10 Best Things to do in St. Louis with Kids!
St. Louis is one of the best family‑friendly cities in the Midwest. It has a mix of history, culture, and fun activities that make it perfect for children of all ages. From free attractions in Forest Park to hands‑on museums and exciting outdoor adventures, families will find plenty of things to do here. In this guide, we’ll walk you through 10 best things to do in St. Louis with kids, explain each spot in detail, what to expect, and how to make the most of your trip.
1. St. Louis Zoo
Opened in 1910, St. Louis Zoo is home to more than 16,000 animals representing over 600 species, including many that are rare or endangered. Families can walk through different sections that feature animals from across the globe, one of the oldest and most famous parts of the zoo is the Flight Cage, originally built for the 1904 World’s Fair. Visitors can also ride the Emerson Zooline Railroad, a narrow‑gauge train that circles the grounds and stops near popular exhibits. The zoo offers animal shows, keeper talks, and hands‑on learning activities, making it a favorite spot for families to enjoy wildlife together.
2. Magic House, St. Louis Children’s Museum
The Magic House, St. Louis Children’s Museum, first opened in 1979 after two local women dreamed of creating a place where kids could learn through play. Inside, children can explore many different exhibits, including a kid‑sized village with a grocery store, library, and vet clinic. One of the most loved features is the three‑story beanstalk climber, where kids can climb all the way from the bottom to the top floor. The museum also has a bubble room, a construction zone, and even has a satellite location called MADE for Kids, which focuses on art, design, and technology, giving children more ways to be creative.
3. St. Louis Science Center
The St. Louis Science Center was first opened in 1963 as a planetarium and later grew into a large science museum with more than 300,000 square feet of exhibits and displays. At its heart is the James S. McDonnell Planetarium, which shows space programs and features one of the biggest artificial skies in the country. The center also has an OMNIMAX Theater that plays science and nature films on a giant screen, giving an exciting way to learn. Outside, the GROW pavilion teaches about food and farming with live animals and outdoor displays, making science fun and easy to understand for kids and families.
4. St. Louis Aquarium
Opened in 2019, St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station spreads across about 120,000 square feet. It is home to nearly 13,000 animals from rivers, oceans, and freshwater habitats. One of the main highlights is Shark Canyon, a huge tank that holds 250,000 gallons of water and is filled with different kinds of sharks. Other galleries feature jellyfish, sea dragons, octopuses, and stingrays, with touch pools where visitors can gently feel some marine life. Families can also watch animal feeding times, join hands‑on exhibits, and learn about conservation and ecosystems through interactive displays.
5. City Museum
The City Museum is a massive 600,000 square‑foot space built inside a former shoe factory, filled with hands‑on activities for kids and families. It was started in 1997 by artist Bob Cassilly, who used recycled materials like old machines, bricks, and pipes to create fun areas such as tunnels, slides, caves, and climbing spots throughout the building. Visitors can crawl through a giant whale, ride down a long spiral slide, and discover hidden passageways. Outside, families can climb on real planes, and even a school bus placed high on the rooftop, making the museum one of the most unique places to explore in St. Louis.
6. Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House
Opened in 1998, Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House gives visitors the chance to step inside a tropical conservatory filled with more than 60 kinds of butterflies and over 150 types of plants. The glass dome covers about 8,000 square feet an d stays warm and humid all year to create the right environment for the butterflies. Guests can walk through the space while butterflies fly freely around them, making it feel like a living garden. There is a special viewing area where people can watch butterflies emerge from their chrysalides, and visitors can also join learning programs and seasonal events that are often held here.
7. Grant’s Farm
The Grant’s Farm is a family‑friendly place that covers about 281 acres and has been owned by the Busch family since 1903. The land was once part of Ulysses S. Grant’s farm, where he built a log cabin in the 1850s called “Hardscrabble,” which visitors can still see today. The farm is home to more than 100 different kinds of animals, alongside families can take a tram ride through the Deer Park to watch animals roaming freely in open areas. There are also fun spots where kids can feed goats, ride a carousel, and enjoy shows and seasonal events, making it a favorite stop for families in St. Louis.
