St. Louis offers several standout attractions for families. The Saint Louis Zoo in Forest Park is a major highlight, featuring free admission, engaging exhibits, and seasonal experiences like the Zoo Lights. The Saint Louis Science Center is another favorite, with hands-on STEM exhibits, a planetarium, and an OMNIMAX theater. Families also enjoy the Magic House, St. Louis Children’s Museum, which provides interactive learning through play in themed areas such as a pretend neighborhood, art studio, and science lab. City Museum offers a unique blend of art, repurposed architectural elements, and massive indoor and outdoor play structures that appeal to adventurous kids. Grants Farm, combining historical buildings, animal encounters, and tram rides, is also a popular destination for families with children of all ages.

St. Louis is known for its variety of free and affordable family activities. The Saint Louis Zoo, Saint Louis Art Museum, Missouri History Museum, and Saint Louis Science Center all offer free general admission, making them excellent options for budget-conscious families. Forest Park itself is free to explore and includes playgrounds, trails, picnic areas, and scenic lakes where you can rent paddleboats for a modest fee. The Gateway Arch grounds and museum provide an educational and visually impressive experience; while the tram ride to the top requires a ticket, the park and museum are generally low-cost or free. Many of the city’s neighborhood parks, such as Tower Grove Park and Carondelet Park, have splash pads, playgrounds, and open spaces ideal for free play. Seasonal festivals, outdoor concerts, and farmers markets across the city often include no-cost kids’ activities as well.

Families seeking outdoor fun in St. Louis have many options. Forest Park is a central hub for biking, walking, picnicking, and paddleboating on the lakes, and in winter it often features an ice-skating rink. Tower Grove Park offers shaded paths, historic pavilions, themed playgrounds, and a popular farmers market with family-friendly events. Laumeier Sculpture Park combines art and nature, inviting kids to explore large outdoor sculptures along wooded trails. Along the Mississippi Riverfront, families can walk or ride bikes on designated paths and watch boats along the river. For more adventurous outings, Castlewood State Park and Lone Elk Park, just outside the city, provide hiking trails, wildlife viewing, and scenic overlooks suitable for older children. Many suburban communities, such as Kirkwood and Chesterfield, also maintain large parks with splash pads, sports fields, and modern playgrounds for kids.

Rainy days in St. Louis can still be enjoyable with many indoor attractions tailored to kids. The Saint Louis Science Center offers interactive exhibits on space, engineering, and natural science that can easily fill several hours. The Magic House, St. Louis Children’s Museum, is designed for active indoor play and creative learning for younger children. City Museum, with its multi-level tunnels, slides, art installations, and climbing areas, is ideal for older kids who enjoy exploring and physical activity. Local libraries, including the St. Louis Public Library branches and St. Louis County Library system, often host story times, craft sessions, and educational programs specifically for children. Indoor trampoline parks, climbing gyms, and bowling alleys across the metro area also provide active entertainment when the weather is not ideal. Families can also consider indoor pool facilities or community recreation centers that offer open swim sessions for kids.

A kid-friendly weekend in St. Louis can balance major attractions with downtime. On the first day, many families start at the Saint Louis Zoo in Forest Park, followed by lunch at nearby cafés or a picnic in the park. In the afternoon, you can visit the Saint Louis Science Center or the Saint Louis Art Museum, both of which are close by and allow kids to explore at their own pace. On the second day, consider visiting the Gateway Arch early to avoid crowds, including time at the museum and the tram ride if your children are comfortable with heights. Afterward, walk along the riverfront or explore the surrounding downtown attractions. Later in the day, head to City Museum or the Magic House, depending on your children’s ages and interests. Be sure to include breaks for snacks, rest, and unstructured play at local parks or playgrounds. Checking attraction websites in advance for hours, ticketing, and any special family programs will help you create a smooth and enjoyable itinerary.