Missouri offers a diverse range of affordable, family-friendly activities for a springtime adventure. Whether hiking through a state park, engaging with animals on a farm or diving into the history of a region, these destinations will charm and entertain you, building lifelong memories the entire family will cherish.
Northeast Region
- Saint Louis Zoo, St. Louis – Connect with the animals at the Saint Louis Zoo. The 90-acre zoo houses more than 14,000 animals, many of them rare and endangered species. Stroll among the treetops on an elevated boardwalk to see the monkeys and lemurs; meet the two grizzly bears, Huckleberry and Finley; and walk through an underwater tunnel featuring the playful seals and sea lions. General admission is free.
- Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House, Chesterfield – See more than 1,000 tropical butterflies flying freely in the 8,000-square-foot glass conservatory at the Butterfly House. Admire over 150 tropical plants and learn how to create your own butterfly garden. Admission is affordable, and Missouri Botanical Garden members are free.
- Longview Farm Park, Town and County – Enjoy the beautiful views while walking the trails that wind through the woods. The park also has catch-and-release fishing. Be sure you have a fishing permit as required by the Missouri Department of Conservation. (Missouri residents aged 65 or older and youth aged 15 or younger do not need a permit to fish.)
Southeast Region
- Cape Safari Park, Cape Girardeau – The walk-through zoo at Cape Safari Park has more than 50 species of exotic animals. Visitors can get up close and personal with parakeets, mine for gemstones and enjoy the Safari Playground. Additionally, the facilities feature a gift shop, picnic shelter and snack shop.
- Crystal Creek Ranch, Eminence – Take a free self-guided walking tour at Crystal Creek Ranch. The farm includes old-time equipment, animals (goats, sheep, ducks and more), a spring-fed lake where visitors can feed the fish and phenomenal views.
- Rocky Falls, Van Buren – This natural cascading waterfall is a stunning sight. The reddish-brown rock laying beneath the rushing water was formed when molten rock from within the earth flowed onto the surface about 1.5 billion years ago. The area also includes a walking trail, picnic tables and barbecue grills. The Rocky Falls area features beautiful blooming redbud trees during spring – it’s the perfect time to visit!
Central Region
- Ha Ha Tonka State Park, Camdenton – Towering bluffs, views of the Lake of the Ozarks and winding trails (taking you past caves, a spring, sinkholes and a natural bridge) are a few of the things you’ll enjoy. Also, the park has spaces for picnicking and kayaks are available to rent.
- Powell Gardens, Kingsville – Set on 970 acres of rolling hills and windswept meadows, Powell Gardens is an affordable adventure featuring breathtaking gardens, interesting architecture and a nature trail. The Marketplace is located inside the Visitor Center, and guests can purchase boxed lunches (while supplies last), sweet treats and drinks. On top of that, picnic items (food and nonalcoholic beverages) are welcome.
- Where Pigs Fly Farm & Pigs Aloft Museum, Linn – Interact with farm animals at the Where Pigs Fly Farm. In addition to one of the few pig museums in the world, the space has a 100-year-old farmhouse, old milk barn, chicken house and livestock barn. Admission is free. If you want to feed the animals, you can purchase sleeves of crackers.
Southwest Region
- Ruth and Paul Henning Conservation Area, Branson – Explore the beauty of Missouri’s landscape at the Ruth and Paul Henning Conservation Area. A short trail (just under a half-mile) will take you to a 40-foot observation tower. Longer trails run through glades, bottomland forest and other natural settings.
- Frisco Highline Trail, Springfield – A former railroad route once traveled by Harry S Truman is now a trail that hosts bicyclists, hikers, runners and horseback riders. The path spans 35 miles, and towns along the route have eatery options.
- Grand Falls, Joplin – The largest continuously flowing natural waterfall in Missouri, Grand Falls is a must-stop photo op for visitors. Located on Shoal Creek, the falls plunge 12 feet down a 163-foot-wide ledge of solid chert before crashing into jagged crags and then flowing peacefully to the south. Swimming is allowed, but there are no facilities.
Northwest Region
- Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium, Kansas City – For an exciting day filled with affordable family fun, visit the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium. There are over 1,700 animals, interactive exhibits for children and eateries when your group needs a break.
- Remington Nature Center, St. Joseph – Located on the beautiful Missouri River, the Remington Nature Center highlights the history and nature of the region. One of the more popular exhibits features Sembu and Remi – life-sized replicas of an adult woolly mammoth and her baby. Visitors can see the enormous size of these spectacular Ice Age creatures and learn about how they came to northwest Missouri.
- Weston Bend State Park, Weston – Take a day trip to explore Weston Bend State Park. Springtime provides excellent birdwatching opportunities, and the scenic overlook is breathtaking with expansive views of the Missouri River. Moreover, the area includes picnic spots and a playground.
- YaYa’s Alpaca Farm, Garden City – Experience the fun atmosphere at this alpaca farm! Tours allow guests to feed, pet and take pictures with the animals. A store sells a variety of items made of alpaca fiber.
Missouri is the perfect destination for family fun and memorable experiences. With its range of accessible attractions, it’ll charm animal lovers, history buffs and nature enthusiasts alike – so begin planning your next weekend getaway with your family in the Show-Me State!