St. Louis stands out as an exceptional destination for families, brimming with attractions that cater to all ages. From world-class, free activities to engaging events and expansive public parks, this region offers an unmatched experience for both short getaways and extended vacations. Whether you’re exploring with toddlers or teenagers seeking adventure, St. Louis promises immersive and memorable activities that the whole family can enjoy together.
Dive into our curated list of kid-friendly events in St. Louis on our events calendar, and when hunger strikes, explore the top kid-friendly restaurants St. Louis has to offer, ensuring your family adventure is perfectly fueled.
Entertainment Hotspots for Family Fun
Amp Up Action Park: The Ultimate Indoor Adventure Zone
Kids navigating the high ropes course at Amp Up Action Park, a fun family place for indoor activities.
Amp Up Action Park is your go-to destination for non-stop family excitement. Experience the thrill of racing on a state-of-the-art indoor karting track, featuring some of the world’s most advanced karts. Challenge your family to an exhilarating game in the multi-level, black light laser tag arena. For those who love heights, the elevated ropes course offers a heart-pounding adventure. Amp Up Action Park also provides axe throwing, a wide selection of arcade games, and even pickleball for a variety of interests. Choose to pay as you play or opt for a two-hour pass to maximize your fun. When it’s time to refuel, the Filling Station Cafe and Trackside Tavern offer delicious options from bar bites to pizzas and sweet treats. Parents can relax and enjoy beer, wine, or sangria while the kids continue their playtime, making it a perfect spot for families looking for fun places near me.
Main Event Chesterfield: Where Family Entertainment Comes to Life
Children excitedly playing a variety of arcade games at Main Event, a top family entertainment center.
For families seeking boundless entertainment under one roof, Main Event in Chesterfield is the ideal choice. This expansive entertainment center is packed with activities designed to bring families and friends together, from classic bowling to engaging laser tag and billiards to playful mini golf. Dive into a vast arcade game selection, step into immersive virtual reality experiences, test your courage on the indoor ropes course, or challenge your wits in miniature escape rooms. Don’t miss out on Monday’s special offer: an all-you-can-play promotion for just $12.99 per person, making it an affordable option for family fun. Main Event is designed to be a central hub for family activities, easily answering the search for “Fun Family Places Near Me.”
St. Louis Union Station: A Historic Hub of Family Attractions
The mesmerizing 3D light show in the Grand Hall of St. Louis Union Station, featuring aquatic animals from the St. Louis Aquarium.
Once a bustling hub for train travel, St. Louis Union Station has transformed into a vibrant center for family-friendly entertainment. This historic landmark offers a diverse range of attractions suitable for all ages. Enjoy a ride on a traditional carousel, navigate through a puzzling mirror maze, or play a round of miniature golf. For the adventurous, there’s a thrilling ropes course and a Build-A-Bear Workshop for creative fun. Outside, witness the captivating fire and light show on the lake, and inside, be amazed by the 3D light show in the Grand Hall, featuring stunning underwater scenes and music. Union Station is also home to the St. Louis Aquarium and the iconic St. Louis Wheel, making it a comprehensive destination for families looking for “fun family places near me” with a touch of history.
Recreational Adventures for the Whole Family
Adventure Valley: Soar Through the Skies with Ziplining Fun
A child zipping through the air at Adventure Valley in St. Louis, an exciting outdoor family activity.
Experience the exhilaration of flight at Adventure Valley, where ten ziplines propel you through the scenic wooded ridge of Jefferson County. Reach speeds up to 50 miles per hour on the longest zipline, stretching over 1,100 feet! For those who prefer ground-level activities, Adventure Valley also features a paintball park, open on weekends for participants aged 12 and up. Team up with family members for an exciting paintball tournament, offering a unique and active experience. Adventure Valley provides an adventurous answer to the search for “fun family places near me” for outdoor enthusiasts.
MADE for Kids: Unleash Creativity in a Hands-On Makerspace
Two young boys engaged in crafting activities at MADE for Kids, a creative space for family learning and fun.
