St. Louis emerges as a captivating destination, especially for families seeking memorable experiences with their children. This vibrant region boasts an impressive array of free, world-class attractions, engaging events, and beautiful public parks, establishing itself as an exceptional choice for both short weekend escapes and extended vacations.
Whether you’re navigating the city with energetic toddlers or independent-minded preteens, St. Louis presents a diverse range of immersive and enjoyable activities designed to bring families closer together.
Explore the latest kid-friendly events in St. Louis through our comprehensive events calendar, and when it’s time to refuel, discover the top kid-friendly restaurants St. Louis has to offer, ensuring a seamless and delightful family outing.
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Entertainment Complexes
Amp Up Action Park: A Hub of Thrills
Kids navigate the ropes course at Amp Up Action Park, a family-friendly entertainment center in St. Louis.
Amp Up Action Park guarantees non-stop excitement for every member of the family. Experience the thrill of racing on a custom-designed track in state-of-the-art indoor go-karts, or immerse yourselves in an electrifying adventure within a three-level laser tag arena illuminated by black lights. Beyond karting and laser tag, Amp Up offers an elevated ropes course that challenges and excites, alongside axe throwing for older kids and adults, classic arcade games, and even pickleball for a fun family competition. Choose to pay as you play or opt for a two-hour pass for unlimited fun. When hunger strikes, The Filling Station Cafe and Trackside Tavern provide a variety of options from casual bar bites and pizzas to sweet treats, ensuring everyone is satisfied. Parents looking to unwind can also enjoy a selection of beer, wine, or sangria while keeping an eye on the kids’ adventures.
Main Event: Unlimited Family Fun Under One Roof
Children enthusiastically play a variety of arcade games at Main Event, a premier entertainment destination for families.
For a destination that promises endless entertainment in a single location, Main Event in Chesterfield is the perfect choice. Designed to foster connection and fun between family and friends, Main Event offers a diverse range of activities. From classic bowling lanes to strategic laser tag arenas, and from engaging billiards to whimsical mini golf courses, there’s something for everyone. Dive into the world of arcade games, experience the cutting-edge immersion of virtual reality, test your physical prowess on the indoor ropes course, or challenge your minds in miniature escape rooms. For budget-conscious families, Monday’s all-you-can-play promotion at just $12.99 per person offers incredible value, making it an ideal day for extended family fun.
St. Louis Union Station: A Historic Hub of Modern Entertainment
A captivating 3D light show illuminates the Grand Hall of St. Louis Union Station, displaying vibrant animals from the St. Louis Aquarium.
St. Louis Union Station, once a bustling epicenter of global passenger rail travel, has transformed into a vibrant hub of family-friendly attractions. Catering to all age groups, Union Station offers a delightful mix of activities. Enjoy a ride on a traditional carousel, navigate the twists and turns of a mirror maze, challenge each other at miniature golf, or ascend to new heights on a ropes course. For a unique experience, visit the Build-A-Bear Workshop and create a personalized furry friend. Outside, the lake in front of the station hosts a mesmerizing fire and light show, while inside, the Grand Hall presents a stunning 3D light show that immerses audiences in underwater scenes, classic Queen melodies, and more. Union Station is also home to the St. Louis Aquarium and the iconic St. Louis Wheel, making it a comprehensive destination for family entertainment.
Recreational Activities
Adventure Valley: Soar Through the Skies
A child enjoys the thrill of ziplining at Adventure Valley in St. Louis, experiencing an exhilarating outdoor activity.
Experience the exhilaration of flight at Adventure Valley, where ten thrilling zip lines propel you through the scenic wooded ridge of Jefferson County. On one particularly long zip line, stretching over 1,100 feet, adventurers can reach speeds up to 50 miles per hour! For those who prefer ground-based activities, Adventure Valley also features a paintball park, open on weekends for participants aged 12 and older. Paintball offers a fantastic opportunity for families to team up, strategize, and engage in friendly competition in a tournament setting.
MADE for Kids: Unleash Creativity and Innovation
Two boys engage in crafting activities at MADE for Kids, an interactive makerspace designed by The Magic House.
