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The Best Parent Guide of Things To Do in St. Louis with Kids

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The Best Parent Guide of Things To Do in St. Louis with Kids

The St. Louis area is a great destination for families visiting the Midwest of the United States. Many places for families are free or have budget-friendly options, there is a great mix of outdoor fun and indoor activities for rainy days and we found some cool activities on the GoWhee App that parents will enjoy too.

So pack your bags for the Getaway city and let’s go!

1. Let Your Imagination Run Wild at The Magic House Children’s Museum

Kids can learn by playing at the Magic House Children’s Museum. 

Key Information: Admission is $12 – food onsite – restrooms with changing tables

Good To Know: Check the special exhibits– they have a partnership with PBS and have tie-ins with some of your kids’ favorite shows.

2. Discover Animals from Around the World at the Saint Louis Zoo

The St. Louis Zoo is home to hundreds of animals including kid favorites like elephants and polar bears.

Key Information: FREE – stroller-friendly – food onsite

Good To Know: All guests must reserve free-timed tickets in advance.

3. Spend a Day Eating & Playing at Eckert’s Country Store & Restaurant

Visit a real working farm at Eckert’s! You can pick your own produce, enjoy a pony or camel ride, and eat at their country restaurant. 

Key Information: Field pass + produce starts at $15 – stroller-friendly – lots of food options

Good To Know: Kids eat free on Thursdays.

Tractor with kids play in front of Eckert's country store
Eckert's country store. Photo by @midwestnomadfamily

4. Push Your Limits at Upper Limits in Downtown St. Louis

Active kids will love Upper Limits, an indoor rock climbing gym. You can even host birthday parties there!

Key Information: Day passes are $18/$16 for kids – not good for toddlers or babies – free parking

Good To Know: Upper Limits has rock walls for all skill levels.

5. See Giant Clydesdales & More at Grant’s Farm

Grant’s Farm is the historic home of the Busch family… and over 900 farm animals, including some of the famous Budweiser Clydesdales. 

Key Information: Passes start at $15 – food onsite –  best for kids 5 and up 

Good To Know: Don’t miss seeing the cabin President Ulysses S Grant built himself!

6. Take a Walk Through Gateway Arch National Park

You can walk through Gateway Arch National Park or take a tram to the top of the Arch.

Key Information: Basic admission is $3 – the park is stroller friendly – food is onsite.

Good To Know: You can’t take strollers on the Arch trams.

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7. Keep Little Ones Busy at Myseum

Myseum is a hands-on museum that lets kids have fun through the power of play and imagination.

Key Information: Admission is $10.95 for kids/$5.95 for adults – FREE parking – best for kids 2-12

Good To Know: Socks are required to protect toes in active exhibits.

>>> Like the Myseum? Find more museums like this, here.

8. Enjoy Endless Activities at Kokomo Joe’s

There’s tons of family fun at Kokomo Joe’s. Have a blast playing laser tag, riding bumper cars and go-karts, and much more.

Key Information: Activities priced individually – food onsite – kids-only play areas

Good To Know: Little kids really love mini bowling, which uses smaller balls.

9. See Big Cats Up Close at Crown Ridge Tiger Sanctuary

Meet and greet rescued tigers in a beautiful setting.

Key Information: Tours start at $10 – stroller-friendly – tours are 45-90 minutes 

Good To Know: Don’t miss sampling Fizzy Izzy Root Beer, which is named after one of the sanctuary’s tigers!

10. Explore the Whimsical City Museum

The City Museum in St. Louis is an old warehouse that has been turned into a huge playground with miles of tunnels and slides. 

Key Information: $18 – food onsite – toddler play area 

Good To Know: The toddler area is on the 3rd floor.

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11. Spend a Day on the Mississippi River

See what it’s like to canoe, kayak, or paddleboard with Big Muddy Adventures!

Key Information: Prices vary – best for kids 6+ – rent for a day or take a guided tour

Good To Know: The guided adventure trips are lots of fun.

12. Explore Forest Park’s Natural Playscape

Forest Park is a place where kids can connect with nature as they explore, discover, and learn.

Key Information: FREE – pet-friendly – restrooms nearby

Good To Know: Toddlers and older kids can all enjoy the playscape.

>>> Discover more outdoors adventures near you, here.

13. Experience a Thrill Ride at Six Flags St. Louis

Six Flags St. Louis has a lot of fun for big and little kids.

