At Sacred Space Organizing, our clients are overwhelmed with the sheer amount of stuff in their lives.
Their basements and playrooms are overflowing with toys that get played with once and then get tossed aside for the next new stuffed animal or trinket that dotting grandparents and extended family or friends gift their children.
This is because one of the Five Love Languages is gift-giving which means some people literally express their love by giving gifts. While it can be overwhelming for our clients, they do know it’s always from a place of love.
The best thing we can do if we find ourselves in a similar situation is to encourage our loved ones to gift experiences instead of things.
When we make this shift children get to enrich their lives with incredible adventures they wouldn’t have otherwise experienced, parents (*ahem, moms*) cut down on the overwhelming amount of clutter in their lives, and grandparents get to express their love by gifting experiences over things.
It’s a win for everyone involved!
So, whether you need ideas for gifts of experiences or just want to come up with a fun adventure so you’re not stuck in the house all day, we compiled this extensive list of 100+ list of Things to Do in the Lou with Kids.
Arts + Crafts
Buff City Soap
Free to visit, pay for soap
With several locations in the St. Louis area, Buff City Soap offers a genuinely unique soap retail experience. Soap-making artisans make all products fresh daily. It’s delightful to watch them mix, pour, and form the raw ingredients into colorful bar soaps, bath bombs, and body butter. They'll even let you make your own bath bomb! All products are plant-based and free of harsh chemicals.
Frisco Train & Toy Store
Free to visit, pay for toys and events
Frisco Train & Toy Store is home to the area’s largest selection of wooden trains! They also sell toys, crafts, books, games, and more. The shop features a humungous 16-foot, four-level train table, so kids can try some of the toys before you buy! Occasionally, they host Frisco Fun Nights, which includes face painting, train cookie decorating, and tons of toys and train tables. Check their website for event details.
Home Depot Kids Workshops
Free to participate
Home Depot’s Kids Workshops are a fun way to foster hands-on learning and creativity. The home improvement retailer hosts this free Workshop on the first Saturday of each month from 9 a.m. to 12 noon. The store provides the necessary tools and materials, and a Home Depot Associate will be standing by to help as needed. Kids who participate receive an apron, a collectible pin, and a certificate of completion. The projects are adorable; past builds include a picket fence planter, a wooden toy fish tank, and a constellation viewer.
MADE for Kids
Pay to visit, with occasional free family nights
MADE for Kids is a spacious 7,000-square-foot makerspace located in St. Louis’ Academy-Sherman Park neighborhood. The facility features four distinct sections: a makers workshop, artist studio, design lab, and entrepreneurs marketplace. From crocheting and clay sculpting to robotics and 3D printing, there’s enough here to spark everyone’s imagination. Other offerings include stop motion animation, laser cutting, screen printing, and pottery!
Farm + Garden
Eckert's Millstadt Fun Farm
Free to visit, some events and activities are free, some are ticketed
Located just 23 miles from downtown St. Louis, Eckert's Millstadt has been providing authentic “country” fun since 1968. Apple and pumpkin picking are the main events, but that’s not all! While you’re there, enjoy Billy Bob’s Pig Races, shoot apples out of a cannon, or take a ride down their 70-foot underground tube slide. They’re open seasonally, so check their website for updated hours.
eckerts.com/location/millstadt-farm
Grant's Farm
Free Admission, pay for parking and other activities
Rich with history and wildlife, Grant’s Farm has been an iconic St. Louis tradition since 1954. The property is home to over 900 animals, including bison, deer, donkeys, water buffalo, and the world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales. Grant’s Farm also boasts some incredible architecture. On your visit, check out the Busch Family’s enormous ancestral mansion and Ulysses S. Grant’s humble log cabin.
Herman's Farm Orchard
Free to visit, pay to pick produce
Known for its huge variety of tomatoes, Herman’s is a little farm with a lot to offer. You can pick your own tomatoes, peaches, and blackberries in the spring, or apples and pumpkins in the fall. While you’re there, enjoy their castle-themed play area or a seasonal hayride.
Missouri Botanical Garden
Pay for admission
Spread across 79 acres, Missouri Botanical Garden is a lovely and vibrant oasis in south St. Louis. In addition to admiring The Garden’s over 27,000 plants, kids will also love exploring the two-acre Children’s Garden. They even offer kid-focused activities called Great Green Adventures. Nature lovers ages 6-12 can learn about plants and the environment through hands-on games, stories, and journaling.
Stuckmeyer's Farm Market and Greenhouse
Free to visit, some events are free, pay for produce
Stuckmeyer's Farm Market and Greenhouse is the perfect place to find delicious, homegrown produce throughout spring and summer. However, the real fun starts in the fall when Stuckmeyer’s hosts Halloween Farm Fun Days. Not only do they have one of the best pumpkin patches in the county, but they have hayrides, farm animals, inflatables, and more!
Sunflower Hill Farm
Free to visit, pay for food at the café and produce
Situated just off the banks of the Missouri River, Sunflower Hill is a scenic and charming farm and event venue. The farm has a fantastic on-site café where you can enjoy a meal straight from their 20,000-square-foot garden. The free-range fowl are also a highlight. You might encounter chickens, turkeys, or guinea fowl roaming the property on your visit. Check their website before you go, as they’re often closed for private events.
Thies Farm and Market
Free to visit, pay for produce and special events
Started in 1885, Thies Farm and Market is now proudly run by its fifth generation. The Thies Family’s over a century of experience is on full display as they grow some of the best strawberries in the business. You can even pick your own! In the fall, they host Pumpkinland. This seasonal event includes a straw castle, a corn maze, gliders, swings, and, you guessed it, pumpkins!
Local Museums
City Museum
Pay for admission and extra experiences
Built around the spiral chutes of an old shoe company warehouse, it makes sense that City Museum has a ton of slides. There are 30, in fact, including a 10-story spiral slide, three rooftop slides, and a whole selection of slides just for toddlers. However, calling this simply a museum with cool slides is underselling it. To build the museum, artists repurposed pieces of old cities to create four floors of tunnels, bridges, castles, and secret passageways. There’s even a school bus and a Ferris wheel on the roof!
