One of the best things about our city is all of the great activities for families. If you’re looking for some fun events and activities in Saint Louis to plan a Staycation or Vacation here’s your guide!
St. Louis Zoo
Admission to the St. Louis Zoo is always free, but each day during the summer from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m., the Children’s Zoo, the Conservation Carousel, the Stingrays at Caribbean Cove and other special exhibits are also free. The Children’s Zoo has an outdoor playground with slides, bridges and rope ladders. Kids can also get an up-close look at bunnies, guinea pigs and other animals.
Summer Hours: May 27 – September 5, 2016
8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Thursday
8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday-Sunday and holidays
Grant’s Farm
The 281 acre farm in South St. Louis County is home to hundreds of animals, including the famous Budweiser Clydesdales. They feature a train ride to the farm, pony and camel rides, paddle boat rides a carousel and much more. Grant’s Farm is open daily except Mondays.
Admission is free for everyone, parking is $12.
Science Center
General admission to the Science Center is free. This includes access to more than ten various exhibition spaces. For the general public, there are fees for parking, tickets to shows in the OMNIMAX® Theater and the James S. McDonnell Planetarium. Members of the Science Center receive free and discounted tickets.
The Science Center is open Monday – Saturday from 9:30am – 4:30pm and Sunday from 11:00am – 4:30pm.
St. Louis Arch
The tram rate is reduced to $10 until the middle of May. Online tickets cannot be purchased less than 2 hours in advance. Group pricing is available for parties larger than 20. For more information, please call 877-982-1410.
*Due to construction, visitors must have a “Journey to the Top” tram ticket to enter the Arch facility. Tickets are available for purchase online or at the Old Courthouse Ticket Center. For questions or assistance with ticket reservations, call (877)982-1410. We sell out early and often, so advance ticket purchases are recommended.
Magic House
St. Louis’s children’s museum has free admission for families on the third Friday of the month from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Free family night dates below:
May 20, 2016
June 17, 2016
July 15, 2016
August 19, 2016
September 16, 2016
October 21, 2016
November 18, 2016
December 16, 2016
Citygarden
Citygarden is a public park filled with fountains, wading pools, sculpture and more. It’s a great free place for kids to play on a hot summer day. Citygarden is located along Market Street between 8th and 10th Streets in downtown St. Louis. It is open daily from sunrise to 10 p.m.
St. Louis Art Museum
The Saint Louis Art Museum collects, presents, interprets, and conserves works of art of the highest quality across time and cultures; educates, inspires discovery, and elevates the human spirit; and preserves a legacy of artistic achievement for the people of St. Louis and the world. View all upcoming events HERE
Tuesday–Sunday, 10:00 am–5:00 pm
Friday, 10:00 am–9:00 pm
Closed Monday
Admission to the Museum is free every day.
St. Louis History Museum
Visit the events calendar HERE
General admission to the Museum is always free.
Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Tuesday: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Admission is charged for some special exhibitions.The Missouri History Museum is a member of the Metropolitan Zoological Park and Museum District and receives funding through the Missouri History Museum Subdistrict. The Museum is also generously supported by memberships, gifts, and grants.
Purina Farms
At the Visitor Center, pet lovers of all ages can enjoy:
Wagon rides
Cow-milking demonstrations
Baby animal petting area
Animal Barn and Hayloft Play Area
Canine performances of agility, diving dog and flying disc
Gift Shop
Snack Bar
Visit the events calendar HERE
Admission to the Visitor Center is always free. Parking is free on most days, but there is sometimes a parking fee during special events!
City Museum
Housed in the 600,000 square-foot former International Shoe Company, the museum is an eclectic mixture of children’s playground, funhouse, surrealistic pavilion, and architectural marvel made out of unique, found objects.
Museum is open 7 days a week.
