St. Louis stands out as an exceptional destination for families, overflowing with complimentary, top-tier attractions, captivating events, and vibrant public parks. This city offers an unmatched experience for either a quick weekend escape or an extended vacation, ensuring there’s always something exciting happening “near me.”
Whether you’re navigating the city with toddlers or teenagers seeking more independence, St. Louis provides a wealth of engaging and unforgettable activities for every family member to enjoy together.
Don’t forget to explore upcoming family-friendly events in St. Louis via our events calendar, and when hunger strikes, check out the best kid-friendly restaurants St. Louis has to offer.
Dive into these fantastic family activity categories:
Entertainment Hotspots for Families
Amp Up Action Park: Thrills for Every Age
Kids enjoying the ropes course at Amp Up Action Park, a great family activity center.
Amp Up Action Park is your go-to destination for non-stop family fun. Experience the thrill of racing on a state-of-the-art indoor go-kart track, equipped with the world’s most advanced karts. Engage in an exhilarating laser tag battle in their impressive three-level, black light arena. Test your agility on the elevated ropes course, try axe throwing, enjoy a variety of arcade games, or even play pickleball. Opt for pay-as-you-go or a two-hour unlimited pass. Refuel at the Filling Station Cafe or Trackside Tavern, offering kid-friendly bites, pizzas, and sweet treats, with beer, wine, and sangria available for parents to unwind while the kids play. It’s a perfect spot when searching for “Activities For Families Near Me” that cater to diverse interests and ages.
Main Event Chesterfield: Family Fun Under One Roof
Children playing arcade games at Main Event, a family entertainment center in Chesterfield.
For a day packed with entertainment, Main Event in Chesterfield is your ultimate family destination. Offering a wide array of activities from bowling and laser tag to billiards and mini-golf, Main Event is designed to bring families together. Dive into arcade games, explore virtual reality experiences, challenge yourself on the indoor ropes course, or solve puzzles in miniature escape rooms. Don’t miss their Monday all-you-can-play deal for just $12.99 per person, making it an affordable option for “activities for families near me” on a budget.
St. Louis Union Station: A Hub of Family Excitement
The mesmerizing 3D light show at St. Louis Union Station's Grand Hall, featuring aquatic animals from the St. Louis Aquarium.
St. Louis Union Station, once a global railway hub, has transformed into a vibrant center for family activities. Catering to all age groups, it features a classic carousel, an intriguing mirror maze, a fun miniature golf course, a challenging ropes course, and even a Build-A-Bear Workshop. Enjoy the dazzling fire and light show on the lakefront and the captivating 3D light show in the Grand Hall with themes ranging from underwater scenes to Queen music. Union Station also houses the St. Louis Aquarium and the St. Louis Wheel, making it a prime location for “activities for families near me” with a variety of choices in one location.
Outdoor Recreational Activities for Families
Adventure Valley: Ziplining and Paintballing Fun
A child ziplining at Adventure Valley, an outdoor adventure park offering family activities.
Experience the thrill of flight at Adventure Valley, home to ten exhilarating zip lines that soar through the scenic wooded ridges of Jefferson County. One zip line stretches over 1,100 feet, allowing you to reach speeds up to 50 mph! For ground-based fun, Adventure Valley also features a paintball park, open weekends for ages 12 and up. Team up for a paintball tournament for an exciting family challenge. Adventure Valley provides outdoor “activities for families near me” who love adventure and nature.
MADE for Kids: Creative Making and Exploration
Two boys engaging in crafting activities at MADE for Kids, a creative space designed by The Magic House.
Unleash your family’s creativity at MADE for Kids, a 7,000-square-foot makerspace by The Magic House. Designed for kids aged 4-14, this wonderland includes an immersive makers workshop, artist studio, design lab, and entrepreneurs marketplace. Children can explore, invent, and create using their imaginations. Witness your kids experiment with screen printing, 3D printing, laser cutting, and stop motion animation, offering unique and educational “activities for families near me” focused on creativity and innovation.
