29 Fun Things to Do in St Louis with Kids (Updated) – 2024
St. Louis is indeed a lovely city to reside in or visit.
Everywhere you go, there are many incredible things to explore. The zoos are excellent, the cuisine is outstanding, and there are various ancient places awaiting your presence.
The only challenge you’ll likely encounter in St. Louis is picking the finest area to explore.
Fortunately, we’ve compiled a thorough list of the finest things to do in St. Louis with kids here.
Best activities for kids in St. Louis
1. Saint Louis Zoo
Saint Louis Park is an Affiliation of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) certified membership with over 3 million tourists and thousands of wild creatures inside its boundaries.
Why visit?
Everything From marine critters to feral cats, this Zoo offers one of the most diverse collections of wildlife around the globe.
It allows you and your kids to observe what some exotic creatures are like.
It also contains a threatened species refuge.
Visitors can gather in creatures from the same forest environment all at once.
St. Louis Zoo is enormous,
As a result, merely a day will not suffice to complete the tour.
If you’re traveling with a kid, we recommend adding Emerson’s Children’s Zoo to the itinerary.
The zoo offers a variety of activities for children, teenagers, and grownups.
Thus, it is ideal for youngsters of all ages.
2. Big Joel’s Safari
Big Joel’s Safari is a recreational wildlife petting zoological that debuted in 2012.
It is managed by a family which is representative of the Zoological Society of America, and the Missouri Farm Bureau recognizes it.
Why visit?
Big Joel’s Safari will have the kids screaming at the top of their lungs out of joy.
Touring a petting zoo allows you as well as the kids, to get up close and personal with domesticated pets.
At the educational establishment, you may saddle the horses, feed animals, and discover more about them.
Anyone who is fascinated by wildlife and the wonders of nature is in for a treat here.
They have multiple fine dining restaurants located nearby whenever you’re hungry.
The animals here are mostly domesticated.
As a result, it is appropriate for kids of different ages, including babies.
3. City Museum
The City Museum, which has been recreated in half a million sq ft former storehouse of an International Shoe Business, features a pleasant dome and is a wellspring of aesthetic amazement for tourists.
Why visit?
The City Museum on Northwest 16th Street, designed for individuals of all ages, is among the greatest sites to explore if you’re in St. Louis with children.
Riders and ladders are present.
There are hidden passageways to discover, parks to admire, and a railway track to relish a breathtaking view at any hour during the day.
The gallery is every creator’s fantasy.
It fluctuates from moment to moment.
Though one element is consistent: there is a limitless level of amusement waiting to be experienced within.
The exhibitions are stunning.
The rotating displays are magnificent, and the cuisine indoors is just delectable.
City Museum is appropriate for everyone visiting, from newborns to seniors.
4. Grant’s Farm
Grant’s Farm is a wildlife sanctuary and national landmark in Grantswood, home to over 1,000 creatures from over 100 distinct species.
It was operated by the Busch dynasty and called for Ulysses S. Grant, their 18th president.
Why visit?
Grant’s Ranch is among the city’s biggest nature reserves.
It has been in business in Saint Louis for an exceptionally long duration, and Anheuser-Inc. Busch’s is currently operating it.
There is no admission price, making it among the most intriguing free child-friendly places in the city.
There are several options that you and the kids should explore.
If you plan your vacation around an occasion, you will be able to see a lot of extra activities than those on a regular day.
There are restaurants nearby, and our preferred feature on the property is the momento place.
The ranch welcomes kids of all ages.
However, a parent or guardian should supervise their kid under the age of 18.
5. Playtime Party Center
When this place was launched, it was originally only for children.
It now serves all ages of people in an 18,000-square-foot structure with a 4,000-square-foot laser tag area.
Why visit?
There isn’t any location in the Playtime Party Center where you’ll never find anything non-entertaining.
There are thousands of activities to enjoy, matches to win, and users to encounter. Everything
From the bowling alley to the simulated stone wall, there’s something for everyone in the group.
This is the reason it is among the city’s most intriguing locales.
Did we include the tot’s playroom and cocktail bar?
The Center provides everything required by adults to babies.
6. St. Louis Mercantile Library
The Saint Louis Mercantile Museum was founded in the mid-1840s by benefactors and community leaders who intended for St. Louis to possess a collection to further academic interests.
Why visit?
The Saint Louis Mercantile Library is more than just a regular bookstore; it is among the oldest west of the Mississippi River.
