Visiting St. Louis with Kids

Lisa R:  This National Historic Landmark site was once home to one of the most advanced cities in the ancient world before it was mysteriously abandoned in 1300 AD. Its residents left more than 120 massive earth mounds that stretched into present day St. Louis. Today, the best artifacts from the area are housed in the Cahokia Mounds Interpretive Center, which sits amidst 2,200 acres of scenic trails. Visits can be tailored for all ages and interest levels: explore the museum, take a guided tour, or plan to hike on your own.

Ages: All ages

Cost: Suggested admission $7/adult, $2/child.

Lisa R:   The Gateway Arch is Saint Louis's most iconic structure and, at 63 stories high, is the tallest arch in the world. The view at the top stretches 30 miles on either side. Tram tours to the top last 45-60 minutes and includes a pre-boarding show with 60's era animation and Gateway Arch trivia and may include admission to other ongoing exhibits. Kids love the tram and view, but must be able to climb six flights of stairs (96 steps total) and stand for 30-60 minutes. No strollers are permitted and there are no restrooms at the top.

Ages: All

Cost: $13/ages 16 and up, $10/ages 3-15, free 2 and under

Channel your inner Mark Twain with a one hour, narrated river boat tour on a real 19th century paddle-wheel boat. Riverboats were once the only way to travel the Mississippi, and no deep dive into St. Louis history is complete without understanding their importance. Each tour is narrated by the boat captain or a National Park Service Ranger and highlights the history and ongoing importance of the Mississippi River. Kids will love watching the paddle wheel and other boats on the water as you float by the St. Louis skyline.

Lisa R:  Built in 1845, the Field House Museum was once home of children's poet Eugene Field and his father, Roswell Martin Field, who was an attorney in the Dred Scott case. Today the Field House pays homage to the Victorian Era. Its permanent collections include items owned by the Field family, a large historic book collection, and dolls and toys from the 1790's to today. The large toy collection has its own rotating exhibit space and helps kids imagine what it was like to live in the past.

Cost: $10/adults, $5/ ages 7-16, ages 6 and under are free.

Lisa R:  For a memorable, kid friendly bite in St. Louis, swing by the city's oldest authentic soda fountain and candy shop. Founded in 1913, the store hit its stride in the 50's and still retains the look and feel of that era, complete with jukeboxes and all-American diner fare for lunch and dinner. Of course, don't expect the kids to let you leave without dessert! In addition to homemade chocolate candy, Crown Candy serves up tons of tempting malts and shakes from days gone by. Everything can be boxed to go, so if you're looking for a sweet gift to take home, this is the place to go.

If a home game at the Cardinal's "retro-style downtown ballpark" doesn't fit your schedule, one hour stadium tours are offered year round and take visitors up to the Radio Broadcast Booth, down to the dugouts, and everywhere in-between. Tours are wheelchair and stroller friendly, travel a 1/2 mile in total, and include the Cardinal's Hall of Fame Museum, where you'll find players signing memorabilia most Saturdays.

Lisa R:  No list of St. Louis musts is complete without this epic children's museum made from salvaged St. Louis history. Kids and adults will climb and slide through some of the most unique constructed landscapes you'll ever find, including caves and a 10 story slide. Here you'll find all the children's museum staples you expect (craft area, toddler town, cafes), and plenty of things you never thought possible. Be sure to wear closed toed shoes and bring a flashlight! No outside food permitted.

Ages: All. See here for exhibit specific restrictions.

Cost: $14 ages 3 & up. Parking is $10 (cash only).

Lisa R:  The 79 acres of indoor and outdoor horticultural displays at the Missouri Botanical Garden are a breathe of fresh air in a hectic world. Kids love the interactive, outdoor Children's Garden filled with climbing structures inspired by some of Missouri's favorite natural and man-made treasures. Once you're done there, wind down with a stroll through six themed international gardens, visit the oldest greenhouse west of the Mississippi, and marvel at the 70 foot tall geodesic dome.

Ages: All

Cost: $12 ages 13 & over. Free for ages 12 & under. Children's garden $5 for kids 3-12.

Lisa R:  This 11,000 seat amphitheater in Forest Park (itself home to the 1904 Olympics) is the oldest and largest outdoor stage in the United States. Nowadays, the Muny packs its summer line-up with crowd pleasing musicals. While most shows are family friendly, the 'Show Guidelines' sections on Muny's website give a detailed breakdown of non G-rated content. All performances are preceded by a free, pre-show festival where you'll find local performers, crafts, and games.

Ages: All welcome

Cost: Tickets start at $15 (even infants require a ticket). Find out how to snag a free seat here.

The St. Louis Zoo is home to 16,000+ animals that include rare and endangered species from all over the world as well as more familiar favorites, like goats and guinea pigs, that kids can pet. You'll find nature-themed play areas that include water features, sandboxes, and climbing structures, a narrated train ride, a carousel, a 4D theater, and lots of shows and public feedings. Budget lots of time for his one, because there's no way you can see it all.

Lisa R:   If you're need to cool off in Delmar Loop (just steps from Washington University, the Loop Trolley, Walk of Fame, and zoo), pop in to this cool, mid-century themed soda-shop and restaurant. Every seat on the first floor has a prime view of the refurbished 1940's bottling line, which turns out a bottle of root beer, cream, or orange soda every second. The food menu is packed with crowd pleasing American favorites and you can sample the full line of Fitz craft sodas while you eat.

Once the home of President Grant and later purchased by the Busch family, Grant's Farm celebrates the legacy of both American legends. Visitors can explore Grant's 1855 four-room cabin or pet an official Anheuser-Busch Clydesdale in the stables. An on-site zoo hosts exotic and domestic animals and educates and entertains through live shows. Unique attractions include a free tram ride and camel rides. Cap your trip off at the beer garden where the whole family can get a bite to eat.

Kelly R:  A beautiful park with plenty of room to wander and check out 70+ large-scale works of art, including a giant eyeball.

Lisa R:  If you have a kid that loves anything that goes, then nothing beats this museum full of vintage trains, buses, trams, and cars. The museum goes the extra mile to make sure the majority of exhibits are kid friendly, and includes an indoor play space just for ages 5 and under. Pick a sunny day and plan for a lot of walking, as most exhibits are outside. Call ahead to check the Miniature Train ride and Ride-on Handcar schedules, as you won't want to miss these seasonal favorites.

Ages: All

Cost: $10/adult, $5/kids 3-12. Miniature train and handcar rides $5. Creation Station is $2.

Lisa R:   For an affordable base location for exploring St. Louis, this highly rated campground is great for novice outdoors-men. Accommodations range from rustic tent sites all the way up to an authentic Route-66 caboose retrofitted with a full bath, cable TV, and a queen bed. Site amenities include a jumping pillow, basketball court, barrel train rides and a heated pool. Saint Louis is a 30 minute drive away, but with to many fun family activities and crafts hosted at the campground, you may never leave.

Cost: Prices vary seasonally. Tent sites as low as $29/night