23 Fun Family Friendly Things to Do in St. Louis with Kids
St. Louis, Missouri, is a city offering dozens of fun things to do with kids. Whether you want to visit the zoo, an amusement park, or a museum, there are plenty of options for families in the area. And if you’re expecting something even more offbeat than those traditional attractions (and we’re not talking about dog sledding), check out these 25 great family-friendly activities in Saint Louis:
- Saint Louis Zoo
The Saint Louis Zoo is a family-friendly destination, with over 1,100 animals you can see on the zoo’s grounds or take in through one of its many experiences. The zoo features the world-famous “Zoo Train,” which takes visitors on a narrated tour of the zoo while they learn about different animal species. The other fun things to do at this great attraction include:
- Zoo bus tours are available for ages 2–5 and cost $4 for adults and children under two years old (or free for children under two).
- Safari rides allow you to explore all five continents aboard an open-air tram that travels through the African plains, the Amazon rainforest, and more. These rides start at $17 per person and include admission into the zoo and memorable souvenirs for kids who rides with them on their adventure!
- Big Joel’s Safari
Big Joel’s Safari is a fun place to go for kids. It has a zoo and safari park all in one, so you can see animals from around the world. Kids love many interactive exhibits, like the giant slide and train ride around the zoo. If you are interested in being a little tamer, there are plenty of places where you can walk around with your children without any animals (but still get some great views).
There are several excellent dining options too. If you are looking forward to something quick and easy, there’s a food court in the middle of the park with plenty of options. For something more upscale, there are several restaurants on site where you can get lunch or dinner.
- City Museum
The City Museum is a fun place to explore. It has a lot of different exhibits and activities for the whole family to enjoy. Plus, there are several places to eat!
The City Museum is an architectural marvel with many exhibits and activities sure to please kids of all ages. Whether you want to learn about St Louis’ history or just let your kids run around while there, this museum will have something for everyone of all ages too!
The City Museum is an architectural marvel with many exhibits and activities sure to please kids of all ages. Whether you want to learn about St Louis’ history or just let your kids run around while there, this museum will have something for everyone of all ages too!
- Grant’s Farm
Grant’s Farm is a family-owned and operated zoo and amusement park in St. Louis, Missouri. This place sits on 8 acres of land once part of the Anheuser-Busch brewery site and houses over 200 animals worldwide, including giraffes, elephants, lions, and tigers.
There are many things to do at Grant’s Farm:
- Feed these beautiful creatures! You can buy food from the gift shop or bring your supply so they can eat right away. You may even get a fun time seeing some baby elephants being bottle-fed!
- In addition to feeding them fresh fruits and vegetables (or just sticking with regular hay), kids will also love seeing how fast they can charge through a herd of goats or cows on their way out of the barns.
In addition to the animals you can find here at Grant’s Farm, there are many fun activities for kids, such as horseback riding ($10 per person), hayrides ($4 per person), petting zoos ($3 for up to two pets), pony rides ($7/person) and more! There are also several playgrounds throughout the park where kids can play. The farm is open from 9 am to 5 pm except for Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
- Playtime Party Center
Playtime Party Center St. Louis is an excellent place for families to enjoy fun activities and food options. The center offers activities for kids, such as arts and crafts and storytime stories by the fire pit or playground equipment. There are also places for adults to relax in comfy chairs while watching their children play together or have a picnic lunch outside on one of their many decks overlooking the park views.
Playtime Party Center St Louis has several amenities that make it unique:
- An indoor playground area features two slides, an obstacle course, and more!
- Outdoor play areas include a basketball court with netting around it (for safety purposes) and a soccer field with lights installed above so you can play after dark if you want to!
A large indoor gym with a climbing wall, basketball nets, and plenty of space to play! A sizeable outside playground area with slides, swings, and more! An indoor bistro where you can order food or drinks while your kids play in the play area.
If you’re expecting a fun place to celebrate your child’s birthday, look no further than Playtime Party Center. They offer all-inclusive birthday parties for kids of all ages and endless options! You can choose from various party packages that include everything from food and activities to decorations. If you want it all in one box, then go with the All Inclusive Package, which includes everything listed above plus:
- A professional photographer (or two) who will take photos at each location during your event;
- A balloon artist;
- An ice sculptor;
- Birthday cake with candles on top;
- St. Louis Mercantile Library
The Mercantile Library is a free, family-friendly attraction located in the historic Mercantile Library building. The library features exhibits, lectures, and events throughout the year.
