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10 Family Friendly Weekend Getaways from St Louis

Are you looking for the perfect weekend getaways from St. Louis? I’ve got you covered! We can’t always make the time for long vacations with the whole family, but don’t let that stop you from creating memories.

St. Louis is surrounded by great destinations perfect for a quick escape. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, charming small towns, or exciting attractions, there’s something for everyone. From exploring beautiful state parks to visiting historical sites and enjoying family-friendly activities, you’ll have the best time as a family!

If you’re looking for something a bit farther than a day trip from St Louis, here are 10 road trips from St Louis that are just a short drive away.

10 Family Friendly St. Louis Weekend Getaways - Kids Are A Trip

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Best Weekend Road Trips from St Louis with Kids

1. Head outdoors at Shawnee National Forest, Illinois

Roughly two hours from St. Louis is one of the most beautiful areas of southern Illinois, Shawnee National Forest. It’s the perfect escape from the city and the best place for a digital detox!

There are hiking trails for every age and skill level. You will also find fishing, a walk-in cave along the river, and even a swimming beach.

Shawnee National Forest waterfall

Want to make it an extra memorable experience? Sleep at a treehouse hotel at Timber Ridge Outpost! (Interested in a treehouse stay? Don’t miss these amazing treehouse rentals in the US).

Some top-notch hiking trails in the Shawnee National Forest to add to your bucket list include: Garden of the Gods Observation Trail, Rim Rock Trail, Bell Smith Springs Recreational Area, Pounds Hollow Beach, and Giant City State Park.

On the Way There – If you are not in a hurry, take the long route along the Mississippi River. Be sure to stop in the small town of Chester, home of Popeye! As long as your kids know who the spinach-eating muscle man is, they’ll enjoy the short detour.

2. Action-Packed Fun in Indianapolis, Indiana

Indianapolis is just under 4 hours from St. Louis, and it’s a treasure trove for family-friendly things to do. Nothing says fun like the World’s Largest Children’s Museum, am I right?

Touch sharks at the Indianapolis Zoo, float up in the sky in a helium balloon at Conner Prairie, feel like you’re in Europe biking the Canal Walk, or visit the oldest continuously operated race course in the world at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum.

Family Friendly Things to Do Indianapolis Zoo - Kids Are A Trip
Photo credit: Visit Indy

You can tour the state capitol building at the Indiana Statehouse or find yourself surrounded by butterflies at White River Garden!

On the Way There: About halfway through the drive is Casey, Illinois, home to many of the world’s largest items! It’s a lot of fun to take pictures standing in a giant mailbox, sitting in an oversized rocking chair, or seeing larger-than-life wind chimes, wooden shoes, knitting needles, a pencil, and a golf tee.

3. Take an Abraham Lincoln Tour in Springfield, Illinois

Home to one of the most well-known and beloved Presidents in our nation’s history, Springfield has a wealth of historical sites dedicated to Abraham Lincoln. Educational and entertaining, everyone in the family will enjoy a short weekend getaway while learning a thing or two.

Do not miss the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum. History comes to life with exhibits that follow Lincoln from the log cabin at the very beginning to the White House at the tragic end. Make sure to see the two holographic, multimedia productions where you’ll be guessing whether or not you’re seeing real people.

Abraham Lincoln Home Springfield Illinois-Kids Are A Trip
Abraham Lincoln’s Home

Afterward, take a tour of the only home Lincoln ever owned. The Lincoln Home National Historic Site is where he rose from a thriving lawyer to an influential politician.

Finally, visit the Lincoln Tomb and 117-foot Monument in Oak Ridge Cemetery. This is where Abraham Lincoln, Mary Todd Lincoln, and 3 of their 4 children are buried.

As you leave, make sure to rub Lincoln’s nose on the bronze bust for good luck!

4. Go on an Adventure in Sullivan, Missouri

If you are looking for an action-packed getaway that’s not too far from the city, head over to Meramec State Park. It’s the perfect place to spend the weekend canoeing, cave exploring, and zip-lining. This is one of our favorite Missouri tourist attractions.

With over 6,000 caves, Missouri is known as “The Cave State”. The largest one is found an hour away from St. Louis. Meramec Caverns have been open to the public since 1933 and are said to have been the hideout of outlaw Jesse James.

Things-to-Do-Meramec-River-Kids-Are-A-Trip
Photo credit: Angela Essington

Meramec Caverns are also home to the Caveman Zip Line, where you can soar through the treetops and swing high in the sky. The four lines run from 250 feet to 1,250 feet and reach up to 50 MPH. Please note: Participants for zip lining must be 10 years or older and weigh at least 80 pounds and less than 250 pounds.

Another great area to discover in Sullivan is the beautiful Meramec River by canoe or kayak. On your float trip, you will see soaring limestone bluffs and beautiful tree-lined landscapes. There’s always a possibility of spotting wildlife like eagles or river otters!

On the Way There: Take the historic Route 66 right to Sullivan, stopping at the Route 66 State Park in Eureka and a huge rocking chair roadside attraction in Fanning.

5. Follow in the Footsteps of Mark Twain in Hannibal, Missouri

Take a trip to a small town that had a big impact on the literary world. Samuel L. Clemens, a.k.a. Mark Twain, grew up in Hannibal, Missouri. It’s where he drew most of his inspiration for the American classic novels he wrote, “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” and “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.”

