St. Louis stands out as an exceptional destination for families with children, offering a wealth of attractions and activities that cater to all ages. From free, world-class landmarks to engaging events and beautiful public parks, the region provides an unmatched experience for a family getaway, whether for a weekend or an extended vacation. If you’re searching for Fun Family Activities Near Me in a vibrant and welcoming city, St. Louis should be at the top of your list.
Whether you are traveling with toddlers or teenagers seeking more independence, St. Louis boasts immersive and memorable experiences that the whole family can enjoy together. This guide highlights some of the best options for fun family activities near me in St. Louis, ensuring a memorable trip for everyone.
Explore upcoming kid-friendly events in St. Louis on their comprehensive events calendar, and find the perfect spot to refuel between adventures at the top kid-friendly restaurants St. Louis has to offer.
Entertainment Complexes for Family Fun
Amp Up Action Park: Thrills for All Ages
Kids play on the elevated ropes course at Amp Up Action Park.
Amp Up Action Park is your go-to destination for non-stop excitement. Experience the thrill of racing on a state-of-the-art indoor karting track with technologically advanced karts. For adrenaline-pumping action, challenge your family to a game of laser tag in a three-level, black light arena. Beyond karting and laser tag, Amp Up Action Park features an elevated ropes course for adventurous climbers and axe throwing for older family members. An arcade and pickleball courts add to the variety of fun family activities near me you can find here. Choose to play by the activity or opt for a two-hour pass for unlimited fun. When hunger strikes, the Filling Station Cafe and Trackside Tavern offer delicious options from bar bites and pizza to sweet treats. Parents can relax with beer, wine, or sangria while the kids continue their adventures, making it a perfect spot for fun family activities near me for the whole family.
Main Event Chesterfield: Unlimited Entertainment Under One Roof
Kids play arcade games at Main Event.
For a one-stop destination for family fun, Main Event in Chesterfield offers a vast array of entertainment options. Bowling, laser tag, billiards, and mini-golf are just the beginning. Main Event is designed to bring families and friends together with activities and games for all ages. Dive into the arcade games, immerse yourselves in a virtual reality experience, or test your courage on the indoor ropes course. For a unique challenge, try one of the miniature escape rooms. Monday visitors can take advantage of the incredible all-you-can-play promotion for just $12.99 per person, making it an exceptionally affordable option for fun family activities near me.
St. Louis Union Station: A Historic Hub of Family Attractions
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, is now a vibrant center for fun family activities near me. This beautifully restored landmark offers attractions for all ages. Kids will be delighted by the classic carousel, the mind-bending mirror maze, and the challenging miniature golf course and ropes course. A Build-A-Bear Workshop adds a touch of cuddly creativity to the mix. Outside, the lake comes alive with a mesmerizing fire and light show. Inside the Grand Hall, a captivating 3D light show projects underwater scenes, musical performances featuring Queen, and more, creating a truly immersive experience. Union Station is also home to the St. Louis Aquarium and the St. Louis Wheel, making it a comprehensive destination for fun family activities near me.
Recreational Activities for Active Families
Adventure Valley: Zipline Adventures in Nature
A kid zip lines at Adventure Valley in St. Louis.
Experience the exhilaration of flight at Adventure Valley, where ten thrilling zip lines propel you through the scenic wooded ridges of Jefferson County. One of the zip lines, stretching over 1,100 feet, lets you reach speeds up to 50 miles per hour! For families seeking fun family activities near me with an adventurous edge, this is a must-try. If you prefer to stay grounded, Adventure Valley also offers a paintball park, open weekends for those 12 and older. Team up with your family for an exciting paintball tournament and create lasting memories amidst the natural beauty of St. Louis.
MADE for Kids: Unleash Creativity and Innovation
Two boys get crafty at MADE for Kids created by The Magic House.
Spark your children’s creativity at MADE for Kids, a 7,000-square-foot makerspace from The Magic House. Designed for kids aged 4 to 14, this wonderland of innovation features an immersive makers workshop, artists studio, design lab, and entrepreneurs marketplace. Here, kids can explore, tinker, invent, and discover using their imaginations. Watch in amazement as your children experiment with screen printing, 3D printing, laser cutting, stop motion animation, and more. MADE for Kids provides unique fun family activities near me that are both educational and incredibly engaging, fostering a love for creativity and innovation.
Raging Rivers WaterPark: Beat the Heat with Water Fun
Kids splash around at the Itty Bitty Surf City at Raging Rivers WaterPark.
