The Dirt -- The Dirt is a review of an area attraction, event, performance, restaurant or movie. The review must include information pertaining to the family-friendliness of the attraction or event, the quality of activities, organization, helpfulness of the staff and overall thoughts on the entire experience. Writers should be critical and provide specific details about their experience. Writers should include tips for parents that can make their visit more enjoyable. Please submit a few digital photos from your visit to the event or attraction. (300-350 words)

Best Bets -- Best Bets is a list-style feature to help families customize their own outings based on their interests or the season. For example, columns may be based on all sorts of themes and specific activities. The options for this column are endless, but they should be seasonally appropriate. Each column should include 5-10 entries. (400-450 words)

Branching Out -- Branching Out is a travel column that can be about any family-friendly destination in the United States. The column will highlight specific attractions, places to stay and restaurants. International destinations may also be considered. (450-500 words)

Celebrity Sproutings -- In this Q&A column, we ask local celebrities to share their itinerary for an ideal family weekend out. Q&A's may focus on a particular theme (ie. sports activities when interviewing a professional athlete), region or neighborhood. (350-400 words)

These columns are meant to guide parents and begin discussions. Everything published on Sprout is subject to reader comments. St. Louis Sprout & About editorial follows AP Style. Please use a friendly, conversational voice when writing for Sprout.

We welcome queries and submissions, especially from local freelancers. Queries from new writers should be submitted with professional writing clips. These pitches should be emailed to Editorial Director Jessica Pupillo at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . We may not be able to respond to all pitches, and if you haven't heard from us within a month, it is safe to assume that we have decided to pass.