Located on the banks of the Mississippi River only 100 miles northwest of St. Louis, the river town is a great place for a quick family getaway.

Step back into the 1800s with a visit to the Mark Twain Boyhood Home and the houses of the real people who inspired Twain’s characters, Huckleberry Finn and Becky Thatcher!

What-to-Do-Hannibal-Missouri-Kids-Are-A-Trip
Photo credit: Angela Essington

Tour the mysterious and dark cave that Mark Twain himself wandered through as a child and references in five of his books. Or hop on a riverboat cruise to learn about life on the Mississippi. 

If that’s not enough to keep you busy, stop in the Big River Train Town and Museum where the kids are handed a whistle and encouraged to work the switchboard.

For a truly unique experience, you could plan your weekend around the Twain on Main Festival held annually over Memorial Day Weekend!

6. Get out on the water at Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri

If you’re looking for fun in the sun, Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri, is one of the best weekend getaways from St. Louis for families. Just about 3 hours away from downtown St. Louis, this destination is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the water.

Lake of the Ozarks Missouri

Choose from a variety of water activities on the stunning Lake of the Ozarks, including boating, fishing, and swimming.

If you’re up for some exploration, the area boasts beautiful hiking trails with scenic views and opportunities to spot local wildlife.

Does your family love water parks? The Big Surf Waterpark in Linn Creek is a must-visit. It has water slides, a lazy river, a wave pool, and a kiddie area with child-size water slides!

7. Have a city break in Kansas City, Missouri

With so many best things to see and do, Kansas City promises a memorable and fun-filled weekend, especially if you’re looking for something to do with the kids during winter break.

The Kansas City Zoo is a must-visit. This massive zoo and aquarium is most popular for its kid-friendly hands-on exhibits and its Penguin March, which happens every weekend between the end of November through March!

World War 1 Museum Kansas City

Science City at Union Station offers engaging learning experiences and exciting exhibits that kids will love. LEGO fans will want to visit the LEGOLAND Discovery Center, with its rides, building workshops, and impressive LEGO displays. It’s located inside the Crown Center Mall, where you can also find unique shops, dining, and family-friendly attractions.

Nearby, you can visit the National WWI Museum and Memorial at the beautiful Penn Valley Park. And don’t miss the chance to catch a Royals baseball game at Kauffman Stadium or cheer on the Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium.

8. Find endless opportunities for fun in Branson, Missouri

Branson is known for its vibrant live music scene, thrilling theme parks, and beautiful outdoor spaces. It’s perfect for families looking for a nice mix of entertainment and adventure.

The city offers a wide range of family-friendly shows that will keep everyone entertained. If you can get tickets in advance, I recommend “The Haygoods,” a high-energy show with music, acrobatics, and pyrotechnics!

Branson Missouri downtown

The tourist attractions for families are truly endless! One of the top attractions is Silver Dollar City, a fantastic theme park with tons of things to do. The park includes White Water Water Park and a campground with cabins, tent sites, and RV hookups.

In addition to all of the great entertainment options, Branson also has beautiful outdoor spaces that are great for a scenic hike, as well as opportunities to book fishing charters or get in the water at Table Rock Lake.

9. Learn about local history in Jefferson City, Missouri

Looking for an educational trip during the lazy days of summer? Head to Jefferson City, Missouri’s capital. Nestled along the banks of the Missouri River, this destination has both local history and outdoor fun.

Spend your mornings exploring historic sites like the Missouri State Capitol, checking out both stunning architecture and interesting exhibits.

In the afternoon, you can take a scenic riverboat tour to soak in the beautiful views. Or spend a whole day hiking or cycling local trails, especially the Katy Trail State Park!

If you’re interested in a romantic getaway without the kids, head to the Hermann Wine Trail. Located between Jefferson City and St. Louis, it’s a great area to sample local wines and enjoy the charming vineyard scenery.

10. Check out the culture and history of Memphis, Tennessee

Memphis, Tennessee, stands out as one of the best weekend getaways from St. Louis with kids, whether you’re exploring cultural landmarks or enjoying the great outdoors! With so many quality things to do in Memphis, the trickiest part is deciding what to do in just a few days.

The National Civil Rights Museum provides a powerful educational experience with interactive exhibits that highlight the Civil Rights Movement.

Memphis evening lights

For music lovers and fans of Elvis, you’ll want to plan a visit to Graceland. Or take a stroll along Beale Street, known for its music scene, street performers, and delicious Southern cuisine.

Don’t forget about Mud Island Park, sitting on the Mississippi River. It makes for the perfect day out, with outdoor activities, like a riverwalk, pedal boats, green spaces, and biking trails.

Things to Do in St. Louis with Kids

Maybe you just can’t drive that far away from home this weekend. Don’t worry! You can plan the perfect St. Louis staycation. Downtown, there’s the iconic Gateway Arch National Park and Busch Stadium, where you can catch a game or tour the stadium. 

Or plan a visit to Forest Park, home to the Missouri Botanical Garden and the St. Louis Zoo. And don’t miss trying St. Louis’s famous gooey butter cake!

For day trips, you can visit Bonne Terre, just an hour south of St. Louis. The main attraction here is the Bonne Terre Mine, which offers scuba diving in an underground mine filled with crystal-clear water. You can also explore nearby parks and enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and fishing.

If you’re looking for other Midwest adventures don’t miss French Lick, Indiana, Milwaukee, Wisconsin or Chicago!