Raging Rivers WaterPark: Summer Splash Fun
Kids enjoying the Itty Bitty Surf City at Raging Rivers WaterPark, a perfect summer family destination.
Cool down at Raging Rivers WaterPark, a paradise for kids with water slides, wave pools, and lazy rivers. Perfect for summer visits to St. Louis, Raging Rivers offers the Itty Bitty Surf City for toddlers and the Mississippi Monster for thrill-seeking older kids. Relax in rented cabanas with refreshments. Kidsfest at Raging Rivers in 2023 features daily magic shows in June and dog shows in July, enhancing the summer fun for families seeking “activities for families near me” during hot weather.
Riverboats at the Gateway Arch: Mississippi River History Cruise
Gateway Arch Riverboats offering scenic views of the Gateway Arch and St. Louis riverfront, ideal for family sightseeing.
Enjoy stunning views of the Gateway Arch and St. Louis’ working riverfront aboard the Riverboats at the Gateway Arch. The Tom Sawyer, a 19th-century replica steamboat, offers narrated cruises by National Park Service captains, bringing the Mississippi River’s history to life. Choose from a one-hour day cruise or a two-hour dinner cruise to learn about the river’s historical and economic significance to St. Louis and the nation. These riverboat cruises are enriching “activities for families near me” interested in history and scenic views.
RYZE Adventure Park: High-Flying Challenges and Mini Golf
RYZE Adventure Park's impressive adventure tower with over 100 obstacles for family challenges.
Since 2021, RYZE Adventure Park in Maryland Heights offers over 100 obstacles, a zipline, and a free fall on its four-story Adventure Tower. Customize your course and challenge your family. For younger kids, the Little Ninja Course provides 16 ground-level elements. Enjoy their state-of-the-art 18-hole miniature golf course, illuminated with neon lights at night. RYZE Adventure Park is perfect for active “activities for families near me” seeking physical challenges and fun.
Six Flags St. Louis: Rollercoaster Thrills and Waterpark Fun
Six Flags St. Louis offering a variety of rides suitable for kids of all ages, a classic family amusement park.
Thrill-seekers rejoice at Six Flags St. Louis, home to nine exhilarating rollercoasters (six steel and three wooden) with over 22,000 feet of track. Located in Eureka, this amusement park continuously adds attractions for all ages. Bugs Bunny National Park caters to toddlers and young children with gentle rides and play areas. Six Flags also includes Hurricane Harbor waterpark for summer splashdowns. Six Flags provides high-energy “activities for families near me” looking for amusement park excitement.
St. Louis Wheel: Skyline Views from Above
The St. Louis Wheel illuminated at night at St. Louis Union Station, offering spectacular city views for families.
Reach new heights on The Wheel, St. Louis’ tallest observation wheel at 200 feet. Enjoy climate-controlled gondolas with panoramic views of the St. Louis skyline. For a premium experience, VIP gondolas offer leather captain’s chairs, glass floors, and educational insights into math, engineering, and geography for kids. The St. Louis Wheel is a memorable and scenic “activity for families near me” seeking breathtaking views.
Turtle Playground: Climbable Reptile Sculptures
Kids climbing on giant concrete turtles at Turtle Playground, a unique and engaging park for children.
Combine play with art at Turtle Playground, located near the Saint Louis Zoo. This playground is a haven for kids who love to climb, featuring giant concrete sculptures of various turtle species, including snapping turtles, softshell turtles, and box turtles, along with oversized eggs and a snake sculpture. Turtle Playground offers unique and free “activities for families near me” that are especially appealing to younger children.
Victory Raceway: Indoor Go-Kart Racing Action
Electric go-karts racing at Victory Raceway, an indoor racetrack offering high-speed family fun.
Get your adrenaline pumping at Victory Raceway, where electric go-karts reach speeds up to 45 mph on an indoor track. With individual karts for everyone (kids must be at least six years old and 50 inches tall), even junior karts reach up to 25 mph. Victory Raceway is perfect for families seeking fast-paced and competitive “activities for families near me” indoors.
