Day trips and staycations for families in St. Louis

Neighborhoods across the metro area offer options for kids and parents alike to eat, play, and stay, whether visiting or on a spring or summer break staycation.

DOWNTOWN

PLAY: Take the family out to the ball game at Busch Stadium, where the 11-time World Series champion St. Louis Cardinals play regular season home games from April through September. The stadium’s Family Pavilion, located on Level 1 between Gates 5 and 6, opens 90 minutes prior to first pitch and features virtual reality games, a play structure, and a nursing suite. A few blocks west, the Enterprise Center serves as the home to the 2019 Stanley Cup champion St. Louis Blues, who play regular season contests at the arena from October through April. The building also hosts a full-slate of concerts throughout the year. At the neighboring Stifel Theatre, family theatricals such as Paw Patrol Live! cater to younger audiences. The world-famous City Museum features plenty of exhibits and interactive attractions to keep the whole family entertained. Check out the life-sized whale sculpture, navigate the indoor funhouse, and treat the place like a giant playground. Just be sure to wear comfortable tennis shoes for all of the exploring you’ll do inside. If your family is up for a trip through music history, pay a visit to the National Blues Museum to learn more about the impact and cultural significance of blues music. And, of course, the reimagined Union Station is a multifaceted destination, complete with the St. Louis Aquarium, the St. Louis Wheel, mini golf, and more.

EAT: Dive into a plate of St. Louis-style barbecue at local favorite Sugarfire Smoke House, where the menu features everything from pulled pork, ribs, and brisket to specialty sandwiches and salads. The hungriest little ones will appreciate the restaurant’s assortment of ice cream soda floats, pie shakes and housemade milkshakes. At Baileys’ Range, not only can kids create their own delicious burger, they can also watch how it’s made. After dinner, wash it all down with a generous helping of one of Baileys’ 12 flavors of ice cream. For breakfast, lunch, or brunch, head to Rooster and dig into a scramble, a plate of french toast, or a crepe.

STAY: Merely a 2-minute walk from City Museum, The Last Hotel is one of the newer additions to the downtown hospitality scene. At the Hotel Saint Louis, guests can take a break from sightseeing by jumping into the rooftop pool.

GRAND CENTER

PLAY: Introduce the kids to St. Louis’ vibrant arts scene by taking in a show at one of the city’s historic theaters. Powell Hall is home to the St. Louis Symphony, which captivates audiences with its seasonal programming. Across the street, the Fox Theatre is a regular touring stop for nationally renowned plays, musicals, and concerts, including Hamilton, Disney’s The Lion King, and more. The Contemporary Art Museum offers several ways for families to get up-close and personal with art. Keep an eye out for CAM’s Family Days, which are full of activities and performances to entertain children of all ages. Older kids, especially teens, might take interest in some of the installations and performances produced by the Kranzberg Arts Foundation, which hosts events at venues including High Low, The Dark Room, .ZACK, and more. For families looking for something a little more fast-paced, the MOTO Museum offers visitors a look at unique motorcycles obtained from across the world.

EAT: At The Fountain on Locust, kiddos will delight in the sweet offerings of the old-fashioned soda fountain and the restaurant’s extensive ice cream offerings. Located at the corner of Grand and Washington, the Stage Left Grille is one of the most convenient options for hungry showgoers headed to the Fox. Kids can enjoy a variety of burgers and sandwiches, along with decadent shakes. Lucha Authentic Mexican Food is as advertised, with a kids menu featuring quesadillas, cheese fries, tacos, and chicken fingers. 

STAY: When the show is over, take the family back to a colorful, art-inspired room at the Angad Arts Hotel. Guests who reserve a room in advance will have the option of choosing a specific, vibrant room color—blue, green, red, or yellow. Many of the rooms can comfortably accommodate up to four guests and, best of all, the hotel itself is only a few steps away from both the Fox and Powell Hall.

DELMAR LOOP

PLAY: Take a stroll down memory lane—literally—while showing the kids the St. Louis Walk of Fame. You can make it a game by sharing some trivia-style hints and asking them to find their favorite St. Louis stars (Ozzie Smith, Katherine Dunham, Tina Turner). You can also catch a rising star on stage at the Catherine B. Berges Theatre at COCA. Afterward, take a deeper dive into St. Louis history by strolling from the Delmar Loop to Forest Park’s north side and the Missouri History Museum, where the History Clubhouse allows kids to pretend they’re piloting a steamboat down the Mississippi, put on a puppet show, and build a miniature Arch. There’s also regular family-friendly programming, including storytelling about historic events. Or consider visiting the nearby MADE for Kids, a satellite location of The Magic House, where visitors can tinker, create, and explore. 

