Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in Saint Louis, MO

One way to get more value when buying presents is by giving passes and memberships to local attractions. The past two Christmases, I have given my son and husband season passes to Six Flags Mid-America and there are many other local attractions that sell gift memberships perfect for the holidays.

The City Museum sells different levels of memberships to their unique museum. We will be heading there over winter break to burn some of the kid's pent up energy and explore our favorite exhibits.

Another indoor destination perfect for frosty winter days is the Butterfly House in Faust Park. It is a division of the Missouri Botanical Gardens which also houses other winter favorites- the climatron and indoor plant exhibits.  Spring seems far away but it will eventually be here and members can also get free admission into the Children's Garden. Gift memberships are sold through their site and at the gardens.

St. Louis Science Center memberships include ten free Omnimax tickets as well as free and discounted admission to special exhibits. This is yet another one of my stand by places to take kids in the middle of winter (or during hot summer days) for indoor entertainment. The Science Center is huge and has interesting, interactive exhibits for different ages and levels of understanding.

Why not make someone a St. Louis Zoo Friend? Zoo memberships come in different levels. Family passes include 48 anywhere passes which zooline railroad tickets, children's zoo admission and conservation carousel rides. The family pass also gives you free parking for six visits so if you go often, this is a membership worth your while. We have taken our kids to the zoo in the middle of winter because there are enough indoor exhibits (the penguins and puffins exhibit seems warm in January) to keep the frostbite away.

The Magic House in Kirkwood is giving away holiday baskets this year when you purchase gift memberships to this children's museum. Besides free admission, membership includes invitations to exclusive events.