For families looking to cool off during the summer months, Raging Rivers WaterPark is the perfect destination for fun family activities near me. Water slides, wave pools, and lazy rivers offer endless aquatic adventures. Tiny tots can splash in Itty Bitty Surf City, while older kids can brave the thrilling Mississippi Monster slide. Relaxation is also on the menu with rented cabanas and refreshing drinks available. In 2023, Raging Rivers hosts Kidsfest, featuring daily magic shows in June and dog shows in July, adding extra entertainment to your water park visit.
Riverboats at the Gateway Arch: Mississippi River History Cruise
For the best views of the Gateway Arch and St. Louis’ working riverfront, climb aboard one of the Gateway Arch Riverboats.
Enjoy breathtaking 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 a nostalgic journey back in time. Narrated cruises by National Park Service captains bring the history of the Mississippi River to life, making it an educational and enjoyable experience. Choose from a one-hour day cruise or a two-hour dinner cruise to learn about the river’s historical significance and its ongoing impact on St. Louis’ economy. These riverboat cruises provide unique fun family activities near me with a historical twist.
RYZE Adventure Park: Challenge Yourself on the Adventure Tower
Since 2021, RYZE Adventure Park in Maryland Heights has offered thrilling fun family activities near me. Its four-story Adventure Tower features over 100 obstacles, a zipline, and a free fall experience. Create your own course and challenge yourself with various activities and obstacles. For younger children, the Little Ninja Course offers 16 ground-level elements perfect for climbing and exploring safely. If you prefer ground-based fun, the 18-hole miniature golf course glows with neon lights at night, providing entertainment for the whole family.
Six Flags St. Louis: Rollercoaster Thrills and Waterpark Fun
Six Flags St. Louis has rides for kids.
For thrill-seeking families, Six Flags St. Louis in Eureka is a must-visit for fun family activities near me. Home to nine exhilarating rollercoasters, including six steel and three wooden ones, with over 22,000 feet of track, the amusement park offers adrenaline rushes for all ages. Bugs Bunny National Park caters to toddlers and younger children with gentler rides and attractions. During the summer, cool down at Hurricane Harbor, Six Flags’ waterpark, for a day of wet and wild fun.
St. Louis Wheel: Iconic Views of the City Skyline
The St. Louis Wheel lights up at St. Louis Union Station at night.
Take in breathtaking panoramic views of the St. Louis skyline from The Wheel, the tallest observation wheel in the city, reaching 200 feet high. Enjoy the ride in enclosed, climate-controlled gondolas, providing comfort and spectacular views year-round. For a premium experience, the VIP gondolas offer leather captain’s chairs, glass floors, and educational opportunities for kids to learn about math, engineering, and geography. The St. Louis Wheel offers unique fun family activities near me with unforgettable vistas.
Turtle Playground: Climbable Reptile Fun
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 whimsical and free destination perfect for younger children. Kids can climb and play on giant concrete sculptures of seven different turtle species, along with oversized turtle eggs and a snake. It’s a fantastic spot for fun family activities near me that encourages imaginative play and outdoor exploration in a unique setting.
Victory Raceway: Indoor Go-Kart Racing Action
At Victory Raceway, the electric go-karts reach speeds up to 45 miles per hour on the indoor racetrack.
Experience high-speed thrills at Victory Raceway, an indoor go-kart racing facility where electric karts reach speeds up to 45 miles per hour. Kids aged six and older (and at least 50 inches tall) can participate, with junior karts reaching speeds up to 25 mph. Victory Raceway offers exciting fun family activities near me for families with older children and teens seeking adrenaline-pumping action.
Great Outdoors: Nature and Adventure Await
Eckert’s Orchards: Seasonal Farm Fun and U-Pick Adventures
A family picks apples at Eckert
Eckert’s Orchards, with roots dating back to 1837, offers seasonal fun family activities near me across three farms in Southern Illinois, just a short drive from St. Louis. Enjoy u-pick experiences throughout the year, including strawberries in spring, blackberries and peaches in summer, apples and pumpkins in late summer and early fall, and Christmas trees in winter. Eckert’s also hosts special events featuring farm animals, corn mazes, wagon rides, live music, and festive food, making it a delightful destination for family outings year-round.
Gateway Arch National Park: Iconic Landmark and Riverfront Exploration
The Gateway Arch is an example of the innovative architecture in St. Louis.