HOURS
Mon – Tues 9am till 5pm
Wed – Thurs 9am till 5pm
Fri – Sat 9am till Midnight
Sun 11am till 5pm
Eckerts
Eckert’s Farms, family-owned and operated since 1837 by seven generations of Eckerts, is the largest pick-your-own orchard operation in the United States. Starting as a simple roadside stand in 1910, the Eckert family now owns and operates farming, entertainment, and retail entities in Belleville, Grafton and Millstadt, IL. We have grown from simple fruit orchards into family entertainment centers that feature special children’s activities, annual events, festivals and the Eckert’s Country Store and Restaurant.
Belleville
Restaurant: 7am – 9pm daily
Country Store: 8am – 8pm Sun-Thurs; 8am – 9pm Fri & Sat
Custard Shop: 11am – 9pm daily
PYO Strawberries: 9am – 5pm daily
Millstadt
Will reopen September 2015
Grafton Farm
Will reopen in July 2015
St. Louis Farm Market
Will reopen in June 2015.
Museum of Transportation
The Museum of Transportation, in West St. Louis County, MO, houses what has been recognized as one of the largest and best collections of transportation vehicles in the world.
View the calendar of events HERE
Summer Hours
Memorial Day – Labor Day
Monday-Saturday: 9 am – 4 pm
Sunday: 11 am – 4 pm
Admission
Adults: $8.00 (13 & older); Children: $5.00 (3-12)
Members: Free (six guests admitted per visit)
Botanical Garden
View the events calendar HERE
The Garden is a center for botanical research and science education, as well as an oasis in the city of St. Louis. The Garden offers 79 acres of beautiful horticultural display, including a 14-acre Japanese strolling garden, Henry Shaw’s original 1850 estate home, and one of the world’s largest collections of rare and endangered orchids.
::Children’s Garden
Admission is free to the Children’s Garden at the Missouri Botanical Garden on Wednesday evenings from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m during the Whitaker Music Festival. The Children’s Garden is designed to teach kids about nature in a fun way. There’s a tree house, frontier fort, outdoor classroom and more.
May 27 – July 29, 2015
::Butterfly House
Open Tuesday-Sunday
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
$6 general admission
$5 seniors 65 & over
$4 children 3-12
Free children 2 & under
St. Louis City/County residents enjoy free admission on the first Tuesday of every month from 9 -11 a.m. Proof of residency is required. Due to high attendance, strollers are not permitted on free Tuesdays.
Muny
The Muny is St. Louis’ outdoor theater. Each year they offer a select amount of free seats for it’s productions. View this years schedule HERE.
Swing Around Fun Town
This year Swing Around Fun Town is featuring Wild Wednesdays. Mom’s can bring little ones from 11am – 1 pm for a morning of fun! Unlimited Access to the Soft Playground and 2 tickets to be used for either: Kiddie Karts, Mini Golf, or Bumper Boats. Price $5.99 per child (must be 7 years old or under)
Bounce U
Whether you’re on the hunt for a 100% private indoor birthday party, a super cool spot to host your next team get together, or just a fun place to bounce on the hugest, most gigantic inflatables around, BounceU is a great place to take the kids.
Locations available in Chesterfield and St. Louis
Monkey Joe’s
Monkey Joe’s is another fun place full of inflatables that the kids will love.
Hours of Operation:
Mon-Sat 10-8, Sun 11-7 (Hours may vary on certain dates, holidays & private events)
Price: $7.99 – $9.99
Sports Fusion Chesterfield
Chesterfield Sports Fusion is a unique indoor family recreation facility. There are fun attractions for people of all ages in an inviting and comfortable atmosphere.
Hours
Tuesday, 5/26/15: Opening @ 12pm
Sunday, 5/31/15: Opening @ 1:30pm
Saturday, 6/6/15: Closing @ 9pm
Skyzone
Open jump lets you fly high! That means full access to all Sky Zone activities, including the Main Court (free jump), the Foam Zone (freestyle jumping into foam), Ultimate Dodgeball, SkySlam, and more! Open jump is available during normal operating hours. All ages are welcome, and a Sky Zone liability waiver is required for each jumper (those under 18 must have their waiver signed by their parent or legal guardian). Locations in Chesterfield and Fenton
Epic 6
EPIC 6 is an exciting indoor sports and recreation facility for the whole family.