Gateway Arch National Park
Free museum admission, pay for Tram Ride to the Top
The Gateway Arch is an instantly recognizable and iconic part of the St. Louis skyline. Ascending 630 feet into the sky, the Arch is the United States’ tallest monument. Take the Tram Ride to the Top, and you’ll be greeted with expansive views stretching 30 miles to the east and west. There’s plenty of fun to be had from the ground as well. The Museum at the Gateway Arch covers 201 years of westward expansion history through six interactive story galleries. Also, check out Kiener Plaza just west of the monument for its fountain garden, splash pad, and children’s play garden.
HealthWorks! Kids Museum St. Louis
Pay for admission, extra fees for special programs
Home to the World’s Largest Fiberglass Teeth, HealthWorks! is an indoor playground that inspires kids to lead healthier lives. The Museum’s centerpiece is a 55-foot-long human body shaped playground. Their other interactive exhibits include a dental office, a medical office, and a pharmacy. Also, check out their health-focused live performances!
Mastodon State Historic Site
Pay for museum admission, explore the park for free
In the early 1800s, Mastodon bones were discovered near the town of Kimmswick, Missouri. Excavations continued until the mid-1980s, uncovering more and more about these extinct elephant-like animals. Today, you can learn all about life in prehistoric Missouri at the Mastodon State Historic Site. They have a life-sized replica of a Mastodon skeleton, three scenic hiking trails, and a lovely little museum. While the remnants of the bone bed are now buried, you can still take the Wildflower Trail to see where the bones were initially uncovered.
mostateparks.com/park/mastodon-state-historic-site
Missouri History Museum
Free admission
Offering both temporary and long-term exhibits, there’s always something new to learn at Missouri History Museum. For a more kid-focused experience, visit the History Clubhouse. This exhibit provides a fun and interactive way for the whole family to experience local history. Kids can discover what life was like in the ancient city of Cahokia, put on a puppet show, dress up in period costumes, and so much more!
Mural Mile
Free to visit
Located just south of the Gateway Arch, The Mural Mile is a mile-long stretch of floodwall adorned with artwork from over 250 graffiti artists. On Labor Day weekend, artists from around the country gather to leave their mark in an annual event called Paint Louis. The result is a colorful and diverse open-air art gallery. While the entire wall is repainted annually, artists also paint over smaller sections throughout the year.
racstl.org/public-art/the-mural-mile-floodwall
Myseum
Pay for admission
With over 30 unique exhibits, Myseum is a fun and interactive science museum for kids 2 to 12. Visitors can learn about the properties of matter and energy by interacting with magnets and plasma. They also have a Shadow Wall, several glow-in-the-dark exhibits, and a Dino Dig section. If you decide to go, don’t forget that socks are required!
Play Street Museum
Pay for admission
Play Street Museum is a thoughtfully designed children’s museum and indoor play area in St. Charles. Themed as a town square, the space is planned using the latest scientific data surrounding the developmental benefits of play. Since this museum is intentionally kid-sized (designed for kids 8 and under), it’s ideal for parents and caregivers who want to sit back and relax while their kids explore.
Saint Louis Science Center
Free admission, pay for extra attractions
Saint Louis Science center is one of the only free science museums in the country. Don’t let that fool you; they provide a whole lot of value for that $0 entry fee. The Science Center is proudly home to over 700 interactive experiences arranged throughout ten galleries. While you’re there, check out a show in their humongous planetarium or watch a movie in their five-story OMNIMAX Theater.
The Magic House
Pay for admission
Founded in 1979, The Magic House is a children’s museum that truly lives up to its name. With hundreds of interactive exhibits, a day spent here will be packed with wonder, joy, and, as promised, magic! The Museum inspires kids to become lifelong learners through dynamic educational experiences. Some highlights include the Children’s Village, the Waterfall Patio, and the Nature Play area.
The National Museum of Transportation
Pay for admission and extra experiences
Home to the most extensive collection of transportation vehicles in the world, The National Museum of Transportation houses some incredible cars, trains, boats, and planes. The price of admission includes trolley rides, and an extra fee will get you unlimited train and handcar rides. For kids 5-and-under, there’s the Creation Station. It’s an interactive learning exhibit that serves as an introduction to all modes of transportation.
Live Entertainment
9 Mile Garden
Free to visit, pay for food
9 Mile Garden is a bustling outdoor entertainment venue with food trucks, live performances, and outdoor movies. The Food Truck Garden is open seven days a week during warmer months and hosts some of the best food trucks in the St. Louis area. Truck schedules are updated daily via 9 Mile Garden’s social media pages. The venue also boasts a permanent stage with frequent live performances. Check out their website for the full entertainment lineup!
St. Louis Cardinals
Pay for tickets
The Cardinals are an essential part of St. Louis’ cultural identity. Going to your first game is like a rite of passage! When you’re not watching the game, check out the Family Pavilion, it features a multilevel play structure, a virtual reality experience, and speed pitch. There are also tons of good snacks and treats. Eating Ben & Jerry’s ice cream out of a helmet-shaped cup is a must!
The Muny
Pay for tickets
The Muny is famous for its Broadway-style musicals performed outdoors, under the stars. Every summer, the nonprofit group presents seven musicals in their 11,000-seat amphitheater (the largest outdoor musical theatre in North America). Past shows include Annie, The Little Mermaid, Mary Poppins, and Shrek The Musical. Most shows at The Muny are family-friendly! If you have concerns, check out their website for a detailed breakdown of each show’s content.