Spark your children’s creativity at MADE for Kids, a spacious 7,000-square-foot makerspace conceived by The Magic House. Designed for children aged 4 to 14, this imaginative wonderland features a variety of zones including an immersive makers workshop, a vibrant artists studio, an innovative design lab, and an entrepreneurial marketplace. Here, kids can bring their imaginations to life through tinkering, creating, inventing, exploring, and discovering new skills. Watch as your young ones experiment with a range of technologies and techniques, from screen printing and 3D printing to laser cutting and stop motion animation – their ingenuity is sure to impress.
Raging Rivers WaterPark: A Summer Splash Paradise
Children joyfully play at Itty Bitty Surf City in Raging Rivers WaterPark, a perfect spot for family summer fun.
Raging Rivers WaterPark is a haven for kids and families seeking to beat the summer heat in St. Louis. With its thrilling water slides, expansive wave pools, and relaxing lazy rivers, it’s a guaranteed paradise for water lovers. Toddlers and young children can safely splash around in Itty Bitty Surf City, while older kids can brave the exciting Mississippi Monster slide. For a touch of luxury and relaxation, rent a cabana and unwind with a refreshing drink. The 2023 season at Raging Rivers features Kidsfest, with daily magic shows in June and entertaining dog shows in July, adding extra layers of fun to your water park visit.
Riverboats at the Gateway Arch: Steamboat Adventures on the Mississippi
The Gateway Arch Riverboats offer stunning views of the iconic Gateway Arch and the bustling St. Louis riverfront, perfect for a family outing.
Experience breathtaking views of the Gateway Arch and the vibrant St. Louis riverfront aboard the Riverboats at the Gateway Arch. The Tom Sawyer riverboat, a faithful replica of a 19th-century steamboat, transports you back to an era when steamboats reigned supreme on the river. Cruises are thoughtfully narrated by captains from the National Park Service, who bring the rich history of the Mississippi River to life. Whether you choose a relaxed one-hour day cruise or a more elaborate two-hour dinner cruise, you’ll gain insights into the river’s significant role in American history and its ongoing impact on St. Louis’ economy.
RYZE Adventure Park: Challenge Yourself to New Heights
RYZE Adventure Park features an impressive adventure tower with over 100 unique obstacles, offering a thrilling experience for all ages.
Since opening in September 2021, RYZE Adventure Park in Maryland Heights has quickly become a favorite for adventurous families. Its centerpiece, a four-story Adventure Tower, boasts over 100 obstacles, a thrilling zipline, and a heart-stopping free fall experience. Are you ready to take on the challenge? The Adventure Tower’s non-linear design allows you to customize your course, choosing the activities and obstacles that appeal to you most. For younger adventurers, RYZE offers a Little Ninja Course, featuring 16 elements close to the ground but packed with fun and exploration opportunities. If you prefer to stay grounded, enjoy a round of miniature golf on the state-of-the-art 18-hole course, which comes alive at night with vibrant neon lights.
Six Flags St. Louis: Thrills and Spills for Every Age
Six Flags St. Louis provides a variety of rides suitable for children, making it a fantastic destination for family fun and excitement.
Are you and your family thrill-seekers at heart? Six Flags St. Louis is home to nine exhilarating rollercoasters, including six steel and three wooden, with a combined track length exceeding 22,000 feet. Located in Eureka, this dynamic amusement park continuously adds new attractions, appealing to thrill-seekers of all ages. For families with toddlers and young children, Bugs Bunny National Park offers gentler rides, spins, and climbs designed just for them. Six Flags St. Louis also includes Hurricane Harbor, a fantastic waterpark for splashing good times during the summer months.
St. Louis Wheel: Panoramic City Views
The St. Louis Wheel at St. Louis Union Station is beautifully illuminated at night, offering stunning views of the city skyline.
Towering at 200 feet, The Wheel is St. Louis’s tallest observation wheel, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the city skyline. Each gondola is fully enclosed and climate-controlled, ensuring comfort in any season. For an enhanced experience, consider the VIP gondolas, which not only provide luxurious leather captain’s chairs and glass floors but also offer educational opportunities for kids to learn about math, engineering, and geography while enjoying the stunning views.
Turtle Playground: Climbable Concrete Creatures
Children of all ages enjoy climbing on the giant concrete turtle sculptures at Turtle Playground in St. Louis.
Combine a visit to the Saint Louis Zoo with a stop at Turtle Playground, also known as Turtle Park. This unique playground is particularly appealing to younger children, drawing kids of all ages who love to climb and explore. Here, they can clamber over giant concrete sculptures of various turtle species, including a common snapping turtle, a softshell turtle, a red-eared slider, a Mississippi map turtle, a stinkpot turtle, and three box turtles. Adding to the fun are seven oversized turtle eggs and a long, winding snake that appears to playfully interact with the nearby overpass.