Exploring the Great Outdoors with Family
Eckert’s Orchards: Seasonal Farm Fun and U-Pick
A family apple picking at Eckert's Orchards, a seasonal destination for family farm experiences.
Experience agricultural history at Eckert’s Orchards, established in 1837 with three farms in Southern Illinois. Enjoy seasonal u-pick crops: strawberries in spring, blackberries and peaches in summer, apples and pumpkins in fall, and Christmas trees in winter. Eckert’s hosts year-round special events with farm animals, corn mazes, wagon rides, live music, and festive foods. Eckert’s provides wholesome and seasonal “activities for families near me” focused on nature and agriculture.
Gateway Arch National Park: Iconic Monument and Green Space
The Gateway Arch, an iconic architectural landmark in St. Louis, surrounded by the national park grounds.
The renovated Gateway Arch National Park offers picture-perfect grounds for families. Stroll along stroller-friendly walkways, relax by reflection pools, and take a tram ride to the top of the 630-foot Gateway Arch for panoramic views. The four-minute tram ascent leads to windows overlooking the Old Courthouse, downtown St. Louis, the Mississippi River, and Illinois. Book tickets in advance as they often sell out. Gateway Arch National Park provides iconic and accessible “activities for families near me” with historical and scenic significance.
Meramec Caverns: Underground Cave Exploration
Meramec Caverns showcasing stunning cave formations, a natural wonder and family day trip destination.
Discover Missouri’s underground wonders at Meramec Caverns, the state’s largest commercial cave. Explore impressive formations like stalactites, stalagmites, and the “wine table” on guided tours along well-lit walkways. The cave maintains a cool 60 degrees year-round. Supplement your visit with activities like gold panning, ziplining, or a riverboat excursion on the Meramec River. Meramec Caverns offers adventurous “activities for families near me” with natural beauty and historical intrigue.
Missouri Botanical Garden: Playgrounds and Botanical Wonders
Kids interacting with plants at the Missouri Botanical Garden, a place for learning and natural exploration.
The Missouri Botanical Garden features the exceptional Doris I. Schnuck Children’s Garden, a two-acre playground next to the Climatron conservatory. This garden introduces kids to nature through interactive elements like streams, rope bridges, a treehouse, and a limestone cave. Explore wetlands, a steamboat replica, and a prairie village, blending botany with 19th-century history. Beyond the playground, the Missouri Botanical Garden offers extensive gardens and serene landscapes. It is an enriching location for “activities for families near me” focused on nature and education.
Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center: Nature Trails and Wildlife
Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center promoting nature education and appreciation for all ages.
Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center in Kirkwood offers 112 acres of oak-hickory forest for nature exploration. Three trails, including one with interpretive signage, invite families to discover the natural world. The nature center features exhibits like an aquarium and a bee hive, providing year-round learning opportunities. Powder Valley is a peaceful and educational choice for “activities for families near me” seeking nature and tranquility.
Family-Friendly Animal Encounters
Endangered Wolf Center: Wildlife Conservation and Education
Mexican wolf puppies playing at the Endangered Wolf Center, dedicated to wolf conservation.
Discover the Endangered Wolf Center in Eureka, dedicated to conserving wild canids, particularly Mexican and American red wolves. Daytime tours, photography tours, school field trips, and nighttime howling events offer chances to see these wolves and other canids like maned wolves, African painted dogs, and foxes. Learn about wolf communication and conservation efforts. The Endangered Wolf Center provides unique and educational “activities for families near me” focused on wildlife conservation.
Grant’s Farm: Animals, History, and Clydesdales
Kids feeding goats at Grant's Farm, a family-friendly destination with animals and historical sites.
