St. Louis stands out as an exceptional destination for families, offering a wealth of attractions perfect for children of all ages. This vibrant region is packed with world-class, often free, activities, exciting events, and beautiful public parks, making it an ideal choice for both short getaways and extended vacations.
Whether you’re traveling with toddlers or teenagers seeking adventure, St. Louis provides a diverse range of immersive and memorable experiences that the whole family can enjoy together.
Explore upcoming kid-friendly events in St. Louis through online event calendars and discover a variety of family-friendly dining options to recharge between your explorations.
Entertainment Hotspots for Families
Amp Up Action Park: Adventure Around Every Corner
Kids play on the elevated ropes course at Amp Up Action Park.
Amp Up Action Park promises non-stop excitement for every family member. Experience the thrill of racing on a state-of-the-art indoor go-kart track, featuring some of the most advanced karts available. Dive into an exhilarating game of laser tag in a multi-level arena illuminated with black lights. For those seeking vertical challenges, an elevated ropes course awaits. Additional attractions include axe throwing, a classic arcade, and even pickleball courts. You can opt for pay-as-you-go activities or maximize your fun with a two-hour pass. When hunger strikes, refuel at the Filling Station Cafe or Trackside Tavern, offering a menu of kid-friendly favorites like pizza, snacks, and sweet treats, alongside adult beverages like beer, wine, and sangria for parents to enjoy while the kids continue their adventures.
Main Event Chesterfield: Unlimited Family Fun Under One Roof
Kids play arcade games at Main Event.
Main Event in Chesterfield delivers a comprehensive entertainment experience, perfect for families looking for variety. Bowling lanes, laser tag arenas, billiards tables, and mini golf courses are all designed to foster fun and interaction between family and friends. The arcade is packed with games for all skill levels, and for a more immersive experience, try the virtual reality attractions. An indoor ropes course tests agility, and miniature escape rooms offer a mental challenge. Monday visitors can take advantage of special all-you-can-play promotions, offering exceptional value for a day of family fun.
St. Louis Union Station: A Historic Hub of Family Entertainment
The 3D light show in the Grand Hall of St. Louis Union Station shows animals from the St. Louis Aquarium.
St. Louis Union Station, once a bustling transportation hub, has transformed into a premier family destination. It offers a wide array of attractions, including a vintage carousel, an intriguing mirror maze, a fun miniature golf course, and a challenging ropes course. Younger children will enjoy the Build-A-Bear Workshop. The station’s lake hosts a captivating fire and light show, and inside, the Grand Hall features a mesmerizing 3D light show with themes ranging from underwater scenes to classic rock anthems. Union Station is also home to the popular St. Louis Aquarium and the iconic St. Louis Wheel, making it a central point for family attractions near you.
Outdoor and Recreational Family Activities
Adventure Valley: Soar Through the Trees on Zip Lines
A kid zip lines at Adventure Valley in St. Louis.
Experience the thrill of flight at Adventure Valley, featuring ten zip lines that traverse a scenic wooded ridge in Jefferson County. One of the zip lines extends over 1,100 feet, allowing riders to reach speeds up to 50 mph! For families who prefer ground-based activities, Adventure Valley also offers a paintball park, open on weekends for participants aged 12 and older. Paintball provides a fun, team-based activity for families looking for action and friendly competition.
MADE for Kids: Unleash Creativity Through Making
Two boys get crafty at MADE for Kids created by The Magic House.
MADE for Kids, a creative space by The Magic House, offers 7,000 square feet dedicated to hands-on making. Designed for children aged 4 to 14, this innovative space includes a makers workshop, artists studio, design lab, and entrepreneurs marketplace. Kids can explore and invent using their imaginations, experimenting with screen printing, 3D printing, laser cutting, and stop motion animation. It’s a fantastic place for children to develop their creativity and problem-solving skills while engaging in fun, educational activities.
Raging Rivers WaterPark: Cool Off with Water-Filled Fun
Kids splash around at the Itty Bitty Surf City at Raging Rivers WaterPark.
Raging Rivers WaterPark is a summer paradise for families, featuring water slides, wave pools, and lazy rivers. For younger children, Itty Bitty Surf City offers a safe and shallow play area. Older kids can enjoy more thrilling rides like the Mississippi Monster. Cabana rentals provide a relaxing retreat with cool drinks available. Throughout the summer, Raging Rivers hosts special events like Kidsfest, featuring daily magic shows in June and dog shows in July, enhancing the family entertainment.