Victory Raceway: Indoor Kart Racing Excitement
Electric go-karts speed around the indoor racetrack at Victory Raceway, providing an adrenaline-pumping experience.
Get ready to race at Victory Raceway, where electric go-karts reach thrilling speeds of up to 45 miles per hour on an indoor track. Designed for individual racers, Victory Raceway does not offer two-seater karts, ensuring everyone gets behind the wheel. Children must be at least six years old and 50 inches tall to participate. For younger racers, junior karts are available, reaching speeds up to 25 miles per hour, providing a safe yet exciting introduction to kart racing.
Great Outdoors
Eckert’s: Seasonal Farm Fun and Family Traditions
A family happily picks apples at Eckert's Farm, enjoying the tradition of apple picking in a beautiful orchard setting.
Eckert’s offers a taste of history and tradition with roots dating back to 1837. Today, Eckert’s Orchards comprises three farms just across the river in Southern Illinois, providing year-round family fun. Enjoy you-pick experiences with strawberries in the spring, blackberries and peaches in the summer, apples and pumpkins in late summer and early 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 seasonal foods, creating a festive atmosphere for family outings.
Gateway Arch National Park: Iconic Views and Green Spaces
The Gateway Arch stands tall as an example of innovative architecture in St. Louis, set against a beautiful sky.
Following a significant $380 million renovation, the national park surrounding the Gateway Arch and the Museum at the Gateway Arch is now beautifully landscaped and welcoming to visitors. The park features lush green spaces, stroller-friendly walkways, and serene reflection pools. For an unparalleled view, take a tram ride to the top of the 630-foot monument. These futuristic, five-person pods ascend in just four minutes, revealing breathtaking views through small windows of the Old Courthouse, downtown St. Louis, and the Mississippi River stretching towards Illinois. Tickets often sell out, so advance reservations are highly recommended to ensure your visit.
Meramec Caverns: Underground Wonders and Adventures
Meramec Caverns is highlighted as one of the best day trip destinations from St. Louis, showcasing its natural beauty and cave formations.
Discover Missouri’s hidden treasures beneath the rolling hills of the Meramec Valley at Meramec Caverns, the state’s largest commercial cave and one of the world’s most stunning. Marvel at incredible formations including sparkling stalactites, majestic stalagmites, an ancient “wine table,” and a towering seven-story “mansion,” all sculpted by erosion over millions of years within large limestone deposits. Knowledgeable rangers lead captivating tours along well-lit walkways, showcasing some of the rarest and largest cave formations globally, and even point out the filming location of a 1966 episode of Lassie. The cave maintains a cool 60 degrees Fahrenheit year-round, offering a refreshing escape. Enhance your visit with family-friendly activities like gold panning, ziplining, or a scenic riverboat excursion on the Meramec River.
Missouri Botanical Garden: Nature’s Playground and Educational Oasis
A group of children interact with plants at the Missouri Botanical Garden, engaging with nature in an educational setting.
Missouri Botanical Garden is home to one of St. Louis’s best playgrounds, nestled within two acres adjacent to the Climatron conservatory. The Doris I. Schnuck Children’s Garden is designed to introduce children to the importance of plants and nature through fun and interactive experiences. Kids can splash in a stream, navigate a rope bridge, and play with locks and dams. They can climb into a treehouse, slide down Spelunker’s Slide, and explore a limestone cave. Bringing botany and 19th-century history to life, the garden also invites families to explore wetlands, board a steamboat, and visit a Midwestern prairie village. Beyond the children’s garden, the Missouri Botanical Garden offers extensive beauty, tranquility, and opportunities for discovery for visitors of all ages.
Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center: Discover Local Wildlife
Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center is dedicated to educating visitors of all ages about the wonders of the natural world through interactive exhibits and trails.
Located in a peaceful 112-acre oak-hickory forest in Kirkwood, Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center is dedicated to connecting people of all ages with the natural world. One of the park’s three trails features informative signage to enhance your walk, and the nature center itself houses engaging exhibits, including an aquarium and a bee hive, offering interesting sights and learning experiences throughout the year.