Grant’s Farm is a beloved St. Louis destination with over 900 animals and historic architecture, including Ulysses S. Grant’s log cabin and the Busch Family Estate. A tram ride through Deer Park offers views of roaming deer, bison, and other animals. Enjoy camel rides, animal shows, goat feeding, and visits to German-style stables to see the iconic Clydesdales. Free admission and complimentary beers for adults over 21 make Grant’s Farm a fantastic and affordable option for “activities for families near me”.
Lone Elk Park: Drive-Through Wildlife Viewing
Deer roaming through Lone Elk Park in autumn, a drive-through park for wildlife viewing.
Lone Elk Park, a 546-acre wildlife management area, offers frequent sightings of deer, elk, bison, and wild turkeys from your car or while walking. The White Bison Trail, a three-mile loop, enhances wildlife spotting opportunities. Lone Elk Park provides accessible and natural “activities for families near me” for wildlife enthusiasts.
Purina Farms: Pet-Focused Fun and Dog Shows
Purina Farms showcasing the Purina Incredible Dog Team in action, entertaining for families and pet lovers.
Purina Farms (open mid-April through October) celebrates the bond between people and pets. The Purina Farms Visitor Center features the Incredible Dog Arena with dog shows, the Pet Center with adoptable cats, and the Barn and Play Area with farm animals. Purina Farms offers engaging and pet-centric “activities for families near me” focused on animal appreciation and education.
Saint Louis Zoo: World-Class Animal Encounters for Free
Polar bears at the Saint Louis Zoo, a leading zoo offering free admission and diverse animal exhibits.
The Saint Louis Zoo is a leading zoo renowned for animal management, conservation, and education. Free general admission and street parking make it highly accessible. Explore The Living World rotunda before discovering diverse animal habitats. See bears, monkeys, penguins, and more. Enjoy the Emerson Zooline Railroad and the Mary Ann Lee Conservation Carousel. Plan to spend a significant amount of time at this extensive and free attraction, making it a top choice for “activities for families near me”.
Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House: Tropical Butterfly Conservatory
Kids enjoying the butterfly experience at the Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House, an immersive nature center.
The Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House showcases over 60 tropical butterfly species in its conservatory, along with 150+ tropical plants. Special events like Morpho Mardi Gras and BOOterfly House add to the experience. The Butterfly House offers enchanting and immersive “activities for families near me” focused on nature and delicate beauty.
St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station: Underwater World in a Historic Station
Kids interacting with jellyfish at the touch pools in the St. Louis Aquarium, a unique aquarium experience.
The St. Louis Aquarium in Union Station, housed in a retrofitted 19th-century train station, features 250,000 gallons of water and over 13,000 aquatic animals. See sharks, sea turtles, sea dragons, rays, and Lord Stanley the blue lobster. Behind-the-scenes tours offer personalized animal encounters. The St. Louis Aquarium is a unique and engaging option for “activities for families near me” interested in marine life.
Suson Park: Farm Animals and Outdoor Play
A young girl meeting a pony at Suson Park, offering farm animal encounters and outdoor recreation.
Suson Park in St. Louis County features a playground, fishing, and a working animal farm. Kids can interact with cows, horses, pigs, sheep, chickens, and turkeys. Enjoy picnic shelters and leisurely strolls. Suson Park provides relaxed and accessible “activities for families near me” with farm animals and outdoor recreation.
World Bird Sanctuary: Winged Wonders and Owl Prowls
Owls at the World Bird Sanctuary, a conservation center home to over 200 birds.
The World Bird Sanctuary protects and preserves birds through conservation, rehabilitation, and education. Home to over 200 birds across 305 acres, it offers a unique wildlife experience. Guided tours, including winter Owl Prowls, enhance visits. Meet eagles, parrots, emus, and vultures. The World Bird Sanctuary is an educational and captivating choice for “activities for families near me” focused on wildlife and conservation.
Museums, Galleries, and Public Art for Families
Citygarden: Downtown Sculpture Park and Play Area
Kids playing in water features at Citygarden, a downtown sculpture park designed for family interaction.
