St Louis is a family-friendly destination. When looking for things to do in St. Louis with kids, the list is quite long and can be overwhelming. It is hard to choose which attractions to visit. I hope this list helps you see which attractions will best fit your family and your trip!

We had such a great time during our visit to St Louis in the summer. I can’t wait to go back and explore more!

30 Fun Things to Do in St. Louis with Kids

St. Louis is a great family-friendly vacation destination. Here are some ideas of fun things to do in St. Louis with kids to help you plan your next family trip.

Fun Things to Do in St. Louis with Kids

St. Louis has plenty of fun things to do to keep the entire family entertained. Some of these are great for younger kids, some are educational for older kids, and some things can be enjoyed by everyone.

1. Gateway Arch & Museum

The Gateway Arch has become the iconic symbol of St. Louis. It is at the top of everyone’s list when they come to visit.

It is free to visit the Gateway Arch National Park and museum. The museum has been redone and is really nice. It displays exhibits about the Native Americans that lived in the area, westward expansion, the history of St. Louis, and the history of the Arch.

Ask the front desk for a Junior Ranger Book when you arrive. The book was very educational and had activities for each section of the museum. It was a little too advanced for my 5-year-olds, but older kids would learn a lot from it.

The tram ride to the top of the Arch costs money. You can also pay to watch the documentary, Monument to the Dream, about the arch.

The tram runs on the north and south sides of the arch. It is well-marked where you need to go. Before you ride to the top, they organize the groups and have you watch a video of pop culture history.

The tram ride to the top only lasts about 4 minutes. The top is basically a hallway with little windows to view below. They only give you a few minutes to view from here before ushering you back into the tram.

Tip: Purchase timed tickets in advance if you want to take the ride to the top. Do not count on there being availability on the day of your visit.

The Arch is even more impressive from the outside. Set aside some time to walk around or bring a blanket to sit and admire the view.

2. Riverboat Cruise

When you purchase tickets to ride to the top of the arch, you can add on a St. Louis Riverfront Cruise. It is a one-hour cruise. The captain gives you information about the area and the history as you go up and down the Mississippi River.

The cruise is offered multiple times per day. We chose the latest time slot in order to see the sunset behind the arch. It was beautiful.

You do not have to purchase tickets as a combo with the arch. It does give a little discount, though. Dinner cruises are an additional option.

3. City Museum

The City Museum is hard to describe. It is a multi-story indoor/outdoor playground with a large variety of things to do. It is a one-of-a-kind attraction. And, they keep adding to it!

The indoor area has multiple floors to explore. Some of the areas are themed. There is a dark cave, an aquarium, Skateless Park, and a tree house. They also have a circus and a 10-story spiral slide!

Step outside for even more fun! MonstroCity has lots of different slides and climbing areas. There are also two airplanes that you can climb into.

The rooftop and Pinball Hall cost extra but could add hours of fun. The Rooftop gives you access to the Ferris wheel, a few different slides, a multi-story climbing ladder, and more.

Here are some tips for your visit. First, wear long pants. The slides are rough and sliding down with shorts on is no fun.

Also, wear sneakers. This place is built for climbing on just about everything. You will definitely want to protect your toes by wearing closed-toed and comfortable shoes.

When you pay, every person in your party will get a wristband. There is a spot to write your phone number. DO THIS FOR KIDS. It is pretty easy to lose track of your kids.

My kids actually did a pretty good job of getting back to us every time. But, it is definitely possible to lose sight of them while they are climbing around in certain areas.

4. St. Louis Aquarium

The St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station is a whopping 120,000 square feet. They have a variety of galleries including freshwater and saltwater that are guaranteed to impress you and your kids.

The Confluence Gallery highlights the fish in the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers. The Global Rivers gallery showcases fish from South America, Africa, and Southeast Asia. The Changing Rivers gallery teaches about the other animals that make rivers their home including otters and turtles.

Ocean Shore allows you to explore the workings of tidal pools and allows you to feed sharks and stingrays. Shark Canyon gives you glimpses of sharks, rays, and other fish swimming harmoniously in the same habitat. The Deep showcases animals that produce light along with octopus and jellyfish.

