Special Activities all Week for Nana, Papa & the Kids

St. Louis — In honor of National Grandparents Day September 7 and to celebrate the special bond between grandparents and grandkids, grandparents will get into the St. Louis Aquarium for FREE on Sunday, September 7 when accompanied by their ticketed little adventurers.

But that’s just the beginning of an entire week of celebrations for grandparents and their little ones. Guests who upgrade their tickets to a special Grandparent’s Membership will receive a free Aquarium water bottle. The new pass allows a grandparent to bring any of their grandchildren to the attraction without having to buy a separate membership for each child . The following activities are included with Aquarium admission or an Aquarium membership.

Monday, September 8

Aquarium Bingo For Books

10 to 11 a.m.

Aquarium Bingo for Books is a playful twist on the game – Aquarium style. Instead of numbers, we’ll call out amazing animals that live at the Aquarium. Kids can match them on their cards while learning fun facts along the way. Winners take home a special book to keep the ocean fun going at home.

This activity is perfect for ages 2–5 with their grandparents, blending learning, laughter, and a splash of friendly competition.

Tuesday, September 9

Little Ocean Chefs

10 to 11a.m.

Dive into snack time with Little Ocean Chefs. Designed for ages 2–5, this hands-on activity lets little ones discover what sea animals eat and then create their very own “ocean treat” with gummy worms, Swedish fish, whipped cream “foam,” and more. It’s a sweet, sensory adventure that mixes learning and play—perfect for curious preschoolers and their grandparents.

Wednesday, September 10

Woven Shark Craft

10 to 11 a.m. 

Dive into creativity and craft your very own one-of-a-kind shark using reclaimed materials. Not only will you get to design a shark that’s uniquely yours, but you’ll also be helping the planet by giving everyday items a new life that shows your love for sharks and the ocean they call home.

Thursday, September 11

Natural Artists

10 to 11 a.m.

Transform a simple drawing into a work of art inspired by nature. Little artists will use sand, shells, leaves, and other natural treasures to add texture, color, and life to their creations. It’s a playful, hands-on way to explore art, nature, and creativity—all in one fun session. Perfect for kids who love to get messy and make something uniquely theirs.

Friday, September 12

Pout Pout Fish Storytime

10 to 11 a.m.

Dive into an underwater adventure with The Pout-Pout Fish. Join us for a fun-filled story time designed for little learners ages 2–5 as we read the beloved book, meet some of Pout-Pout’s ocean friends, and help put the animals back in order. Kids will enjoy a special visit from Aquarium mascot Shark Twain and create their own colorful Pout-Pout Fish masterpiece to take home.

Saturday, September 13

Big Rig Roundup

10 a.m. to Noon in the Union Station South Parking Lot. 

Get ready to climb aboard, honk the horns, and explore the big rigs. Join us for a special event where kids and kids at heart can get up close to real construction vehicles like skid steerers, boom lifts, mini excavators, and small cranes. Don’t miss the chance to see the big rigs that help build our world – up close and in action. Free admission.

Sunday, September 14

Stuffy Care Clinic

10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Is your favorite stuffed friend in need of some TLC? Bring them to our Stuffy Care Clinic where kids become little veterinarians by giving their stuffies a gentle check‑up — all while learning how we care for the amazing animals at the aquarium. Special guest “surgeons” from City Sewing Room will be on hand to patch up any rips or tears, so your stuffy leaves feeling as good as new.

The St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station is the nation’s most interactive aquarium with hands-on, hands-wet habitats and activities. It has been named one of the top aquariums in the nation by the readers of USA Today in the “10Best” Readers’ Poll in 2025. Guests can touch Stingrays and Sharks, talk with underwater divers during a daily dive show in Shark Canyon, get a Doctor Fish manicure, touch Moon Jellies and get immersed in a habitat filled with invertebrates. Kids enjoy activities and story times in the KidZone, feeding turtles and watching playful Otters frolic through a two-story habitat. The Aquarium’s amazing ambassador animals, ranging from Sloths and Lizards to Armadillos and Parrots, greet visitors every day.

The St. Louis Aquarium is open daily at St. Louis Union Station a family entertainment destination at 201 S. 18th St., St. Louis, MO 63103. Follow along on social media @aquariumstl and at www.stlouisaquarium.com.


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By Richie

I'm a 40-year-old father blessed with two wonderful children: a 13-year-old daughter and a 10-year-old son. My life revolves around my beautiful wife, who is the cornerstone of our family. Without her unwavering support, none of what I do would be possible. By day, I serve as a network administrator for a local school district, ensuring smooth operations in the realm of technology. During the evenings, you'll often find me engrossed in various creative pursuits, from illustrating books to crafting websites or composing music. But above all, my priority is spending quality time with my kids. Parenthood has been a profound journey of growth and discovery for me, and now, armed with a keyboard instead of a pen, I'm eager to share my experiences and insights with others.