The Ultimate Guide to Visiting St. Louis with Kids
There’s a reason St. Louis keeps ending up on our family weekend getaway list.
It’s close enough for an easy Midwest road trip, packed with kid-friendly attractions, and somehow manages to feel like a big city without the overwhelming big-city price tag. Between the free museums, iconic landmarks, incredible parks, and some of the most unique family attractions in the Midwest, exploring St. Louis with kids is one of those trips that works for toddlers, big kids, and even the parents too.
If you’re planning a family trip and wondering where to stay, what to do, where to eat, and what’s actually worth your time, this guide will help you build the perfect St. Louis itinerary.
Where to Stay in St. Louis with Kids
While St. Louis might feel like a really big city, if you base yourself in the right area, you can get almost anywhere you want to go really quickly.
For most families, these are the best areas to base yourself to explore St. Louis with kids:
Downtown (Best for First-Time Visitors)
If your must-do list includes the Arch, City Museum, Union Station, or a Cardinals game, downtown makes the most sense.
Recommended Hotels:
- Drury Inn at Union Station ($$)
- Hampton Inn St. Louis at the Arch ($)
- Hyatt Regency St. Louis at The Arch ($$)
Pro tip: Use the app Spot Hero to save big on parking if you stay downtown!
Forest Park (Best for Zoo + Museums + budget friendly)
Perfect if your trip is focused on the zoo, science center, and museums, or you are looking to avoid the higher cost of staying downtown.
Less tourist-heavy, but still easy access to everything, and plenty of dining options nearby.
Recommended hotels:
Things to do in St. Louis with Kids
Gateway Arch National Park
No trip to St. Louis is complete without a visit to the Gateway Arch National Park. Standing 630 feet tall, it’s the tallest man-made monument in the United States. Definitely take a ride to the top in the tram pods, where you will enjoy a birds eye view of the city. Make sure you take some time to explore the museum at the base of the arch, where interactive exhibits bring the city’s history to life.
Purchase tickets before your visit, as spots do sell out!
Outdoor Fun and Play Spaces
Kiener Plaza
Just across the street from the Gateway Arch, head to Kiener Plaza, a lively urban space with a splash pad, playground, and plenty of green space to relax. About a block away, you’ll also find Citygarden, an outdoor sculpture park filled with giant, climbable art installations that kids can’t resist. There are water features here to splash in during the summer, so come prepared to get wet!
Forest Park
A short drive from downtown, Forest Park is one of the most kid friendly spots in the city. If you’re visiting St. Louis with kids, plan to spend at least one full day in Forest Park. This massive urban park is home to some of St. Louis’s best free attractions, including the St. Louis Zoo, the St. Louis Science Center, the Saint Louis Art Museum, and the Missouri History Museum—which means you can easily build an entire day of fun without spending much at all.
One of our favorite hidden gems for younger kids is Turtle Park, a simple but whimsical playground filled with giant concrete turtles that kids love to climb on.
Between the variety of free museums, plus the wide open green spaces, walking trails, playgrounds, paddle boats, and picnic spots, definitely make sure to explore Forest Park during your time in St. Louis.
Grant’s Farm
Another outdoor favorite is Grant’s Farm, where families can encounter bison, camels, zebras, and the famous Budweiser Clydesdales. A tram ride takes you through the wildlife preserve before dropping you at the petting zoo and family area, where goats, parakeets, and an awesome playground await.
Missouri Botanical Garden
For a true connection with nature, don’t miss the Missouri Botanical Garden. The Children’s Garden is TOP NOTCH, and they will love climbing, digging, and exploring this unique spot, while adults can enjoy the beauty of one of the nation’s oldest botanical gardens. If you visit in the summer, make sure to pack a swimming suit, as there is an amazing splash pad area here!
Catch a Cardinal’s Game
If you have sports fans in your house, this is a St. Louis icon. Grab seats to watch the Cardinal’s play at Busch’s Stadium.
Museums Made for Families
St. Louis is packed with museums that aren’t just kid-approved, but are actually a blast for the whole family! And the best part? So many of them are completely free!
- The St. Louis Science Center is free to enter and packed with hands-on exhibits, from building structures to space exploration. The planetarium is a must-do! (yes, this is the same one located in Forest Park!)
- The City Museum might just be the most unique attraction in the city. It’s part art installation, part playground, and part maze; kids can crawl through tunnels, climb on old airplanes, and even slide down a 10-story spiral slide.
- At the Missouri History Museum, kids can step into St. Louis’ past with interactive exhibits, from the 1904 World’s Fair to the history of the city’s sports teams. Another free to visit museum, the kids zone here is worth the stop!
- For something a little different, the Museum of Illusions will wow kids with mind-bending exhibits that play tricks on your senses.
- The Magic House, St. Louis’ beloved children’s museum, is a must do! Kids can “work” in the pretend Children’s Village, climb the Jack and the Beanstalk climber, or spark their curiosity with interactive science exhibits. It’s one of those places where your kids will never want to leave.
Union Station
Plan some time at St. Louis Union Station, a historic train terminal turned family entertainment hub. The St. Louis Aquarium is the star attraction, where kids can see sharks, stingrays, and otters up close. The hotel here is a great place to stay (it’s especially magical at the holidays), and is close to so many family friendly things to do. There’s also a giant Ferris wheel, a ropes course, and even a fire and light show over the lake, plus several restaurants and shopping nearby.
Best Places to Eat in St. Louis with Kids
St. Louis has soo many incredible spots to eat throughout the city – you really can’t go wrong with anywhere you choose! Here are a few of our favorites:
- Katie’s Pizza & Pasta: A a delicious Italian eatery that serves brunch all the way to dinner. Make sure to ask your waitress for some dough for the kids to play with while you wait on your food- it will keep them still and entertained while you can eat in peace!
- Soda Fountain at Union Station: An iconic soda fountain located in the heart of Union Station, this is such a fun spot for a simple meal and sweet treat afterwards.
- Rooster: A delicious breakfast or brunch spot perfect for families.
- City Foundry STL: A fun food hall with lots of unique food and desert options – this is a great stop when everyone can’t agree on what to eat.
- Clementine’s Creamery: Known for its decadent flavors (with both kid-friendly and grown-up options), it’s the perfect reward after a long day of exploring. We were recommended this stop by a St. Louis local, and it’s now a tradition that we stop here for Gooey Butter Cake ice cream every time we are in the area.
Why St. Louis is Perfect for Families
What makes St. Louis such a fantastic family destination is the magnitude of things to do here; you’ll find a mix of free attractions, unique kid-focused experiences, and iconic landmarks that are as fun for adults as they are for children. From the wonder of the Gateway Arch to the hands-on magic of the City Museum, St. Louis is a city where family adventures come naturally.