Spark your children’s creativity at MADE for Kids, a 7,000-square-foot makerspace created by The Magic House. Designed for kids aged four to 14, this imaginative space includes a makers workshop, artists studio, design lab, and entrepreneurs marketplace. Here, children can explore, invent, and create using their imaginations. Witness your kids experimenting with screen printing, 3D printing, laser cutting, stop motion animation, and more. MADE for Kids provides a unique educational and fun environment, ideal for families seeking “fun family places near me” that foster creativity and learning.
Raging Rivers WaterPark: Dive into Summer Fun
Children splashing and playing at Itty Bitty Surf City in Raging Rivers WaterPark, a perfect summer family destination.
Cool off during the summer months at Raging Rivers WaterPark, a paradise for kids of all ages. Enjoy thrilling water slides, a relaxing wave pool, and a lazy river. Little ones will love Itty Bitty Surf City, while older kids can brave the Mississippi Monster. For added relaxation, rent a cabana and enjoy a refreshing drink. Check out the special events during Kidsfest at Raging Rivers in 2023, featuring daily magic shows in June and dog shows in July. Raging Rivers is the perfect summer escape for families looking for “fun family places near me” to beat the heat.
Riverboats at the Gateway Arch: Explore the Mighty Mississippi
The Gateway Arch Riverboats offering stunning views of the Gateway Arch and the St. Louis riverfront, a scenic family experience.
For unparalleled views of the Gateway Arch and the bustling St. Louis riverfront, step aboard the Riverboats at the Gateway Arch. The Tom Sawyer riverboat, a replica from the 19th century, offers a nostalgic journey back in time. Enjoy narrated cruises by National Park Service captains who bring the history of the Mississippi River to life. Choose from a one-hour day cruise or a two-hour dinner cruise to learn about the river’s significant role in American history and its impact on St. Louis’s economy. Riverboats at the Gateway Arch provide a unique blend of education and scenic beauty, making it a memorable “fun family place near me.”
RYZE Adventure Park: Challenge Yourself on the Adventure Tower
RYZE Adventure Park featuring its impressive adventure tower with numerous climbing obstacles, a challenging family activity.
Since 2021, RYZE Adventure Park in Maryland Heights has offered thrilling outdoor adventures. Its four-story Adventure Tower features over 100 obstacles, a zipline, and a free fall experience. Customize your own course and choose your challenges. For younger children, the Little Ninja Course provides 16 ground-level elements for safe exploration. RYZE also offers an 18-hole miniature golf course that glows neon at night, adding to the fun. RYZE Adventure Park is perfect for active families seeking “fun family places near me” with a focus on physical challenges and excitement.
Six Flags St. Louis: Thrills and Spills for Every Age
Six Flags St. Louis showcasing a variety of rides suitable for children, an amusement park for family fun.
Thrill-seekers, rejoice! Six Flags St. Louis is home to nine exhilarating rollercoasters, including six steel and three wooden ones, with over 22,000 feet of combined track. Located in Eureka, this amusement park offers attractions for all ages. Bugs Bunny National Park is perfect for toddlers and young children with rides designed for smaller adventurers. For summer fun, Hurricane Harbor waterpark within Six Flags offers a wet and wild escape. Six Flags St. Louis is a classic destination for families in search of “fun family places near me” offering thrills and entertainment for everyone.
St. Louis Wheel: See St. Louis from New Heights
The St. Louis Wheel illuminated at night at St. Louis Union Station, offering panoramic city views for families.
Ascend to 200 feet on The Wheel, St. Louis’s tallest observation wheel. Enjoy panoramic views of the city skyline from enclosed, climate-controlled gondolas. For a premium experience, VIP gondolas offer leather captain’s chairs, glass floors, and educational opportunities in math, engineering, and geography for kids. Located at Union Station, The St. Louis Wheel provides a relaxed and scenic experience, making it a great “fun family place near me” for sightseeing and memorable views.
Turtle Playground: Climb and Play on Giant Reptiles
Children playing and climbing on the giant concrete turtles at Turtle Playground, a unique and playful park.