Outdoor Adventures
Central Park
Free to visit, pay for special events and aquatic center
Central Park is a 55-acre recreation area located in Chesterfield, Missouri. The Park is chock-full of amenities, including trails, a playground, the Aquatic Center, and a lake. The on-site Amphitheater is stunning and frequently hosts concerts and other theatrical events (Kenny Loggins and Gladys Knight performed there!). For the art-lovers, there are fantastic monumental sculptures around every corner. Some stretch up to 17-feet into the sky!
chesterfield.mo.us/central-parkinfo.html
Cliff Cave Park
Free to visit
Situated along the Mississippi River, Cliff Cave Park offers captivating views of the surrounding woods, wetlands, and 170-foot rocky bluffs. The Park's namesake Cliff Cave is closed to visitors to protect the endangered Indiana Bats. You can learn about the cave's history through signage along the Park's 10 miles of trail. You might spot some wildlife on your journey, including turkey, foxes, rabbits, squirrels, deer, and raccoons.
stlouiscountymo.gov/cliff-cave-park
Columbia Bottom Conservation Area
Free to visit
Columbia Bottom is a massive 4,318-acre conservation area located where the Missouri River meets the Mississippi. The Area consists of more than six miles of riverfront habitat, perfect for boating, fishing, and bird-watching. In the summer, staff plant irresistibly photogenic fields of sunflowers. Each flower only blooms for ten days, but you can admire these dazzling yellow crops from July to August thanks to a staggered planting schedule.
Creve Coeur Lake Memorial Park
Free to visit
At 2,145-acres, Creve Coeur Lake Park is the largest Park in the St. Louis County park system. This humongous recreational area has four unique playgrounds to explore, a splash pad, and a beach. Take the six-mile journey along the Water Trail, and you'll not only experience the Park's diverse plants and animals, but you'll learn about its unique history through interpretive signage. Also, check out the charming waterfall on the lake's southeast shore.
stlouiscountymo.gov/creve-coeur-lake-memorial-park
Don Robinson State Park
Free to visit
Don Robinson State Park is a natural sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of metropolitan St. Louis. Previously owned by quirky entrepreneur Don Robinson, the stone house where he lived is still featured on the property. In addition to providing views of the unique sandstone box canyons, the Park’s 6-miles of trails wind amongst caves, cliffs, glades, and upland and bottomland forests.
mostateparks.com/park/don-robinson-state-park
Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park
Free to visit
Babler State Park is a 2,441-acre recreation area perfect for hiking, cycling, picnics, horseback riding, and camping. There are seven distinct trails to explore, amounting to over 17 miles of paths. The Park also hosts seasonal events, including Babler's Howl-oween. The event features campfires, s'mores, animal interactions, and candy! Stop by the River Hills Visitor Center to learn more about the Park through interactive educational exhibits.
mostateparks.com/park/dr-edmund-babler-memorial-state-park
Graham Cave State Park
Free to visit
Graham Cave State Park is home to a sandstone cave that was inhabited by hunter-gatherers as far back as 10,000 years ago. The cave is 120 feet wide, 60 feet high, and extends roughly 100 feet into a hillside. You can learn all about this park’s ancient inhabitants through interpretive exhibits that line the Graham Cave Trail. You can even enter the mouth of the cave!
mostateparks.com/park/graham-cave-state-park
Klondike Park
Free to visit
Up until the 1980s, Klondike Park was a silica-sand quarry. Since then, St. Charles County has restored it to its natural scenic beauty, offering gorgeous views of the Missouri River Valley and over 5-miles of trails. Previously extracted for making glass, the silica remains as beautiful white sand beaches surrounding the Park’s centerpiece fishing lake. With 43 campsites (with restrooms and a shower house!) and six rustic cabins, it’s a fantastic destination for a relaxing weekend under the stars.
Maramec Spring Park
Pay per car-load to enter
Maramec Spring Park is a 1,388-acre park home to the fifth-largest spring in Missouri. The spring water is sourced from deep below the Earth’s surface, causing it to be 56 degrees year-round. Kids will love watching the fish swim around in the emerald green water, and they can even feed them! Just be sure to bring quarters for the fish food dispenser. Other highlights include a trout hatchery, two museums, playgrounds, camping, and fishing.
Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center
Free to visit
Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center sits on 112-acres of oak-hickory forest in suburban Kirkwood. The Nature Center has indoor and outdoor facilities, allowing guests to experience the wonders of nature year-round. There are three paved trails, a 3,000-gallon aquarium, a treehouse, and a plethora of innovative interactive exhibits. Naturalists from the Missouri Department of Conservation regularly host events and programming, including crafts, concerts, and guided nature hikes.
mdc.mo.gov/powder-valley-conservation-nature-center
Riparian Trail
Free to visit
Riparian Trail is a half-mile pedestrian and bike path located just west of Central Park in Chesterfield. This charming little trail winds through the woods along Chesterfield Creek and features crushed stone and boardwalk trail sections. It’s a part of a multi-phase plan and will eventually connect to the Monarch-Chesterfield Levee Trail. Parking for the Trail is available at Central Park in the Aquatic center lot.
chesterfield.mo.us/riparian-trail.html
River's Edge Park
Free to visit
River's Edge is a peaceful 188-acre park with trails, a fishing lake, and boardwalks. The crushed limestone trail meanders around the lake's 1.6-mile circumference before branching off into two boardwalks and a mulched walking trail. The Park is also a popular birdwatching destination, with various woodland songbirds and woodpeckers making regular appearances. You'll see Bat Boxes installed in trees throughout the Park; this attracts Bats which help manage the mosquito population!
chesterfield.mo.us/rivers-edge-park.html
Rockwood Reservation
Free to visit.
Rockwood Reservation is a little taste of the Ozarks tucked within bustling west St. Louis County. The Reservation features diverse flora and fauna, caves, creeks, springs, and rock formations. At 1,843-acres, there's plenty of space to explore! The Reservation has six unique trails, amounting to almost 13 miles of paths. It was established in 1938, making it one of the oldest conservation areas in Missouri.
mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/places/rockwoods-reservation
Stark Caverns
Pay for tickets
Stark Caverns is a tourist cave featuring a plethora of incredible rock formations, Native American artifacts, and ancient bear beds. The ceilings of the cave are covered with fossilized blue-green algae called stromatolites. Other natural rock formations include soda straws, flowstone, stalactites, and stalagmites. They offer year-round guided tours, blacklight tours, and even host escape rooms inside the cave!
