 days, 3 days – already with a certificate from a doctor. If it lies in a layer, this is a temperature of 39-39.3. This is horror for me. Most often, if this is something like the flu, then, together with 38-39, it is a sore throat, a runny nose that pours without stopping, turning into a cough. If on the 4th day of the child to send to school – kapets. Complications 100%. Therefore, everyone is insured – both parents and doctors.