Key Information: Tickets start at $34.99 – food onsite – rides for all ages

Good To Know: Admission includes the waterpark.

14. Ride the St. Louis Wheel

See St. Louis like never before when you ride this 240-foot observation wheel!

Key Information: Adults $15, kids $10 – 15 minute rides – located at Union Station

Good To Know: Strollers are not permitted in gondolas, but they have stroller parking

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15. Enjoy a Walk in Laumeier Sculpture Park

Get close to art at the Laumeier Sculpture Park.

Key Information: FREE – public restrooms available – bring your own food 

Good To Know: Laumeier Sculpture Park has one of the 30/30 trails– 30 hikes that can be completed in about 30 minutes and are perfect for kids.

16. Introduce Kids to Fine Art at the Saint Louis Art Museum

The St. Louis Art Museum is a great place to teach kids about art.

Key Information: FREE – free stroller rental – food onsite

Good To Know: Some exhibits require a fee.

>>> Find more kid-friendly museum in the St Louis area.

17. Eat & Play at St. Louis’ Union Station

Union Station is home to restaurants and attractions like the St. Louis Aquarium.

Key Information: FREE – attractions require fees – stroller friendly

Good To Know: Kids love the cupcakes at the bakery.

18. Learn About Health & The Body at HealthWorks!

HealthWorks teaches kids about the body and lets them play INSIDE a giant skeleton!

Key Information: $7 – closed Sunday/Monday – no food onsite

Good To Know: Don’t miss the world’s largest teeth!

19. Visit Willoughby Heritage Farm & Discover Acres of Wildlife

Learn all about farm life in the 1940s and see midwestern wildlife.

Key Information: FREE – pet-friendly – public restrooms

Good To Know: The farm also has playgrounds just for kids.

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20. Entertain Curious Kids with a Visit To the Saint Louis Science Center 

The St. Louis Science Center lets kids learn about the world through play and experimentation.

Key Information: FREE – some exhibits have fees – food onsite 

Good To Know: The flight simulators are very popular with kids.

21. See a Bird Show at the World Bird Sanctuary

You can see birds from all over at the World Bird Sanctuary, and even get to meet and handle some of them.

Key Information: $8 per car – $10 show tickets – public restrooms available

Good To Know: For an extra-special treat, you can paint with Sprinkles the Emu!

>>> Find tons of animal experiences in Missouri and globally, here.

22. Get Some Energy Out at Monkey Joe’s

At Monkey Joe’s, everything is designed for fun.

Key Information: Admission is $11.99 for kids (adults are free) – food onsite – play as long as you want

Good To Know: Even toddlers can have a safe, fun time playing in the Mini Monkey Zone.

23. Get Wild at Cabela’s

Even if you’re not shopping for anything specific, kids enjoy the cool decor and huge aquarium at the Cabela’s at Mills Mall.

Key Information: FREE – free parking – food nearby

Good To Know: Cabela’s sells a lot of good car snacks.

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27. Go On an Adventure to Big Joel’s Safari

Big Joel’s Safari lets you get close enough to touch and feed lots of animals.

Key Information: $12 adults/$10 kids – no food allowed- rough trails

Good To Know: A season pass pays for itself after 2-3 visits.

28. Visit the Oldest Library West of the Mississippi

There’s more than books at the Mercantile Library– they have fun exhibits, including a brand new railroad exhibit.

Key Information: FREE – no food or drink allowed – restrooms onsite

Good To Know: The library is closed when the campus is closed.

29. Build Confidence at Ultimate Ninjas

At Ultimate Ninjas, kids have fun building strength, endurance, and confidence.

Key Information: Classes are $25 – classes available for kids 2+ – classes last about an hour

Good To Know: The first class is FREE!

Discover More things to do in St. Louis with kids on GoWhee

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30. Take a Day Trip to Lone Elk Park

Lone Elk Park is a beautiful place to hike and watch wildlife.

Key Information: FREE – restrooms in visitor center – bring snacks

Good To Know: Lone Elk has one of the 30/30 trails– 30 kid-friendly hikes that can be completed in about 30 minutes.

31. See a Musical at The Fabulous Fox

The Fabulous Fox Theatre hosts lots of fun shows.

Key Information: Ticket prices start around $45 – restaurant next door – no outside food allowed 

Good To Know: It is strongly recommended that kids be 5+.

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