Veterans Memorial Park
Free to visit
Veterans Memorial Park is a 260-acre recreation area including a playground, a fishing pond, picnic shelters, and the Eagle Springs Golf Course. The Park also features North County Recreation Complex. There you’ll find an outdoor waterpark with a tot pool, an interactive play structure, a family otter slide, a lazy river, and more. Inside the Complex are a 20,000-square-foot gym, a fitness room, and an indoor track. The Park offers day camps and swimming lessons for kids depending on the season.
Overnight Visits
Innsbrook Resort
Pay for accommodations
Innsbrook is a vacation home community with over 100 lakes, hiking trails, a full-service restaurant, and an 18-hole golf course. Rental accommodations range from charming A-frame chalets to luxury homes with private lakefront access. The Resort hosts seasonal events like The Summer Breeze concert series, which welcomes some of the best musicians in the St. Louis area. Other amenities include a zero-entry pool with a lazy river, a playground, basketball courts, and horseback riding.
Johnson Shut-ins
Free to visit, pay for accommodations
Johnson Shut-ins is an incredible adventure less than two hours from St. Louis. It’s the perfect place for a weekend getaway where you can camp, hike, picknick, swim in the watering holes, and explore the beautiful landscape. If you’re not into camping there’s cabins and a lodge you can stay at or brave the outdoors and pitch your tent at the hundreds of campsites available.
mostateparks.com/park/johnsons-shut-ins-state-park
Pere Marquette
Free to visit the park, pay to stay at the Lodge
Pere Marquette Lodge is a unique and rustic vacation destination nestled within the scenic Pere Marquette State Park. The Lodge provides warm and welcoming accommodations, including individual rooms and full cabins. The Park is beautiful year-round. In the fall, take a scenic drive to admire the changing leaves. In January and February, the Park becomes a hot spot for bald eagles! The Lodge also has an indoor pool, an on-site winery, and a restaurant.
YMCA Trout Lodge
Pay to visit
For more than 50 years, Trout Lodge has provided rustic camping adventures to families in the St. Louis area. Book a room for a few nights or just stay for the day. There’s plenty to do on the Lodge’s scenic 360-acre lake. Hop in a canoe or kayak, take a swim, or maybe go fishing. They also have nature hikes, horseback riding, zip-lining, a paintball course, and campfires.
Play + Exploration
Dave and Busters
Pay for food and games
You’ve probably heard of Dave and Busters—it’s the quintessential family entertainment center. You maybe even visited one of these when you were a kid. While technology certainly has changed, the basic concept remains the same. Kids eat pizza, play arcade games, and win prizes. What’s not to love?!
DEFY
Pay for admission
DEFY is an epic trampoline park with plenty of opportunities to play, compete, or just express yourself. Maybe do a flip! They have a zipline, an obstacle course, basketball, and tons of trampolines. There’s no shortage of places to jump around. On weekday mornings, they have KidJump, a block of time specifically reserved for kids six and under.
Grandma's Playroom
Pay for admission
Grandma’s Playroom is a delightful children’s activity center with a seemingly endless supply of toys. It’s also an excellent opportunity for adults to get some work done as the facility has coffee and free Wi-Fi! The Playroom is owned and operated by Youtuber and TikTok influencer Sierra Zagarri. Be sure to check out her social media accounts! She often features Grandma’s Playroom in her videos.
IKEA Småland
Free to IKEA customers
IKEA is more than just meatballs and furniture! For parents out and about with their children, they also offer a free play area. You can drop your children off at IKEA Småland and an attendant will look after them for up to an hour while you shop. Activities include ball pits, coloring, toys, and movies. IKEA Småland was temporarily closed due to the Covid-19 pandemic, so check their website for availability and hours.
ikea.com/us/en/stores/st-louis
Swing-A-Round Fun Town
Pay for activities
Swing-A-Round Fun Town offers exciting experiences year-round with both indoor and outdoor activities. The facility boasts three classic mini-golf courses with iconic landmark structures like an Arabian Magical Castle, a lighthouse, and a water-churning sawmill. The course’s water features and scenery are illuminated at night with hundreds of colored lights. This makes for a lovely sunset mini-golf experience. On-site, you’ll also find a 12,000 square foot arcade, bumper cars, batting cages, and more.
Urban Air Adventure Park
Pay for admission
Urban Air is an indoor adventure park with something for everyone, no matter your age or fitness level. It’s always a blast to defy gravity on one of this park’s many trampolines. However, Urban Air is more than just a trampoline park. Other attractions include Sky Rider (part zip-line, part roller coaster), the Tubes Playground, and the Warrior Course.
urbanair.com/missouri-cottleville
Urban Fort
Urban Fort is a unique indoor play space designed to bring joy to both kids and their parents. For children ages 0 to 7, there’s a wooden train table, a slide, blocks, and tons of other toys. For adults, there’s coffee, beer, wine, and free Wi-Fi. Everyone can enjoy a delicious sandwich from Gather, the Café located inside Urban Fort. The play space is closed several days a week due to private reservations, so check their website before you head over.
