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Missouri is for the Kids

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Kansas City Zoo

You’ve figured out the timing and packed the appropriate number of games and movies to keep the kids entertained while you travel to Missouri.

Once you’re here, what’s next? Kid-friendly attractions, of course!

From theme parks and zoos to museums and caves, there are loads of places for kids to have a blast in the Show-Me State. Here’s a short list to help you get started:

City Museum, St. Louis – Don’t let the name fool you. This place is all about tunnels, slides, secret passageways, a rooftop Ferris wheel and more. It’s a must-see.

Elephant Rocks State Park, Belleview – Got explorers? They’ll have a ball at this scenic park, whose massive granite boulders are perfect for climbing.

Kansas City Zoo, Kansas City – World-class exhibits teach visitors about the wild inhabitants of the zoo while they get an up-close look at penguins, polar bears, primates and more.

Lake of the Ozarks, Osage Beach – Enjoy fun in the sun on the lake itself, then try out activities such as golf, mini-golf, go karts, parasailing, sightseeing cruises and the kid-focused Miner Mike’s and Buster’s.

Branson Ferris Wheel, Branson – Pick a gondola and tell the kids to get ready to go up (way up!) as the Ferris Wheel reaches its apex at 150 feet.

Missouri campgrounds, multiple locations – Whether you enjoy tents, RVs or camper cabins, camping is always fun at privately-owned campgrounds and in state and national parks.

Discovery Playhouse, Cape Girardeau – Your child’s imagination will run wild in the unique interactive spaces at Discovery Playhouse. With one floor dedicated to younger children and another for bigger kids, there’s plenty of magic to uncover.

Shatto Milk Company, Osborn – Call ahead to plan a tour at this dairy farm. Once you’re there, sweeten the pot with some flavored milk – try cotton candy, banana, root beer and more.

Discovery Center of Springfield, Springfield- Don’t tell the kids, but they might learn a thing or two about chemistry and physics while playing with the interactive exhibits here.

Lost Valley Fish Hatchery, Warsaw – Spot fish in the Visitor Center’s 12,700-gallon aquarium and try out the kids’ fishing pond, open to visitors ages 15 and younger.

Mark Twain Cave, Hannibal – Explore this labyrinth-style cave (passages form crisscross patterns) that the namesake author featured in five of his novels.

Theme, amusement and water parks, multiple locations – Thrill rides and fabulous food are part of the fun at places like Six Flags St. Louis in Eureka, Worlds of Fun in Kansas City and Silver Dollar City in Branson.

This list should keep you busy for a while, and it’s just a sampling of the fun kids will find in Missouri. Learn more as you continue to explore VisitMO.com.