The aquarium has timed ticketing. It is recommended to pre-purchase tickets. You can also purchase combo tickets that include additional Union Station attractions.

The Aquarium and Wheel ticket includes the St. Louis Ferris Wheel. The Fantastic 5 combo ticket includes the Aquarium, St. Louis Wheel, Carousel, Mini Golf, and Mirror Maze.

5. St. Louis Wheel

The St. Louis Wheel is a 200-foot-high observation wheel with 42 enclosed gondolas. Eight riders can fit into each gondola. One ride lasts about 15 minutes and takes you around 3 to 4 times.

The Wheel is lit up at night. This would be a good time to take a ride.

6. Grant’s Farm

Grant’s Farm is owned and operated by the Busch family. That is the same family that owns Anheuser-Busch that brews Budweiser. They have been letting visitors stop in at the farm for over 60 years.

You start the visit by taking a tram ride through part of the farm. Keep your eye out for free-roaming animals. We had a deer run right in front of the tram.

Once you have made it to the Tiergarten, you can walk around at your own pace. There is a variety of animals to see including farm animals and more exotic animals.

Don’t miss the Grant’s Farm Animal Friends show. It is short but gives an introduction to some of the animals on the farm as well as showcases their talents.

You can purchase bottles to feed goats or food sticks to feed parakeets. The carousel is another attraction that costs. Catch the tram back to the front when you are done looking around.

One of the best parts of Grant’s Farm is located at the end of the parking lot. That is where the Clydesdale barns and pastures are. You are allowed to see these famous Clydesdales up close. There was one horse in the barn that was very appreciative of people petting him on the head.

This area also has picnic tables if you want to pack a lunch. There are signs posted stating that food and drink are not allowed in the main area of Grant’s Farm.

Although Grant’s Farm does not charge admission, they do charge for parking. You can save a few dollars by prepurchasing your parking pass ahead of time through their website.

7. The Magic House

The Magic House is a place made completely for kids. With hundreds of interactive exhibits, your kids will have a great time.

The goal of The Magic House is to pique curiosity, spark imagination, and foster a lifelong love of learning. The list of exhibits goes on and on. Some are specifically designed for younger kids while other exhibits can be enjoyed by everyone.

On top of the indoor exhibits, there is plenty to do outdoors including a waterfall patio, nature play, and an outdoor play garden.

Outside food is not allowed in the museum. There is an outdoor area to eat a picnic lunch. You can also leave and return later in the day with an admission sticker.

8. Missouri Botanical Garden

The Missouri Botanical Garden is a beautiful 79 acres. The garden is divided into over 30 distinct gardens to represent the gardens typically found all around the world.

The Climatron building is impressive. It is a conservatory in the shape of a geodesic dome and contains over 2,800 tropical plants.

You are completely immersed in the lush green forest. The path winds you through the vegetation and allows you to see the beautiful water features that have been created.

One of the best parts of the Missouri Botanical Garden is the Japanese garden. It alone encompasses 14 acres. The gardens are stunning, relaxing, and tranquil. Bring some quarters to buy feed out of the machine for the Koi fish. The kids will love it.

Another area that the kids will enjoy is the Children’s Garden. There are four paths in this area for kids to explore: settler’s path, botanist’s path, adventurer’s path, and discoverer’s path.

The Children’s Garden is only open from April through October and does cost a little extra. If the temperature is over 70 degrees, the splash area also gets turned on. Pack a swimsuit and a change of clothes.

9. Myseum

Myseum is a combination of a children’s museum, science center, and indoor playground. It is designed for kids ages 2-12.

Myseum has over 30 exhibits. Some of them are glo-shapes, alien landscapes, dino dig, interactive video wall, and the magnetic ball wall. Socks are required in the exhibits.

You are allowed to bring in outside food and drinks.

Myseum has fewer exhibits than The Magic House. Myseum is a good option if you are wanting to visit somewhere less overwhelming. Otherwise, check out Magic House.

10. Museum of Transportation

The Museum of Transportation showcases all things planes, trains, and automobiles. It is the largest collection of transportation vehicles in the world. Check out the automobile building, station depot, train yard, streetcar loop, and more.