Fun Playgrounds
Anne O’C. Albrecht Nature Playscape
Free to visit
Anne O’C. Albrecht Nature Playscape is a 17-acre play space designed to connect kids to nature. The Playscape features 9 experiential activity areas where kids can climb, run, jump and dig to their heart’s content. Everything here is natural. The activity areas are assembled from branches, tree stumps, boulders, and sand. Even the benches are made from limestone rocks!
forestparkforever.org/playscape
Discovery Playground at Jaycee Park
Free to visit
Discovery Playground is an innovative play space designed to be genuinely ADA accessible. The Playground is adventure themed and features a one-of-a-kind water play area built to resemble the iconic Missouri bluffs. Other highlights include swings, roller and metal slides, and musical play features. The Park also has a lovely pergola with chessboards.
stcharlesparks.com/facilities/discovery-playground
Dr. H. Phillip Venable Memorial Park
Free to visit
Dr. H. Phillip Venable Memorial Park is a 7.5-acre recreation area featuring two playgrounds, a paved trail, a picnic pavilion, and more. It also has a fascinating history! In the late 1950s, the land for the Park was acquired from Dr. H. Phillip Venable (against his will) using the power of eminent domain. Court records from the time reveal that the acquisition was motivated by prejudice and bigotry. The City of Creve Coeur has made an effort to apologize for the actions of its predecessors, including renaming the Park after Dr. Venable. You can read the full story on the Creve Coeur website!
crevecoeurmo.gov/phillip-venable-memorial-park
Zachary's Playground at Hawk Ridge Park
Free to visit
Zachary’s Playground is a fun and imaginative play area with castle and ship-themed play structures. The Playground is ADA accessible and even features a splash pad in the summer. There are swings, a music section, and roller and metal slides. There’s even a climbing net, outfitted with custom seats.
lakesaintlouis.com/zacharys-playground
Kade's Playground
Free to visit
Kade’s Playground is an amazing wheelchair-accessible play area themed around Pompeii, Italy. The Playground’s centerpiece is a massive Mt. Vesuvius Volcano climbing structure, complete with a lava slide. There are several interactive panels, including an animal tracker that prompts visitors to find animals hidden throughout the Playground. The area also features musical instruments, swings, slides, rock walls, a splash pad, and more!
unlimitedplay.org/playground/kades-playground
Love Park
Free to visit
Love Park is an 89-acre recreation area featuring trails, picnic shelters, athletic fields, and, most importantly, a pretty neat play area! The main play structure is three stories tall, including two towers connected by tunnels on each level. There are interactive puzzle games, four slides, a small rock climbing wall, and a swing set. While you’re there, take a walk around the 1.2-mile Chipmunk Trail. You might spot some woodland animals like deer, squirrels, and birds.
Millennium Park
Free to visit
At 25-acres, Millennium Park is one of the largest parks in Creve Coeur. It's packed with fantastic amenities, including two playgrounds, a splash pad, a 100-seat pavilion, and a paved walking trail. The playgrounds have equipment for kids of all ages and feature climbing structures, slides, spring toys, and a swing set. The Park is also home to the historic Tappmeyer House, which is occasionally open for tours.
O’Day Park
Free to visit
The Adventure Playground at O’Day Park is truly a one-of-a-kind play experience. This innovative recreation area features play equipment unlike any other park in the area. It lives up to its adventure theme and features rope courses, a massive climbing wall, and wooden log climbers. There are plenty of swings to try, including group swings, saucer swings, and double swings! There’s also a water play area called O’Day Creek Experience Area.
Queeny Park
Free to visit
Queeny Park is one of the largest in the St. Louis County Parks system. In addition to seven miles of diverse and scenic hiking trails, the Park is home to one of the most unique playgrounds in the County. The playground’s centerpiece is a gigantic tiered pyramid for climbing, complete with various slides, pipes, and tunnels. The space also includes several more traditional play structures with additional slides, ladders, puzzles, and bridges.
stlouiscountymo.gov/queeny-park
Swansea Kingdom at Schranz Memorial Park
Free to visit
Tucked away in the suburban Schranz Memorial Park, Swansea Kingdom is a magical fantasy-themed playground. The main play structure resembles a medieval castle with lookout towers, bridges, slides, and secret passages. The theme continues onto the playground’s climbing wall, adorned with a colorful and quirky dragon mural. Other features include monkey bars, climbing boulders, and carriage and boat play structures.
swanseail.org/schranz-park-swansea-kingdom-7
The Playground at Twin Oaks Park
Free to visit
Twin Oaks Park is a delightful recreation area nestled in the tiny City of Twin Oaks (population 392!). The Playground is lovely and includes a zipline, a climbing boulder, rope climbers, a roller slide, and a xylophone. Beyond the Playground, the park boasts several peaceful water features and a lake filled with koi fish. There are also basketball courts and sand volleyball.
cityoftwinoaks.com/playground-twin-oaks-park
Veterans Tribute Park
Free to visit
Veterans Tribute Park is an incredible 86-acre destination park with something for kids of all ages. Its design takes inspiration from the site's history as a family farm, with the original farm silo from the early 1900s remaining as a gorgeous symbol of the Park's theme. The playground has five distinct areas: interactive water play, music play, adventure and climbing, swings, and the hillside slide.
sccmo.org/1984/veterans-tribute-park
Wapelhorst Park
Free to visit
The most fun and unique part of this play area is its spinning ride, but even beyond that, this 78-acre Park has a lot going for it. The playground provides various opportunities to climb, jump, and slide. The Park also features the Wapelhorst Aquatic Facility, softball fields, sand volleyball courts, and a hiking trail. There’s a smaller play structure near the softball fields, perfect for littler kids!
stcharlesparks.com/park/wapelhorst-park
Wildwood Community Park
Free to visit
Made partially from natural materials, this gorgeous playground truly feels like it belongs amongst the trees. The play area sits at the edge of a wooded area and includes plenty of slides, rope climbers, an obstacle course made of logs, and a rope merry-go-round. The Park also features a dog park, picnic areas, trails, and restrooms!
cityofwildwood.com/facilities/facility/details/community-park-23
Rides + Amusements
Mirror Maze at Union Station
Pay to visit
The Mirror Maze at Union Station is only 900-square-feet, but once you’re inside, it feels infinite. This whimsical space takes inspiration from the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair, with interactive exhibits scattered throughout. There are various themed rooms to explore, including the Hall of Doors, Room of Laughter, and Cave of Winds. The Mirror Maze is an excellent stop if you have some extra time after visiting the Aquarium!
stlouisunionstation.com/mirror-maze
Six Flags St. Louis
Pay to visit
Six Flags St. Louis, located in Eureka, is home to ten incredible roller coasters. For smaller thrills, Six Flags offers a host of spinning and flying rides that kids can experience on their own or with family. Hurricane Harbor water park is included in the price of admission and features an interactive kid’s area, a lazy river, a wave pool, and tons of slides. They also offer shows and special events throughout the season!