Animal Encounters
Endangered Wolf Center: Meeting Rare Canines
Mexican wolf puppies playfully interact at the Endangered Wolf Center, highlighting the center's conservation efforts for endangered species.
Often considered St. Louis’s best-kept secret, the Endangered Wolf Center in Eureka is dedicated to the conservation of wild canids, particularly the critically endangered Mexican wolves and American red wolves. Visitors have the opportunity to see these magnificent animals through a variety of daytime tours, including signature endangered species tours, specialized photography tours, and educational field trips for school groups, as well as nighttime howling events. Education coordinator Jimmy Parsons can imitate wolf howls, often prompting responses from the wolves themselves, providing a unique insight into wolf communication. The center is also home to other canid species, such as South American maned wolves, African painted dogs, fennec foxes, arctic foxes, swift foxes, and a melanistic red fox named Cooper, offering a broad view of canine diversity.
Grant’s Farm: Animals, History, and Free Beer
Children enjoy feeding goats at Grant's Farm, a popular family destination with animal encounters and historical sites.
Grant’s Farm is a beloved destination for families with children, boasting over 900 animals and significant historical architecture. The farm includes Ulysses S. Grant’s log cabin, built in 1855, and the Busch Family Estate, known as the “Big House.” A visit begins with a tram ride through Deer Park, where you can spot free-roaming antelope, deer, bison, water buffalo, yaks, and various domesticated cattle. After the tram, enjoy camel rides, animal shows, and goat feeding areas (note: the goats can be quite enthusiastic!). The German-style stables house the iconic Clydesdales, along with classic cars and carriages. At the Bauernhof, enjoy lunch or snacks, and for adults over 21, complimentary beers are a special treat. Admission to Grant’s Farm is free, with a parking fee of $15.
Lone Elk Park: Wildlife Spotting in a Natural Habitat
Deer freely roam through Lone Elk Park during the fall season, showcasing the park's natural beauty and wildlife.
Lone Elk Park, a 546-acre wildlife management area, offers frequent and accessible wildlife sightings. Whether you drive or walk through the park, you’re likely to encounter deer, bison, and wild turkeys. For a more immersive experience, the White Bison Trail, a three-mile loop, provides opportunities to spot white-tailed deer, elk, waterfowl, and more in their natural environment.
Purina Farms: Celebrating Pets and the Human-Animal Bond
Kids and adults alike enjoy shows featuring the Purina Incredible Dog Team catching flying discs at Purina Farms, highlighting the bond between humans and pets.
Purina Farms celebrates the special bond between humans and pets, teaching visitors about understanding and appreciating dogs and cats. The Purina Farms Visitor Center, open from mid-April through October, features the Incredible Dog Arena where the Purina Incredible Dog Team showcases their amazing skills. The Pet Center houses a 20-foot, multi-level home for adoptable cats, and the Barn and Play area is home to domestic farm animals. Purina Farms offers an engaging and educational experience for pet lovers of all ages.
Saint Louis Zoo: A World-Class Zoological Experience
Children observe polar bears at the Saint Louis Zoo, one of the nation's leading zoos in animal care and conservation.
The Saint Louis Zoo is a leading institution in animal management, research, conservation, and education, making it a must-visit destination. Upon entering, The Living World, a 65-foot rotunda with natural light and impressive shark, squid, and stingray sculptures, sets the stage for exploration. The zoo is home to a vast array of animals from around the globe, from playful bears and swinging monkeys to vocal penguins. General admission and street parking are free, and the Emerson Zooline Railroad offers a convenient way to navigate the park. The Mary Ann Lee Conservation Carousel, featuring 64 hand-carved wooden animals representing endangered species, is a delightful ride for younger children. Plan to spend ample time at this expansive zoo to fully appreciate its offerings.
Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House: A Tropical Butterfly Paradise
Children have fun at the Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House, surrounded by the beauty of tropical butterflies and plants.
The Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House features a conservatory where over 60 species of tropical butterflies flutter among more than 150 tropical plant species. This enchanting environment can be both captivating and occasionally overwhelming, as butterflies freely land on visitors. Throughout the year, the Butterfly House hosts special events for all ages, including Morpho Mardi Gras, the BOOterfly House, and Supper with Santa, adding seasonal themes to the butterfly experience.
St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station: Underwater Worlds in a Historic Setting
Children touch jellyfish in a touch pool at the St. Louis Aquarium, enjoying an interactive and educational experience with marine life.
“Hey, there’s a shark on track 36!” At the St. Louis Aquarium, housed within the historic St. Louis Union Station, visitors can explore aquatic life in a unique train station setting. The aquarium contains approximately 250,000 gallons of water and is home to over 13,000 animals, including green sea turtles, paddlefish, sea dragons, cownose rays, and the famous blue lobster, Lord Stanley. For a deeper experience, consider a behind-the-scenes tour for personalized animal encounters that will create lasting memories for your children.
Suson Park: Farm Animals and Outdoor Fun
A young girl interacts with a pony at Suson Park, enjoying the park's animal farm and outdoor activities.
Located about 25 minutes from downtown St. Louis, Suson Park offers a charming retreat with a playground, catch-and-release fishing, and a working animal farm. Kids can get close to cows, horses, pigs, sheep, chickens, and turkeys, and families can enjoy leisurely strolls around the scenic grounds. Picnic shelters are available, making it a perfect spot for a family outing with packed lunches.
World Bird Sanctuary: Winged Wonders and Conservation
Over 200 birds, including owls, reside at the World Bird Sanctuary, a haven for bird conservation and education.
Explore the wild side at the World Bird Sanctuary, founded in 1977 and dedicated to the protection and preservation of birds through conservation, rehabilitation, education, and advocacy. Spanning over 305 acres, the sanctuary houses more than 200 birds, offering a unique wildlife experience. Meet eagles, parrots, emus, and vultures, and learn about the importance of bird conservation. Guided tours are highly recommended for an enriched visit. During winter nights, the Owl Prowls offer an exciting opportunity to learn about owls, meet live owls, and even try to call to wild owls in their natural habitat.
Museums, Galleries and Public Art
Citygarden: An Urban Oasis of Art and Play
Children play among the water features at Citygarden, a downtown sculpture park designed for family interaction and enjoyment.
Specifically designed for families, Citygarden is a must-visit downtown St. Louis destination. This urban oasis features thought-provoking sculptures, lush gardens, rain gardens, interactive fountains, and a 180-foot-long shallow pool with a six-foot waterfall where kids can cool off and play. Citygarden is ideally located for a refreshing break between visits to the Gateway Arch and Busch Stadium—just remember to bring a towel!
City Museum: An Architectural Wonderland
City Museum in St. Louis is depicted as an architectural playground, showcasing its unique and adventurous play structures.
City Museum defies simple descriptions; it truly needs to be experienced to be understood. Located in a 600,000-square-foot former shoe warehouse, this attraction is as much a playground as it is a museum. Exhibits are creatively constructed from repurposed architectural and industrial objects, including tiles, safety deposit boxes, and stainless steel buffet pans. City Museum offers an incredibly immersive experience where you can climb into a whale’s mouth, slide down a ten-story slide, pilot a suspended plane, navigate underground tunnels, admire pancake art, test your circus skills, and even write with the world’s largest pencil. To fully explore, knee pads (available in the gift shop) are a recommended accessory for serious adventurers.
The Griot Museum of Black History: Stories of Black Culture
The Griot Museum of Black History is highlighted for its architecture and role in revealing the extensive history and culture of Black people in St. Louis.
Located in the Old North St. Louis neighborhood, the Griot Museum of Black History is dedicated to showcasing the breadth of Black history and culture through engaging and educational exhibits. The museum’s mission is to collect, preserve, interpret, and share the stories of Black people, emphasizing their regional connections to American history and their significant contributions to the nation. Core galleries feature artifacts, memorabilia, and life-size wax figures of influential figures who have shaped St. Louis, such as Josephine Baker, Dred and Harriet Scott, James Milton Turner, and Miles Davis, making history tangible and relatable for children.
Laumeier Sculpture Park: Art in the Great Outdoors
Laumeier Sculpture Park is pictured, showcasing its outdoor setting where visitors can enjoy over 60 sculptures in an al fresco environment.
Laumeier Sculpture Park offers an outdoor museum experience with over 60 sculptures spread across 105 acres. Wander along walking trails through this open-air park and encounter striking artworks, including a giant eyeball, a larger-than-life deer, and massive, crumpled cylinders. Many of the large-scale pieces are interactive, inviting visitors to walk around, climb on, or sit and contemplate them. Encourage your children to engage with the art by inventing titles for the sculptures and discussing their interpretations and feelings about each piece. Like many of St. Louis’s cultural gems, Laumeier Sculpture Park is free and open to the public.