Adjacent to the Saint Louis Zoo, Turtle Playground is a must-visit, especially for younger children. This unique playground features climbable giant concrete reptiles, including snapping turtles, softshell turtles, and box turtles, along with oversized turtle eggs and a snake sculpture. It’s a fantastic spot for kids to burn energy and engage in imaginative play before or after a zoo visit. Turtle Playground offers a free and fun outdoor activity, perfectly fitting the search for “fun family places near me” that are also unique and free.
Victory Raceway: Indoor Karting Action for Speed Enthusiasts
Electric go-karts racing on the indoor track at Victory Raceway, providing fast-paced family entertainment.
Get ready to race at Victory Raceway, where electric go-karts reach speeds up to 45 miles per hour on an indoor track. Everyone drives their own kart (minimum age six and 50 inches tall), with junior karts reaching speeds up to 25 mph. Victory Raceway provides an adrenaline-pumping experience for families, especially those with older children and teens looking for “fun family places near me” with a competitive edge.
Great Outdoor Escapes for Family Adventures
Eckert’s Orchards: Seasonal Farm Fun and U-Pick Delights
A family picking ripe apples at Eckert's Orchards, enjoying a seasonal outdoor family activity.
Experience the charm of Eckert’s, a historic orchard established in 1837 with three locations just across the river in Southern Illinois. Enjoy seasonal fun with u-pick crops like strawberries in spring, peaches and blackberries in summer, apples and pumpkins in fall, and Christmas trees in winter. Eckert’s also hosts special events throughout the year, featuring farm animals, corn mazes, wagon rides, live music, and festive food. Eckert’s Orchards offers a wholesome, outdoor family experience connected to nature and agriculture, a great choice for “fun family places near me” that are seasonal and educational.
Gateway Arch National Park: Iconic Views and Green Spaces
The Gateway Arch rising above the newly renovated national park, a landmark for family exploration and photos.
The newly renovated national park surrounding the Gateway Arch offers picture-perfect grounds for families to explore. Enjoy stroller-friendly walkways, reflection pools, and lush greenery. Take a tram ride to the top of the 630-foot monument for stunning panoramic views. The four-minute ascent in a futuristic pod leads to spectacular views of the Old Courthouse, downtown St. Louis, and the Mississippi River. Reserve tickets in advance as they often sell out. Gateway Arch National Park combines iconic landmarks with outdoor space, making it a must-visit “fun family place near me” with historical and scenic value.
Meramec Caverns: Explore Missouri’s Underground Wonders
Meramec Caverns showcasing its impressive cave formations, a natural wonder for family exploration.
Discover the hidden treasures beneath the Meramec Valley at Meramec Caverns, Missouri’s largest commercial cave. Explore awe-inspiring formations like stalactites, stalagmites, and the “wine table” on guided tours along well-lit walkways. The cave maintains a cool 60 degrees year-round. Enhance your visit with activities like panning for gold, ziplining, or a riverboat excursion on the Meramec River. Meramec Caverns offers a unique underground adventure, making it an exceptional “fun family place near me” for nature and history lovers.
Missouri Botanical Garden: A Playground in a Garden Paradise
Children interacting with plants and water features at the Missouri Botanical Garden's children's garden, a natural and educational family space.
The Missouri Botanical Garden is home to one of St. Louis’s best playgrounds, the Doris I. Schnuck Children’s Garden. This two-acre space introduces children to the importance of plants and nature through play. Kids can splash in a stream, navigate a rope bridge, play with locks and dams, climb a treehouse, and slide down Spelunker’s Slide. Explore wetlands, a prairie village, and more within the garden, blending botany with 19th-century history. The Missouri Botanical Garden is a beautiful and educational “fun family place near me” offering both structured play and natural exploration.
Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center: Nature Trails and Wildlife Discovery
Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center inviting visitors to explore the natural world, a peaceful family retreat.
Escape into nature at Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center, nestled in 112 acres of oak-hickory forest in Kirkwood. Explore three trails, including one with interpretive signage, and discover exhibits inside the nature center, featuring an aquarium and a bee hive. Powder Valley offers a tranquil and educational outdoor experience, ideal for families seeking “fun family places near me” to connect with nature and wildlife.
Amazing Animal Encounters for Families
Endangered Wolf Center: Meet Rare and Wonderful Wolves
Mexican wolf puppies playing at the Endangered Wolf Center, showcasing wildlife conservation efforts for families.
Discover the Endangered Wolf Center in Eureka, a hidden gem dedicated to saving wild canids. See Mexican wolves and American red wolves, the two most endangered wolf species, and learn about reintroduction efforts. Daytime tours and nighttime howls offer unique experiences to observe and learn about these animals and other canids like maned wolves, African painted dogs, and arctic foxes. The Endangered Wolf Center is an educational and impactful “fun family place near me” focused on wildlife conservation and unique animal encounters.
Grant’s Farm: Animals, History, and Free Beer for Parents!
Children feeding goats at Grant's Farm, a popular family destination with animal interactions.
Grant’s Farm is a beloved St. Louis treasure with over 900 animals and historic architecture. The visit begins with a tram ride through Deer Park, where you can see free-roaming deer, antelope, and bison. Enjoy camel rides, animal shows, and goat feeding. Visit the German-style stables to see the iconic Clydesdales and explore classic cars and carriages. Adults over 21 can enjoy two free beers at the Bauernhof. Admission is free (parking fee applies), making Grant’s Farm an accessible and enjoyable “fun family place near me” with a wide range of attractions.
Lone Elk Park: Wildlife Sightings from Your Car or Trail
Deer roaming freely in Lone Elk Park during fall, offering natural wildlife viewing opportunities for families.
Lone Elk Park, a 546-acre wildlife management area, provides frequent wildlife sightings of deer, elk, bison, and wild turkeys. Drive through the park or hike the White Bison Trail for closer views. Lone Elk Park offers a natural and free wildlife viewing experience, a great “fun family place near me” for nature and animal lovers.
Purina Farms: Celebrating Pets and Their Abilities
Purina Farms showcasing the Incredible Dog Team performing, highlighting pet skills and entertainment for families.
Purina Farms celebrates the bond between pets and people. The Visitor Center (open mid-April to October) features the Incredible Dog Arena with skilled dog performances, the Pet Center with adoptable cats, and the Barn and Play area with farm animals. Purina Farms is an engaging and educational “fun family place near me” focused on pet appreciation and entertainment.
Saint Louis Zoo: A World-Class Zoo with Free Admission
Saint Louis Zoo featuring polar bears in their habitat, showcasing diverse animal species for family viewing.
The Saint Louis Zoo is a leading zoo known for animal management, conservation, and education. General admission and street parking are free. Explore diverse animal habitats, from bears and monkeys to penguins. Enjoy rides on the Emerson Zooline Railroad and the Mary Ann Lee Conservation Carousel. Plan to spend a significant amount of time at this expansive and enriching “fun family place near me” that is also free and accessible.
Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House: A Tropical Butterfly Wonderland
Children enjoying the butterfly experience at the Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House, an enchanting nature center for families.
The Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House features over 60 species of tropical butterflies in a conservatory with over 150 tropical plants. Throughout the year, enjoy special events like Morpho Mardi Gras and BOOterfly House. The Butterfly House offers a magical and educational “fun family place near me” immersing visitors in a world of delicate beauty.
St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station: Underwater Adventures in a Historic Setting
Children interacting with jellyfish at the touch pools in the St. Louis Aquarium, an engaging aquatic experience for families.
Located in a historic train station, the St. Louis Aquarium houses over 13,000 animals in 250,000 gallons of water. Discover sharks, sea turtles, sea dragons, and Lord Stanley, the blue lobster. Consider a behind-the-scenes tour for personalized animal encounters. St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station combines history with marine life, making it a unique and engaging “fun family place near me.”
Suson Park: Farm Animals and Outdoor Play
A young girl petting a pony at Suson Park, a family-friendly park with farm animal encounters.
Suson Park in St. Louis County offers a playground, fishing, and a working animal farm. Kids can get close to cows, horses, pigs, and more. Enjoy a picnic in one of the park’s shelters. Suson Park provides a relaxed and accessible outdoor and animal-focused “fun family place near me” for a day of simple pleasures.