Riverboats at the Gateway Arch: Historical River Cruises
For the best views of the Gateway Arch and St. Louis’ working riverfront, climb aboard one of the Gateway Arch Riverboats.
Experience St. Louis from a unique perspective aboard the Riverboats at the Gateway Arch. The Tom Sawyer riverboat, a replica from the 19th century, offers narrated cruises by National Park Service captains who bring the history of the Mississippi River to life. Choose from one-hour day cruises or two-hour dinner cruises to learn about the river’s historical and economic significance to St. Louis and the nation. These cruises provide both education and scenic views of the Gateway Arch and the city’s working riverfront.
RYZE Adventure Park: Challenge Yourself on the Adventure Tower
RYZE Adventure Park has an adventure tower with more than 100 obstacles.
RYZE Adventure Park in Maryland Heights, opened in 2021, features a four-story Adventure Tower with over 100 obstacles, a zipline, and a free fall experience. The non-linear design of the Adventure Tower allows participants to customize their course. For younger children, the Little Ninja Course offers 16 ground-level elements designed for climbing and exploration at their own pace. RYZE also includes an 18-hole miniature golf course that glows with neon lights at night, providing entertainment for all ages and skill levels.
Six Flags St. Louis: Thrills and Rides for Everyone
Six Flags St. Louis has rides for kids.
Six Flags St. Louis in Eureka is a premier destination for thrill-seekers, boasting nine roller coasters, including both steel and wooden designs. The park continually adds new attractions to appeal to all age groups. Bugs Bunny National Park is specifically designed for toddlers and young children, offering gentle rides and play areas. Six Flags also features Hurricane Harbor, a water park providing wet and wild fun during the summer months, making it a comprehensive family attraction.
St. Louis Wheel: Iconic Views from Above
The St. Louis Wheel lights up at St. Louis Union Station at night.
The Wheel at Union Station offers breathtaking views of the St. Louis skyline from 200 feet high. The observation wheel features enclosed, climate-controlled gondolas for comfortable rides in any weather. For an upgraded experience, VIP gondolas include leather captain’s chairs, glass floors, and educational opportunities focused on math, engineering, and geography, providing both luxury and learning for families.
Turtle Playground: Climbable Concrete Creatures
At Turtle Playground, kids of all ages can climb on the giant concrete reptiles.
Located near the Saint Louis Zoo, Turtle Playground (also known as Turtle Park) is a unique and engaging playground, especially appealing to younger children. Kids can climb on giant concrete sculptures of various turtle species, including snapping turtles, softshell turtles, and box turtles, along with oversized turtle eggs and a snake sculpture. It’s a perfect spot for active play and imaginative adventures before or after a zoo visit.
Victory Raceway: Indoor Go-Kart Racing Excitement
At Victory Raceway, the electric go-karts reach speeds up to 45 miles per hour on the indoor racetrack.
Victory Raceway offers high-speed indoor go-kart racing, with electric karts reaching up to 45 mph. Designed for individual drivers, kids aged six and older who meet the height requirement of 50 inches can participate. Junior karts are available with a top speed of 25 mph for younger racers, ensuring a safe yet thrilling experience for families who love speed and competition.
Exploring Nature and the Great Outdoors
Eckert’s Orchards: Seasonal Farm Fun and U-Pick Adventures
A family picks apples at Eckert
Eckert’s Orchards offers a taste of history and seasonal farm experiences across three locations in Southern Illinois, just a short drive from St. Louis. Established in 1837, Eckert’s provides u-pick opportunities throughout the year, including strawberries in spring, blackberries and peaches in summer, apples and pumpkins in fall, and Christmas trees in winter. Seasonal events feature farm animals, corn mazes, wagon rides, live music, and festive foods, making it a destination for year-round family fun in a farm setting.
Gateway Arch National Park: Iconic Monument and Green Spaces
The Gateway Arch is an example of the innovative architecture in St. Louis.
Gateway Arch National Park has undergone a $380 million renovation, creating beautiful park grounds around the iconic Gateway Arch and the Museum at the Gateway Arch. The park features stroller-friendly walkways, reflection pools, and the option to take a tram ride to the top of the 630-foot monument for panoramic views. The tram journey to the top takes four minutes, offering views of the Old Courthouse, downtown St. Louis, and the Mississippi River. Advance ticket reservations are recommended due to popularity.