St Louis Carousel at Union Station
Pay to ride
Situated under Union Station’s historic trainshed, St. Louis Carousel at Union Station is a classic carnival ride sure to bring back memories of your childhood. Riders can choose from various animals, including horses, zebras, giraffes, and lions. The festive lighting makes for a magical experience, even when the sun goes down. There’s a lot to do at Union Station, so check out the other attractions while you’re there.
stlouisunionstation.com/carousel
St. Louis Carousel at Faust Park
Pay to ride
Believe it or not, there are two carousels in the area called “St. Louis Carousel.” This one’s in the lovely and historic Faust Park! The Carousel was built in 1921 and displays sixty horses, four deer, and two sleighs. The Ride is located indoors and is available for rentals (a fun birthday party idea!). They frequently host public events at the Carousel, featuring crafts, contests, treats, and more!
The St. Louis Wheel at Union Station
Pay to ride
At 200-feet tall, The St. Louis Wheel offers incredible views of the St. Louis Skyline. Riders enjoy almost 20 miles of visibility from the top! Each ride lasts 15 minutes and includes three to four rotations. Climate-controlled gondolas ensure this attraction is open year-round. The Wheel is gorgeous at night, as it’s lit up with 1.6 million LED lights.
Sports + Recreation
Big Muddy Adventures at The Boathouse Forest Park
Pay for boat rentals and food
For almost 20 years, The Boathouse at Forest Park has been providing delicious meals to adventurers of all ages. In 2018, the team decided to expand its offerings to boat rentals. Today, The Boathouse provides visitors with a full-service expedition. You can grab a bite to eat, then hop in a canoe (or paddleboat or kayak) and explore Forest Park’s 22 acres of waterways. Your journey will take you meandering around two islands, and you may encounter fish, frogs, dragonflies, egrets, kingfishers, and ducks.
Bluebird Park
Free to enter the park, pay for Aquatic Center admission
Located in Ellisville, Bluebird Park is a 167.36-acre park and recreation facility. In addition to a playground, trails, and a dog park, the park is also home to The EDGE Aquatic Center. The EDGE is an outdoor aquatic facility and includes a children’s splash pool, water slides, and a lap pool. It’s also a fun place for a summer birthday as they offer party packages and discount group rates.
ellisville.mo.us/199/Facility-Rentals-Parks-Trails
Chesterfield Family Aquatic Center
Pay for admission
Visiting Chesterfield Family Aquatic Center is a lovely way to spend a hot St. Louis summer day. The Facility has water slides for the thrill-seekers and a lazy river for those who just want to chill. Smaller children will enjoy the AquaPlay unit, which rains down water and features a kid-sized slide. The park also includes all the amenities you’d expect, like changing areas, showers, lockers, and concessions.
chesterfield.mo.us/chesterfield-family-aquatic-center.html
Founders Park Sports Complex
Pay for field rental
Founders Park is a 55-acre sports complex located in Lake Saint Louis. With six baseball fields, two soccer fields, two playgrounds, and a half basketball court, there’s a little something for everybody. All the fields are available to rent for an hourly fee. The complex also proudly hosts the New Horizons Youth Baseball/Softball League in the spring and fall.
lakesaintlouis.com/1202/Founders-Park-Sports-Complex
Kennedy Recreation Complex
Pay for admission
Kennedy Recreation Complex is a multifaceted recreation facility home to an ice rink, an outdoor swimming pool, a playground, and an 18-hole golf course. The ice rink hosts skating lessons, public skating times, and even hockey games! You can book a swimming lesson in their Olympic-sized swimming pool or take advantage of their dedicated baby pool if you have a very young child. The playground is pretty small, but it includes monkey bars, slides, and a baby swing set for kids 3 to 5.
stlouiscountymo.gov/kennedy-recreation-complex
Kirkwood Park
Free to visit, pay for admission for the Ice Area, Aquatic Center, and Racquet Center
Established in 1941, Kirkwood Park is a 92-acre recreation complex featuring an Aquatic Center, the Recreation Station Ice Arena, a community garden, and more. Stop by the Ice Arena for public skating, or sign up for skating lessons. The Aquatic Center is home to a competition pool, a family pool, and slides. They also host Tot Time on weekday mornings, where the Family Pool is reserved for kids five and under. There’s so much to do at this park that it’s challenging to list everything! Other amenities include a playground, handball courts, and horseshoe pits.
St. Louis Mini Golf Union Station
Pay to golf
Located at Union Station in the shadow of the massive 200-ft tall St. Louis Wheel, this mini-golf course is ideal for families and beginners. It’s an 18-hole course and boasts a variety of interactive elements. At night, the string lights overhead and the lights from the carnival rides create a festive atmosphere. This is an excellent activity for in-between a ride on the St. Louis Wheel and a visit to the Aquarium.
stlouisunionstation.com/mini-golf
Topgolf
Pay for food and golf
Topgolf’s 3-floor facility in Chesterfield has a restaurant, a rooftop terrace, 200 HDTVs, and plenty of golf! Climate-controlled hitting bays make for a delightful golfing experience year-round. Families can safely cause mayhem and destruction by playing Topgolf’s Angry Birds experience. Hit your golf ball in real life, and Topgolf uses high-tech data from your swing to determine what happens in the virtual Angry Birds game. It’s family and beginner-friendly!