Citygarden in downtown St. Louis is designed for family enjoyment. This urban oasis features sculptures, plant life, rain gardens, fountains, and a shallow pool with a waterfall. It’s a perfect stop between the Gateway Arch and Busch Stadium. Citygarden is a refreshing and artistic option for free “activities for families near me” in the city center.
City Museum: Architectural Playground and Unique Exhibits
City Museum in St. Louis, an architectural playground offering unique and adventurous family experiences.
City Museum is an indescribable blend of playground and museum in a former shoe warehouse. Exhibits feature repurposed architectural and industrial objects, offering immersive experiences like climbing into a whale’s mouth, riding a 10-story slide, and exploring tunnels. Knee pads are recommended for full exploration. City Museum is an adventurous and unique destination for “activities for families near me” unlike any other.
The Griot Museum of Black History: Cultural and Historical Insights
The Griot Museum of Black History showcasing Black history and culture in St. Louis, an educational family destination.
The Griot Museum of Black History in Old North St. Louis shares Black history and culture through educational exhibits. Artifacts, memorabilia, and life-size wax figures depict influential Black figures from St. Louis history, including Josephine Baker and Miles Davis. The Griot Museum offers enriching and educational “activities for families near me” focused on cultural heritage.
Laumeier Sculpture Park: Outdoor Art and Nature Trails
Laumeier Sculpture Park featuring outdoor sculptures and walking trails, a place for art and nature exploration.
Laumeier Sculpture Park features over 60 sculptures across 105 acres of outdoor space. Walking trails wind through large-scale artworks, some of which can be climbed on or interacted with. Encourage kids to interpret the sculptures and engage with art in nature. Laumeier Sculpture Park is a free and engaging option for “activities for families near me” combining art and outdoor exploration.
The Magic House: Interactive Children’s Museum
Families interacting with exhibits at The Magic House, a children's museum promoting interactive learning.
The Magic House in Kirkwood is an interactive children’s museum with hands-on exhibits. Explore a child-sized village, science wonders, and cultural displays. Kids can role-play as doctors or veterinarians, experiment with bubbles and 3D printers, and learn about U.S. presidents. Special exhibits and events enhance the experience. The Magic House is a premier destination for educational and fun “activities for families near me” with younger children.
Miniature Museum of Greater St. Louis: Tiny Worlds of Wonder
The Miniature Museum of Greater St. Louis showcasing miniature displays and dollhouses, a museum of tiny treasures.
The Miniature Museum of Greater St. Louis in the Bevo Mill neighborhood showcases an extensive collection of miniatures in room boxes and dollhouses. Focus is on the cultural and educational aspects of miniature art. The Miniature Museum offers a unique and detailed experience for “activities for families near me” interested in craftsmanship and tiny worlds.
Missouri History Museum: St. Louis History Brought to Life
Kids playing in the History Clubhouse at the Missouri History Museum, an interactive exhibit for children.
The Missouri History Museum explores St. Louis history from its founding to the present day. Exhibits, including the History Clubhouse, offer interactive experiences like building a skyscraper and piloting a steamboat. The Coloring STL exhibit lets visitors color building murals. The Missouri History Museum provides engaging and educational “activities for families near me” to learn about local history.
Museum of Illusions St. Louis: Mind-Bending Optical Fun
A family posing in an optical illusion at the Museum of Illusions St. Louis, offering interactive and mind-bending experiences.
The Museum of Illusions St. Louis at City Foundry STL offers perspective-changing rooms and optical illusions. Experience the Ames Room, Vortex Tunnel, and other mind-bending installations. The Museum of Illusions is an entertaining and visually stimulating option for “activities for families near me” seeking unique photo opportunities and fun.
Myseum: Children’s Museum and Indoor Playground Combo
Kids playing in a bounce house at Myseum, combining children's museum and indoor playground features.
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 interact with video walls. Myseum offers diverse and active “activities for families near me” in an indoor setting. Remember to bring socks!