Meramec Caverns: Underground Wonders and Cave Exploration
Meramec Caverns is one of the best day trips to take from St. Louis.
Discover the natural beauty of Meramec Caverns, Missouri’s largest commercial cave system. These caverns feature stunning formations like stalactites, stalagmites, and the “wine table,” formed over millions of years. Guided tours led by trained rangers take visitors along well-lit paths to see some of the rarest and largest cave formations. The caverns maintain a cool 60 degrees year-round and offer additional family activities like gold panning, ziplining, and riverboat excursions on the Meramec River.
Missouri Botanical Garden: Playgrounds and Botanical Beauty
A group of kids interact with the plants at the Missouri Botanical Garden.
The Missouri Botanical Garden is home to one of St. Louis’s best playgrounds, the Doris I. Schnuck Children’s Garden. This two-acre garden introduces children to nature through interactive exhibits, including a stream, rope bridge, locks and dams, a treehouse with a slide, and a limestone cave. The garden also features wetlands, a steamboat replica, and a Midwestern prairie village. Beyond the children’s garden, the Missouri Botanical Garden offers extensive gardens, conservatories, and historical exhibits, making it a rich destination for families.
Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center: Nature Trails and Wildlife Exhibits
Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center introduces people of all ages to the wonders of the natural world.
Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center in Kirkwood offers 112 acres of oak-hickory forest, providing a tranquil escape into nature. The center features three trails, including one with interpretive signage, and indoor exhibits such as an aquarium and a bee hive. It’s an ideal place for families to learn about local ecology and enjoy peaceful walks in a natural setting.
Engaging Animal Encounters for Families
Endangered Wolf Center: Conservation and Canid Education
Mexican wolf puppies play at the Endangered Wolf Center.
The Endangered Wolf Center in Eureka is dedicated to the conservation of wild canids, particularly Mexican wolves and American red wolves. The center offers daytime tours, specialized photography tours, and nighttime howl events. Visitors can learn about wolf communication and see various canid species, including maned wolves, African painted dogs, and foxes. It’s an educational and unique experience for families interested in wildlife and conservation.
Grant’s Farm: Animals, History, and Clydesdales
Kids can feed goats at Grant
Grant’s Farm is a popular and free St. Louis attraction featuring over 900 animals and historic architecture. Visitors start with a tram ride through Deer Park, where they can see free-roaming deer, bison, and other animals. Activities include camel rides, animal shows, and goat feeding. The farm also features Ulysses S. Grant’s log cabin and the Busch Family Estate, along with the iconic Clydesdales in German-style stables. Free admission and complimentary beers for adults make it a great value for families.
Lone Elk Park: Wildlife Viewing in a Natural Habitat
Deer roam through Lone Elk Park in fall.
Lone Elk Park is a 546-acre wildlife management area offering frequent sightings of deer, elk, bison, and wild turkeys. Visitors can drive or walk through the park, with the White Bison Trail offering a three-mile loop for wildlife spotting. It’s a fantastic place for families to experience wildlife in a natural environment and enjoy outdoor recreation.
Purina Farms: Celebrating Pets and Animal Skills
Kids, adults and pets will love the shows featuring the Purina Incredible Dog Team catching flying discs at Purina Farms.
Purina Farms celebrates the bond between people and pets. The Purina Farms Visitor Center (open mid-April through October) features the Incredible Dog Arena with dog shows, a Pet Center with adoptable cats, and a Barn and Play area with farm animals. It’s an engaging destination for families to learn about and appreciate domestic animals and their capabilities.
Saint Louis Zoo: A World-Class, Free Zoo Experience
Kids can see animals such as polar bears at the Saint Louis Zoo.
The Saint Louis Zoo is a leading zoo known for its animal management, conservation, and education programs. General admission is free, making it an accessible attraction for all families. The zoo features diverse animal exhibits, including polar bears, monkeys, and penguins. The Emerson Zooline Railroad and the Mary Ann Lee Conservation Carousel are popular paid attractions within the zoo. Plan to spend a significant amount of time exploring this extensive and enriching zoo.
Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House: Tropical Butterflies and Plant Life
Kids have fun at the Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House.
The Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House features a conservatory where over 60 species of tropical butterflies fly freely among 150 tropical plant species. Special events are held throughout the year, such as Morpho Mardi Gras and BOOterfly House. It’s a beautiful and immersive experience, particularly enchanting for children and nature lovers.
St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station: Aquatic Wonders in a Historic Setting
Kids touch jellyfish at the St Louis Aquarium.