EAT: The 50-year-old Blueberry Hill is a beloved institution along the Delmar Loop. It’s also chockfull of history, with memorabilia lining the walls, signed photos of owner Joe Edwards with some recognizable faces, and that classic jukebox playing the late Chuck Berry, who used to frequent the downstairs Duck Room. Across the street, near a statue of the late rocker, Fitz's bottles up its own kind of nostalgia, with a vintage-inspired sodas, burgers, shakes, and fries. 

STAY: If you’re adventurous enough to pack up the kiddos for a staycation, the Moonrise Hotel is a great place to spend the night. The neon rainbow-style stairs and space memorabilia in the lobby immediately signal you’ve stepped into somewhere out of this world. If you feel like splurging, you can even stay in one of the suites themed after some of the celebs on the Walk of Fame, including Tennessee Williams, Josephine Baker, Vincent Price, and more.

CLAYTON

PLAY: There’s something for everyone in Forest Park, from ample recreation areas to renowned cultural attractions. For starters, head to the Saint Louis Zoo and check out Primate Canopy Trails, an interactive exhibit that affords children an up-close look at the many monkeys the zoo has to offer. Kids can also explore an interactive climbing structure that will teach them about the importance of forests for wildlife. Over by the World’s Fair Pavilion, families will find the Anne O’C. Albrecht Nature Playscape, a 17-acre activity area that serves to connect children with the natural world. Among the many places to picnic in the park, The Boathouse at Forest Park is a great place to sit down and enjoy a beautiful day on the lake. Rent a paddleboat or spread out on the large patio area while the kids feed the ducks. The Saint Louis Science Center is not only one of the largest science centers in the country, it’s one of the few free science museums nationally. It features more than 700 interactive experiences, the James S. McDonnell Planetarium, the five-story OMNIMAX Theater, an indoor-outdoor agricultural exhibit, and much more. A stroll through the Saint Louis Art Museum will allow families to discover fine works of art, browse inspiring collections, and appreciate the achievements of local artists. The fun isn’t limited inside, either. On snow days, Art Hill is one of the best places in the region for sledding and tubing. On the north side of the park, the Missouri History Museum is the home of countless artifacts and treasured memorabilia covering the state’s past 200 years. The family-focused History Clubhouse exhibit tells the story of the St. Louis region, spotlighting the impact of the ancient city of Cahokia, the steamboat industry, and the 1904 World’s Fair, among other notable events. 

EAT: Grab a burger at local favorite Mac’s Local Eats, which recently relocated to the former Brew Hub Tap Room on Oakland. The burgers are juicy and built to please. The Classic (beef patty, ketchup, mustard, pickles, onion, and American cheese) will satisfy simple palates, while the Donut Burger (two patties and American cheese on a glazed donut from Pharoahs) will challenge more adventurous appetites. Clementine’s Naughty and Nice Creamery is a great place for a treat. Made from scratch ingredients, the ice cream comes in flavors like Nutella, Italian butter cookie, and gooey butter cake, among many others.

STAY: Located just a short drive down the street from Forest Park, the British-inspired Cheshire Hotel, with its Tudor architecture and lattice windows, transports guests to a quaint high street in England. The furnishings and fixtures offer a nod to 18th-century design, while each of the novelty suites are named after a famous British author, poet, or playwright. Kids will appreciate the outdoor pool area, which features several spacious cabanas.

NORTH COUNTY

PLAY: The youth sports destination PowerPlex in Hazelwood has played host to all sorts of events, including drive-in movies, concerts, and a holiday light display. Nearby, the new Ryze Adventure Park offers an alternative way to get active, with a climbing tower, ninja course, and mini golf. And at Creve Coeur Park, there’s sailing, disc golf, and the GO Ape Zipline & Adventure Park. For a stroll through history, consider visiting Bellefontaine Cemetery, where you can teach kids about famous St. Louisans, such as writer William Burroughs, abolitionist Mary Meachum, and beer baron Adolphus Busch. Then climb the grand staircase at Fort Belle Fontaine, the first U.S. military installation west of the Mississippi River. And in winter, visit Sioux Passage Park in Florissant for some top-notch sledding.