The Magic House: Interactive Learning and Play
Families at The Magic House are shown making their hair stand up by touching an electrically charged ball, demonstrating the museum's interactive and educational exhibits.
The Magic House is an epic adventure for preschoolers and young children, offering hands-on, interactive exhibits that stimulate learning through play. Kids can explore a child-sized village, investigate scientific phenomena, discover different cultures, and role-play as doctors or veterinarians. Older children will also find engaging activities, such as creating giant bubbles, experimenting with a 3D printer, and experiencing static electricity with an electrically charged ball that makes hair stand on end. The Star-Spangled Center even provides educational tidbits for parents about U.S. presidents. The Magic House regularly hosts special exhibits and events, ensuring fresh experiences throughout the year. Located in the suburb of Kirkwood, approximately 20 minutes from downtown St. Louis, The Magic House is surrounded by parks and restaurants, making it easy to plan a full day of family fun.
Miniature Museum of Greater St. Louis: Tiny Worlds, Big Wonders
The Miniature Museum of Greater St. Louis is showcased for its extensive collection of miniature objects displayed in intricate room boxes and dollhouses.
Ever wanted to feel like a giant? At the Miniature Museum of Greater St. Louis, you can experience this sensation while exploring an extensive collection of tiny objects housed in detailed room boxes, dollhouses, and displays. Located in the Bevo Mill neighborhood, the museum focuses on the cultural and educational aspects of miniature art, offering a unique perspective on history and craftsmanship.
Missouri History Museum: Exploring Local and National Stories
Children play in the History Clubhouse at the Missouri History Museum, engaging with interactive exhibits designed for young learners.
Delve into the rich history of St. Louis, from its founding in 1764 to the present day, at the Missouri History Museum. Exhibits change periodically but are consistently well-curated and informative. The History Clubhouse is a favorite among younger visitors, where they can build a downtown skyscraper, role-play in the ancient city of Cahokia, serve food at the 1904 World’s Fair, and pilot a steamboat on the Mississippi River. Coloring STL, another engaging exhibition, invites visitors to interact with St. Louis’s most iconic buildings by coloring them directly on the walls, blending creativity with local history.
Museum of Illusions: Mind-Bending Fun for All Ages
A family appears to hang from the front of a building in an optical illusion at the Museum of Illusions St. Louis, demonstrating the museum's visually deceptive exhibits.
Prepare to question reality at the Museum of Illusions St. Louis, located at City Foundry STL. This attraction captivates visitors of all ages with perspective-altering rooms, fascinating installations, and mind-bending images where nothing is quite as it seems. Experience the Ames Room, where you appear to grow or shrink in size, hang from a building façade, see your child’s head served on a platter, and try to navigate the disorienting Vortex Tunnel.
Myseum: A Playground of Discovery
Children are pictured playing in a giant bounce house at Myseum, highlighting the museum's blend of children's museum, science center, and indoor playground.
Myseum uniquely combines elements of a children’s museum, a science museum, and an indoor playground, offering 30 unique exhibits to explore. Kids can dig for dinosaur fossils, play with glow shapes, interact with a video wall, and engage in imaginative play at a pretend zoo clinic. With new and educational experiences at every visit, Myseum provides fun and learning for growing minds. Don’t forget to bring socks for play areas!
National Blues Museum: Celebrating the Roots of American Music
The National Blues Museum is presented as a significant cultural destination in St. Louis, connecting visitors with the history of blues music and Black culture.
The National Blues Museum explores the history of the blues and celebrates its foundational role in modern American music. Through artifact-rich exhibits and technology-driven interactive experiences, the museum offers a cool and engaging environment for kids. Visitors can even try their hand at songwriting and add a guitar track to their own blues composition, no musical skills required, making music accessible and fun for everyone.
National Great Rivers Museum: Mississippi River Stories
The National Great Rivers Museum is shown, emphasizing its role in sharing the stories of the Mississippi River and its impact on the region.
The National Great Rivers Museum is dedicated to sharing the compelling stories of the mighty Mississippi River. Located adjacent to the Melvin Price Locks and Dam, this 12,000-square-foot museum, a partnership between the Meeting of the Rivers Foundation and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, features interactive exhibits, a theater, and free public tours. Visitors can learn about the region’s great rivers, their unique ecosystems, their historical significance, and their ongoing impact on our lives. Self-guided tours are available, but the daily staff-led tours at 10 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. offer a more engaging experience, including a 45-minute tour that provides a lockman’s perspective of the locks and dam operation.