The St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station is housed in a repurposed 19th-century train station, offering a unique setting to explore aquatic life. The aquarium houses 250,000 gallons of water and over 13,000 animals, including sharks, sea turtles, and sea dragons. Behind-the-scenes tours and animal encounters are available for a more in-depth experience. It’s a fascinating attraction that combines history with marine biology.
Suson Park: Farm Animals and Outdoor Play
A young girl meets a pony at Suson Park.
Suson Park offers a mix of outdoor activities, including a playground, fishing, and a working animal farm. Children can interact with cows, horses, pigs, sheep, chickens, and turkeys. The park also has picnic shelters and walking areas, making it a pleasant destination for a family outing in a rural setting near the city.
World Bird Sanctuary: Birds of Prey and Wildlife Conservation
More than 200 birds, including owls, live at the World Bird Sanctuary.
The World Bird Sanctuary is dedicated to bird conservation and education. The 305-acre sanctuary houses over 200 birds, including eagles, parrots, and owls. Guided tours and special events like Owl Prowls offer opportunities to learn about and encounter birds up close. It’s an enriching experience for families interested in avian wildlife and conservation efforts.
Museums, Galleries, and Art for Families
Citygarden: Sculptures and Interactive Water Features
Kids play in the water features at Citygarden.
Citygarden in downtown St. Louis is designed for families, featuring sculptures, plant life, and interactive water features. The park includes a shallow pool with a waterfall and dancing fountains, perfect for kids to cool off. Its central location makes it an easy stop between other downtown attractions like the Gateway Arch and Busch Stadium.
City Museum: An Architectural and Playful Wonderland
City Museum in St. Louis is an architectural playground.
City Museum is a unique and indescribable attraction housed in a former shoe warehouse. It’s a blend of playground and museum, featuring exhibits made from repurposed architectural and industrial objects. Visitors can explore tunnels, slides, climbable structures, and unusual art installations. It’s an immersive and adventurous experience for families, encouraging exploration and physical activity.
The Griot Museum of Black History: Celebrating Black Culture and History
The Griot Museum of Black History reveals the broad scope of Black history and culture in St. Louis.
The Griot Museum of Black History in Old North St. Louis focuses on Black history and culture through engaging exhibits. The museum features artifacts, memorabilia, and life-size wax figures of significant Black figures from St. Louis history, such as Josephine Baker and Miles Davis. It offers educational and cultural insights into the contributions of Black people to American history.
Laumeier Sculpture Park: Outdoor Art and Nature Trails
At Laumeier Sculpture Park, you can enjoy more than 60 sculptures al fresco.
Laumeier Sculpture Park is a 105-acre outdoor museum featuring over 60 large-scale sculptures along walking trails. Visitors can walk, climb, and interact with some of the artworks. The park encourages creativity and interpretation of art in nature, and offers a free and accessible cultural experience for families.
The Magic House: Interactive Children’s Museum
At The Magic House, families with kids make their hair stand up by touching an electrically charged ball.
The Magic House in Kirkwood is an interactive children’s museum with hands-on exhibits designed for preschoolers and young children. Exhibits include a child-sized village, science-based activities, cultural explorations, and role-playing scenarios like doctor and veterinarian. Special exhibits and events are offered throughout the year, making it a continually engaging destination for young families.
Miniature Museum of Greater St. Louis: Tiny Worlds of Detail
The Miniature Museum of Greater St. Louis boasts an extensive collection of tiny objects in room boxes, dollhouses and displays.
The Miniature Museum of Greater St. Louis features an extensive collection of miniatures in room boxes, dollhouses, and displays. The museum focuses on the cultural and educational aspects of miniature art, offering a fascinating look at tiny, detailed worlds. It’s a unique and captivating experience, particularly for those interested in crafts and history.
Missouri History Museum: Local and National History Exploration
Kids play in the History Clubhouse at the Missouri History Museum.
The Missouri History Museum explores the history of St. Louis from its founding to the present day. Exhibits change periodically but often include interactive elements for children, such as the History Clubhouse, where kids can engage in historical role-play and building activities. Exhibitions like Coloring STL offer creative ways to interact with St. Louis history and architecture.
Museum of Illusions St. Louis: Mind-Bending Optical Illusions
A family hands from the front of a building in an optical illusion at the Museum of Illusions St. Louis.
