Photograph by Katherine Bish
Entertaining the wee ones can be tricky, especially when done on a dime. Fortunately, St. Louis has no shortage of family-friendly sites—and often for a reasonable rate. We mapped out 50 of the best, from Kirkwood’s Community Freedom Festival to dining with the fishes at Grafton’s Fin Inn, climbing City Museum’s MonstroCity to cooking at Young Chefs Academy. While checking off items on the list, both kids and kids-at-heart are guaranteed to have a blast. No kidding.
1. Act natural in the Children’s Garden at MoBot
4344 Shaw, 314-577-9400, mobot.org
Feeding the koi at MoBot’s Japanese Garden is a must—but a handful of fish food only lasts so long. Budding botanists will love the recently reopened Doris I. Schnuck Children’s Garden for many reasons: a 2-acre playground with rope bridges, a three-level fort, a mini steamboat—even a Secret Garden for the tiny introvert.
2. Pick berries at Eckert’s
951 S. Green Mount, Belleville, Ill., 618-233-0513, eckerts.com
Loading up the family to pick pumpkins might be months away, but summertime at Eckert’s is still sweet. The Belleville farm is loaded with tons of fresh fruit: strawberries in May, blackberries and peaches from mid-July through August, and apples in September and October.
3. Strike a pose at the Butterfly Conservatory
15193 Olive, Chesterfield, 636-530-0076, butterflyhouse.org
Nothing says photo op like butterflies, flowers, and kids. There’s no shortage of Kodak-worthy spots at The Butterfly House—most notably inside the conservatory. The tropical area houses nearly 2,000 butterflies, with up to 80 species and 150 types of plants. And plan to attend one of the many scheduled summertime events.
4. Cast a line at August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area
2360 Highway D, St. Charles, 636-441-4554
Before threading a hook at August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area, tour the Missouri Department of Conservation’s regional headquarters, where the kiddos can see live fish and wildlife exhibits. Then rent a boat (only $5.50 a day!) to venture out on a catch-and-release lake.
5. Roam with bison at Lone Elk Park
1 Lone Elk Park Road (west of Route 141 and I-44), 314-615-4386
St. Louis doesn’t provide many glimpses of bison—unless you count the Museum of Westward Expansion’s stuffed version. But at Lone Elk Park, the woolly beasts roam among other wildlife: elk, white-tailed deer, turkey, and turtles. The 546-acre wildlife management area allows visitors a chance to see the creatures from the comfort of a car.
6. Greater St. Louis Renaissance Faire
May 16–June 7, Wentzville, stlrenfaire.com
7. Slurp a root-beer float at Fitz’s
6605 Delmar, 314-726-9555, fitzsrootbeer.com
With its vintage bottling machine, a colorful atmosphere, and kiddie meals served in mini classic cars, Fitz’s is always alluring to kids while in the Loop. Share a root-beer float or a strawberry shake.
8. Do the twist at Gus’ Pretzels
1820 Arsenal, 314-664-4010, guspretzels.com
Gus’ Pretzels is a model of familial fortitude. Frank Ramsperger started the St. Louis institution in his basement in 1920. Son-in-law Gus Koebbe carried on the handmade pretzel recipe by opening a shop in the 1950s. Gus Jr. bought the shop in 1980 and still runs it with his brother, Dave. The owner’s son, Gus III, now works at the family biz, too. Kids will love the pretzel ends (15 for $1.50).
9. Dine with the fishes at Grafton’s Fin Inn
1500 W. Main, Grafton, Ill., 618-786-2030, fininn.com
What other eatery can label itself an “aquarium restaurant”? Grafton’s Fin Inn boasts seven aquariums, where loggerhead turtles and fish swim in the tanks. What to order? We’d recommend the turtle soup—but it might mortify the tykes. Stick with a burger.
10. Sing for your dessert at The Fudgery
1820 Market, Ste. 189, 314-231-1901, fudgeryfudge.com
Union Station’s The Fudgery resembles a performance space more than a kitchen, with workers prompting onlookers to shout, “Alright!” The never-shy employees keep the tourist destination lively as they dish out samples. The only rule? “You don’t speak, you don’t eat.”
11. Order frozen custard at a neighborhood creamery
Frozen custard and summer go hand in hand. There’s no end of St. Louis creameries to savor one lick at a time: Mr. Wizard’s and St. Louis Frozen Custard Factory are located centrally, and Whistle Stop and Fritz’s can be found in North County. Oh, and we’ve heard about this place called Ted Drewes that holds cups of custard upside down when serving them to you. It’s apparently not bad either.
