15+ BEST Things to Do in St. Louis with Kids + 2026 Family Guide
Looking for the best things to do in St. Louis with kids? St. Louis is a fantastic family destination. The city is packed with world-class attractions (many of them free) and sits right in the heart of the Midwest, making it an easy and affordable weekend getaway for families. From iconic landmarks to hands-on science museums and spectacular outdoor spaces, St. Louis has plenty to keep children of all ages entertained.
*Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something we have recommended. Please check out our disclosure policy for more details. Thank you for your support!
Where to Stay in St. Louis with Kids
Budget: Drury Plaza Hotel St. Louis at the Arch
Right in the heart of downtown, the Drury Plaza Hotel St. Louis at the Arch is a great option. The Gateway Arch is steps away, Busch Stadium is a short walk, and Union Station is within easy reach. There’s free breakfast and a complimentary happy hour in the evening. The indoor pool and hot tub are great for winding down with the kids after a busy day, and rooms come with microwaves and refrigerators. CHECK RATES HERE
Mid-Range: Hilton St. Louis at the Ballpark
Right in the heart of downtown, adjacent to Busch Stadium and close to the Gateway Arch, the Hilton at the Ballpark is a fantastic mid-range choice for families. The location is excellent, rooms are spacious (some overlook the ballpark), and there’s an indoor pool. The proximity to the stadium makes it ideal if you’re planning to catch a Cardinals game. CHECK RATES HERE
Luxury Splurge: Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis
For a truly special family stay, the Four Seasons offers stunning views of the Gateway Arch, an outdoor pool, incredible service, and spacious rooms. It’s a splurge, but the experience is unforgettable. Its central location is steps from the Arch and City Museum. CHECK RATES HERE
How to Get Around St. Louis
St. Louis is fairly spread out, but most family-friendly attractions are clustered in a few key areas. Here’s how to navigate it with kids:
Car/Rideshare: The easiest option for families, especially if you’re staying outside the city center. Parking is readily available at most attractions. Uber and Lyft are widely available throughout the city.
MetroLink Light Rail: St. Louis has a light rail system that connects the airport to downtown and several key stops. It’s a great option for a car-free day of exploring.
On Foot: Forest Park is very walkable and bikeable. Many of the park’s major attractions (the St. Louis Zoo, Art Museum, History Museum, and Science Center) are within walking distance of each other, making it perfect for a full family day out.
Trolley & Tours: Hop-on, hop-off bus tours are available and a great way to see the city’s highlights with kids. The Gateway Arch riverboat cruises are also a fun way to see the city from the water.
Top 10 Sights and Activities in St. Louis for Families
St. Louis has a large variety of family-friendly attractions, and many are free. Here are the top things to do in St. Louis with kids:
1. Gateway Arch National Park
No trip to St. Louis is complete without a visit to the iconic Gateway Arch. Standing 630 feet tall, it is the tallest national monument in the United States and a breathtaking sight from both the riverfront below and the tiny windows up top.
Kids will love the tram ride to the top of the arch. It’s a unique experience in pod-like capsules that travel through the inside of the arch. The underground museum at the base tells the story of westward expansion in an engaging, child-friendly way. Arrive early, especially in summer, as tram tickets sell out.
Tip: Book your tram tickets in advance online to avoid disappointment. The surrounding national park and riverfront area are free to explore.
2. Saint Louis Zoo
One of the best free zoos in the entire United States, the Saint Louis Zoo is consistently ranked among the top zoos in the country. With over 14,000 animals across 90 acres, you could easily spend an entire day here.
Highlights for kids include the Sea Lion Show, the Children’s Zoo, and giraffe feedings. In the summer months, the carousel and train rides are always a hit.
Tip: Go early on weekdays to beat the crowds, and pack a picnic.
3. City Museum
The City Museum is unlike anything else in the world, and kids absolutely go wild for it. Built inside a former shoe factory, it’s part museum, part playground, part architectural wonderland.
Children (and adults!) can crawl through tunnels, climb on giant structures made from repurposed urban materials, ride on the 10-story slide, and explore caves, a rooftop Ferris wheel, and an actual school bus hanging off the roof.
This is one of those rare attractions that feels magical for every age. Plan to spend several hours exploring.
4. Missouri Botanical Garden
The Missouri Botanical Garden is one of the oldest botanical gardens in the United States, and it’s stunning. The Japanese Garden and Children’s Garden are highlights.