The Museum of Illusions St. Louis, located at City Foundry STL, offers a range of perspective-changing rooms and optical illusions. Exhibits like the Ames Room and Vortex Tunnel provide fun and disorienting experiences. It’s an entertaining and visually stimulating attraction for families, offering unique photo opportunities and perceptual challenges.
Myseum: Interactive Exhibits and Indoor Play
Kids play in a giant bounce house at Myseum.
Myseum combines elements of a children’s museum, science museum, and indoor playground, featuring 30 interactive exhibits. Kids can explore dinosaur digs, glow shape activities, video walls, and pretend play areas. The museum offers a variety of educational and fun experiences for growing minds, making it a versatile destination for families with young children.
National Blues Museum: The Heart of Blues Music
The National Blues Museum is a wonderful place to connect with Black culture in St. Louis.
The National Blues Museum explores the history and impact of blues music as the foundation of modern American music. The museum features artifact-driven exhibits and interactive technology, allowing visitors to write their own blues songs and explore the genre’s history. It’s a culturally rich experience that can appeal to families interested in music and history.
National Great Rivers Museum: Stories of the Mississippi River
The National Great Rivers Museum shares stories of the mighty Mississippi River.
The National Great Rivers Museum shares the stories of the Mississippi River through interactive exhibits and tours. Located adjacent to the Melvin Price Locks and Dam, the museum offers insights into river environments, history, and the impact of rivers on daily life. Daily tours led by staff provide a closer look at the locks and dam operations, enhancing the educational experience.
National Museum of Transportation: A Vast Collection of Vehicles
Kids can pose with planes, trains and automobiles at the National Museum of Transportation.
The National Museum of Transportation features an extensive collection of over 190 transportation vehicles, including trains, planes, and automobiles. Highlights include the Union Pacific #4006 “Big Boy” steam locomotive and early automobiles. The museum offers climb-on exhibits and a Creation Station play area for younger children, making it an engaging destination for transportation enthusiasts of all ages.
Saint Louis Art Museum: Art Across Cultures and Eras
The Saint Louis Art Museum has one of the country’s leading comprehensive collections.
The Saint Louis Art Museum in Forest Park offers a comprehensive art collection spanning various times and cultures. General admission is free, and the museum provides family-friendly tours and hands-on activities on select Sundays and Wee Wednesdays for younger children. Audio guides and diverse exhibits make art accessible and engaging for families.
Saint Louis Science Center: Interactive Science Exploration
A mother and her young son make balls float in the air at the Saint Louis Science Center.
The Saint Louis Science Center is a free attraction specializing in interactive science exhibits. Visitors can explore physics principles, dinosaur exhibits, space exploration, and build a replica of the Gateway Arch. Special exhibitions and OMNIMAX Theater films are available for an additional fee. It’s a dynamic and educational destination for families interested in science and discovery.
Theatrical and Performing Arts for Family Entertainment
Circus Flora: A Modern Take on Circus Arts
Tightrope-walkers from Circus Flora perform at The Big Top in St. Louis.
Circus Flora presents a modern and engaging circus experience under The Big Top in the Grand Center Arts District. The performances feature acrobats, aerialists, and comedians in one-ring circus productions that blend traditional and contemporary circus arts. It’s a captivating and family-friendly show that highlights skill, artistry, and storytelling.
The Fabulous Fox Theatre: Broadway Shows and Grandeur
Peter Pan comes to The Fabulous Fox in 2024.
The Fabulous Fox Theatre hosts Broadway shows and theatrical performances in a grand and historic venue. Popular shows like Frozen, The Lion King, and Wicked attract audiences of all ages. The theater’s opulent setting and high-quality productions offer a memorable cultural experience for families. The nearby Fountain on Locust restaurant provides pre-show dining options.
The Muny: Outdoor Musical Theatre in Forest Park
During summers in St. Louis, the limelight shines on The Muny, an outdoor theater in Forest Park.
The Muny in Forest Park is a renowned outdoor theater that has been presenting Broadway-style musicals for over 100 years. Kid-friendly productions like Matilda the Musical and Mary Poppins are part of their seasonal lineup. Free seats are available nightly on a first-come, first-served basis, making live theater accessible to everyone. The Muny offers an enchanting summer entertainment experience under the stars.
For sports enthusiasts, St. Louis also offers a vibrant sports scene, including Cardinals baseball, Blues hockey, and Battlehawks football. Check out local sports guides for game schedules and more information on St. Louis sports attractions.