It has countless books which are regarded as valuable, and it includes artwork in its educational repertory.
In reality, the library houses an art gallery with stunning and instructive exhibits.
If you do not like to utilize the book room, tours are offered.
The ebook collection is among the best in the world.
When it involves family events in Saint Louis, the bookstore has programs for youth, children, and parents.
They hold antiquarian book conferences where enthusiasts may interact with inexpensive antiquarian book vendors.
If you’re searching for inexpensive family entertainment, the bookstore is a fantastic place to begin.
Mercantile library is appropriate for kids of all ages; however, an adult should accompany them.
7. The Magic House
Barbie Freund & Kody Newman started this Wonder Castle in the late 1970s in a small 5500 sq ft Historic home near Saint Louis.
The gallery presently has 55000 sq ft of art exhibitions after multiple additions.
Why visit?
This place is a playground for kids.
It has several lovely exhibitions and educational opportunities that would pique your kid’s attention.
It is also a classroom center wherein your children may practice creativity in a pleasant environment.
Their teaching approach intends to increase innovation, teamwork, and critical analysis.
You will not only appreciate the displays, but your kids will be able to engage with other kids as you mingle with the families.
The Magic House is undoubtedly your best decision in St. Louis
And if children enjoy the exhibits at the exhibition, they may watch the “Made at Home” movies for ideas they can do at their residence.
The exhibition is created for all children, regardless of age, and their families to love it.
8. Saint Louis Science Center
The Science Center was formally unveiled as an NPO corporation in the early 1990s in November, although its roots may be linked back to the creation of the Academy of Science of Saint Louis in the mid-1850s.
Why visit?
The Saint Louis Science Museum is the only site in the city that allows you to participate in over 650 engaging professional and children’s programs.
You may explore the exhibitions, participate in bioscience demonstrations, or go to the observatory.
The OMNIMAX Cinema is also available for film viewing.
The Science Center can accommodate your entire party, regardless of how big.
This is one of the major reasons why it’s great even for toddlers.
If you are traveling from a longer distance, the Institute has a collaboration with Drury Resorts.
This resort has Twenty sites within and around the city.
The Science Center is suitable for all members of the group, from toddlers to the elderly.
9. Ultimate Ninjas
American Ninja Knights, a famous NBC Television program, influenced Ultimate Ninjas.
Instructors who’ve already qualified to tackle the assault course utilized in the Television program that influenced the creator, Jamie Rahn, to teach the lessons.
Why visit?
Ultimate Ninja specializes in adventure programs with hanging wires and distorted barriers to improve your children’s mobility.
The instructors are competent, and the Open Play class is fascinating to participate in.
While your kids are attempting to conquer the assault course, you may use the gymnasium to indulge in engaging activities.
With the variety of sports available, your children will ask to return for some more. Among the most unique places in all of St. Louis is Ultimate Ninjas, and we guarantee a great time here.
10. Lone Elk Park
Throughout WWII, the Lone Elk Ranch was the headquarters of the Tyson Valley Ammunition Factory.
Following the war, in the late 1940s, the region was designated as a state park, and groups of elk and bison were imported.
Why visit?
The Lone Elk Park accurately depicts fauna.
Buffalo, deer, ducks, venison, and wild boar abound in the region.
Even more, Lone Elk Park allows you and your children to interact with nature.
If you’ve come here, with some extra time in hand, do go fishing.
Lone Elk park gets you another inch ahead of nature’s unvarnished aspect.
It’s ideal for a group excursion that will go down in history.
11. The Gateway Arch National Park
Franklin Delano Roosevelt designated the property for the Grand Arch as a memorial to James Madison in the mid-1930s.
The Jefferson National Expansion Memorial was the official title for the Gateway Arch.
Why visit?
The Gateway Arch is a hive of activity.
You might opt to tour the Park’s exhibition and view historical treasures.
You may also enjoy a leisurely stroll on the Park’s grounds with a spectacular view of the Riverfront.
If you want to do something more thrilling with your kids, you may go to the paddle restaurant or arrange a chopper excursion.
The sight from the summit is equally breathtaking.
All you gotta do after reaching is board the tram.
This attraction offers a variety of events for both children and adults.
12. Ballpark Village
The Cordish as well as the St. Louis Mets collaborated on the athletic hamlet.
The neighborhood is divided into two segments.
The initial is a 150-square-foot addition, whereas the other is a 700,000-square-foot enlargement.
Why visit?