Visit HERE for hours and events.
Six Flags
Six Flags St. Louis offers everything from pulse-pounding roller coasters to gentler options for tots. Cool off at Hurricane Harbor or take a break at one of their entertaining shows.
Water Parks:
North Pointe Family Aquatic Center
Ballwin, MO 63011
Price: $4 resident youths and seniors/$5 adults/$7 non resident youths and adults
Maryland Heights Centre and Aquaport
Maryland Heights
Price: $5 adult day passes ages 16 and older with resident discount/$10 youth ages 4 to 15/$4 with resident discount/free children 3 and younger
Carondelet Park Rec Complex
Holly Hills
Price: $50 annual outdoor pool add on fee for city residents/$5 per child guest/$10 per adult guest
White Birch Bay Aquatic Center
Hazelwood
The popular water park features a bubble slide, a 600-foot lazy river, a little tot wave pool with spray features and more.
Admission for non-residents is $12 for adults and $10 for children. Resident admission is $6 for adults and $5 for children. Kids three and younger are free.
The center is open from noon to 7 p.m.
Bridgeton Crossing Aquatic Park
There are slides and a children’s play area, plus plenty of room to swim or just relax in the sun.
Admission for non-residents is $8 for adults and $6 for children. Resident admission is $5 for adults and $4 for children. Kids three and younger are free.
Bridgeton Crossing is open from noon to 8 p.m.
Hurricane Harbor located within Six Flags
You’ll find everything from large pools and lazy rivers to multi-passenger rafting adventures and speed slides.
View all of the rides HERE.
Raging Rivers in Grafton
The water park sits on the banks of the Mississippi River along the Great River Road. It’s a full scale attraction with a beach, treehouse harbor, endless river, slides, raft rides and more.
Admission is $24.95 for adults and $20.95 for children or save $5 by going after 3 p.m.
Raging Rivers opens daily at 10:30 a.m.
Fenton – Riverchase Recreation Center
625 New Smizer Mill Road • Fenton, MO 63026 • (636) 343-2080
Arnold Recreational Center
Outdoor Pool Hours are Noon-7 pm Monday thru Sunday. The pool opens at 11 am daily for members only. The outdoor pool will switch to Saturdays and Sundays only after Fox School District resumes regular session in the fall (August). In addition, the outdoor pool will close for the season after Labor Day Holiday.
Kirkwood Aquatic Center
NONRESIDENTS (anyone who does not live in Kirkwood, Glendale, or Oakland) – NEW: In addition to entering the pool as a guest of a resident, nonresidents (NR) may purchase a NR ID card or a NR season pass. The NR ID card costs $30 per year per person and will allow the nonresident to pay the NR daily fee of $8. NR season passes cost $120 for youth (4-17), $145 for an adult (18-64), $120 for a senior citizen (65+), and $315 for a family of three (each additional family member costs $30). To obtain a NR ID card, each purchaser 16 and older must present a valid, current Missouri Driver’s License showing current address. Purchases age 15 and younger must be accompanied by a person living at the same address who can present the documents listed above. Everyone 4 and older must have an ID card. Each ID card will be allowed up to four guests per day, with a maximum allowance of 16 guests per family per day. All guests will pay the nonresident guest daily admission fee.
Parks:
Fountain at Tower Grove Park
The fountain and wading pool at Tower Grove Park is a nice place for kids to cool off in the summer heat. There are dozens of pop-jets for children to play in, as well as a large water bowl in the center of the fountain. During the summer, the fountain and jets are on every day. The wading pool is open Tuesday through Sunday.
Suson Park Animal Farm
Give your kids a look at a real animal farm complete with pigs, horses, cows, chickens and more. The animal farm at Suson Park in St. Louis County is open daily in the summer.
