St. Louis may be best known for the iconic Gateway Arch and Cardinals Baseball, but the city is also filled to the brim with kid-friendly activities. Many of the attractions are free or budget-friendly, making St. Louis a great destination for a family getaway any time of year.
Check out these ideas for a fun-filled trip to the Gateway City – including a ride to the top of that famous arch and a visit to Busch Stadium to see the Red Birds play.
Theme Parks and Entertainment
Six Flags St. Louis – Thrilling roller coasters, family rides, entertainment and games offer a full day of activity. An array of shows appeal to audiences of all ages. Next door, the Hurricane Harbor water park features a wave pool, water slides, lazy river and more.
Grant’s Farm – Interact with a variety of animals, including the world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales. Stop by the petting zoo, feed the baby goats and take a spin on the carousel.
Museums
City Museum – More whimsical playground than traditional museum, this 600,000-square-foot attraction appeals to the kid in everyone. Housed in a 100-year-old warehouse, the museum contains eclectic collections and art objects that spark the imagination plus a network of tunnels, secret passageways and a 10-story spiral slide.
Gateway Arch National Park – Take a ride 630 feet into the sky to the top of the largest manmade arch in the world for breathtaking views of St. Louis and the Mississippi River. Visit the free underground museum, located below the arch, to learn about the history of the American West. Tour the Old Courthouse where the Dred Scott freedom trials took place.
More Indoor Attractions
St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station – From the mighty Mississippi River to the depths of the deep blue sea, six galleries and 13,000 animals tell an amazing underwater story. The aquarium is located in the historic St. Louis Union Station.
Saint Louis Science Center – Ten galleries feature more than 700 interactive experiences that bring science to life. Located in Forest Park, the center focuses on a variety of topics including technology, agriculture, outer space and more. Admission is free.
The Magic House – Hands-on activities for all ages pique curiosity, foster creativity and nurture problem-solving skills in a magical environment.
Outdoor and Nature Activities
Saint Louis Zoo – This award-winning zoo encompasses 90 acres that are home to more than 12,000 animals, many of them rare and endangered species. General admission is free. (A fee is charged for some activities.)
Forest Park – Explore one of the largest urban parks in the country. In addition to the Saint Louis Zoo and Science Center, the park is home to The Muny outdoor theater, picnic areas, lakes, a golf course, a seasonal ice-skating rink, and paths for jogging, biking and skating.
The St. Louis Wheel – See the city from 200 feet above ground in a fully-enclosed, climate-controlled gondola. Each of the 41 wheelchair accessible gondolas can seat up to six people. Located just outside St. Louis Union Station, the observation wheel is open 365 days a year.
Busch Stadium – Cheer on the St. Louis Cardinals, 11-time World Series champions. The “retro-classic” stadium provides a spectacular view of the Gateway Arch. Tour the stadium and the Cardinals Hall of Fame and Museum to learn about the team’s winning ways and some of the best players to wear a Cardinals uniform.
St. Louis Citygarden – Head downtown to explore this free urban park. You’ll find more than two dozen sculptures, fountains, gardens, a children’s spray plaza and a 180-foot-long reflecting pool.
Gateway Arch Riverboat Cruises – Board a 19th-century replica riverboat for a trip on America’s most famous river. Take a daytime or night-time Mississippi River cruise for an unforgettable view of the St. Louis skyline from the water. Gateway Arch National Park rangers narrate the education cruises.
Fun Food and Drinks
Ted Drewes Frozen Custard– Satisfy your sweet tooth at this St. Louis institution that’s been serving frosty treats since 1929. The concretes – thick, creamy malts or shakes – are so thick, they are served upside down.
Union Station Soda Fountain – Try a burger, sandwich or giant “freak float” at this retro-style spot in St. Louis Union Station.
Fitz’s – This restaurant and craft soda microbrewery is famous for its super-sized ice cream floats. The towering creations are topped with candy, cookies and fruit.