The Ballpark Village is a neighborhood next to Butch Ballpark.
It appeals to football fans from all around the globe.
The District has several family-friendly entertainments and eating options.
You and your children may also easily reach certain other destinations from the hamlet, including the Arch riverside or the Archway museums.
Your group will have a great day with all of the entertainment options to keep them busy.
This holiday, bring your entire family to Ballpark Village and thank us for listing it here.
There is something for everybody in the group here, ensuring that nobody will be excluded from the enjoyment.
13. Bartolino’s Osteria
The Saracino family owns several cafes in Saint Louis, including Bartolino’s Osteria.
It is among only two cafeterias that provide classic Italian cuisine.
Why visit?
What transpires after having a fantastic time the whole day?
Having great food.
Furthermore, we propose Bartolino’s
The eatery delivers delicious meals that everyone in the group will easily forget.
You may luxuriate in Italian food and do some good eating.
Numerous families have tried and perfected the dishes, and the fish and drinks are to scream for.
Include this on your schedule for when in St. Louis.
Try surprising the household; you might be pleased you tried.
The eatery is appropriate for kids.
14. Cathedral Basilica
Archbishop Joseph Glennon revealed plans to construct the Metropolitan Basilica in March mid-1900s.
The foundation was laid in the early 1900s, but the building would not be finished for another eight decades.
Why visit?
The Cathedral Basilica is among Saint Louis’s finest important architectural marvels.
The chapel is a sublime masterpiece of art, thanks to the dozens of tapestries and patterns contributed by the different artists and designers that collaborated on it.
It’s also a lovely spot to spend quality time with your children.
It also includes a gallery in which you can step back in time.
While admiring the gorgeous scenery, you may also read about some historical events.
The Cathedral Basilica is a beautiful historical structure perfect for individuals of all generations.
15. The Fabulous Fox
The Fabulous Fox is a theatre company that was created in 1996.
It has now created 26 operas, Broad dramas, and other shows.
Why visit?
One of the company’s productions even received the Tony Award for Outstanding Musical in 2015.
The Fabulous Fox is a fantasy theater with bright accents and brilliant tones of crimson to establish the atmosphere.
You and your children can see shows that haven’t been which was before at the venue.
They can also understand the advantages of stage theatre and see how it operates.
In terms of further perks, the playhouse is surrounded in every direction by fantastic things to see.
Visitors can dine at the Theatre Left Grille, and you can see art at the Sheldon Art Exhibitions.
Anywhere you go, attending the Fox Theatre is a place you should do if you’re searching for events to do with your kids that are both enjoyable and educational.
The Fabulous Fox is appropriate for youngsters as young as three.
16. Gateway Arch Riverboats
The Gateway Arch Cruise liners is a Mississippi River boat trip company.
It has the greatest sights of Saint Louis’s iconic Gateway Arch.
Why visit?
Schedule a cruise with the Gateway Arch Boat rides for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure with your family members.
Find pleasure such as viewing music performances, drinking, eating, and much more during a vibrant riverboard trip.
It provides stunning views over Saint Louis, its metropolitan center, as well as the River Valley, as well as the famed 63-floor bridge.
It offers a range of travel packages, including the St. Louis Waterfront Excursion, an hour midday voyage.
The Skyline Supper Boat is also another alternative.
It is a 2-hour boat cruise with musical performances and a gourmet menu.
The entire family will end up spending some unforgettable time here while freezing some of the moments.
17. Laumeier Sculpture Park
The Laumeier Art Museum, created in the mid-1970s, is a stunning hundred-acre work of art and outdoor exhibition.
Why visit?
Enjoy the great environment while viewing breathtaking art pieces at the Laumeier Nature Park.
Get some fresh air while taking photographs in front of at least 62 enormous statues of all forms, dimensions, and hues.
Climb at least three gorgeous paths, sit on the lush velvet greenery, and tour an inside arts center and a late eighteenth Tudor home.
Across the year, it also hosts a variety of participatory programs and festivals, such as open-air yoga classes and pop-up cocktail bars.
Every member of the group, from newborns to the elderly, is welcomed at Laumeier Sculpture Park.
18. National Blues Museum
The National Blues Gallery is a non-profit metropolitan fitting tribute to jazz and blues that opened in 2016.
Why visit?
Have you got any artists in your clan?
Then the National Blues Museum is exactly the place to go.
Featuring continuous and seasonal displays, you may discover the heritage, chronology, and significance of the music.