Upper Limits Chesterfield
Pay for admission
Upper Limits is a climbing gym with 3 fantastic locations in the St. Louis region, but the Chesterfield location is extra special because of its Wacky Walls area. Wacky Walls is a magical space separate from the rest of the gym, where each wall comes with its own whimsical theming. You can climb a beanstalk, scale a brick building, or race your friends. Wacky Walls is a popular attraction, so they encourage reservations as space is limited.
Wapelhorst Park
Free to visit the park, pay for Aquatic Facility admission
Wapelhorst Park is a 78-acre recreation complex including a four-field softball complex, a fishing lake, and a nature trail. The main attraction, however, is the Wapelhorst Aquatic Facility. In addition to two flume slides and a speed slide, the Facility is also home to the Boomerango Slide. This unique water ride delivers a thrilling drop and a zero-gravity sensation. If you have kids 6 and under, check out Tiny Tot Swim on weekday mornings before the park opens.
stcharlesparks.com/park/wapelhorst-park
We Rock the Spectrum Kids Gym
Pay for admission
We Rock the Spectrum Kids Gym is specifically designed to be inclusive and therapeutic for kids with sensory processing disorders. However, kids of all ages and ability levels are welcome and will love the facility’s specialized sensory equipment. Gym amenities include a zipline, a crash pit, a trampoline, a climbing structure, and more! They offer monthly memberships with a discount if you pay for a year in advance.
Sweet Treats
Bahama Buck's
Pay for food and drinks
A visit to Bahama Buck’s is like a mini-island vacation! This laid-back chain, located in St. Peters, serves up shaved ice, smoothies, and lemonade year-round. With over 100 original flavors, there’s always something new to try. Popular flavors include Oreo Cookie, Strawberries & Creme, and Gummy Bear. There’s something for everyone; they even offer a special shaved ice for any furry friends that drop by!
Boardwalk Waffles & Ice Cream
Pay for food and drinks
Boardwalk Waffles & Ice Cream is famous for its Belgian waffle ice cream sandwiches. It’s a fresh twist on a Jersey Shore classic, like REALLY fresh; they make the waffle batter and ice cream in-house! Of course, there’s more than one way to combine waffles and ice cream, and Boardwalk’s not afraid to get creative. Try their Wachos, a waffle cut into pieces and topped with ice cream, chocolate, caramel, and powdered sugar. They also have freshly made waffle cones and bowls if you’re into the more traditional waffle and ice cream pairings.
Crumbl Cookies
Pay for food and drinks
Crumbl is a gourmet cookie chain with three locations in the St. Louis area and an ever-changing menu. Their famous chocolate chip cookies and chilled pink sugar cookies are always on offer, but the rest of the selection rotates weekly. The cookies are made on-site in an open kitchen, so you get to watch how they make everything! They also sell half-pints of ice cream and milk, which pairs perfectly with the cookies.
Fitz Root Beer
Pay for food and drinks
Fitz’s is a local craft soda micro-brewery with two restaurant locations. All 19 soda flavors are bottled using vintage equipment at their Delmar Loop restaurant. In addition to American food staples, both restaurants dole out a delightful variety of gigantic ice cream floats. More than just root beer, Fitz offers creative combinations like their S’mores Float (cream soda, chocolate ice cream, and s’mores toppings) and their Spring Break float (key lime soda with vanilla ice cream!).
Silky's
Pay for food and drinks
Silky’s is an old-fashioned frozen custard spot offering delicious sundaes, shakes, and concretes. It’s the perfect treat for a hot summer day! They provide more than 35 flavors, with all the classics, including buttered pecan, Oreo, and cookie dough. You can get special flavors for a little extra, like Muddy Sneakers, featuring Reese’s Cups, hot fudge, and peanut butter, or the Elvis Pretzley, which has pretzels, caramel, and melted chocolate.
Sugarwitch
Pay for food and drinks
Sugarwitch makes fantastic ice cream sandwiches from scratch in small batches. Flavors rotate seasonally, naming them after famous witches from literature and lore. A lot of love goes into crafting these frozen treats; as a result, they only sell them on weekends, with a limited supply. Check their website for hours and availability!
Ted Drews
Pay for food and drinks
Ted Drews has been serving up classic frozen custard since 1929. With several locations, this frozen custard shop is a St. Louis icon and a popular stop for tourists. One location (Chippewa Street) even sits on a section of historic Route 66! Their menu boasts a variety of frozen treats, including concretes, malts, shakes, sundaes, and floats. They also sell Christmas trees!
The Baked Bear
Pay for food and drinks
The Baked Bear is an innovative frozen dessert chain where you can build your own custom ice cream sandwich. Just choose your cookie type, ice cream flavor, and toppings. Mix and match the top and bottom sandwich cookies if you feel creative! They'll even warm it up for you. They bake the cookies from scratch daily and craft the ice cream from homemade, original recipes.
Wildlife + Animals
Alpacas of Troy
Pay for tours
Alpacas of Troy is a family-run Alpaca Farm located just an hour north of St. Louis. The Farm is home to almost 40 alpacas and offers appointment-only tours of its facility. The Alpacas are used as fiber animals and are sheared annually (like sheep!) in spring and early summer. The alpaca fleece is then processed into yarn and other products on-site. The Farm sells several alpaca fiber products, including dryer balls, hats, and insoles.
Big Joel's Safari Petting Zoo & Educational Park
Pay for admission
Big Joel’s is a petting zoo home to over 500 animals of more than 60 species. From classic petting zoo animals like sheep and goats to more exotic creatures like caracals and capybaras, you’ll meet tons of creatures on your visit. For an additional fee, you can feed the animals, ride a pony, or participate in the interactive parakeet encounter. They also host seasonal events, including Big Joel’s Spooky Safari and Winter Wonderland.
