The 19th Taste of Clayton is a chance to sample food from 15 of Clayton's award-winning restaurants, enjoy live music, fireworks, and kids activities.

Participating restaurants will offer samplings for $7 or less per taste. Each restaurant will also offer a special $2 tasting. Taste Junior will offer interactive kids activities and special food items for kids.

In downtown Clayton on Brentwood Boulevard between Forsyth and Maryland.

For years there have been battles between the helicopter mom and the free range parent. The co-sleeper and the cry-it-out devotee. But through it all, there’s one thing almost every mom can agree on.

The appeal of one Mr. Justin Timberlake.

Two months ago, I was devastated, devastated when I learned that JT and Jay-Z would not be coming to St. Louis on their “Legends of the Summer” tour. It was a knife through the hearts of so many moms like me. We work hard all day, we sacrifice and struggle – all we want is two hours of JT on a St. Louis stage, preferably shirtless.

Just as important, we owe it to our children. Anytime I mention “Justin,” to my daughter, her immediate response is “Bieber,” to which I silently weep.

Maplewood is a mecca for all things unique, hip and happening, and this annual street festival brings it all together in one place.

Live music will be featured on the Main Stage and Community Stages, and vendors include some of Maplewood's best restaurants, brew pubs and retailers.

New this year is a food contest where one dish and drink will be named "Best of Taste of Maplewood."

The Radio Disney Road Crew invited kids of all ages to ring in the new year at its Noon New Year's Eve celebration, held at the Saint Louis Science Center.

This family-friendly celebration includes performances of popular songs of 2012, interactive, musical entertainment, and a 'Science Goes Splat' ball drop at noon. Kids can also win prizes, like VIP tickets to Disney's Phineas and Ferb live tour and Disney on Ice.

Free. From 10 a.m. to noon at the Saint Louis Science Center.

Poor Farkle McBride tries every instrument, but not one of them is quite right. Presented with text from the popular children's book by John Lithgow, join Farkle on his journey to find his place in the orchestra, and learn about the different instrument families along the way.

Part of the St. Louis Symphony's Family Concert series.

3 p.m. at Powell Hall. More information: www.stlsymphony.org

In this performance specifically geared to young audiences, the St. Louis Symphony presents Magical Movements: A Young Person's Guide to the  Orchestra.

Performers from Danceworks Chicago will join the symphony as the orchestra comes together section by section. Part of the St. Louis Symphony's Family Concert series.

Celebrate the season at Wildwood Business Association's 4th annual Holiday Balloon Glow. Ride in a horse-drawn carriage. Warm up with sweet treats and hot cocoa ($1 each), take a photo with Santa, make a holiday craft, win mystery cash (first 100 kids, 10 years and under), enjoy music, see the community tree, take home a bag of goodies (first 300 visitors), and marvel at a four-story hot air balloon.

All activities are taking place behind Wildwood City Hall in the plaza. Proceeds benefit the YMCA Strong Community Campaign.