If your kids love animals, then you’re in luck. The St. Louis region boasts several animal attractions that are fun for the whole family. Whether you’re looking for exotic animals, farm animals, sea creatures, fascinating insects, or eye-catching birds, you’ll find them within a short drive. Consider one of these destinations when planning your next animal adventure.
The Audubon Center at Riverlands
For more than a decade, the Audobon Center at Riverlands as worked to inspire conservation of the region’s birds and wildlife, among other natural resources. Riverlands boasts 8.5 miles of trails covering 3,700 acres of floodplain habitat, making it a great place to go birding. Upon arriving at the Audobon Center, guests can pick up bird checklists and trail maps before venturing out to view some of the region’s most eye-catching avians, including eagles, gulls, swans, and many more. During the spring, you’ll find waterbirds, terns, bitterns, rails and songbirds to fill up your checklist. Free. 8 a.m.–4 p.m. Tues–Sun. 301 Riverlands.
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Celebrating its 10-year anniversary this summer, Big Joel’s Safari is a family-operated petting zoo that allows visitors to familiarize themselves with an array of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, and fish. Recent arrivals to the collection include black capped capuchin monkeys, brown lemurs, addax antelope, and capybara, among others. Guests can use their hands, provided spoons, or special tubes to help feed just about any animal on the premises. The season typically opens in April. $14 visitors 13 and older, $10 kids 2–12, free for kids under 2. Check website for times. 13187 State Highway M. 636-745-3031.
This 165-acre sanctuary near Union serves as a rehabilitation and care center for neglected and abused animals. Horses, cows, goats, pigs, ducks, and other farm animals roam the ranch, allowing for an up-close and hands-on educational experience for guests of all ages. Free. 12 p.m.–3 p.m. Fri, 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Sat. 480 Joseph’s. 636-583-8759.
The city’s renowned zoo is home to more than 14,000 animals representing nearly 500 species. It’s a family favorite that’s especially great to visit on a warm spring or summer day. Be sure to check out the new Primate Canopy Trails, which opened in July 2021. The exhibit features an interactive climbing structure for kids to explore, while they also learn about natural habitats and the importance of healthy forests. Free. Check website for seasonal hours. 1 Government. 314-781-0900.
Explore underwater worlds with help from the aquarium’s 13,000 animals representing 257 species. Visitor can get a good look at underwater animals ranging from those who live at the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers, to those who live deep in the oceans. There are also plenty of hands-on activities available at the touch pools, where kids can run their fingers over a cownose ray, or a bamboo shark, among other aquatic creatures. Children can also experience up-close visits with ball pythons, a Sulcata tortoise, a sugar glider, and many more interesting animals. Prices vary, free 2 and under. 9 a.m.–7 p.m. daily. 201 S. 18th. 314-923-3900.
Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House
On any given day, there are nearly 2,000 tropical butterflies representing 80 different species fluttering in free flight through the tropical conservatory. The butterflies fly at eye level, giving kids and families an up-close opportunity to watch these beautiful creatures navigate nature. A newly opened bug science lab offers guests a glimpse into the process for cultivating the Butterfly House’s living insect collection, while also using kid-friendly diagrams and visuals to illustrate the four stages of a butterfly’s life cycle, the difference between butterflies and moths, and the journey butterflies take to arrive at the Chesterfield conservatory. $8 general admission, $5 seniors, $5 kids 3–12, free for kids under 2. 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Tues.–Sun. 15050 Faust. 314-577-0888.
More than 160 animals representing 60-plus species call this Valley Park rehabilitation sanctuary home. Daily attractions include the Flying Bird Show, which gives guests of all ages a chance to see various birds flying right above their head, and the twice-per-day raptor showing, which provides teens an opportunity to learn how to handle a talon-led predator. Along with scores of owls, vultures, eagles, and other birds, the sanctuary also features hiking trails and a play area. $5 per person. 8 a.m.–5 p.m. daily. 125 Bald Eagle Ridge. 636-225-4390.
Feeding the goats at Grant’s Farm might be the classic St. Louis kids’ experience, but this destination has far more to offer than baby goat bottle-feeding. The home of St. Louis’ famous Clydesdales, the farm also acts as a refuge for more than 900 animals. Book a special animal encounter in advance, ride the tram in, and end your day with a free beer or two in the biergarten. Free admission, but parking, rides, and attractions inside come with fees. Hours vary per season. 10501 Gravois. 314-843-1700.
This St. Louis County park is a great place to introduce the little ones to nature. Not only is there a lake stocked with fish, including one designated for kids, there is a working animal farm that usually features horses, pigs, cows, goats, chickens, and geese, among others. Park hours, 8 a.m.–30 minutes past sunset. Barn hours, 10:30–3 p.m. (admission is free) Daily. 6073 Wells.