EAT: Westport Social in Maryland Heights serves up food (sliders, pizza, tacos, tater tots) and games (bocce, shuffleboard, hoops, ping pong) in a vibrant atmosphere at Westport Plaza. In Florissant, Made. by Lia is a favorite spot for sweets. And Cathy’s Kitchen serves a taste inspired by the travels of owner Cathy Jenkins. The menu offers geographically inspired sections, such as St. Louis, New Orleans, and Florida. (As for the kids menu? Dubbed ‘Rest Area,’ it includes grilled cheese, hot dogs, and chicken tenders.) The likes of Danny Glover, Harry Belafontane, and Melissa Etheridge have all stopped in for a bite to eat.

STAY: Looking to get away without completely leaving the city? This five-bed, three-bath Airbnb in Florissant is situated near the Mississippi River and offers an elegant place with a pool and hot tub to unwind.

WEST COUNTY

PLAY: For active families, The District in Chesterfield is the place to go. A former outlet mall has been transformed into an entertainment destination. The Main Event is just that, with games, gravity ropes, laser tag, bowling, virtual reality, story rooms, rock climbing, karaoke, mini golf, and more. Next door, the always-packed Top Golf offers a place for parents and kids alike to unwind. The nearby Maryville University Hockey Center hosts hockey, skating lessons, and more in a brand-new facility. For little ones, take a short drive to Faust Park, where they can explore the Butterfly House and ride on the historic St. Louis Carousel. In Kirkwood, The Magic House—that staple of family fun, opened in a Victorian-style home in 1979 and dramatically expanded over the years—offers rotating exhibits, a glowing digital wonderland, a giant beanstalk, and, of course, the hair-raising electrically charged ball. In nearby Sunset Hills, Laumeier Sculpture Park is the perfect place for a picnic, hike, and photo opps in front of a giant eyeball and Alexander Liberman’s iconic red The Way sculpture. There’s also the National Museum of Transportation, where tykes can ride a miniature train and then explore an entire yard of full-size historic trains. West County’s also home to an array of more under-the-radar family-friendly options: Myseum (where kids can pretend to be paleontologists and veterinarians) and Amp Up Action Park (with go-karts, laser tag, virtual reality, and more) in Town and Country, Sky Zone (a trampoline park and ninja course) in Ballwin, and Aloha Mini Golf & Shaved Ice in Valley Park. Farther west, Six Flags specializes in adrenaline-fueled fun during the warmer months, while Hidden Valley is the place to ski and tube in the winter. Wondering where to spot wildlife? The metro area’s western edge is a haven for creatures large and small, with Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center, Lone Elk Park, the World Bird Sanctuary, and the Endangered Wolf Center—not to mention Shaw Nature Reserve and Purina Farms near Gray Summit.

EAT: After all of the excitement at the nearby sports and gaming venues, head to an equally energetic dining destination: Rock & Brews, the music-themed eatery co-founded by KISS rockers Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley. Make a game of guessing the tunes as they play overheard, whether you’re sitting inside or on the pet-friendly patio. Closer to Faust Park, YaYa’s offers an elegant atmosphere that still embraces families, with high chairs, crayons, and a kids menu with $2 options for “tiny tykes” and $6 options for “little adults.” Farther south, visit Mission Taco Joint in Kirkwood (complete with an arcade) and Mellow Mushroom in Sunset Hills.

STAY: If you want to take a mini retreat but don’t feel like staying in a chain hotel, consider perusing Airbnb. Becky’s Oasis in nearby Ballwin, for instance, sleeps six and offers an in-ground pool in the backyard. 

SOUTH COUNTY

PLAY: Spanning 281 acres, Grant's Farm offers an experience like no other in St. Louis. The site boasts plenty of history, including the log cabin where President Ulysses S. Grant once lived, as well as the more stately Busch family mansion. But it’s the animals—more than 900 of them, with none more iconic than the noble Clydesdales—that really capture the imagination. Families can take a tram ride through Deer Park, feed baby goats and parakeets, and ride a camel. That’s, of course, not to mention other draws, including a carousel, beer garden, and drive-through holiday light displays. (Tip: To save the parking fee, consider biking along Grant’s Trail.) Farther east, families can learn more about Missouri history at Jefferson Barracks, where Grant was once assigned. The on-site Missouri Civil War Museum houses hundreds of artifacts, and the national cemetery is situated along the Mississippi River. The adjacent park is also a destination for sports, with a challenging disc golf course, paved trails, an archery range, and ball fields. Nearby Sylvan Springs County Park also offers a skate park, open to skateboarders, BMX bikers, scooters, and rollerbladers, while Suson Park has a working animal farm. And when the weather turns, Rockin Jump in Shrewsbury and Monkey Joe’s in Crestwood offer indoor alternatives.