Butterfly House
Pay for admission
Managed by the Missouri Botanical Garden, Butterfly House is an 8,000-square-foot conservatory home to almost 2,000 butterflies. It boasts more than 60 tropical butterfly species and over 150 tropical plants. Butterfly House hosts learning opportunities for nature-lovers of all ages, including classes on insect identification, themed crafts, and pollinator-friendly gardening tips. It's open year-round, so it's the perfect tropical escape from St. Louis winters.
missouribotanicalgarden.org/butterfly-house.aspx
Castlewood Stables
Pay for tours, events, and activities
Castlewood is a horse stable located in Ballwin, Missouri. The Stables are home to various hoofed creatures, including horses, ponies, donkeys, and even zebras! They offer customized riding lessons for beginners and host Parent & Me Sessions, which include crafts, barn tours, a petting zoo, and horse riding.
(314) 323-3440 (email and text preferred)
Critter Lane Petting Zoo
Pay for admission
Critter Lane is a 10-acre petting zoo with more than 300 animals on exhibit. This self-guided zoo allows visitors to get up close and personal with creatures from all around the world, including camels, sheep, goats, badgers, and donkeys. They also offer camel, pony, train, and swing rides for an additional fee. While you're there, check out their playground area and their 45-foot bridge over a koi pond.
Crown Ridge Tiger Sanctuary
Pay for events and tours
Crown Ridge is a non-profit big cat rescue that provides lifelong care for abused, neglected, and unwanted big cats. They offer tours where you learn about these cats’ unique personalities and what their lives were like before they moved to the Sanctuary. The Early Bird Tour is perfect for viewing these animals when they’re most active. This hour-long tour includes the opportunity to touch artifacts like teeth, claws, and a tiger pelt. Some tours even include root beer!
Lone Elk Park
Free to visit
Lone Elk Park is a sprawling 546-acre county park known for its bison, wild turkey, waterfowl, elk, and deer. Park staff feed the animals first thing in the morning, so arrive before 8 a.m. if you want to see them at their most active. You can view the animals by car or while hiking the park’s 11 miles of trails. Other features include catch and release fishing and two picnic shelters.
stlouiscountymo.gov/lone-elk-park
Longmeadow Rescue Ranch
Free to visit
Situated among 165-acres of gorgeous woodland, Longmeadow is a sanctuary for hundreds of abused and neglected horses, cows, goats, pigs, ducks, and other farm animals. The Ranch is managed by the Humane Society of Missouri and is one of the most comprehensive facilities of its kind. They offer both self-guided and private tours of the property and host various events year-round. Most animal residents are up for adoption, and The Ranch also has lessons available if you want to cultivate some riding and horsemanship skills.
Longview Farm Park
Free to visit
Said to be the crown jewel of the Town and Country parks system, Longview Farm is a lovely park and a great place to meet some horses! Equine Assisted Therapy owns the horses and provides therapeutic horsemanship services to children with disabilities. After spending some time with the animals, check out the park’s playground and scenic walking trails. The Woodlands Loop trail leads to a beautiful lake with an overlook.
town-and-country.org/151/longview-farm-park
Purina Farms
Free to visit
Purina Farms is a 300+ acre complex that serves as a celebration of the bond between pets and people. The Visitor Center houses several interactive exhibits sure to delight pet lovers of all ages. There you’ll learn about how dogs and cats experience the world, the importance of proper pet care, and the power of companionship. At the Incredible Dog Arena, watch some of the most talented dogs in the county perform feats of agility and amazing tricks. There’s also a barn and play area, wagon rides, cow-milking, and more!
purina.com/about-purina/purina-farms/visit
St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station
Pay to for tickets
St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station is home to 13,000 animals spanning 257 species. By far the largest of the Aquarium’s six galleries, Shark Canyon is a 250,000-gallon underwater landscape that delivers awe-inspiring views of countless sharks and aquatic animals. The 120,000-square-foot Aquarium also provides opportunities to meet the marine life up close. Touch Pools allow visitors to touch a shark or pet a stingray. You may also find yourself face-to-face with one of the Aquarium’s animal ambassadors, such as a ball python, a tortoise, or a sugar glider.
Saint Louis Zoo
Free to visit, pay for special exhibits and programs
With roughly 3 million annual visitors, Saint Louis Zoo is the most-visited attraction in the region, and for some good reasons! The Zoo is home to over 14,000 animals and is recognized globally for its innovative approaches to animal care, conservation, research, and education. Perhaps most notably, it’s completely free! The Zoo host seasonal programs for kids and families, including Family Snooze Nights (you camp at the Zoo overnight), Birds for Beginners, and the Safari Walking Tour.
Suson Park
Free to visit
Suson Park is a charming and multi-faceted park with a working animal farm. The Farm has all the barnyard classics, including horses, geese, pigs, cows, chickens, and goats. It's free to explore on your own, or you can book an All Around the Barn Tour. On the tour, park staff demonstrates grooming, handling, and feeding of the animals. The park also has a spacious playground and a Children's Pond designed for kids 12 and under.
stlouiscountymo.gov/st-louis-county/suson-park
Wild Bird Sanctuary
Free to visit
Spread across 305 acres of hardwood forest, Wild Bird Sanctuary is an education, conservation, and rehabilitation center specializing in care for birds of prey. They offer free seasonal shows, guided tours, and even hiking trails. Winged residents include hawks, eagles, owls, falcons, and osprey. You can even meet some of the animals up close; experiences include Parrot Party, Emu Encounter, and Handle an Exotic Raptor. There’s also a Wildlife Hospital on-site, which has treated over 21,000 injured birds.
Willoughby Heritage Farm
Free to visit, pay for special programs
Willoughby Heritage Farm is technically just a park, but it’s truthfully more like traveling back in time to discover what farm life was like in the 1950s. You’ll find tractors, barns, vintage tools, replica gardens, and even a 1930’s style Craftsman Farm House. There are plenty of live animals to visit, including pigs, chickens, and goats. Also, check out the Park’s three miles of hiking trails through the woods and the prairie.
We sincerely hope this list will help cut down on the overwhelming amount of clutter in your life while providing fun things to do with your children so you can make memories that will last a lifetime.
Do you struggle with loved ones gifting too much stuff to your children?
Did we leave anything off the list?
Let us know below!