Trolley rides are included with admissions. Pay an additional fee for unlimited train rides and handcar rides.

Free Things to Do in St. Louis with Kids

There are so many things for families to do in St. Louis. I couldn’t believe how many of the attractions were completely free.

11. St. Louis Zoo

The St. Louis Zoo is amazing and free! My family spent 8 hours here during our visit.

The zoo is split into 6 areas, each a different color on the map. The River’s Edge area focuses on African and Asian animals including black rhinos, elephants, hippos, and hyenas.

Discovery Corner includes the Insectarium with a butterfly house. The Dinororaus with animatronic dinosaurs is also in this area. Lakeside Crossing has the amazing sea lion show and the stingray touch pool.

The Wild area is a highlight of the zoo. It houses a polar bear, penguins, puffins, red pandas, and apes. Historic Hill is the oldest part of the zoo. It includes various buildings showcasing birds, snakes, and primates.

Red Rocks has a variety of larger animals. Big cats, antelopes, camels, zebras, and giraffes are just some of the animals on display.

The train is a fun thing to do while visiting the zoo. It is not necessary if you are walking around the entire zoo, but it is a nice place to sit and relax for a bit.

The train runs around the outside of the zoo and stops at the different train stations as it goes. You can hop on and off whenever you like.

Want to see even more than the animals? Add on an Adventure Pass. It costs $17.95 per person.

It allows you to ride the carousel, ride on the train, see the dinosaurs, watch the amazing sea lion show, pet some stingrays, and watch a movie at the theater. Some of these attractions are only available in the warmer months.

Parking in the zoo’s north or south lot costs $15. There are some free parking areas within Forest Park.

12. Nature Playscape in Forest Park

Nature Playscape is an outdoor playground. Instead of having typical metal or plastic playground equipment, there are natural elements such as wood or water elements to play with. The elements are spread out which makes exploring the area feel like an adventure.

13. St. Louis Art Museum

The St. Louis Art Museum is a top-notch museum located conveniently near other popular attractions in the Forest Park area.

This museum has three levels. Level 1 galleries include Islamic, African, Oceanic, Ancient American, Decorative Arts, Textile, and Armor.

Level 2 houses the majority of the galleries. You can view Contemporary, Ancient, European, and Asian galleries on this level. Level 3 contains the Egyptian, Decorative Arts, American, and Native American galleries.

This museum is free. You can spend as much time here as you like. It is worth stopping in to at least take a quick look around.

14. St. Louis Science Center

The St. Louis Science Center is another free attraction to visit while in St. Louis with kids. Explore the three levels plus the planetarium.

The lower level has exhibits about dinosaurs, energy, and ecology. The first floor highlights space and life science. The second floor allows you to explore space and be an engineer.

They also have Omnimax Theater shows and Planetarium shows for a fee.

15. Missouri History Museum

Would you like to learn more about the history of St. Louis? The Missouri History Museum has you covered.

The museum has exhibits displaying information about the 1904 World’s Fair. It also spotlights the evolution of St. Louis’ commerce, culture, and technology.

History Clubhouse is a hands-on experience designed for kids. It allows kids to explore the history of St. Louis in an interactive space.

16. Citygarden

Citygarden is a sculpture park in downtown St. Louis. The path takes you by 24 sculptures and 6 rain gardens. Stop at the children’s spray plaza or the 180-foot-long pool for summer water fun.

Do you want to turn your visit into an educational art lesson? Take a look at Citygarden’s website for an educational self-guided tour worksheet.

17. Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site

Our family makes it a priority to stop at National Park Sites when traveling. The Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site is a nice place to visit.

This is the site of the White Haven estate, where Grant met Julia. The estate used to be 850 acres. Now you can see the remaining buildings: White Haven home, horse stable, ice house, chicken house, and summer kitchen.

Plan to spend an hour or two here. That is enough time to watch the informational film, take a guided ranger tour of the house, view the museum, and have your kids earn their junior ranger badge.

The junior ranger booklet is very good and has a scavenger hunt page in it. This even kept my five-year-olds occupied during the tour. Reservations are not required.