EAT: When Fitz's decided to expand to South County, in 2019, owner Michael Alter told SLM, “The area has always been loyal to the brand. The Fitz’s demographic is families, and South County is nothing but.” The SoCo location is more expansive than the original, with room for 220 seats and a dairy bar that serves up shakes, floats, and bottomless mugs of soda, perfect for pairing with those popular burgers and barbecue. In Affton, 9 Mile Garden, the state’s first food truck garden, offers a veritable menu of options from different food trucks, along with occasional outdoor movie screenings, live music, and other family-friendly special events.

STAY: Situated just off I-55, the Lodge at Grant’s Trail offers a rustic setting for respite near the aforementioned attractions. Catering pros Sam and Jan Orlando opened the lodge in 2000. The Great Room is adorned with an elk antler chandelier, large fireplace, timber trusses, and a wall of windows that overlook Grant’s Trail. The B&B–style rooms also offer their own personalities and themes, including fishing, life on the Mississippi, Christmas, and more. (While the rooms only have one bed, air mattresses are an option.)

ST. CHARLES COUNTY

PLAY: Teach the tots about the state’s history with a visit to Missouri’s First Capitol, where the Show-Me State’s first legislators began hashing out foundational laws in June 1821, before the capital moved to Jefferson City. Nearby, in the booming Streets of St. Charles, kids can pretend to be lawmakers (or grocery workers or doctors) at Play Street Museum. And nearby, in the Frenchtown neighborhood, they can reach new heights at ClimbSoILL at the Steel Shop or create a masterpiece at Foundry Art Centre. In O’Fallon, Missouri, catch some baseball (at an affordable price) by cheering on the Hoots at CarShield Field. There’s also a wealth of top-notch parks and pools throughout St. Charles County, notably Kinetic Park in Dardenne Prairie and a world-class aquatic facility at St. Peters Rec-Plex. 

\EAT: The always-popular Salt + Smoke offers a sprawling patio along historic Main Street and a quality kids menu with $7.99 meals that include such options as a pulled pork sandwich, white cheddar cracker mac, and Excel soda. In the Streets of St. Charles, enjoy a progressive meal by picking up nachos at Loaded: Elevated Nachos, pizza at Dewey’s or tacos at Mission Taco Joint, and a treat at Hot Box Cookies. And in St. Peters, Noto serves up Neapolitan pies, including 8-inch options for kiddos.

STAY: If you have a few days, consider going a bit farther afield and getting a cabin at Innsbrook, where there’s no shortage of on-site options (swimming, boating, golfing), as well as nearby family-friendly destinations as Long Row Lavender and Big Joel’s Safari. In Cottleville, there’s also the rustic Bross Brothers’ Cabin, a restored log cabin with a wraparound porch.

METRO EAST

PLAY: Plot a course for adventure along the Great River Road. Start at Malcolm W. Martin Memorial Park, where you see the classic St. Louis skyline and the Gateway Geyser. Learn more about a certain pair of explorers at the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center, boasting a 55-foot keelboat replica, as well as the region’s early inhabitants at Cahokia Mounds. See the confluence of the Missouri and Mississippi rivers from the 180-foot-tall Lewis and Clark Confluence Tower. Learn about the river’s ecosystem and engineering at the National Great Rivers Museum, where you can also take a tour of the Melvin Price Locks and Dam. And after spending some time in Grafton, including lunch at The Loading Dock, cross from Calhoun County to St. Charles County via the Golden Eagle Ferry. Prefer sports to rivers? World Wide Technology Raceway hosts an array of community events, even beyond the big-name races. Or take in a movie beneath the stars at the Skyview Drive-In. There’s also Edison’s Entertainment Complex and the Edwardsville Children’s Museum. And cheer on the Gateway Grizzlies in Sauget. 

EAT: No family-friendly guide would be complete without mentioning Eckert’s, that popular destination for all things food and fun. In Belleville, kids can help pick whatever is in season: strawberries, peaches, apples, pumpkins, and more. At the Millstadt location, they can ride a camel, cheer on their favorite racing pig, and even shoot a pumpkin from a cannon. Nearby, downtown Waterloo is also charming, with a range of restaurants and breweries situated near the town square: Gallagher’s, Pie Hard Pizzeria, Shorty’s Smokehouse, Hopskeller, Stubborn German, to name a few. In Belleville, try BEASTCraft BBQ, Fletcher's Kitchen & Tap, or the German-inspired Hofbräuhaus. And in Edwardsville, enjoy a meal at Peel Pizza, Chava’s, Sugo’s, The Cup, or Chappy’s (where tykes get a free Hot Wheels car with each kids meal).

