October may be known as the scariest month of the year, but getting your January credit card statement (the one with ALL of those holiday purchases on it) is downright terrifying. But a lack of funds doesn’t mean a lack of fun! The St. Louis metro area is full of free family-friendly events. Here are a few you may want to check out:

Celebrate Mardi Gras at the Zoo with mask making, clowns, jugglers, a parade, music and beads. The regular Delta Dental Winter Zoo activities will be taking place, so get there early for penguin-related games and activities, animal biofacts, crafts and more. Check out the Delta Dental Stage Show, catch a performance of Land of Smiles, party with Radio Disney and watch the king and genoo penguins venture outdoors during the Penguin Parade. Registration is required to participate in the Mardi Gras Parade at 3 p.m. Ages 2 to 10. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free. St. Louis Zoo.

Waddle to the Zoo on Sundays and celebrate everyone’s favorite winter animal with penguin-related games and activities, animal biofacts, crafts and more. Check out the Delta Dental Stage Show, catch a performance of Land of Smiles, party with Radio Disney and watch the king and genoo penguins venture outdoors during the Penguin Parade. Ages 2 to 10. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free. St. Louis Zoo.

More information: stlzoo.org or (314) 646-4771.    

Waddle to the Zoo on Sundays and celebrate everyone’s favorite winter animal with penguin-related games and activities, animal biofacts, crafts and more. Check out the Delta Dental Stage Show, catch a performance of Land of Smiles, party with Radio Disney and watch the king and genoo penguins venture outdoors during the Penguin Parade. Ages 2 to 10. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free. St. Louis Zoo.

More information: stlzoo.org or (314) 646-4771.    

Waddle to the Zoo on Sundays and celebrate everyone’s favorite winter animal with penguin-related games and activities, animal biofacts, crafts and more. Check out the Delta Dental Stage Show, catch a performance of Land of Smiles, party with Radio Disney and watch the king and genoo penguins venture outdoors during the Penguin Parade. Ages 2 to 10. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free. St. Louis Zoo inside at The Living World.