St. Louis is an incredible place to raise a family – believe me, I’ve been doing it for a while now! But don’t just take my word for it; check out these fantastic things to do in St Louis with kids to see why this is an excellent place for kids to learn, grow, and thrive.
The St Louis Zoo is a place where you and your kids can truly experience the wild world we live in! They have over 16,000 animals you can visit any day for free, so anyone and everyone can explore the birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians that call The St Louis Zoo home. Yes, they have lions, tigers, and bears (oh my!). But they also lovingly care for gorillas, chimpanzees, lemurs, cheetahs and pumas, rhinos, elephants, and so many more!
While seeing the animals is always free, you can also purchase an adventure pass. This pass gives you and your kids access to attractions like the 4D Theatre, a Sea Lion Show, Dinosaurs, and the Zooline Railroad!
Your animal lovers can also get up close and personal with an Animal Tour. So they can interact with fantastic creatures like giraffes, birds of prey, penguins, sloths, and many others. It’s the perfect outing to get a little wild and spend time hanging out with some of the coolest animals on our planet right here in our backyard!
There is no doubt that if you are looking for things to do St Louis with kids, you must definitely check out the Gateway Arch! It is a landmark that is well known in the US, and it is not difficult to understand why. Standing tall at 630 feet, the arch is made with stainless steel, so it is simply breathtaking. You can take a tram ride to the top for some of the best views of the city and the Mississippi River – it’s really amazing up there! The tram ride only takes about four minutes each way, so it is a quick and easy excursion.
If you are visiting for the first time, make sure you go to the museum at the base of the arch. It is truly fascinating to learn about St. Louis and how the arch was an important factor in the westward expansion of the city. If you like history or just want to have fun with the family, you should not miss out on visiting the Gateway Arch.
Grant’s Farm is fun for the whole family, with an interactive petting zoo, carousel rides, and free beer tasting for the grown-ups! It’s a family-run business with roots going back to 1820, with its name still honoring original owners and occupants, Ulysses S. Grant and his family. August Anheuser Busch Sr (Yes, of THAT Anheuser Busch, hence the free beer tasting!) purchased it in 1903. It remains a beloved part of the Busch family to this day.
When you arrive, you and your family will take a tram through their Deer Park before being dropped off at the Tiergarten. There you will be able to bottle-feed baby goats and pet other farm animals. Throughout the year, there are seasonal events to attend and private tours of the property and its historic architecture. It’s a St. Louis mainstay that you definitely don’t want to miss!
The Magic House was recognized as the #2 children’s museum in the country by USA Today in 2021. For good reason! Since 1979, its mission has been educating visitors of all ages, encouraging them to become lifelong learners and explore the world through hands-on learning experiences.
With over 55,000 square feet of interactive exhibits, The Magic House lets kids train like St. Louis CITY soccer players in a training center made for younger players, create a world of imagination in the Children’s Village, and test the possibilities of science in the Wonder Why? Early Childhood Learning Lab.
There’s a Bubble Room, Outdoor Play Garden, and a STEAM Center that encourages kids to learn, ask questions, and play. And maybe make a little bit of a mess along the way. Check out their family events for specialty programming that are also fun for your whole crew!
I highly encourage you to check out these amazing things to do in St Louis with kids to see why our city is a fabulous place to be a kid – or a grown-up experiencing the world for a second time through your little learner’s eyes! Did I leave something off the list? Reach out and let me know what other amazing things you love doing with your kids here in St. Louis!
I’m all about helping fellow mothers, whether I’m telling you about my favorite spots in St. Louis or helping you capture the moments you remember forever. As a family photographer (and a mom myself!) I know how these moments fly by! I provide gorgeous images that let you have memories of this amazing stage for years to come. If you’ve been considering booking some family photos, we should chat! Contact me today to find out more.