18. Laumeier Sculpture Park

Another free sculpture park in St. Louis is the Laumeier Sculpture Park. It displays over 70 large-scale sculptures within its’ 105 acres.

There are three paths in the park. The Art Hike Trail is 0.77 miles long and takes about 45 minutes to complete.

The Central Pathway is about 0.64 miles long and takes around 25 minutes to complete. The Western Wooldalnd Trail is only 0.15 miles long and takes about 10 minutes to complete.

19. Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center

Do you like to add nature to your trips? The Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center is a great option for kids. Learn about the native plants and animals at the Nature Center.

There are three trails in the area. They are all paved and start near the parking area. The Broken Ridge Trail is a 0.67-mile-long loop. The Tanglevine Trail is also a paved loop but is only 0.33 miles long.

The Hickory Ridge Trail has two parts. You can do a 0.5-mile loop or add on a 1.2-mile loop.

Best Places to Stay in St. Louis with Kids

St. Louis has many neighborhoods. Some are better than others for families. Here are the best areas to stay in St. Louis with kids. Downtown St. Louis is one of the best options for its convenient location to the main attractions.

The Forest Park area is another great place to stay with kids. It is close to a lot of the kid-friendly attractions that you will want to visit.

The Central West End and Soulard neighborhoods are more authentic neighborhoods in the city. We enjoyed our stay in an Airbnb in the Soulard neighborhood.

Fun Things to Do Near St. Louis with Kids

20. Purina Farms

Purina Farms is a great place to take the kids. The Incredible Dog Arena has daily canine performances showcasing diving, agility, and flying disc abilities. There is also a cow-milking demonstration.

Other activities include wagon rides, interactive exhibits, a petting area, a play area, and an indoor theater.

Purina Farms is open during the warmer months of April through October. They also offer themed events throughout the year. Check their calendar for the latest schedule.

Purina Farms is located about 40 miles southwest of St. Louis.

21. Adventure Valley Zip Line

Swing high above the ground going up to 50 miles per hour on a 10-zipline canopy tour. The tour takes between one and two hours to complete depending on the size of your group. There is a weight restriction of 250 pounds and a max 44″ waist.

It is recommended to make a reservation for the ziplining tour. Adventure Alley also offers paintball and airsoft.

Adventure Valley is located about 28 miles southwest of St. Louis.

22. Six Flags

From kid rides to thrill rides, Six Flags is sure to be a fun time for your family. Load up on funnel cakes, turkey legs, and hot dogs. There are plenty of rides to satisfy all levels of thrill seekers in your family.

Most of the kid rides have a minimum height requirement of 36″ to ride solo. If your child is at least 42″ tall, that opens up even more ride options. The larger roller coasters have a minimum height requirement of 48″ or more.

Hurricane Harbor is another option if you are visiting during the summer months. Beat the heat by dipping into the pool, zipping down water slides, or floating on the lazy river.

Six Flags is located about 30 miles southwest of St. Louis.

23. Endangered Wolf Center

It isn’t every day that you get to see a wolf up close. Take a guided tour at the Endangered Wolf Center to learn about these impressive creatures.

The most popular tour is the endangered species tour. This tour highlights why wolves are important and allows you to see the wolves, foxes, and African painted dogs that live here. The tour lasts about 90 minutes and is a mile long.

For an extra special experience, book a private tour, a fox encounter, or add on an enrichment experience.

Endangered Wolf Center is located about 25 miles southwest of St. Louis. It is required to make advance reservations.

24. Mastodon State Historic Site

Mastodon State Historic Site is significant for being the first place with evidence that humans and the American mastodon coexisted. There is a museum, hiking trails, picnic tables, and a playground which makes this a great place to visit with kids.

The museum contains artifacts, exhibits, and an interpretive video about the site. There is also a mastodon skeleton replica. The museum does charge a small fee for ages 13 and up.

There are three hiking trails to explore. Wildflower Trail is a 0.5-mile loop by the Kimmswick Bone Bed where scientific discoveries were made. Spring Branch Trail is a 0.8-mile loop that is a leisurely hike through the bottomland. Limestone Hill Trail is a 2-mile loop on steep and rugged terrain.