12. Superman Celebration
June 11–14, Metropolis, Ill., supermancelebration.net
13. Catch the Green Show at Shakespeare Festival St. Louis
Forest Park, 314-531-9800, sfstl.com
An elaborate set in Forest Park provides the backdrop for free Shakespearean plays during summer. On every night but Tuesdays from May 20 to June 14 at 8 p.m., the family can watch The Merry Wives of Windsor, Shakespeare’s comedy about the fat knight Falstaff’s adventures (see page 160). Pack a picnic and arrive at 6:30 p.m. to catch an all-ages favorite, the Green Show, where you can see jugglers, fire-breathers, and a pre-play performance.
14. Paddle on Post-Dispatch Lake
6101 Government Drive, 314-367-2224, boathouseforestpark.com
Those other Forest Park attractions get all the hype, but coasting lazily on Post-Dispatch Lake on a pleasant day is tough to beat. Fork out $15 at the boathouse for an hourlong ride in a paddle boat or rowboat. (We recommend the rowboat if you’re more than 6 feet tall.) Paddle past ducks and turtles, take the narrow stream to the Grand Basin, and edge close enough to the fountains to get sprayed—just a bit.
15. Giddyup on the St. Louis Carousel at Faust Park
15189 Olive, Chesterfield, 636-537-0222
Nearly 90 years after it was first built, the St. Louis Carousel in Faust Park stands strong, playing carnival music while taking kids round and round. Children 12 months and under hitch a ride free when adults pay the required $1 per ride.
16. Brave the Wave Pool at Raging Rivers
100 Palisades Parkway, Grafton, Ill., 618-786-2345, ragingrivers.com
Raging Rivers in Grafton earns its title, clinging to the shores of the Mississippi. Kids have plenty of options at the 20-acre water park: a wave pool, 500-foot flumes, slides, tubing, and a 1,500-gallon water bucket. And for the exhausted parent, there’s the Endless River, where you can float lazily at 2.5 miles per hour. Go after 3 p.m. to save $4 per ticket (and avoid a sunburn).
17. Kirkwood’s community freedom festival
July 4, Kirkwood Park
18. Bike the Katy Trail In ST. Charles County
South of Highway 94, 800-334-6946, bikekatytrail.com
As the longest rails-to-trails path in Missouri, the Katy Trail provides plenty for cyclists. Perhaps the best stretch in these parts winds through St. Charles County. Park at the Matson Trailhead, then head west through wooded enclaves and along the Missouri River to Augusta. Be sure to make a stop at Klondike Park.
19. Take a shot at Adrenaline Zone and Demolition Ball
1875 Old Highway 94 South, St. Charles, 636-940-7700, www.db-az.com
The fast-paced game of Demolition Ball is a sort of poor man’s polo, challenging teams of five to hurl a whiffle ball through raised goals—all while driving bumper cars. The adjoining Adrenaline Zone involves laser-tag teams weaving through a 6,800-square-foot maze.
20. Catch a River City Rascals game
900 T.R. Hughes Boulevard, O’Fallon, Mo., 636-240-2287, rivercityrascals.com
In St. Louis, it’s almost legally binding that any reference to “baseball” should be accompanied by “Cardinals.” But for small sports fans, a River City Rascals game has its advantages: $5 lawn seats, always-accessible players, and endless entertainment.
21. Throw a strike at Flamingo Bowl
1117 Washington, 314-436-6666, flamingobowl.net
Before partiers overrun Flamingo Bowl at night, the bowling alley offers a retro kitsch place for families to throw caution to the wind. The little ones will be mesmerized by the neon and pastels. But be warned: It’s easy to rack up a hefty tab. Arrive early for a $3.50 per game walk-in rate ($3 for kids).
22. Ride horses at Rocking J
6757 Bridle Trail, High Ridge, 636-677-5107, rockingj.com
For kids desperate for a pony, Rocking J Ranch provides an option—albeit temporary. With five riding-ready horses, the ranch offers lessons and one-hour rides for $50.
23. Jump around at Sky Zone
17379 Edison, Chesterfield, 636-530-4550, skyzonesports.com
Chesterfield’s Sky Zone takes the trampoline to new heights. The complex houses a 3-D playing field designed to put a spring in players’ steps.