In summer, the Climatron (a geodesic dome housing a lush tropical rainforest) is a fascinating experience for curious kids. In winter, the Garden Glow light spectacular is not to be missed.
5. Saint Louis Science Center
The Saint Louis Science Center is a world-class museum that covers everything from dinosaurs and space to engineering and the human body. Kids of all ages can explore four floors of interactive exhibits, a working weather station, a planetarium, and an OMNIMAX theater.
The Science Center is great for school-age kids who love hands-on learning and interactive demonstrations. Plan on three to four hours here.
6. The Magic House – St. Louis Children’s Museum
Located in the suburb of Kirkwood (about 20 minutes from downtown St. Louis), The Magic House is one of the best children’s museums in the Midwest. With three floors of interactive exhibits covering science, art, math, and more, it’s designed for curious minds from toddlers to pre-teens.
Favorites include the giant ball run, the static electricity room, the tot spot, and the outdoor adventure area. This is a must-visit for families with young children.
7. Missouri History Museum
The Missouri History Museum is free and packed with fascinating exhibits on the history of St. Louis and the American West.
Kids will be captivated by the exhibits on the 1904 World’s Fair (held in St. Louis), Charles Lindbergh’s Spirit of St. Louis aircraft, and the story of the Lewis and Clark expedition.
The museum makes history come to life through vivid displays, artifacts, and hands-on elements.
8. St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium
If there are baseball fans in the family, you’ll want to catch a St. Louis Cardinals game at Busch Stadium. The Cardinals are one of the most storied franchises in baseball history, and it’s a ton of fun.
The stadium is family-friendly, with great food options, a kids’ play area, and stunning views of the Gateway Arch beyond the outfield. Check the Cardinals’ schedule and book tickets in advance for popular matchups.
Hang around outside the stadium in Ballpark Village before and after the game. Here you’ll find concerts, festivals, and restaurants that only add to the electric atmosphere of game day.
9. Grant’s Farm
Grant’s Farm is a free, 281-acre wildlife park and historic estate that was once home to Ulysses S. Grant. Today, it’s owned by the Busch family (of Anheuser-Busch) and is one of the most beloved family attractions in the region.
Kids love the Tier Garden, where you can hand-feed baby goats and see a variety of exotic animals, the Clydesdale horses (the famous Budweiser Clydesdales!), elephant demonstrations, and tour the animal paddocks.
10. Saint Louis Art Museum
The Saint Louis Art Museum is completely free and houses a stunning collection of more than 34,000 works spanning 5,000 years of art history. It’s the perfect introduction to art for older kids and teenagers.
The museum’s family programs, including hands-on art activities and gallery hunts for kids, make it engaging for younger visitors too. The view down Art Hill to the park below is spectacular, and in winter, Art Hill becomes a popular sledding spot!
11. The St. Louis Wheel at Union Station
For sweeping views over the city and a guaranteed thrill for kids, The St. Louis Wheel at Union Station is a must. Standing 200 feet tall, this giant Ferris wheel is one of the tallest in the country, with spectacular views of the St. Louis skyline.
Union Station itself is well worth a visit after a ride on the wheel. The beautifully restored 1894 train station has been transformed into a lively entertainment complex. It’s home to a mini-golf course, a mirror maze, a ropes course, an aquarium, and plenty of dining options.
You could easily spend a full afternoon here, especially with little kids. It’s one of the best rainy-day options in St. Louis, and the combination of the Wheel’s views and the buzzing station atmosphere makes for a memorable family outing.
Best Parks in St. Louis for Kids
Forest Park
Forest Park is the crown jewel of St. Louis and one of the largest urban parks in the United States. It’s bigger than Central Park in New York City. It’s home to the Zoo, Art Museum, History Museum, and Science Center (all free!), as well as miles of walking and biking trails, a boathouse with paddle boats and kayaks, multiple playgrounds, and open green spaces.
Laumeier Sculpture Park
Laumeier Sculpture Park hassculptures scattered across 105 acres of open land and wooded trails. Kids love stumbling across the giant art installations, and there’s a wonderful sense of discovery as you explore the grounds.
Where to Eat in St. Louis with Kids
St. Louis has a fantastic food scene, with plenty of local restaurants to please kids of all ages. The city is famous for unique regional dishes, so don’t leave without trying them!