Tilies
One of the best known of the County’s parks, Tilles is a favored location for picnics.
Park Hours: 8 a.m. to one half hour past official sunset,
except when reservations are issued.
Plus you’ll want to check out this list of Missouri State Parks in the St. Louis Region and the St. Louis County Parks list HERE.
Hiking Trails:
Laumeier Sculpture Park
Laumeier Sculpture Park features 80 sculptures scattered along a well-maintained trail throughout this unusual park. The trail takes you through woodlands as well as manicured fields, and you’ll encounter large sculptures everywhere you go.
Matson Hill Park
In the “Boone Region” of Street Charles County, Matson Hill Park provides a unique opportunity for the outdoor enthusiast who wishes to escape into a heavily forested area. Planned with limited outside development, the park reflects the natural surroundings found in the area during the time of Daniel Boone’s life. Designed for hiking and biking, the undulating terrain offers a challenge to all.
Trail Among the Trees, Rockwoods Reservation – currently closed
This hilly loop will take you past a rocky glade, forested uplands and lowlands, through valleys, quarried areas and Bathtub Cave. The cave, which is small, dry and virtually impossible to get lost in, offers a great first caving experience for kids. Arriving at the rocky glade, you’ll find a nice west-facing overlook of the Rockwoods area, which is particularly enjoyable at sunset. The beginning and end of the trail are flat and easy, but the middle section has a few steep grades and some stairs.
Broemmelsiek Park
The initial loops and field areas are designed for any skill level and the back portion of the park has challenging climbs, creek crossings, and exposed rock and tree roots. In addition, a one-half mile paved surface trail that is open to walking and bicycle traffic only surrounds the fishing lake along Wilson Road. While strolling on one of many trails, make sure to take in the wildflower show occurring late spring through summer, or look for crayfish and tadpoles in the picturesque creek that is accessible at several points along the trail.
River Scene Trail at Castlewood State Park
From the trailhead, you’ll face an intimidating incline, but most of this hike’s elevation gain is in the first third of a mile; the rest is either flat or a descent. At the top of the initial climb you’ll see the first of the dramatic views from the top of the bluffs. Be sure to keep your kids at a safe distance from the edge as there is no railing along the bluffs. However, there are great benches and overlook decks where you can safely enjoy the views. Continue along the trail as it follows the edge of the bluffs to the hiking-only section. About a mile into the hike you’ll start to descend a long set of stairs leading down from the bluffs and into the valley below. After passing through a short tunnel under the railroad tracks, you’ll arrive at the edge of the Meramec River. This section is great for exploring the river’s edge, especially when you get to the large sandy beach. The trail continues past the cul-de-sac at the beach and eventually ends on a park road. Turn to your right and follow the park road back to the trailhead.
Powder Valley Nature Center
Families can take a hike on one of several paved trails that weave through the Powder Valley Nature Conservation Center. There’s also an indoor learning center and special free classes for kids throughout the summer.
Biking Trails
Indian Camp Creek Park
ICCP’s prairie lowlands and wooded hillsides offer more than 9 miles of multi-use, natural surface trails for hikers, cyclists and equestrians. The trails are open during daylight hours and the flats along the creek are accessible to most. The back portion of the park has several more challenging climbs, exposed rock or tree roots and ditch crossings.
St. Louis Riverfront Trail
Instead of dense woods and lush wetlands, the St. Louis Riverfront Trail provides an opportunity for riders to experience historic and industrial sections of St. Louis, as well as natural river scenery. Although the trail is a bit longer roundtrip, especially for children, there are plenty of stop-off points and attractions. Among them: The Laclede Power Center, “Reflections on a River” floodwall art mural, Native Plant Nursery, Mary Meachum Freedom Crossing Underground Railroad Site (the first nationally-designated Underground Railroad Site in Missouri), North Riverfront Park and the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge.