World Bird Sanctuary: Discover Winged Wonders
Owls at the World Bird Sanctuary, home to over 200 birds and offering unique wildlife experiences for families.
World Bird Sanctuary protects and preserves birds through conservation, education, and rehabilitation. Home to over 200 birds, including eagles and owls, the sanctuary offers guided tours and special events like Owl Prowls in winter. World Bird Sanctuary is an enriching and educational “fun family place near me” focused on avian wildlife and conservation.
Museums, Galleries, and Public Art for Family Enrichment
Citygarden: An Urban Oasis of Art and Play
Children playing in the water features at Citygarden, an interactive sculpture park for families.
Citygarden is designed for families, featuring sculptures, plant life, rain gardens, fountains, and a shallow pool with a waterfall. It’s a perfect downtown stop between the Gateway Arch and Busch Stadium. Citygarden combines art with interactive play, making it a unique and accessible “fun family place near me” in the heart of the city.
City Museum: An Architectural Playground of Imagination
City Museum in St. Louis, an extraordinary architectural playground for adventurous families.
City Museum is a unique and indescribable attraction housed in a former shoe warehouse. It’s a playground and museum combined, featuring repurposed architectural and industrial objects. Explore tunnels, slides, planes, and exhibits made from recycled materials. City Museum is an adventurous and imaginative “fun family place near me” unlike any other, encouraging exploration and play.
The Griot Museum of Black History: Celebrating Black History and Culture
The Griot Museum of Black History showcasing its architecture and mission to preserve Black history, an educational family destination.
The Griot Museum of Black History in Old North St. Louis showcases Black history and culture through educational exhibits. See artifacts, memorabilia, and life-size wax figures of influential Black figures with St. Louis connections. The Griot Museum is an important and educational “fun family place near me” for cultural enrichment and historical understanding.
Laumeier Sculpture Park: Outdoor Art and Nature Trails
Laumeier Sculpture Park featuring outdoor sculptures in a natural setting, an art and nature experience for families.
Laumeier Sculpture Park offers over 60 sculptures spread across 105 acres of outdoor space. Walk the trails and interact with large-scale artworks. This free park encourages creativity and appreciation of art in nature, making it a unique and accessible “fun family place near me” for art and outdoor enthusiasts.
The Magic House: Interactive Learning and Fun for Young Children
Families making their hair stand up with an electrically charged ball at The Magic House, an interactive children's museum.
The Magic House in Kirkwood is an interactive children’s museum with hands-on exhibits for preschoolers and young children. Explore a child-sized village, science exhibits, and cultural displays. Older kids will also enjoy the bubble exhibit and 3D printer. The Magic House is a highly engaging and educational “fun family place near me” designed for younger children’s learning and play.
Miniature Museum of Greater St. Louis: A World in Miniature
Miniature Museum of Greater St. Louis showcasing its detailed miniature displays, a unique museum for families and collectors.
The Miniature Museum of Greater St. Louis features an extensive collection of miniatures in dollhouses and room boxes. Located in the Bevo Mill neighborhood, the museum focuses on the artistry and educational aspects of miniature works. This museum offers a unique and detailed “fun family place near me” for those fascinated by miniatures and craftsmanship.
Missouri History Museum: Explore St. Louis’s Past
Children playing in the History Clubhouse at the Missouri History Museum, an interactive history learning space for families.
The Missouri History Museum explores the history of St. Louis from its founding to the present day. Exhibits change, but the History Clubhouse is a permanent favorite for kids, with interactive areas representing different historical periods. The Missouri History Museum is an informative and engaging “fun family place near me” for learning about local history.
Museum of Illusions St. Louis: Mind-Bending Fun
A family posing in an optical illusion at the Museum of Illusions St. Louis, an interactive and fun museum.
The Museum of Illusions St. Louis at City Foundry STL offers perspective-changing rooms and optical illusions. Experience the Ames Room, Vortex Tunnel, and mind-bending installations. The Museum of Illusions is a fun and interactive “fun family place near me” for all ages, sparking curiosity and laughter.
