Having a newborn is tough work. Whether you’re on parental leave or just fresh to the experience of raising a young one, filling the day between nap time and feedings can be tricky. Luckily, in St. Louis, there are plenty of ways to get out, get active, and introduce some experiences that boost your baby’s development.
St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station
Discover fun things to do with the family
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Explore the depths of the ocean by visiting the St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station, an ideal destination for parents with newborns. Galleries highlight animals living bodies of water from nearby and around the world, including otters, sharks, and jellyfish. Your newborn might be too young to fully appreciate the wonder of the underwater creatures on display, but the lights, sounds, and scenery offer a soothing atmosphere that those developing sensory awareness will appreciate.
Even better, the Aquarium is open seven days a week, so you can bring your tiny buddy along however it fits their schedule. Tickets range in price by day and age and can be purchased in advance online using the Aquarium’s website.
Get up close and personal with friendly animals at Suson County Park, a baby-friendly destination that serves as a working animal farm. Post up with a picnic under the trees (a favorite baby view) in the fresh air before you meet (and even pet) animals like goats, pigs, and sheep. The site also includes a playground—a perfect place for older brothers and sisters to burn off some energy before or after your visit.
Another popular spot for animal encounters is Grant’s Farm. This family-friendly tradition offers animal feedings, meet-and-greets, and other hands-on opportunities kids just love. And for babies, the visit will bring all their animal-naming board books to life.
There’s something especially comforting about an art museum. It’s quiet, relaxing and visually stimulating, making for an ideal outing any new parent would love.
The Saint Louis Art Museum offers so much that it’s difficult to take in everything during a single visit—all the more reason to return with your newborn for regular walks inside the air-conditioned cultural institute. The venue regularly introduces new exhibits to keep the collection fresh, and admission is free every day. Another must for parents of babes? Toting around a stroller is a breeze with elevators located on every level.
Being a new parent doesn’t mean you have to miss all the latest releases. Alamo Drafthouse has you covered with the reintroduction of its Baby Day screenings.
Every Tuesday before 2 p.m., parents are invited to both introduce their kiddos to the art of cinema and enjoy screenings without having to worry about disrupting other moviegoers. Lights are kept brighter to make it easier to find toys and supplies in the diaper bag while the showtime sound is lower to accommodate napping newborns. Another major bonus–children ages 2 and under get in free.
Music Classes
Music enriches even the youngest baby. There are several music classes available throughout the area that cater to newborns and older kids, offering interactive experiences where babies and toddlers play instruments, dance, sing, and more.
A few area favorites include:
