You don't have to spend money in St. Louis to enjoy what the city has to offer. Many top attractions are free, and there are special free events and activities throughout the year. Here are the best free winter events in the St. Louis area.
Star Party at the Science Center
Admission to the St. Louis Science Center is free for everyone (except for special exhibits). On the first Friday of each month, there is also a free Star Party at the Planetarium. Members of the St. Louis Astronomical Society set up telescopes for public viewing and are available to answer questions.
In 2012: January 6, February 3 & March 2
Loop Ice Carnival
Residents and businesses in the Delmar Loop celebrate the best of winter each year at the Loop Ice Carnival. There's a full day of free, family friendly events including ice carving, an ice slide, putt-putt pub crawl, human sled dog races and much more.
In 2012: January 14
Eagle Meet & Greets
Photo courtesy of the Alton Regional CVB
You can drive along the Great River Road near Alton almost any time in the winter and see bald eagles, but there are also special free Eagle Meet & Greet events on Saturdays at the Alton Visitor Center. Get an up close look at a bald eagle from the World Bird Sanctuary and learn more about the symbol of our nation.
In 2012: January 14, 21, 28
Penguin Parade
Admission to the St. Louis Zoo is always free, but there are additional free activities on Sunday afternoons in the winter. The Penguin Parade is every Sunday from 2 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. (weather permitting).
In 2012: Sundays in January & February
Free Movies at the History Museum
One Saturday a month during the winter, the Missouri History Museum in Forest Park shows a free family-friendly movie. Kids can attend a storytelling workshop and make crafts before the film begins.
In 2012: January 14, February 4 & March 3
Free Family Nights at the Magic House
St. Louis' top childrens museum has free admission for families on the third Friday of the month from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
In 2012: January 20, February 17 & March 16
Third Friday at Third Degree
Third Degree Glass Factory hosts a free open house on the third Friday of each month. There are glassblowing demonstrations, art exhibits, live music and more. Food and drinks are also available for purchase. The event runs from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
In 2012: January 20, February 17 & March 16
Art After 5
The St. Louis Art Museum is another popular attraction that offers free addmission every day, but on the fourth Friday of the month, there's also the free Art After 5 event featuring a variety of musicians and artists.
In 2012: January 27, February 24 & March 23
Fete De Glace
Professional carvers turn blocks of ice into works of art during the Fete De Glace along Main Street in St. Charles. The crowd then picks the winners. There are also fire pits, coffee and hot chocolate to warm things up.
In 2012: January 28
Winter Zoo
The St. Louis Zoo hosts its family-friendly Winter Zoo events beginning in late January. Visitors can enjoy live entertainment, games and special treats for the kids each Sunday afternoon from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
In 2012: January 29 - February 19
Maple Sugar Festival
Make your own maple syrup at the Maple Sugar Festival at Rockwoods Reservation in Wildwood. Workers with the Missouri Department of Conservation show visitors how to find sugar maple trees, tap them and boil the sap to make syrup. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is free.
In 2012: February 4