The history of this unique building dates back to 1824, when Henry Shaw built it as a general store for his father’s business. With this new space, he began selling books on an adjacent lot. Later, it became known as “Shaw’s Book Store” but eventually closed due to competition from larger stores like Barnes & Noble or Borders Books & Music (now defunct).
In 1995 The Missouri History Museum purchased these two buildings, which were then renovated into a modern-day museum with offices upstairs where they hold classes year-round through workshops such as Lego robotics lessons for kids ages 5+. Special events are also offered throughout the summer, including magic shows, storytelling sessions; book signings; movie nights, etc. So, this attraction will be the best getaway place your kids have ever visited.
- The Magic House
The Magic House is the only children’s museum in the world that combines all the things children love most: imagination, discovery, and fun. The Magic House is a non-profit organization that provides hands-on experiences for children.
The Magic House has been described by Forbes as “the best place on earth” because it offers many interactive opportunities for families who want to spend quality time together at an affordable price (with free admission). There are numerous ways when it comes to how you want your family members to experience their visit: from spending all day exploring inside an exhibit called ‘Things That Go,’ where kids can play with cars and balls; to taking part in activities like making stop motion movies; or even just observing animals up close while handlers are feeding them!
- Saint Louis Science Center
The Saint Louis Science Center is fun for kids to play and learn. They can explore the exhibits, which range from robotics to gravity, solar energy, and more. There’s also an indoor play area where your child can pretend to be a scientist or engineer by doing their experiments. The science center is located in Forest Park, so it’s easy to get there by car or public transportation if you’re staying near downtown St Louis (or anywhere else).
You do fun things in Forest Park, including hiking on the trails and riding the carousel. You can also visit the Saint Louis Art Museum and Shakespeare Festival for more cultural experiences. The museum has many interactive and exciting exhibits, including one that teaches kids about electricity. It also has a large selection of hands-on experiences and activities that can be enjoyed by both adults and children alike.
There are more than 20 different exhibits at this museum. Some of them include
- The Bug Zoo (where you can watch live insects)
- Creative Play Lab (a place where children can create their artwork using materials provided)
- World Around Us Gallery (a gallery featuring objects from around the world)
- Transportation Gallery, which features interactive displays about transportation history throughout our planet
It costs around Adults $15, seniors/students $12, children ages 3-12 pay $7/adult; free admission on Sundays!
- Ultimate Ninjas
Ultimate Ninjas is a martial arts center that offers classes for kids and adults. Their location is in Chesterfield, MO, and they offer a variety of courses, including:
- Ninja Bootcamp – This class teaches children and teens how to use their ninja skills in real-life situations, such as self-defense or getting away from bullies.
- Ninja Kids (ages 3-5) – This program teaches children the basics of martial arts with fun games and activities!
- Ninja Kids (ages 6-8) – This program teaches children the basics of martial arts with fun games and activities!
- Ninja Kids (ages 9-11) – This program teaches children the basics of martial arts with fun games and activities!
- Ninja Kids (ages 12-15) – This program teaches children the basics of martial arts with fun games and activities!
- Lone Elk Park
Lone Elk Park St. Louis is a zoo and family fun center that offers a variety of attractions to make your stay in the city more enjoyable. Lone Elk Park is a great place to go for a walk. There are many picnic areas, and the park has a playground, which makes it perfect for children. If you visit in the summertime, you can see lots of wildlife, including deer, rabbits, and even bison!
Lone Elk Park St. Louis has an impressive collection of animals, including monkeys, lions, tigers, bears, and birds, such as eagles and ostriches. The park also has over 50 species of fish in its Aquariums, including sharks!
Families can enjoy many activities such as playing games like basketball or soccer on outdoor courts, riding bikes around the park, or even renting boats on Lake Taneycomo! There’s also plenty for kids to do, such as going on educational tours about different animals at Lone Elk Park (like how much food they eat per day) so everyone can learn something new about nature together!
The opening hours for the park are from 9 a.m. to dusk, seven days a week. It is at the intersection of North Main Street and Elk Avenue in Ogden.