24. Fair saint Louis and LIVE on the Levee
July weekends, downtown, celebratestlouis.org
2. Ride MetroLink
314-231-2345, metrostlouis.org
MetroLink might be a route to work for many St. Louisans, but it’s an adventure for wide-eyed kids. For an impromptu tour of the city, it’s hard to top a ride on the light rail. Be sure to stop at the University City–Big Bend station to see “Linear Accelerator,” a glowing light installation by artist Brower Hatcher, and stay on for a view of the mighty Mississippi as you cross the Eads Bridge.
26. Float on the Grafton Ferry
Highway 94 north to Grafton Ferry Road, Grafton, Ill., 636-250-3103, graftonferry.com
After a day at Raging Rivers, there’s only one way to end the adventure: Take the Grafton Ferry back to St. Charles County for $8. While crossing the confluence of the Mississippi and Illinois rivers, there’s a good chance you’ll spot bald eagles—during winter, anyway.
27. Set sail on the museum of transportation’s pirate ship
2967 Barrett Station, 314-965-6885, transportmuseumassociation.org
Kids can don outfits like Jack Sparrow’s while playing on a model pirate ship at the Museum of Transportation. Before your kids sit inside the museum’s old-school locomotives, trolleys, and vintage cars, take a tour on the miniature train.
28. Race at St. Louis Mills’ NASCAR SpeedPark
5555 St. Louis Mills Boulevard, Ste. 375, 314-227-5600, nascarspeedpark.com
Fulfill your kids’ need for speed on any of the four go-kart tracks at the NASCAR SpeedPark. For the younger ones, there’s a virtual NASCAR video game inside. And good luck trying to leave without visiting SpeedPark’s arcade, bumper boats, laser tag, and mini golf.
29. Spot Bigfoot in Hazelwood
6311 N. Lindbergh, 314-731-2822, bigfoot4x4.com
No, we’re not referring to Sasquatch. Bigfoot No. 5 is the tallest, widest, and heaviest truck in the world. During your Bigfoot sighting, get a picture of the kids standing in one of the wheels. Just remember to call before your monster outing to ensure that the truck is parked in Hazelwood—and not out crunching cars.
30. Festival of Nations
August 29–30, Tower Grove Park, www.iistl.org
31. Peruse Laumeier Sculpture Park
12580 Rott, 314-821-1209, laumeiersculpturepark.org
Inspiration is never hard to come by at Laumeier. During weeklong summer camps in June and July, kids can learn about the arts while surrounded by nature.
32. Cook up a storm at Young Chefs Academy
1929 W. Highway 50, O’Fallon, Ill., 618-632-2665, youngchefsacademy.com
Your wee Wolfgang will love Young Chefs Academy, offering all things cooking for kids: classes, camps—even birthday parties. And when you return home, let the kids know they’re doing the cooking.
33. Gaze at the stars at the Science Center’s Planetarium
5050 Oakland, 800-456-7572, slsc.org
For kids with their heads in the clouds, the Saint Louis Science Center planetarium’s Orthwein StarBay projects more than 9,000 stars on its 80-foot dome ceiling. The Space Show costs $5 for adults and $4 for kids, but you can save $8 by parking for free in the north lot.
34. Have a hair-raising experience at The Magic House
516 S. Kirkwood, 314-822-8900, magichouse.org
In case you hadn’t noticed the newly super-sized Magic House, it’s expanded—a lot. Now twice the original size, the attraction includes a room full of bubbles and another designed like the Oval Office. But not to worry—youngsters can still strike a hair-raising pose at the good ol’ electrostatic generator.
35. Tour the Eugene Field House & St. Louis Toy Museum
634 S. Broadway, 314-421-4689, eugenefieldhouse.org
Yes, there was a time before Tickle Me Elmo (thank God). Prove it to the kids at the Eugene Field House & St. Louis Toy Museum. Declared a National Historic Landmark, the museum has toys and dolls dating back to the 18th century.
35. Tour the Eugene Field House & St. Louis Toy Museum
634 S. Broadway, 314-421-4689, eugenefieldhouse.org
Yes, there was a time before Tickle Me Elmo (thank God). Prove it to the kids at the Eugene Field House & St. Louis Toy Museum. Declared a National Historic Landmark, the museum has toys and dolls dating back to the 18th century.