Myseum: A Playground of Discovery
Children playing in a giant bounce house at Myseum, an indoor playground and museum for families.
Myseum combines a children’s museum, science museum, and indoor playground with 30 unique exhibits. Kids can dig for dinosaurs, play with glow shapes, and explore a video wall. Myseum is a diverse and engaging “fun family place near me” offering a mix of play and learning.
National Blues Museum: Experience the Heart of Blues Music
National Blues Museum showcasing exhibits about blues music history, a cultural destination for families.
The National Blues Museum explores the history of blues music and its influence on modern music. Interactive exhibits allow visitors to write their own blues songs. The National Blues Museum offers a culturally rich and engaging “fun family place near me” for music lovers and those interested in Black history.
National Great Rivers Museum: Stories of the Mississippi
National Great Rivers Museum sharing stories of the Mississippi River, an educational museum for families.
The National Great Rivers Museum shares stories of the Mississippi River through interactive exhibits and tours of the Melvin Price Locks and Dam. Learn about the river’s history, environment, and impact. The National Great Rivers Museum is an educational and unique “fun family place near me” for learning about river systems and engineering.
National Museum of Transportation: Planes, Trains, and Automobiles Galore
National Museum of Transportation featuring a vast collection of vehicles, an exciting museum for families interested in transportation.
The National Museum of Transportation features a vast collection of transportation vehicles, including trains, planes, and automobiles. See the “Big Boy” steam locomotive and a Virgin Hyperloop pod. The Creation Station play area is perfect for young children. The National Museum of Transportation is an expansive and fascinating “fun family place near me” for transportation enthusiasts of all ages.
Saint Louis Art Museum: Art from Around the World and Across Time
Saint Louis Art Museum in Forest Park, showcasing its impressive architecture and art collections for families.
The Saint Louis Art Museum in Forest Park offers a comprehensive art collection spanning cultures and eras. Free admission allows families to explore diverse artworks. Family Sundays and Wee Wednesdays offer kid-friendly tours and activities. The Saint Louis Art Museum is an enriching and accessible “fun family place near me” for art appreciation and cultural exploration.
Saint Louis Science Center: Hands-On Science Fun
A mother and son experimenting with air pressure at the Saint Louis Science Center, an interactive science museum for families.
The Saint Louis Science Center is a free attraction specializing in interactive science exhibits. Explore physics, dinosaurs, space, and more. Special exhibitions and OMNIMAX films are available for an extra fee. The Saint Louis Science Center is an engaging and educational “fun family place near me” for hands-on science discovery.
Theaters and Performing Arts for Family Entertainment
Circus Flora: A Captivating One-Ring Circus Experience
Circus Flora performers on tightropes at The Big Top, a thrilling circus experience for families.
Circus Flora presents breathtaking circus performances at The Big Top in the Grand Center Arts District. Enjoy acrobats, aerialists, and comedians in a traditional and modern circus arts blend. Circus Flora offers an exciting and memorable “fun family place near me” for live entertainment and awe-inspiring performances.
The Fabulous Fox: Broadway Spectacle in a Grand Theater
The Fabulous Fox theater advertising the Peter Pan show, a grand venue for family-friendly Broadway performances.
The Fabulous Fox hosts Broadway shows like Frozen and The Lion King in a stunning theater. Enjoy a night of spectacular lights, costumes, and music. Dine at The Fountain on Locust for pre-show treats. The Fabulous Fox provides a glamorous and entertaining “fun family place near me” for experiencing Broadway-caliber shows.
The Muny: Outdoor Broadway Under the Stars
The Muny outdoor theater in Forest Park, a historic venue for summer Broadway musicals for families.
The Muny in Forest Park is a historic outdoor theater presenting Broadway musicals in the summer. Enjoy kid-friendly productions like Matilda and Annie. Free seats are available nightly on a first-come, first-served basis. The Muny offers a magical and accessible “fun family place near me” for experiencing live theater under the stars.
For sports fans, St. Louis also offers exciting live sporting events year-round, from Cardinals baseball to Blues hockey. Check out our St. Louis sports guide for more information.