St. Louis-Style Pizza
The city’s signature thin, cracker-crust pizza topped with Provel cheese is polarizing but beloved. Imo’s Pizza is the local legend, and kids tend to love the crispy, gooey slices. There are several locations in the city.
Toasted Ravioli
A St. Louis original, these pasta pillows are breaded and deep-fried, and served with marinara sauce. Every kid loves them. Find them at just about any Italian-American restaurant in the city, but Charlie Gitto’s on the Hill makes an excellent version.
Ted Drewes Frozen Custard
A St. Louis institution since 1929, Ted Drewes on Chippewa Street is a must visit for families visiting the city. The frozen custard “concretes” (so thick they’re served upside down) are absolutely incredible. Go in the evening for the full St. Louis experience as locals line up out the door on summer nights.
Soda Fountains
St. Louis has a special claim to soda fountain history. The ice cream cone is said to have been popularized at the city’s 1904 World’s Fair, when an ice cream vendor ran out of dishes, and a nearby vendor rolled his waffles into cones to help out. That sweet legacy lives on across the city today.
Crown Candy Kitchen has been serving up old-fashioned sodas, malts, and banana splits since 1913, and stepping inside feels like traveling back in time. All ages will love the black-and-white tile floors, spinning stools, and handmade chocolates.
For a more modern take, Serendipity Homemade Ice Cream serves creative, seasonal flavors in a charming setting families love. A classic soda fountain stop is a quintessentially St. Louis experience that kids will talk about long after the trip.
2 Days in St. Louis Itinerary
Day 1: Forest Park and the Gateway Arch
Morning: Head to Forest Park and spend the morning at the Saint Louis Zoo. Arrive when it opens to beat the crowds. Plan around two to three hours to see the highlights.
Lunch: Have a picnic in Forest Park, or grab a bite at one of the park’s cafés.
Afternoon: Walk over to the Saint Louis Science Center for hands-on exhibits, a planetarium show, or an OMNIMAX film.
Evening: Head downtown to the Gateway Arch. Time your visit for the late afternoon and book tram tickets in advance. The riverfront and surrounding park are beautiful at sunset, and there are great dinner options nearby.
Day 2: City Museum, The Loop and Ted Drewes
Morning: Arrive at the City Museum when it opens and give yourselves a full morning to explore. Grab some great St. Louis BBQ at Pappy’s Smokehouse or Sugarfire Smoke House.
Afternoon: Visit the Missouri Botanical Garden if the kids still have energy. End your perfect St. Louis day with frozen custard at Ted Drewes.
Day Trips from St. Louis with Kids
There are some amazing day trips from St. Louis. Here are some of the best:
Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site (Illinois)
Ten miles east of downtown St. Louis across the Mississippi River, Cahokia Mounds is the site of the largest pre-Columbian Native American city north of Mexico. The earthen mounds (some as tall as a ten-story building) are amazing, and the museum tells the story of an ancient civilization that thrived here over 1,000 years ago.
It’s a free UNESCO World Heritage Site and a wonderful history lesson for kids. Plan one to two hours for the museum and a walk around the mounds.
Six Flags St. Louis
Located about 30 miles southwest of the city in Eureka, Six Flags St. Louis is a thrilling day out for families with older kids and thrill-seekers. The park features roller coasters, a water park, and plenty of family-friendly attractions. Book tickets online in advance for the best prices.
Meramec Caverns
About an hour southwest of St. Louis, the stunning Meramec Caverns are some of the most spectacular cave systems in the country. The guided tour through the caves is fascinating for kids and adults alike.
The caverns maintain a constant 60°F temperature year-round, making them a perfect summer escape from the heat or a great wet-weather option.
Hermann, Missouri
About 90 minutes west of St. Louis, Hermann is a charming German-heritage town surrounded by vineyards and rolling hills. It’s a lovely escape for families who want a quieter day trip. There are riverfront parks, historic museums, and wonderful bakeries. The drive itself is scenic and beautiful.
St. Louis is one of the great underrated family destinations in the United States and once you’ve experienced the joy of your kids spending a day at the City Museum, watched the sun set behind the Gateway Arch, and shared a Ted Drewes concrete on a warm evening, you’ll understand exactly why St. Louis families are so proud of their city.