National Blues Museum: Music History and Interactive Exhibits
The National Blues Museum showcasing blues music history and culture, an educational and engaging museum.
The National Blues Museum explores the history of blues music and its influence on modern American music. Artifact-driven and technology-enhanced exhibits engage visitors. Write your own blues song and add a guitar track. The National Blues Museum provides culturally rich and interactive “activities for families near me” focused on music history.
National Great Rivers Museum: Mississippi River Stories
The National Great Rivers Museum sharing stories of the Mississippi River and its impact, an educational museum.
The National Great Rivers Museum shares stories of the Mississippi River through interactive exhibits and tours. Located near Melvin Price Locks and Dam, it explores the river’s environment, history, and impact. Daily tours offer a lockman’s perspective of the locks and dam. The National Great Rivers Museum provides educational and engaging “activities for families near me” focused on natural history and engineering.
National Museum of Transportation: Planes, Trains, and Automobiles
Kids exploring planes, trains, and automobiles at the National Museum of Transportation, a vast collection of vehicles.
The National Museum of Transportation features a vast collection of over 190 transportation vehicles, including the “Big Boy” steam locomotive and a Virgin Hyperloop pod. Explore planes, trains, automobiles, and more. The Creation Station play area is for younger children. The National Museum of Transportation offers extensive and fascinating “activities for families near me” interested in vehicles and transportation history.
Saint Louis Art Museum: World-Class Art for Everyone
The Saint Louis Art Museum in Forest Park, home to a comprehensive art collection and free admission.
The Saint Louis Art Museum in Forest Park offers a comprehensive art collection spanning cultures and eras, with free admission. Family-friendly tours and Wee Wednesdays for younger kids enhance visits. Explore paintings, artifacts, and more. The Saint Louis Art Museum provides enriching and accessible “activities for families near me” focused on art and culture.
Saint Louis Science Center: Hands-On Science Exploration
A mother and son experimenting at the Saint Louis Science Center, an interactive science museum with free admission.
The Saint Louis Science Center offers free, hands-on science exhibits. Explore physics, dinosaurs, space, and build a Gateway Arch replica. Special exhibitions and OMNIMAX Theater films are available for an extra fee. The Saint Louis Science Center provides engaging and educational “activities for families near me” focused on science and discovery.
Theater and Performing Arts for Family Entertainment
Circus Flora: Captivating Circus Arts Performances
Tightrope walkers performing at Circus Flora, a family-friendly circus with breathtaking performances.
Circus Flora presents breathtaking circus performances at The Big Top in the Grand Center Arts District. Featuring acrobats, aerialists, and comedians, Circus Flora combines traditional and modern circus arts for unforgettable family entertainment. This is a unique and thrilling option for “activities for families near me” seeking live performance and excitement.
The Fabulous Fox: Broadway Shows and Theatrical Magic
Peter Pan poster at The Fabulous Fox, a grand theater hosting Broadway shows for family entertainment.
The Fabulous Fox hosts Broadway shows like Frozen, The Lion King, and Wicked. Enjoy a spectacular night of theater with lights, costumes, and music. Dine at The Fountain on Locust for pre-show treats. The Fabulous Fox offers grand and memorable “activities for families near me” for theater lovers.
The Muny: Outdoor Broadway Musicals Under the Stars
The Muny outdoor theater in Forest Park, showcasing summer Broadway musicals in a family-friendly atmosphere.
The Muny in Forest Park presents outdoor Broadway musicals during summer. Kid-friendly productions like Matilda, Mary Poppins, and Annie are featured each season. Free seats are available nightly on a first-come, first-served basis. The Muny offers enchanting and accessible “activities for families near me” for outdoor theater experiences.
Looking for more action? St. Louis also offers a vibrant sports scene for family outings! From Cardinals baseball to Blues hockey, find more information in our St. Louis sports guide.
St. Louis truly has something for every family, making it easy to find amazing “activities for families near me” and create lasting memories. Start planning your family adventure in St. Louis today!