Mastodon State Historic Site is located about 24 miles southwest of St. Louis.

25. Meramec Caverns

Meramec Caverns is the largest commercial cave in the state of Missouri. It has some unique features including the Wine Table and the Theatre Room Light Show. The cave is also a known hideout spot of the infamous Jesse James.

Guided walking tours are the only way to view the cave. The tour lasts about 80 minutes and covers 1.25 miles. The pathways are well-lit and easy to navigate.

There are a few things that you should know before your visit. Strollers are not permitted in the cave. You do not need to make a reservation ahead of time.

The cave stays at a constant 58 degrees Fahrenheit. You may want to bring a jacket with you as well as wear comfortable shoes.

Meramec Caverns is located about 65 miles southwest of St. Louis.

26. The Historic Daniel Boone Home at Lindenwood Park

The Historic Daniel Boone Home at Lindenwood Park preserves the final home of Daniel Boone along with many other structures that existed in the nearby area. The Village contains buildings such as a general store, schoolhouse, and grist mill. The entire complex is 300 acres.

You can walk the park grounds and village grounds for free. There is a fee for guided tours of the Daniel Boone Home.

The Historic Daniel Boone Home is located about 42 miles west of St. Louis.

27. Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site

Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site preserves the remains of the prehistoric native civilization that once thrived here until the 1300s. It is a U.S. National Historic Landmark as well as a United Nations World Heritage Site for its significance in the prehistory of North America.

The interpretive center is a good place to start your visit. It has an orientation film, a recreated village, and specialty exhibits featuring various aspects of the life of this civilization.

When you are finished viewing the interpretive center, pick up an inexpensive guidebook from the museum shop and set out to explore the Plaza, Monks Mound, and Woodhenge.

The interpretive center is closed for renovations. It is not expected to reopen until 2025. Check the Cahokia Mounds State Historic Website for the latest update.

Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site is located about 10 miles east of St. Louis.

28. National Great Rivers Museum

The National Great Rivers Museum is a 12,000-square-foot facility that showcases the importance and history of the Mississippi River. The interactive exhibits are great for keeping the kids entertained.

A highlight is taking a free guided tour of the Melvin Price Lock and Dam. Tours last about 45 minutes. You can also watch an educational video or two in the Discovery Theater.

National Great Rivers Museum is located about 25 miles north of St. Louis.

29. Raging Rivers Waterpark

Raging Rivers Waterpark is a 4-acre complex with tube slides, speed slides, a lazy river, and an aquatic play area for younger kids.

It isn’t as impressive as Hurricane Harbor at Six Flags, but it is significantly less expensive. If you are looking for some time in the water without breaking the bank, this might be a good option for your family.

Raging Rivers Waterpark is located about 40 miles north of St. Louis.

30. Aerie’s Resort

If you want to keep the fun going after visiting the Raging Rivers Waterpark, check out the nearby Aerie’s Resort. They offer zipline tours, open-chair rides, an alpine coaster, and enclosed gondola rides. You can also grab lunch at the top and enjoy the beautiful views.

Aerie’s Resort is located about 41 miles north of St. Louis.

Map of What to Do in St. Louis

Is St. Louis a good place to visit with kids?

St. Louis is a great place to visit with kids! Honestly, I was a little bit surprised by how much our entire family enjoyed the city. There is a little bit of everything to keep the adults and kids happy. There are popular tourist sites, numerous museums, and quite a few places designed specifically for kids.

How many days to spend in St. Louis with kids?

For a St. Louis family vacation, You need a minimum of 2 days. That would only be visiting the highlights. Three to four days allows you to see a wider variety of the St. Louis sights. Spending even more days would allow you to see some of the specialty museums and take some day trips from St. Louis.

Conclusion: Fun Things to Do in St. Louis with Kids

If you are spending one day or an entire week in St. Louis, there are plenty of things to do to keep the entire family entertained. St. Louis really has it all: history, architecture, animals, art, and adventure. I hope you enjoy your visit as much as my family did!

Interested in other things to do in Missouri? Check out my posts about Christmas in Branson or Bluff Dwellers Cave in Noel.