It also occasionally features amazing concerts and live performances in its Lumiere Place Legends lounge and event bookings for special occasions.
It has a souvenir shop that allows you to purchase mementos such as literature, Cassettes, t-shirts, leather jackets, merch cards, holiday ornaments, accordions, coasters, and much more.
This exhibition is available to all ages, however, it is particularly fit for youngsters aged 5 and above.
19. St. Louis Aquarium
The Saint Louis Aquarium is a 12000hectares of aquatic life located in the four-star Saint Louis Union Square Marriott.
Why visit?
Take the kids to the Saint Louis Aquariums to experience the amazing mysteries of species undersea.
It has a 25000-ton shark pool, and over 13500 creatures from estimated 258 species, including 45 exhibitions.
It provides a variety of attractions such as group tours, conversing with expert divers, getting behind the curtains, and engaging with chosen aquatic ecosystems.
Schedule the Behind-the-Scenes Experience to see how it feels to be a caregiver.
Visitors may do activities like understanding how they maintain the various ecosystems pristine and healthy, engaging with certain critters, and understanding how different aquatic creatures are taken care of.
This place however has no age limitations but for the BTS tour kids of 6 or over are permitted.
20. Upper Limits Indoor Rock Climbing Gym
Upper Limits Indoor Mountain Climbing Gymnasium is an internationally recognized destination in downtown ST. Louis.
Why visit?
Have a thrilling and enjoyable afternoon inside at Upper Limits Indoor Rock Climbing Gymnasium, which has bouldering walls for people of all levels of skill.
It offers introductory lessons, family programs, summertime girls’ camps, and much more.
Straps, weekly permits, a chalked pack, footwear, and abseiling gear are all included in their group plan.
There aren’t any age restrictions, although kids under the age of Thirteen should be supervised by an adult on all occasions.
21. Myseum
Myseum, an immersive kids’ activity spot, and enclosed playroom debuted in 2012.
Why visit?
Take your kids to Myseum for an educational and entertaining experience.
Your kids may enjoy enjoyable exercises and games while discovering wildlife, physics, aliens, as well as other topics.
It offers a prehistoric dig, an exterior play area, various-sized riddles, animated video systems, gigantic stones, and other features.
It is also a great venue to commemorate your kid’s celebration, with options and a private office available for special occasions.
It contains engaging projects, complete museum admission, a small gift, craft supplies, and other goodies.
Myseum is available to all ages, however, it is excellent for youngsters aged two and above.
22. Missouri Botanical Garden
The Missouri Botanical Nursery, commonly known as Shaw’s Orchard, was established in 1859.
It has Late Victorian architecture and is among the nation’s largest plant sanctuaries.
Why visit?
This family-friendly destination is ideal for immersing yourself in humanity’s greatest splendor while on holiday.
It features thematic landscapes, horticulture workshops, special occasion bundles, and much more.
Your children will especially enjoy navigating a hedge labyrinth, playing in a playroom, and taking part in an activation state.
Visit the Butterfly House and the Natural history museum, which contain a minimum of 7 million species.
It also features a cafe that allows you to experience a variety of delicious foods with your children, such as fresh vegetables and other baked products.
It also offers a restaurant that allows you to experience fresh lettuce, varied cakes and cookies, decorated hamburgers, tortillas, corn dogs, and mozzarella pies with your children.
This playground is available to people of all ages, however, certain events have age restrictions.
Check their website ahead of time to discover more about their limitations.
23. Saint Louis Art Museum
The St Louis Arts Center is a three-story gallery in National Forest that was built in the early 1900s.
Why visit?
Does your family include any art lovers?
Then, this is among the most enjoyable things to do when visiting Saint Louis with children
View artworks, architectural treasures, numerous types of artworks, cultural artifacts, as well as other artifacts from across the globe.
It has live entertainment on ceremony, sightseeing tours, movie screenings, changing exhibits, a stunning botanic garden, and much more.
After viewing the exhibition, explore the gift stores and purchase mementos to remember your trip.
Gadgets, abstract painting presents, publications, cosmetics, purses, riddles, sports, and a plethora of other goods are available for sale.
24. Eat Saint Louis Food Tours
The scents of garlicky, roasted vegetables, fresh loaves of bread, cheery Italian accents, and the ambiance of a lively town will have you delighted and wanting to explore more as you wander around the St Louis Street area. EAT Saint Louis Food Tours now only provides Taste of the Hills, but they’ve done such a good job that even residents are accompanying them to witness the fascinating tour firsthand.