36. Get craftsy at the Art Museum’s Family Sundays
1 Fine Arts, 314-721-0072, slam.org
Foster your child’s inner artist with kid-friendly gallery tours on Sunday afternoons, or drop in for other free artsy activities.
37. Hear a tale at the Missouri History Museum
5700 Lindell, 314-746-4599, mohistory.org
Storytellers at the Missouri History Museum really get into their stories by using costumes, paintings, and artifacts to illustrate their tales. The free sessions are Friday mornings and Saturday afternoons.
38. Moonlight Ramble
August 29–30, starting and ending downtown, moonlightramble.com/mr
39. Watch a show at Grant’s Farm
10501 Gravois, 314-843-1700, grantsfarm.com
The Clydesdales get all the press, but the bird and elephant shows at Grant’s Farm are equally exciting. For peanuts ($11 parking), you can squeeze both Animal Encounters and Elephant Education into an afternoon.
40. Slide with the otters at the saint louis Zoo
1 Government Drive, 314-781-0900, stlzoo.org
So you’ve arrived at Forest Park right when the Zoo opened at 9 a.m. for free admission to the Children’s Zoo ($4 starting at 10 a.m.). What to do first? Scope out the river otters exhibit, where kids can slide down an acrylic see-through chute through the water and past cavorting creatures. Before you leave, catch one of three daily sea-lion shows.
41. Visit the big top at Circus Flora
Grand Center, 314-289-4040, circusflora.org
Avoid outrageous prices at Cirque du Soleil by taking the family to this local one-ring, European-style act. Running from June 4 through 21, this year’s production, “Medrano,” features escapades in the air and on horseback.
42. Climb MonstroCity at the City Museum
701 N. 15th, 314-231-2489, citymuseum.org
The jungle gym in the backyard has nothing on MonstroCity, a 25-foot-high tangled maze of wrought iron and airplane fuselages built for climbing, bouncing, and jumping. And in case the ball pit proves too tempting for you, the structure supports adults, too.
43. Ride the Screamin’ Eagle at Six Flags
4900 Six Flags, Pacific, 636-938-4800, sixflags.com/stlouis
Once the gang has visited Hurricane Harbor and DC Comics Plaza, take the kids—the older ones, at least—to get some air on a Six Flags classic: the Screamin’ Eagle, a wooden roller coaster that speeds up to 62 miles per hour. It might be too much for the smaller kids, but teens and parents will love it.
44 The Great Forest Park Balloon Race
September 18–19, Forest Park, greatforestparkballoonrace.com
45. Attend a COCA Family Theatre Series show
524 Trinity, 314-725-6555, cocastl.org
If you and your family are fans of live theater but prefer something more intimate than The Muny, try the Family Theatre Series at COCA. The theater seats 405 and hosts just eight shows per year. Ask about joining the backstage club, which gives your family a chance to meet the performers. The season starts up again this fall.
46. Hear the Saint Louis Symphony’s Family Concerts
718 N. Grand, 314-534-1700, slso.org
Taking the family to the symphony sounds like an orchestrated disaster. But imagine wearing what you want, stomping to the music, and leaving after an hour—all without any dirty looks. SLSO’s Family Concerts allow just that. Designed for kids 3 and up, these shows sometimes include dance troupes.
47. See a flick at Belleville’s Skyview Drive-In
5700 N. Belt West, Belleville, Ill., 618-233-4400, skyview-drive-in.com
Forget surround sound and stadium seating. Give us a pleasant summer evening with the windows rolled down, the radio tuned in to the movie’s broadcast sound, and the screen larger than life. Now in its 60th season, the Skyview Drive-In is something all kids should experience while they still can. One more reason to ditch the theater: Two kids get in free with a paying adult.
48. See Bob Kramer’s Marionnettes
4143 Laclede, 314-531-3313, kramersmarionnettes.com
A show by St. Louis’ own Geppetto, Bob Kramer, comes with strings attached: His performances don’t involve computer wizardry—just old-fashioned entertainment. Call ahead for reservations and to find out about demonstration times.
49. Enjoy Black Cat Theatre’s Piwacket
2810 Sutton, 314-781-8300, blackcattheatre.org
Piwacket is Black Cat Theatre’s musical offering for kids. The Maplewood destination adapts fairy tales into 40-minute musical acts. For aspiring actors, the theater hosts a kids’ camp and teenage cabaret starting in July.
50. Popeye Picnic
September 11–13, Chester, Ill., popeyepicnic.com
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