Trip motivation
We’ve made a few trips to St Louis. It has become one of our favorite cities with lots to do including the free zoo, the best museum ever, and lots of cool sights. This is an easy and fun trip with tons of awesome fun activities. Read about our drive here
Activities
Top Pick: City Museum
City Museum was awesome and so unique. It’s essentially a giant playground but also, as a giant piece of part, just beautiful and weird to look at. It consists of reclaimed and repurposed material that was housed in a former shoe warehouse. We didn’t even get to explore all the areas but still spent 3 hours climbing through tunnels, going down slides and playing in a mini skate-park area.
In our first visit, it was definitely better for Carter (6) who could do everything and we didn’t have to worry about entrances and exits. For Ellie (3), a parent often had to follow her so we wouldn’t lose her. On a more recent trip (Carter 8, Ellie 5), it was even more fun with kids running wild. Note that there are still some height requirements for littles so definitely prepare any little sibs for that feeling. Also don’t wear a dress so it’s easier for adults to play too! There’s a bar on-site and in non-Covid times, they also have a train and circus performers. Fun!
Saint Louis Zoo
The Saint Louis Zoo is free! The penguin exhibit was my absolute favorite. We also saw bears and lions and all kinds of animals that we don’t have at our Nashville zoo. There is also a new climbing playground that is awesome. Pro tip: Although the zoo is free, the adventure pass that comes with the carousel, train and the special exhibits are half off with the Nashville zoo reciprocal pass.
The Gateway Arch
Of course, we had to go to the famous Gateway Arch. It is the world’s tallest arch, the tallest man-made monument in the Western Hemisphere and a recognizable symbol of St. Louis. It was fun driving around and always re-orienting ourselves back towards downtown and the Arch. (Oh my goodness my 2021 vs 2023 babies make me cry)
On our first visit in 2021, we didn’t go up to the top on this trip (because indoors and Covid) but even if you don’t, it’s fun getting pictures in front of it. During our visit in 2023, we went in the arch up to the top and even did a junior ranger scavenger hunt inside the museum.
St Louis Science Center
The Saint Louis Science Center is a fantastic place to take kids in St. Louis! We only played for a few hours but had a great time. The kids learned about arches, and had fun in the building area. There is a bridge over the highway where you can look down at cars and measure their speed and this was a highlight.
Cardinals Game
We had a great time watching the Cardinals play MLB. In addition to fun in-game activities and entertainment, there was also a playground on the concourse where the kids spent a few innings. Hot dogs and baseball. Yay ‘Merica.
Other activities
Bonus: new playgrounds. While Ben does long runs, we like to go to new playgrounds. On this trip we went to Hudlin Park near the zoo and made a special trip to The Heights after searching for best St. Louis playgrounds. High marks all around.
Other activities we didn’t get to on this trip but would love to check out when we get to go back:
Restaurants
4 Hands Brewing: Highly recommend this fun spot with good food and drinks and a section of arcade games for kids! So fun
Milo’s Tavern on the Hill: What happens when you google outdoor patios near the zoo. Yummy pizza, meatballs and toasted ravioli, a St. Louis specialty
Urban Chestnut Beer Garden and a Japanese food truck on-site:Good choice, nice outdoor space I am so excited for beer garden season, y’all!
