Family Fun in St. Louis: A Guide to Museums, Indoor Spaces, Historical Sites, Playgrounds, and More!
St. Louis, Missouri, is a city brimming with activities that cater to families with kids of all ages. Whether you’re exploring the city’s rich history, visiting interactive museums, or enjoying outdoor playgrounds, there’s something for everyone. Here’s a guide to the best family-friendly attractions in St. Louis.
1. Museums That Spark Curiosity
The Magic House, St. Louis Children’s Museum: This is a must-visit for families. The Magic House offers hands-on exhibits that encourage learning through play. Kids can explore the world of art, science, and pretend-play in various interactive exhibits, including a mock courtroom, a construction zone, and an outdoor garden.
City Museum: Unlike any other museum you’ve visited, the City Museum is an eclectic wonderland housed in a former shoe factory. With its labyrinth of tunnels, slides, and climbing structures, the museum is a giant playground for both kids and adults. Don’t miss the rooftop Ferris wheel and the outdoor MonstroCity, where kids can climb through wire tunnels suspended in the air.
St. Louis Science Center: Ignite your child’s curiosity at the St. Louis Science Center, where exhibits cover everything from dinosaurs to space exploration. The OMNIMAX Theater is a highlight, offering immersive films that bring science and nature to life on a giant screen.
2. Indoor Spaces for Active Play
Myseum: This interactive museum is designed specifically for kids, with exhibits that encourage learning through play. From a giant dinosaur dig to a laser maze, Myseum offers a wide range of activities that keep children engaged and entertained.
Sky Zone Trampoline Park: Perfect for active families, Sky Zone offers wall-to-wall trampolines, a foam pit, and dodgeball courts. It’s a great way for kids to stay active while having a blast.
Main Event: Located just outside of St. Louis in Chesterfield, Main Event offers gravity ropes, bowling, billiards, and games. It’s a fantastic spot for families looking for a day of high-energy fun.
3. Exploring St. Louis’ Historical Gems
The Gateway Arch and Museum: No trip to St. Louis is complete without visiting the Gateway Arch. Take a tram ride to the top for breathtaking views of the city and explore the Museum at the Gateway Arch, which delves into the history of St. Louis and the westward expansion of the United States. Join the St. Louis Arch and River Cruise Small Group Walking Tour. Ascend the world-famous St. Louis Arch for breathtaking 360-degree views of the city. Then, embark on a leisurely walk past legendary sites such as Busch Stadium, City Hall, the National Blues Museum, Magnolia Hotel, Federal Reserve Bank, Civil Courts, Wainwright Building, and the serene Sculpture Park (City Garden). Our expert guide will provide captivating insights into each stop. The adventure finishes with a Gateway Riverboat Cruise, offering a unique vantage point of the Gateway Arch, the Mississippi River, and the city skyline. Our crew will enhance the experience with informative commentary. Immerse yourself in the best of St. Louis, blending history and modern charm.
The Dred Scott Trialsite is located at the Old Courthouse in downtown St. Louis, part of the Gateway Arch National Park. The Old Courthouse is where Dred Scott and his wife Harriet filed their historic lawsuit for freedom in 1846, which eventually reached the U.S. Supreme Court. The Old Courthouse is free to visit, and it offers exhibits related to the Dred Scott case, as well as other important moments in St. Louis and American history. Guided tours are available, and there are interpretive panels to explain the significance of the trial and its impact on the country.
Missouri History Museum: Located in Forest Park, the Missouri History Museum offers engaging exhibits that explore the history of St. Louis and the surrounding region. The museum is free, and special events and activities for kids are held regularly.
Root Root Root for the Home Team: St. Louis Cardinals, St. Louis Blues & St. Louis City Soccer Club
Campbell House Museum: Step back in time at the Campbell House Museum, a beautifully preserved 19th-century home that offers a glimpse into St. Louis’ Victorian past. The museum hosts family-friendly events, including Victorian-themed holiday celebrations.
Saint Louis Art Museum:This museum, also free to visit, houses an impressive collection of works spanning ancient to contemporary art. Special family events and tours make it accessible to all ages.
Boathouse at Forest Park: Rent paddleboats, kayaks, or canoes at the Boathouse and explore the waterways of Forest Park. It’s a fun, leisurely way to enjoy nature with your family.
The World’s Fair Pavilion: This grand pavilion offers breathtaking views of the park and is a great picnic spot. It commemorates the 1904 World’s Fair, which took place in Forest Park.
Ted Drewe’s Frozen Custard: Ted Drewes has been selling frozen custard for over 80 years. Throughout the years, Ted Drewes Frozen Custard has become a popular treat for St. Louisans and tourists to enjoy after visiting the Arch, the Fox and Muny Theaters, the St. Louis Zoo, or a Cardinal’s baseball game. Along with the delicious hot fudge sundae, Ted’s “concrete” has been the most popular treat at the custard stands. The concrete, which was created in 1959, is a malt or shake so thick that it is served upside down.
BBQ & Breweries anyone? Wether it is the boutique single barrel brewery experience of Side Project Brewing or the million barrel plus brew house of the Anheuser-Busch campus, guest will be entrenched in brewery history, tasty brews, and delicious St. Louis barbecue.
4. Playgrounds
Forest Park’s Turtle Playground: This unique playground features giant turtle sculptures that kids can climb on and explore. It’s a whimsical spot for imaginative play and is conveniently located near other attractions in Forest Park.
The Playground at Kiener Plaza: Located downtown, this modern playground features climbing structures, slides, and water play elements. It’s a great spot to let kids run free while parents take in views of the Gateway Arch.
Citygarden: While not a traditional playground, Citygarden in downtown St. Louis is a fun and interactive urban park with sculptures, fountains, and splash areas where kids can cool off on hot days.
Laumeier Sculpture Park: A unique 105-acre outdoor museum in St. Louis, blending art with nature. It showcases large-scale contemporary sculptures in a picturesque natural setting, making it a great spot for families, art lovers, and outdoor enthusiasts. Hit the trails, see over 70 sculptures, and visit indoor galleries.
St. Louis Zoo: One of the best zoos in the country, the St. Louis Zoo in Forest Park is free to visit and offers incredible exhibits, including the Penguin & Puffin Coast, the River’s Edge, and the ZooLine Railroad.
The Muny: As the nation’s oldest and largest outdoor musical theater, The Muny in Forest Park offers a summer season of family-friendly productions. With shows like The Little Mermaid and Beauty and the Beast, it’s a perfect evening out for families.
Missouri Botanic Garden: One of the oldest and most renowned botanical gardens in the United States. Founded in 1859, it covers 79 acres and offers a diverse array of gardens, greenhouses, and exhibitions that attract visitors of all ages. It’s a perfect place for families to explore nature and enjoy beautiful outdoor settings
Grant’s Farm: A historic site and family attraction, Grant’s Farm offers animal encounters, tram rides, and a look into the life of Ulysses S. Grant, the 18th president of the United States.
The Butterfly House: Located in Chesterfield, the Butterfly House is a tropical conservatory filled with thousands of butterflies. It’s a magical experience for kids and adults alike.
Purina Farms: Located in Gray Summit, outside of St. Louis. Visit Purina Farms to enjoy live canine performances, up-close encounters with farm animals, wagon rides, and more! You can also check out our event calendar to join us for a special event, plan a field trip for your students, or even throw your child’s or pup’s next birthday Paw-ty.