- The Gateway Arch National Park
The Gateway Arch National Park is a United States National Park in St. Louis, Missouri. The park is located at the southern edge of the city of St. Louis, Missouri, and has several attractions, including:
- The Gateway Arch
- Jefferson National Expansion Memorial (JNE)
Gateway Arch National Park Museum – This museum features artifacts related to early American history and pioneer days through World War II. There are also exhibits about Native American tribes that lived here before European settlers arrived in America; their culture, history, and traditions are displayed here as well as other Native American artifacts from throughout periods when it was not just one nation but many tribes living together peacefully together without any conflict between them whatsoever!
You can learn about this fantastic story through interactive exhibits like “Paintings From Memory” or “Artifacts From Life.” Here visitors get hands-on experience using tools such as paintbrushes or knives while creating artworks depicting scenes from their lives growing up under different circumstances than today’s modern world offers us.
Visitors can also explore the “History of America” exhibit, which features interactive displays that allow you to experience thoroughly what life was like for early settlers in this area. You can even walk through a replica of an old-time general store and learn how people used to purchase items needed for everyday living as well as clothing they wore every day
- Ballpark Village
Ballpark Village is a fabulous and must-see place to visit in St. Louis. It has lots of things to do for kids and adults, like rides, restaurants, and shopping. It’s also excellent for dinner, drinks, or even entertainment! It’s located right across the street from Busch Stadium, so you can make a day of it by eating, drinking, and shopping at all its restaurants, bars, and shops!
Ballpark Village is also home to one of my favorite things about St. Louis: food trucks! There are dozens of them parked around town with delicious treats that satisfy any appetite. If you’re feeling adventurous (or just hungry), try local fares like French fries with pulled pork or meatloaf burgers topped with tomato sauce & cheese! The park is conveniently divided into different areas, like water and amusement parks. There are also several restaurants, a bowling alley, and a Ferris wheel!
The water park is one of the best parts of Six Flags St. Louis. It’s a vast park with lots of different slides, pools, and more to keep you entertained all day long! There are several places to eat at Six Flags, too. You can get anything from burgers to pizza; a restaurant called Looney Tunes Characters Cafe serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner!
- Bartolino’s Osteria
Bartolino’s Osteria is in the beautiful Central West End neighborhood of St. Louis, Missouri. It’s a family-friendly restaurant that serves Italian food and wine. The menu includes pizza and pasta dishes, salads, antipasti, soups, and sandwiches. The restaurant has outdoor seating in its bar area with TVs so you can enjoy your meal while watching sports games or catching up on some business during lunch hours! This place is worth checking out if you’re looking for something cheap but delicious or want to try something new!
The price range varies depending on what type of experience you want: dinner costs about $30-$50 per person; lunch prices range from $10-$15 per person (with half off after 5 pm). You can make reservations online as well.
- Cathedral Basilica
The Cathedral Basilica St. Louis is a must-see destination for any family vacation. The building is well-known as an architectural wonder and has been recognized as one of the most beautiful Catholic churches in America by several publications, such as CNN Travel and USA Today; and is considered a masterpiece of architecture. It was designed by architect Edward H. Comerford and was built between 1892-1901 and displays Tiffany stained glass windows, marble floors, walls, bronze doors from France that cost $250 each (that’s about $10k today!), gold leaf ceiling panels…the list goes on!
There are many things to do at this iconic landmark, including touring its interior, eating some delicious food options (try the cinnamon rolls!), playing games with your kids, or just relaxing on their patio area with a beverage in hand! The cathedral has been featured on many TV shows, including “Supernatural,” “The Office,” “24”, and more recently “The X-Files.”
The Cathedral Basilica St. Louis is ideal for those traveling with children. It offers plenty of activities that all ages can enjoy, including art classes, field trips to local historical sites, and even dinner shows where you can enjoy dinner while watching performers dance on stage!
- The Fabulous Fox
The Fabulous Fox is a well-known performing arts center in St. Louis, Missouri. It’s located at 708 S Grand Boulevard and has been there since 1927.
The theater was initially built as a movie palace called “The Grand.” It opened on December 9th, 1926, with an elaborate premiere film starring Douglas Fairbanks Jr., including special effects that were not yet commonplace (such as animated animals).