National Museum of Transportation: A Journey Through Transit History
Children are seen posing with various planes, trains, and automobiles at the National Museum of Transportation, highlighting its vast collection of transportation vehicles.
For kids fascinated by vehicles, the National Museum of Transportation boasts one of the world’s largest and most comprehensive collections of transportation vehicles, with over 190 major exhibits. Highlights include the Union Pacific #4006 “Big Boy,” the largest steam locomotive ever successfully built, a 1901 St. Louis Motor Carriage Co. automobile (one of only nine remaining), and Virgin Hyperloop’s Pegasus pod, designed for high-speed, zero-emission transport. Many exhibits are interactive, allowing kids to climb in and on various vehicles. The Creation Station play area is specially designed for younger children.
Saint Louis Art Museum: A World of Art for Everyone
The Saint Louis Art Museum in Forest Park is featured, recognized for housing one of the country's leading comprehensive art collections.
Explore art across time, cultures, and places at the Saint Louis Art Museum, located in Forest Park. This free museum houses one of the nation’s leading comprehensive art collections, inspiring discovery and enriching the human spirit. Younger children will be drawn to the colorful paintings and ancient artifacts, while older kids can engage more deeply with the artwork using audio guides. Family-friendly tours with hands-on activities are offered on select Sundays, each featuring a different theme and art project. Wee Wednesdays, designed for children aged three to five, include art exploration, story time, and art activities, making art accessible and enjoyable for even the youngest visitors.
Saint Louis Science Center: Interactive Science and Discovery
A mother and son are pictured making balls float in the air at the Saint Louis Science Center, illustrating the museum's interactive and engaging science exhibits.
Another fantastic free attraction, the Saint Louis Science Center is all about creating “Aha!” moments. Engage with interactive exhibits that demonstrate physics principles, encounter a life-size animatronic Tyrannosaurus rex, explore the night sky, and build a replica of the Gateway Arch. The Science Center encourages curiosity and learning through hands-on exploration. Consider enhancing your visit with a special exhibition or a film at the OMNIMAX Theater for an even more immersive experience.
Theater and Performing Arts
Circus Flora: Awe-Inspiring Circus Arts
Tightrope walkers from Circus Flora are shown performing at The Big Top in St. Louis, capturing the excitement and artistry of circus performances.
Circus Flora presents a breathtaking showcase of circus arts with acrobats, aerialists, comedians, and daredevils from around the world. Performing at The Big Top in the Grand Center Arts District, Circus Flora specializes in one-ring circus productions that blend traditional and modern circus arts. With a focus on emotional narratives and impressive physical feats, Circus Flora aims to engage audiences on multiple levels, offering an unforgettable and inspiring family experience.
The Fabulous Fox: Broadway Spectacle in a Grand Setting
A promotional image for Peter Pan at The Fabulous Fox in 2024 is displayed, representing the high-caliber Broadway shows hosted at this historic theater.
The Fabulous Fox is a stunning theater that attracts audiences from across the region and beyond for Broadway shows such as Frozen, The Lion King, Six, and Wicked. Dress up and enjoy a night of theatrical magic, where spectacular lights, costumes, and songs will captivate children and adults alike. Before the show, dine at The Fountain on Locust and indulge in their irresistible ice cream cones, old-fashioned sundaes, and creamy milkshakes, or for adults, boozy floats and signature ice cream Martinis.
The Muny: Outdoor Broadway Under the Stars
The Muny, an outdoor theater in Forest Park, is shown during a summer performance, highlighting its role as a beloved St. Louis summer tradition.
During the summer months, The Muny in Forest Park becomes the heart of St. Louis’s performing arts scene. For over a century, this outdoor theater has presented Broadway musicals, featuring both renowned out-of-town professionals and local talent. From As You Like It, the first production ever staged at The Muny, to family favorites like Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Matilda the Musical, Mary Poppins, and Annie, The Muny offers enchanting, electrifying, and empowering performances. Free seats are available every night on a first-come, first-served basis, making live theater accessible to everyone in the community.
For sports enthusiasts, St. Louis offers exciting live sporting events year-round, from Cardinals baseball to Blues hockey and Battlehawks football. Check out our St. Louis sports guide for more information.