The Gateway Arch National Park, recently renovated, offers picture-perfect grounds for families to explore. Enjoy stroller-friendly walkways, reflection pools, and the iconic Gateway Arch itself. Take a tram ride to the top of the 630-foot monument for breathtaking views of the city and the Mississippi River. Advance ticket reservations are recommended as they often sell out. The Gateway Arch National Park provides historically significant and visually stunning fun family activities near me.
Meramec Caverns: Underground Wonders and Cave Exploration
Meramec Caverns is one of the best day trips to take from St. Louis.
Discover Missouri’s underground treasure at Meramec Caverns, the state’s largest commercial cave and one of the most impressive in the world. Explore magnificent formations including stalactites, stalagmites, the “wine table,” and the “mansion,” all formed over millions of years. Guided tours along well-lit walkways showcase some of the rarest and largest cave formations. The cave maintains a cool 60 degrees year-round, offering a refreshing escape. Supplement your visit with gold panning, ziplining, or a riverboat excursion on the Meramec River. Meramec Caverns provides adventurous and educational fun family activities near me.
Missouri Botanical Garden: Nature’s Playground 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 the best playgrounds in St. Louis: the Doris I. Schnuck Children’s Garden. This two-acre space introduces children to the wonders of plants and nature through interactive and fun exhibits. Kids can splash in a stream, navigate a rope bridge, play with locks and dams, climb a treehouse, and slide down Spelunker’s Slide into a limestone cave. Explore wetlands, a steamboat, and a prairie village, all within the garden. Beyond the playground, the Missouri Botanical Garden offers beauty, serenity, and discovery for all ages, making it a top choice for fun family activities near me.
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.
Nestled in Kirkwood, Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center offers 112 acres of oak-hickory forest to explore. Interpretive signage along one of the three trails enhances your nature walk. Inside the nature center, discover exhibits including an aquarium and a bee hive, providing educational fun family activities near me that connect families with the natural world.
Animal Encounters: Meet Amazing Creatures
Endangered Wolf Center: Protecting and Observing Wolves
Mexican wolf puppies play at the Endangered Wolf Center.
The Endangered Wolf Center in Eureka is dedicated to saving and protecting wild canids, particularly Mexican wolves and American red wolves. Take a daytime tour, from the signature endangered species tour to specialized photography tours and educational field trips. Evening “howls” offer a unique experience to learn about wolf communication and potentially hear wolves howling back. Meet other canid species, including maned wolves, African painted dogs, and foxes. The Endangered Wolf Center provides unique and impactful fun family activities near me focused on wildlife conservation.
Grant’s Farm: Animals, History, and Iconic Clydesdales
Kids can feed goats at Grant
Grant’s Farm is a beloved St. Louis treasure offering fun family activities near me for all ages. Home to over 900 animals and historic architecture, including Ulysses S. Grant’s log cabin and the Busch Family Estate, Grant’s Farm provides a rich experience. Start with a tram ride through Deer Park to see free-roaming animals. Enjoy camel rides, animal shows, and goat feeding. Visit the German-style stables to see the iconic Clydesdales and classic vehicles. Admission is free, with a parking fee, making it an accessible and enriching family destination.
Lone Elk Park: Wildlife Sightings in a Natural Habitat
Deer roam through Lone Elk Park in fall.
Lone Elk Park, a 546-acre wildlife management area, offers frequent wildlife sightings in a natural setting. Drive or walk through the park and spot deer, bison, and wild turkeys. The White Bison Trail, a three-mile loop, provides excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. Lone Elk Park offers free and accessible fun family activities near me for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.
Purina Farms: Pet-Focused Fun and Incredible Dog Shows
Kids, adults and pets will love the shows featuring the Purina Incredible Dog Team catching flying discs at Purina Farms.
Purina Farms Visitor Center (open mid-April through October) offers pet-centric fun family activities near me. Watch the Purina Incredible Dog Team perform amazing feats in the Incredible Dog Arena. Visit the Pet Center, featuring adoptable cats, and the Barn and Play area with domestic farm animals. Purina Farms provides educational and entertaining experiences focused on the joy of pets.
Saint Louis Zoo: A World-Class Free Zoo
Kids can see animals such as polar bears at the Saint Louis Zoo.