Katy Trail—Weldon Springs to Defiance
The Katy Trail features luscious scenery, as well as many options for shorter and longer rides. In particular, this leg from the Weldon Springs trailhead to Defiance is perfect for families because of its length, terrain and attractions. Wildflowers dot the landscape as you roll from town to town. Formerly the MKT rail line, this stretch of Katy Trail meanders through peaceful farmland and small-town Americana.
Grant’s Trail
Constructed on an old railroad right of way, Grant’s Trail (named for Ulysses S. Grant) is a flat, fun and diverse way to enjoy the outdoors. It winds through the woods just like the train tracks used to, but don’t worry—there are no stockcars or tracks in sight. Instead, riders will see a variety of attractions, including the Grant Historic Site and the Sappington House home and museum. Be sure to stop by one of the most famous attractions—the Anheuser-Busch Clydesdale stables and pastures.
Forest Park Biking and Hiking Trail
The Forest Park Biking and Hiking Trail offers riders many fun, interactive stops along the way. There are a dozen attractions located near the park, including access to the St. Louis Art Museum and St. Louis Zoo. If you’d rather keep riding, the trail also features pristine lakes, great wooded areas and striking flower gardens. It’s good for bird-watching, too—more than 200 species have been sighted here.
FREE Events:
–Kids Bowl Free: Children whose age does not exceed a limit by a participating bowling center are eligible to register for 2 free games a day, all summer long. Go here to see if a bowling center in your area is participating and to sign up!
–Kids Skate Free: Go HERE to see if there is a center near you participating and to sign up.
Each center has their own rules to participate. In Arnold you have to be 10 or Under in Belleville you have to be 14 or Under. Be sure to check the rules for your participating location.
–Apple Retail Stores Youth Workshops
–Home Depot Kids Workshops
–Lowes Build and Grow Clinics
–Micheals In Store Free Events
–Bass Pro Shop Free Events for Kids and Families.
Movies:
Wehrenberg Family Summer Series
The Wehrenberg Family Summer Series is back for 2016! From June 1st through August 4th on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 10am they have 10 films scheduled that the kids are sure to love priced at just $1 per ticket.
Movies include:
Alvin and the Chipmuncks Road Chip
Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2
Goosebumps
HOME
Hotel Translvania 2
MAX
Minions
Pan
Pixels
The Peanuts Movie
*The movie selected is different per theater each week – view the schedule for your theater HERE.
Regal Summer Movie Express
Regal is back with $1 kids movies. These will be available at 10 a.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays beginning the first week in June and throughout the summer.
Note: Each week both movies play on both days. A portion of the proceeds goes to the Will Rogers Institute.
Week 1
The Lego Movie
Max
Week 2
Goosebumps
The Iron Giant: Signature Edition
Week 3
Pan
The Smurfs 2
Week 4
Despicable Me 2
Home
Week 5
Minions
The Peanuts Movie
Week 6
Alvin & The Chipmunks: The Road Chip
Curious George
Week 7
The Book of Life
Hotel Transylvania 2
Week 8
Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs 2
Shaun The Sheep
Week 9
The Croods
Dr. Suess’ The Lorax
Click here to find a Participating Regal Movie Theater near you. In my area Regal Gravois Bluffs Stadium 12 and Regal St. Louis Mills Stadium 18 & IMAX Hazelwood are included starting June 3rd.
Ballpark Village Free Movie Mondays
The movies begin at 7pm on the Outdoor Busch II Infield.
Here’s the line up:
Mon May 16th – Inside Out *Please note for this date the movie is starting at 7:30PM, gates to the Busch II Infield are at 7:15PM*
Mon June 6th – Finding Nemo
Mon July 25th – Frozen
Mon Aug 22nd – Toy Story
Mon Sept 19th – Up
Plus don’t forget to visit Groupon and LivingSocial for discounts on local things to do with the family! AND the Kids Eat Free list for ways to save when you’re dining out!
*If you have more that you would like to share pass them on!
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