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Affordable Summer Activities in Missouri

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Enjoy the great outdoors at Central Missouri's Lake of the Ozarks. Home to several hiking trails, caves, golf courses, fishing, on the water activities and more.
Credit: Lake of the Ozarks CVB
Credit: Wild Animal Safari
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Missouri offers a diverse range of affordable, family-friendly activities for a summertime adventure. Whether hiking through a state park, engaging with animals on a farm or spending all your time in the water, these affordable activities will help you feel as light as a summer breeze!

Northeast Region

  • Grant’s Farm, St. Louis — See more than 900 animals from all over the world at the ancestral home of the Busch family at Grant’s Farm. The farm’s historic buildings – including the log cabin where former president Ulysses S. Grant lived – add to the property’s picturesque charm. Admission is free for all ages.
  • Katy Trail State Park, St. Charles — Set out on the longest rails-to-trails conversion in the U.S. for an epic bike ride. While Katy Trail State Park extends across the state, the first official trailhead is in St. Charles, where the trail runs along the Missouri River. The trail is mostly flat, making it ideal for family members of all ages. Along the way, you’ll find shops and restaurants that make for great resting points.
  • Forest Park, St. Louis — Forest Park is not your average park; it’s a 1,371-acre haven packed full of family-friendly activities, including a history museum, art museum, science center and the Saint Louis Zoo – all of which are free to visit. There are also plenty of recreation areas for outdoor fun.
A family of four rides their bikes out of a scenic railroad tunnel surrounded by trees.
Ride through history with your family on the Katy Trail, the longest developed rail-trail in the country.

Southeast Region

  • The Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center — Visit The Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center, which highlights the cultural history and natural resources of southeast Missouri. The center has hands-on exhibits, freshwater aquariums and wildlife viewing areas. Outside, walk the White Oak Trace, a trail among the oak-hickory and river cove forest ecosystems. For children younger than 16, grab a pole and bait (at no charge) and fish for a variety of species in the accessible Kid’s Fishing Pond.
  • The Space Museum and Grissom Center, Bonne Terre — Go to outer space at the The Space Museum and Grissom Center. This musuem takes visitors on an unforgettable adventure into the limitless cosmos with affordable general admission fees (children 5 and under free). The 5000-square-foot facility houses hundreds of significant relics – including a genuine Apollo 16 moon rock and Gus Grissom’s Mercury training spacesuit. In addition to state-of-the-art exhibits, witness a launch in the Shuttle Theater Experience and step into the shoes of an astronaut during the “On Board” virtual reality experience.
Person stands behind glass-enclosed replica of space rocket.
Curiosity takes flight in the heart of Missouri at the Bonne Terre Space Museum and Grissom Center.
  • Webb Creek Marina, Ellington — Spend a weekend this summer camping at Webb Creek Marina. Located on the west side of Clearwater Lake, the property features a swimming area, playground and picnic area with grills and a restroom. The full-service store provides camping essentials, and guests can rent a pontoon boat or paddleboard.

Central Region

A group of three girls splash in the water at Lake of the Ozarks State park during summer. The trees in the background are lush and the children are laughing.
Laughter echoes louder on days at the Lake.
  • Lake of the Ozarks State Park, Brumley — With nearly 90 miles of shoreline and two swimming beaches, Lake of the Ozarks State Park is the place for water lovers. Campgrounds as well as mountain biking and equestrian trails are on-site.
  • Malted Monkey, Lake of the Ozarks — Climbing adventures await at Malted Monkey. Adults can indulge in the specialty “Tipsy Shakes” while children navigate the twists and turns of the three-level, 60-foot-high ropes course. In addition to shakes, the menu offers classic American fare, so it’s an ideal one-stop location for lunch and entertainment.
  • Rock Bridge Memorial State Park, Columbia — Head to Rock Bridge Memorial State Park and explore Connor’s Cave. With cavern temperatures ranging from 55 to 58 degrees Fahrenheit, it’s the perfect way to cool off on a toasty summer day. The park also has hiking, walking and mountain biking trails. Additionally, picnic sites are scattered throughout the park, so pack a lunch and spend all day exploring the park.
  • Runge Conservation Nature Center, Jefferson City — Learn about the state’s natural beauty and wildlife at the Runge Conservation Nature Center. Featuring an impressive indoor wildlife viewing area, a 3,580-gallon fish aquarium, hands-on activities for children, and live amphibians and reptiles, the center offers a top-tier educational experience.

Southwest Region

  • Discovery Center, Springfield — On a really hot summer day, head indoors and experience the Discovery Center. The affordable general admission gives you the chance to explore hands-on science activities that’ll amuse children of all ages – and adults young at heart, too! Visitors can dig for dinosaur bones, walk through the inner workings of an eyeball, play in the Lu Digital Interactive Playground (the only one open to the public in North America) and much more.
A father and son build Minecraft blocks at the Discovery Center in Springfield. They are laughing and having fun.
From pixels to giggles, enjoy building memories with your family one block at a time at the Discovery Center.
  • Rutledge-Wilson Farm Park, Springfield — The 207-acre Rutledge-Wilson Farm Park provides an authentic farm experience. A stunning red barn graces the property, and visitors can observe mini-horses and donkeys, goats, sheep, pigs, cows and more. In addition to interacting with animals, the park includes a farm-themed playground and stocked fishing pond.
  • Roaring River State Park, Cassville — Taking your family fishing is a classic outdoor excursion, and Roaring River State Park is a spectacular spot for anglers. The river bisecting the park is stocked with rainbow trout, and a free fishing day for kids is held each summer.
  • Wild Animal Safari, Strafford — Get face to face with animals from all over the world at Wild Animal Safari. The affordable entry fee includes the Drive-Thru Safari and Walkabout Adventure Zoo — you’ll have the chance to feed zebras, llamas and bison from a vehicle, and after, enjoy more exhibits and adorable creatures while stretching your legs.

Northwest Region

  • Anita B. Gorman Conservation Discovery Center, Kansas City — The Anita B. Gorman Conservation Discovery Center features 9 acres of native plant gardens, pond, trails and wildlife. Whether exploring on your own or participating in one of the free summer programs, visitors can learn about Missouri’s plants and animals; outdoor skills such as hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing; and how to grow native plants.
  • Longview Lake, Kansas City — Cool off at Longview Lake, a 930-acre haven perfect for water recreation, fishing and soaking in the rays while lounging lakeside. With its relaxing atmosphere, miles of shoreline and the peace of mind provided by certified, on-duty lifeguards, it’s an ideal place for both amusement and unwinding. There’s an on-site marina with concessions and lake supplies for guests’ convenience.
  • YaYa’s Alpaca Farm, Garden City — The alpaca herd at YaYa’s Alpaca Farm offers affordable tours. Guests can feed, pet and take pictures with the animals (advance scheduling required). Be sure to stop by the store, which boasts a variety of items made of alpaca fiber.