The Saint Louis Zoo is a leading zoo renowned for animal management, conservation, and education, and best of all, general admission is free. Explore diverse animal habitats, from polar bears and penguins to monkeys and reptiles. The Living World rotunda at the entrance features impressive sculptures. Enjoy the Emerson Zooline Railroad and the Mary Ann Lee Conservation Carousel for added fun. With free admission and parking, the Saint Louis Zoo is an exceptional choice for fun family activities near me.
Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House: Tropical Butterflies and Plant Beauty
Kids have fun at the Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House.
Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House showcases over 60 species of tropical butterflies in a lush conservatory with over 150 tropical plants. Special events like Morpho Mardi Gras and BOOterfly House add seasonal fun. The Butterfly House provides enchanting and visually stunning fun family activities near me for nature lovers of all ages.
St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station: Underwater World in a Historic Station
Kids touch jellyfish at the St Louis Aquarium.
St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station offers a unique setting in a retrofitted 19th-century train station. Discover over 13,000 aquatic animals in 250,000 gallons of water, including sharks, sea turtles, and sea dragons. Touch pools offer interactive experiences, and behind-the-scenes tours provide deeper insights. The St. Louis Aquarium provides fascinating and engaging fun family activities near me in a historic landmark.
Suson Park: Farm Animals and Outdoor Play
A young girl meets a pony at Suson Park.
Suson Park in St. Louis County features a playground, catch-and-release 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 offers free and accessible fun family activities near me focused on outdoor recreation and farm animal encounters.
World Bird Sanctuary: Winged Wonders and Owl Prowls
More than 200 birds, including owls, live at the World Bird Sanctuary.
World Bird Sanctuary protects and preserves birds through conservation, education, and rehabilitation. Home to over 200 birds, including eagles, parrots, and owls, the sanctuary offers guided tours and special events like Owl Prowls in winter. World Bird Sanctuary provides unique and educational fun family activities near me focused on avian wildlife.
Museums, Galleries, and Public Art for Curious Minds
Citygarden: Sculptures and Playful Water Features
Citygarden in downtown St. Louis is designed for families, featuring conversation-starting sculptures, lush gardens, and playful water features. Kids can cool off in a shallow pool with a waterfall. Citygarden is a perfect stop between downtown attractions, offering free and engaging fun family activities near me in an urban oasis.
City Museum: An Architectural Playground of Recycled Wonders
City Museum in St. Louis is an architectural playground.
City Museum is a unique and indescribable architectural playground housed in a former shoe warehouse. Exhibits made from repurposed architectural and industrial objects include slides, tunnels, planes, and more. It’s an immersive experience where exploration and adventure are key. Knee pads are recommended! City Museum provides unparalleled fun family activities near me that are imaginative and physically engaging.
The Griot Museum of Black History: Celebrating Black History and Culture
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 showcases Black history and culture through educational and engaging exhibits. Artifacts, memorabilia, and life-size wax figures bring to life the stories of Black people and their contributions to St. Louis and American history. The Griot Museum offers culturally enriching and educational fun family activities near me.
Laumeier Sculpture Park: Outdoor Sculpture and Nature Trails
At Laumeier Sculpture Park, you can enjoy more than 60 sculptures al fresco.
Laumeier Sculpture Park is a 105-acre open-air museum featuring over 60 sculptures along walking trails. Enjoy large-scale artworks that you can walk around, climb on, and interact with. Encourage kids to interpret the sculptures and engage with art in a natural setting. Laumeier Sculpture Park offers free and imaginative fun family activities near me in a beautiful outdoor space.
The Magic House: Interactive Children’s Museum Fun
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 epic adventure for preschoolers and young children. Interactive exhibits include a child-sized village, science wonders, cultural explorations, and role-playing scenarios. Older kids will enjoy bubble experiments, 3D printing, and the electrically charged ball exhibit. Special exhibits and events enhance the experience throughout the year. The Magic House provides engaging and educational fun family activities near me for younger families.
Miniature Museum of Greater St. Louis: Tiny Worlds of Art and History
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 showcases an extensive collection of miniature objects in room boxes, dollhouses, and displays. Located in the Bevo Mill neighborhood, the museum focuses on the cultural and educational aspects of miniature art. The Miniature Museum offers unique and detailed fun family activities near me for those fascinated by tiny worlds.
Missouri History Museum: St. Louis History Brought to Life
Kids play in the History Clubhouse at the Missouri History Museum.