Over time it became known as “The Fabulous Fox” because of its popularity with audiences of all ages and demographics—from families to college students to adults who just wanted some good old-fashioned entertainment!
The theater underwent many changes over the years. Still, it was renovated in 2004 to become a performing arts center, which is now home to concerts and movies, plays, musicals, and other live shows! So, every family member will find this place lively and fun-filled. Don’t miss the chance to plan a memorable weekend with your family here.
- Gateway Arch Riverboats
Gateway Arch Riverboats is a great way to see the city. You can see the Arch, the Mississippi River, and other sights from your boat. You can take a simple cruise or a dinner cruise; if you choose to visit without eating on board, there are concessions available on board for purchase. Spending a relaxing afternoon with your family in St Louis is inexpensive!
The Gateway Arch is a 630-foot monument built to commemorate westward expansion. It is at the end of Jefferson Avenue in downtown St Louis and worth visiting! The interior of the arch contains many exhibits about westward development and how the Mississippi River played a primary role in the growth of the United States.
Eero Saarinen designed the arch in 1965, which took 11 years to complete. It’s the tallest manufactured monument in the world and weighs more than 100 million pounds. The Arch holds a special place in St Louis because it was built at the same time as many other important landmarks, including
- Busch Stadium (home of the St Louis Cardinals),
- Scottrade Center (home of the St Louis Blues hockey team)
- Lumiere Place Casino & Hotel.
- Laumeier Sculpture Park
If you’re interested in a fun place to visit with the whole family, Laumeier Sculpture Park in St. Louis is a great choice. Laumeier Sculpture Park is a sculpture park in St. Louis, Missouri, United States. It is on the grounds of the former Laumeier family estate. The park has more than 70 acres of sculpture and gardens in one of the most beautiful parts of St. Louis that are perfect for exploring on foot or by bike. There’s also an outdoor arena where you can bring your blanket and enjoy some entertainment while enjoying nature around you!
This park has everything from interactive sculptures to live music events throughout the year. There will always be something new going on here—even if it’s just an occasional performance by local musicians or artists who come together each week (or month). The park has existed since 1985 and is open to the public for free. The park’s first sculptures were donated by owner Henry Shaw Jr., who also funded an endowment that allows it to offer programming and educational opportunities to visitors of all ages. You’ll want at least one day here during your stay and any other days needed since this place offers many different things for families like yours!
The best thing about Laumeier Sculpture Park St Louis? It’s budget-friendly! All its amenities included in one price tag instead of separate ones like other parks do nowadays makes it even more accessible than ever!”
- National Blues Museum
The National Blues Museum is a must-see for any fan of the blues. Located in the historic Old Post Office building, The museum is dedicated to the history and culture of this legendary genre of music, with an emphasis on its roots in African American culture. It has a collection of instruments and memorabilia from some of its biggest names.
The museum offers plenty of family-friendly activities for kids (and adults!) to enjoy during their trip. There’s even a separate section for children under ten years old. The galleries are full of artifacts from various stages in blues history. There are also interactive & engaging exhibits that allow visitors to learn about how instruments were built or what instruments are used today by musicians who play this style of music today. Everything from guitars and drums to basses/keyboards/percussion items such as bongos, etc., is shown here.
The museum also offers musical performances throughout the day; check out their schedule before you go so you don’t miss out on hearing an artist you love. If you’re looking for more than just listening to live music, they have a gift shop for you to find everything from t-shirts to hats (and even some rare items) and restaurant service inside or outside if weather permits.
- St. Louis Aquarium
If you’re looking to spend some time with the family, the St. Louis Aquarium is a must-see. Located on the Mississippi Riverfront, it is one of the largest aquariums in the country and offers a massive number of activities for kids and adults alike.
The Aquarium is free to visit, open year-round, and located at 100 Aquarium Way. It features exhibits that include penguins, sharks, and sting rays. You can also watch them in their natural habitat at the touch tank!
The aquarium has an exhibit called “Tot Row,” where they’ll have you meet some adorable sea creatures like sharks and rays. There’s also a jellyfish exhibit where you can learn how these creatures reproduce through live-action videos and try your hand at catching them yourself! Other activities include:
- Shark Tank – This tank houses six species of sharks, including
- sandbar sharks (Galeocerdo cuvier) which are up close so visitors can get up close with these beautiful predators
- nurse sharks (Ginglymostoma cirratum)
- mako shark (Isurus oxyrinchus)
- black tip reef fish (Poropuntius spp.)
- Tunnel Experience – Entering this tunnel will take you into another world full of exotic fish species such as lionfish, parrot fish, and others too numerous to mention here!
The St. Louis Zoo has many fun activities for children too!
- Upper Limits Indoor Rock Climbing Gym
Upper Limits Indoor Rock Climbing Gym has over 5,000 square feet of climbing surface for those ready to enhance their climbing skills up to the next level. This gym is open to all ages and skill levels. It offers private lessons and group classes taught by professional instructors from around the country. The facility also provides various services, including birthday parties (the perfect gift for your child), corporate events (such as team-building exercises), or fun with friends!
Upper Limits Indoor Rock Climbing Gym is a great way to have fun with your family. The facility features more than 30 climbing routes, both indoor and outdoor. The gym also has a bouldering area that allows climbers to practice their skills on smaller rocks before moving up the wall.
You can rent any of the helmets or harnesses required for climbing at this location. If you’d like to learn how to climb, classes are available throughout the week and on weekends during spring break (March 1st – May 31st).
The owner will be happy to help you with any questions or concerns about renting equipment before arriving at Upper Limits Indoor Rock Climbing Gym in St Louis, so don’t hesitate!
- Myseum
Myseum is a fantastic museum for kids. The history exhibits in St. Louis are fun, educational, and interactive! There’s also an exhibit on dinosaurs that will keep your little ones entertained. In addition to all these fun things to do in St Louis with kids activities, there are other excellent exhibits like “The Human Body,” which allows visitors to explore different body parts through touch screens or virtual reality goggles (which sound cool).
Myseum has several other great exhibits guaranteed to entertain and educate your little one about science and technology. Such as “Art in Motion: A Journey into Movement” makes you feel like you’re floating above artworks while they rotate around your head; “Lighting Up History: Artifacts from Ancient Egypt & Greece.” This exhibit shows how the light was used during ancient times so that we could see everything clearly; “Happening Now!” This exhibit focuses on how fast things change in our world today by showing how fast technology evolves every day!
- Missouri Botanical Garden
The Missouri Botanical Garden is a 100-acre botanical garden in St. Louis, Missouri. It is open for visits to the public with free admission.
The garden features some of the most beautiful plants and has something for everyone. It is home to over 50,000 plants, including more than 1,800 species of trees, shrubs, and vines. You can see rare orchids, learn about native plants, enjoy a walk through our butterfly exhibit or participate in educational activities with your child!
Children will love exploring their gardens on foot or by bike! There are numerous engaging activities for kids (and adults) to enjoy:
- Family-friendly tours give visitors an insight into the history behind each garden at MBCG
- An educational library offers books about gardening and plant identification which can be borrowed from daycare centers nearby if you’re visiting with your children during the school holidays
- You can also benefit from free admission after 4 pm every day during the summer months
Likewise, if you have no idea about a fun and exciting place to spend summer vacations with your kids, you’ll want to visit this place first!
- Saint Louis Art Museum
The Saint Louis Art Museum is a leading art museum in the United States. It has one of the country’s finest collections of European art, with over 30,000 works spanning 6,000 years of world history. The museum’s collection includes more than 3,000 pieces by Picasso and Matisse; 400 prints by Rembrandt van Rijn; 150 paintings and drawings by Vincent van Gogh; over 2,500 African masks from all over Africa; nearly 1 million books relating to art history, including those written by artists themselves (including Rembrandt himself); as well as other treasures such as sculptures made out of natural materials like stone or wood.” So, this attraction is a dream place to spend quality time for all ages interested in arts and history.
The museum was founded in 1864 as the Saint Louis School and Museum of Fine Arts and was the first art museum west of the Mississippi River. It moved into its current building in 1914.
As you can see, there are unmatchable fun things to do in St. Louis for kids and families. The best reality check about these attractions is that they are all kid-friendly, so you don’t have to worry about finding something that your little ones will enjoy! There is something for everyone here, so don’t hesitate to take advantage of this list as the same will inspire more people to explore their city on foot w