Why visit?
Tour operators will lead visitors on a 3 hr tour of small-town pizza restaurants, pasta stores, salami manufacturers, and charcuterie. You will be able to sample their wares and converse with them concerning the area, its culture, and the lifestyle of the Italian immigrants who have settled in this region.
You can not try all the delicacies on a trip, but make sure to return; the people here are very welcoming.
25. World Chess Hall of Fame
The World Chess Hall of Fame is an NPO that hosts globally renowned exhibits that investigate the connections between chessboard, literature, artwork, and society.
Why visit?
The Hall of Fame is situated in the downtown West End area of Saint Louis. The United States Chess Foundation, a division of the U. S. Chess Association, was formed in the mid-1980s. The Chess Hall of Fame is the only institution of its sort, with a wide range of events exploring the relationship between artistry and games. The United States Hall of Fame presently has 51 honorees, featuring some popular names. The World Chess Hall of Fame’s goal is to instruct and enlighten tourists, professionals, enthusiasts, and researchers about the brainstorming board game of chess and its cultural significance.
26. Forest Park
Forest Park, situated on Grand Drive in the western section of Saint Louis, is a huge public nature reserve that debuted in the mid-1870s.
Why visit?
The Forest park, which spans approximately 1300 acres, has held significant events including the 1904 Summer Olympic games and the Louisiana Territory Exposition. The Missouri Art Museum, the Saint Louis Museum Of fine arts, the Saint Louis Research Facility, and the Saint Louis Zoo are all located here.
The park’s landscape of numerous ponds, grasslands, lakes, rivers, and woods has lately been renovated. The park’s grassland and marshes regions have also been rehabilitated, leading to a rise in the number of birdlife and other species.
27. The Caramel House
It might be difficult to get the rightly caramelized treat; it should be pleasantly smooth and gooey, and it needs to dissolve on the tongue without remaining to your tooth. Thankfully, Janet Ansehl Shulman not only developed the ideal crème but also put some fantastic tastes into her concoction, and so The Caramel House was formed.
Why visit?
Her offerings are fully handcrafted and packed in sustainable packaging.
Visit her business on Olive Boulevard to discover how she produces these tempting little delights. They are also available in numerous locations throughout the country, and customers are able to purchase them on the internet. Browse their web page to see what new varieties she has lately.
Consider some crispy crackers dipped in mildly salted caramel laced with wine or chilies. Whichever you decide, The Caramel House won’t let you down.
28. Creve Coeur Lake Memorial Park
Creve Coeur Lake Recreation Area, with 2200 acres, is the biggest park in the Saint Louis Metro parks department. The park, which is nestled in Missouri’s Maryland Hills neighborhood, has something for everybody.
Why visit?
Throughout hotter seasons, tourists may spend the day cycling around the park or hiring a surfboard, canoe, or paddling to enjoy the afternoon on the ocean. The 4 km concrete circular route that circles the lake provides stunning vistas and is great for cyclists, joggers, pedestrians, and even depiction. There are also water-element playgrounds, arcades, and other amenities in Creve Coeur Lake Memorial Park.
29. St, Louis Symphony Orchestra
The Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra, formed in 1880, is the nation’s second-oldest quartet after the New York Philharmonic. Extra kick Auditorium, a 2700-couch auditorium in central Saint Louis, is its present location. In addition to regular concerts at Powel Hall, the Saint Louis Philharmonic Symphony acts as the permanent orchestra at the Saint Louis Opera Center.
Why visit?
The Saint Louis Chamber Orchestra, regarded as among the greatest in the nation, has traveled to Korea and Germany, performed often at Carnegie Hall, recorded CDs, and received seven Academy Awards. As a result of the Community Joint Partnership, the orchestra’s members provide thousands of free concerts in classrooms, recreation centers, hospitals, and other venues annually.
Conclusion
Saint Louis, Missouri, is most renowned for its 650 ft International Arch, but in contrast to the famous landmark, the area offers numerous other amazing things to discover. Visit the Saint Louis Art Gallery, dine at amazing eateries, wander around the gardens, witness a Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra concert, and tour the Mildred Lane Kemper Museum Of art.
The Magic House, Grant’s Farms, City Park, the circus, and the St Louis Science Center are among the greatest things to do in Saint Louis kids. We consider contacting the activities and eateries in advance to confirm the current hours of operation.