The Missouri History Museum explores the rich history of St. Louis from its founding to the present day. Exhibits change, but the History Clubhouse is a permanent favorite for kids, featuring interactive play areas representing different eras of St. Louis history. Coloring STL is another engaging exhibit. The Missouri History Museum offers free and educational fun family activities near me focused on local history.
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.
Museum of Illusions St. Louis at City Foundry STL offers perspective-changing rooms, installations, and images that challenge your perceptions. Experience the Ames Room, Vortex Tunnel, and other mind-bending illusions. The Museum of Illusions provides interactive and visually stunning fun family activities near me perfect for all ages.
Myseum: Children’s Museum, Science Center, and Indoor Playground Combo
Kids play in a giant bounce house at Myseum.
Myseum combines a children’s museum, science museum, and indoor playground with 30 unique exhibits. Kids can dig for dinosaurs, play with glow shapes, interact with a video wall, and more. Myseum provides diverse and engaging fun family activities near me for children of various interests.
National Blues Museum: Exploring the Roots of American Music
The National Blues Museum is a wonderful place to connect with Black culture in St. Louis.
The National Blues Museum explores the history of the blues and its influence on modern American music. Artifact-driven exhibits and technology-driven experiences make it engaging for kids. You can even write your own blues song. The National Blues Museum offers culturally significant and interactive fun family activities near me for music lovers.
National Great Rivers Museum: Mississippi River Stories and Dam Tours
The National Great Rivers Museum shares stories of the mighty Mississippi River.
The National Great Rivers Museum shares stories of the Mississippi River through interactive exhibits and tours of the Melvin Price Locks and Dam. Daily tours led by staff offer a behind-the-scenes look at the locks and dam operations. The National Great Rivers Museum provides educational and unique fun family activities near me focused on river history and engineering.
National Museum of Transportation: Planes, Trains, and Automobiles Galore
Kids can pose with planes, trains and automobiles at the National Museum of Transportation.
The National Museum of Transportation boasts a vast collection of transportation vehicles, including planes, trains, and automobiles. See the “Big Boy” steam locomotive and a Virgin Hyperloop pod. Climb on exhibits and explore the Creation Station play area for younger kids. The National Museum of Transportation offers impressive and hands-on fun family activities near me for transportation enthusiasts.
Saint Louis Art Museum: World-Class Art and Family Programs
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 cultures and time periods, with free admission. Family-friendly tours and hands-on activities are offered on select Sundays, and Wee Wednesdays are designed for younger children. The Saint Louis Art Museum provides enriching and accessible fun family activities near me for art appreciation.
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 another fantastic free attraction specializing in interactive science exhibits. Explore physics, dinosaurs, space, and build a replica of the Gateway Arch. Special exhibitions and OMNIMAX Theater films are available for an additional fee. The Saint Louis Science Center provides engaging and educational fun family activities near me for science enthusiasts of all ages.
Theater and Performing Arts: Live Entertainment for Families
Circus Flora: Awe-Inspiring Circus Performances
Tightrope-walkers from Circus Flora perform at The Big Top in St. Louis.
Circus Flora presents breathtaking circus performances at The Big Top in the Grand Center Arts District. Acrobats, aerialists, comedians, and daredevils create an unforgettable family experience. Circus Flora combines traditional and modern circus arts with emotional narratives and impressive physical feats, offering captivating fun family activities near me.
The Fabulous Fox: Broadway Shows and Theatrical Magic
Peter Pan comes to The Fabulous Fox in 2024.
The Fabulous Fox hosts Broadway shows like Frozen, The Lion King, and Wicked, offering spectacular theatrical experiences for families. Enjoy the grandeur of the theater and the magic of live performances. Dine at The Fountain on Locust before the show for a complete night out. The Fabulous Fox provides unforgettable and glamorous fun family activities near me.
The Muny: Outdoor Broadway Under the Stars
During summers in St. Louis, the limelight shines on The Muny, an outdoor theater in Forest Park.
The Muny in Forest Park is an outdoor theater presenting Broadway musicals during the summer. With a history of over 100 years, The Muny offers enchanting, electrifying, and empowering performances, including kid-friendly productions. Free seats are available nightly on a first-come, first-served basis. The Muny provides magical and accessible fun family activities near me during the summer months.
For families seeking even more action, St. Louis offers a vibrant sports scene. From Cardinals baseball to Blues hockey and Battlehawks football, there’s always a game to cheer for. Check out the St. Louis sports guide for more information. St. Louis truly provides a wealth of fun family activities near me, ensuring a memorable experience for every family.
