A guide to summer family fun in St. Louis

The best ways to enjoy the season indoors and out

by

Summer is the season to make the most of days that are less defined by school and extracurricular activities, and more about enjoying time together with family and friends. This year, explore all that the St. Louis region has to offer, especially the many family-friendly attractions now open or reopened. 

1. Visit one of St. Louis' best playgrounds. Whether you want a more "natural" option like Forest Park's Anne O’C. Albrecht Nature Playscape or a castle-themed wonderland like Zachary's Playground at Hawk Ridge Park, there's something to keep every kid active. Mark your calendar for fall, when the new destination playground in Brentwood opens. 

2. After getting nice and sweaty, cool off by running around one of St. Louis' best splash pads. One of our favorites is inside the Missouri Botanical Garden's Children’s Garden, where kids can play with a lock-and-dam system and float boats. They can also get a refreshing shower at the flower-themed splash pad. We recommend hitting up the giant sand pit before you turn your kids loose at the water features (and not the other way around). 

3. When the temps make it feel like you're walking on the surface of the sun, consider retreating indoors. Whether you want to turn the kids loose at an indoor play place, introduce them to an old-school arcade, try an escape room, dominate in laser tag, or bowl a few frames, read through our master list of indoor entertainment for families. 

4. Alternatively, many libraries across the St. Louis region have indoor play spaces that rival the biggies. Check out a handful of them here.

5. This is the summer you introduce your kid to the fun that is the zipline. Read about a few of the best ones in St. Louis here.

6. Enjoy an afternoon at the theater, specifically Paw Patrol Live! Heroes Unite at Stifel Theatre in May and Bluey's Big Play at the Fox in June.

7. Discover what's new at Grant's Farm. The beloved farm celebrates its 120th birthday this year, and is marking the occasion with a done show, a new spring festival, and a new Deer Park feeding tour. Read more here.

8. Ride the new all-electric train at the Saint Louis Zoo. It's named after abolitionist Mary Meachum. And for more tips and tricks on visiting the zoo, see our story here.

9. Visit the new CITY SC exhibit at The Magic House. The exhibit includes a simulator where kids can kick a real ball into a virtual net; a model of the CITY team’s locker room where kids can try on shin guards and kits; and a rowing machine, pull-up bar, and stationary bike to test their strength and endurance.

10. Plan a St. Louis staycation. The summer is the perfect time to explore a new-to-you neighborhood, stay at a family-friendly hotel, and just take a break from the everyday.

11. Check a must-do off your fam-friendly bucket list. St. Louis Magazine has pulled together the 25 things every St. Louis kid must do. Has your family done every one? If not, it's time to complete a few.

Receive the latest happenings and news for local parents in your inbox with our Family newsletter.
Or, check out all of our newsletters.