8. Six Flags St. Louis
Opened in 1971, Six Flags St. Louis has grown into a large theme park with more than 35 rides and attractions spread across eight themed areas. The park is best known for its big roller coasters such as The Boss, Screamin’ Eagle, and Batman: The Ride, but it also has plenty of gentle rides for kids and families. Around the park, visitors will also find carnival‑style games, gift shops, and character meet‑and‑greets that younger guests enjoy. Throughout the year, Six Flags hosts private parties and seasonal events, including summer shows and the popular Fright Fest in the fall, making it a fun destination for families.
9. Fabulous Fox
Opened in 1929 as a grand movie house, Fabulous Fox Theatre was designed by architect C. Howard Crane. Since 1982, it has been hosting live shows and performances, making it one of the most popular entertainment spots in St. Louis. With more than 4,000 seats, the theatre welcomes audiences for Broadway productions, concerts, comedy acts, and special events. Guests can also join guided tours to see behind‑the‑scenes areas and learn about its long history. The theatre supports the local community by working with schools and programs that give young artists a chance to connect with the performing arts.
10. Museum of Illusions – St. Louis
The Museum of Illusions in St. Louis is a playful indoor space filled with visual tricks and interactive exhibits that challenge how people see and think. Inside, guests can step into illusion rooms, walk through rotating tunnels, and explore mirror setups and puzzle walls that make great photo spots while testing the brain. Visitors can try holograms, eye‑catching wall art, and gravity‑defying displays that are both fun and educational. Signs placed around the exhibits explain how the brain processes images, helping kids and adults understand the science behind the illusions, and has become a popular stop for families.
FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. What are the top kid‑friendly museums in St. Louis?
St. Louis has many museums that children enjoy. The Magic House is a favorite, with play areas like a pretend grocery store and a giant beanstalk climber. The City Museum is another top choice, where kids can crawl through tunnels, slide down chutes, and explore hidden spaces. The Saint Louis Science Center is full of hands‑on exhibits about space, farming, and energy. Families also enjoy the Missouri History Museum, which has a special play area called the History Clubhouse.
2. Are there indoor activities for kids in St. Louis?
The Magic House and City Museum both provide creative play spaces where kids can stay active indoors. The Science Center has hundreds of interactive exhibits and a planetarium that shows space programs. The St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station lets kids see sharks, jellyfish, and stingrays up close. Families can also enjoy indoor sports centers, trampoline parks, and bowling alleys. These places are perfect for rainy days or when families want to stay inside but still have fun.
3. What are the best outdoor attractions for kids in St. Louis?
The St. Louis Zoo is one of the best, with animals from around the world and train rides through the park. Grant’s Farm offers tram rides, goat feeding, and a chance to see the famous Budweiser Clydesdales. Families also enjoy Forest Park, which has playgrounds, trails, and paddle boats. The Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House lets kids walk among butterflies in a tropical setting. Outdoor attractions give children space to run, explore, and connect with nature.
4. Are there seasonal events for families in St. Louis?
Yes, families can enjoy many seasonal events throughout the year. In summer, places like Six Flags St. Louis host special shows and water park fun. Fall brings pumpkin patches, hayrides, and the popular Fright Fest at Six Flags. Winter has holiday light displays at the Zoo and Union Station, along with festive shows at the Fabulous Fox Theatre. Spring often features outdoor fairs, butterfly events, and farm openings. These seasonal activities give families something new to look forward to each time they visit.
5. What sports experiences can kids enjoy in St. Louis?
At Busch Stadium, families can watch the Cardinals play baseball, while Enterprise Center hosts hockey games with the Blues. Local parks offer youth leagues for soccer, basketball, and baseball. Kids can also try batting cages, mini‑golf, and go‑kart tracks at family fun centers. For something different, the World Chess Hall of Fame connects sportsmanship with strategy through chess exhibits. Sports experiences help kids stay active while having fun with family and friends.
6. Are there any unique experiences for kids to enjoy in St. Louis?
At the City Museum, kids can climb on a school bus and airplane placed on the rooftop. The Butterfly House lets them walk through a tropical dome filled with butterflies flying freely. The Museum of Illusions offers mind‑bending exhibits like rotating tunnels and mirror rooms. The St. Louis Aquarium has Shark Canyon, where kids can see sharks swimming in a massive tank. These special experiences stand out from everyday activities and create lasting memories for families.