STAY: Book a night at the cozy Pere Marquette Lodge. Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Great Depression, it has a stately fireplace, 50-foot vaulted ceilings, and a life-size chess set. You can hike the state park’s 12 miles of trails, including scenic views of the Illinois and Mississippi rivers, or ride a horse from Pere Marquette Stables. It’s also a short trip to other family-friendly attractions, such as Raging Rivers Waterpark and Grafton Zipline at Aerie’s Resort.

NORTH CITY

PLAY: This area of St. Louis is home to some of the region’s most historic neighborhoods and culturally-important institutions. At the Griot Museum of Black History, visitors can explore exhibits that tell the story of St. Louis’ African-American contributions to United States history, experience educational and entertaining programming, and view life-size wax figures of Black icons. If you’re looking for some two-wheel fun, head over to the Penrose Park Velodrome and start pedaling on the 324-meter, reinforced concrete track. Or, if skating is more your speed, step into a pair of rollerskates at Skate King, which hosts family sessions on Saturday and Sunday nights. During warmer months, O’Fallon Park is the site of all sorts of family fun. Cool off in the spray pools or stay dry inside the large playground area. The park also has a handful of pavilions for hosting get-togethers.

EAT: St. Louis’ oldest soda fountain, Crown Candy Kitchen, is a local staple that serves a variety of sandwiches, milkshakes, and malts. As its name implies, this corner shop is also known for its sweets. Be sure to grab some house-made chocolate before you head out. At Freddie G’s Chicken & Waffle, diners will find classic American fare. The kids menu features crowd-pleasers like chicken tenders, waffles, and waffle fries.

STAY: If you’d like to stay in the area, but want something cozier than a chain hotel, consider an Airbnb. This three-bedroom home near Hyde Park bills itself as a family-friendly abode that’s comfortable for up to five guests.

SOUTH CITY

PLAY: There’s no shortage of space to run around, picnic, or ride bikes in Tower Grove Park, the city’s second-largest park. Two playgrounds—one that’s centrally located, and another on the east end—give kids a place to climb, slide, and burn some energy. The park’s two horses, a Clydesdale named Moonshine and a Shetland pony named Sheffield, are also popular with the younger crowds. Visit them at their stable in the northwest quadrant of the park, or spot them around the park on one of their daily trots. The weekly Saturday morning farmers’ market is also a great way to discover tasty treats and find locally-made arts and crafts. Across the street, at the Missouri Botanical Garden, introduce the little ones to the wonders of nature while taking a stroll through the 79 acres of horticultural displays. The Children’s Garden is tailored for adventure, and features a limestone cave, a treehouse, wetlands, and a prairie village that will keep children entertained and engaged as they learn about the outdoor world. If you need a break from the sun, head over to Pieces Board Game Bar & Cafe in Soulard for some gaming fun. Pieces caters to all ages, with more than 800 games in stock and available to play on-site. Kiddos in need of some extra play time will love Urban Fort, an indoor playspace geared toward children 7 and under. Be aware that space fills up quickly, so be sure to book ahead of time.

EAT: While the kids are playing at Urban Fort, parents can step next door to Gather and grab a coffee and a sandwich. If the kiddos are tagging along, they can pick something from the kids menu, which offers things like a turkey sandwich, a grilled cheese, and even a helping of Goldfish crackers, among other items. On South Grand, Rooster is a popular spot that offers breakfast, lunch, and brunch, and features a large patio for outdoor dining on warm days. Across the street, Steve’s Hot Dogs offers a fun menu of franks, burgers, fries, and ice cream. Perhaps best of all, kids can run around the adjacent Ritz Park while mom and dad finish their meals. If the family is craving pizza, Union Loafers Café and Bread Bakery in Botanical Heights has a variety of pies made to order. The sweets are located across the street, where La Pâtisserie Chouquette has dozens of macaron flavors from which to choose. In Carondelet, Sugarwitch sells ice-cream sandwiches, each one is named after a famous witch.

STAY: For an authentic South City experience, stay in an Airbnb such as this five-bedroom house in Tower Grove South. This stately brick home can sleep up to 12 guests, and even includes a crib for the tiniest traveler. The best part is it’s only a few steps from Tower Grove Park and all of the shops and restaurants on South Grand.

CENTRAL WEST END

PLAY: St. Louis is home to a thriving chess scene, and one of the best places to learn the game and mingle with the people who love it is the Saint Louis Chess Club. The 6,000-square-foot chess center features a tournament hall, classroom, library, and casual play area. Take a free tour to learn more about the game and how the club is working to promote it locally and nationally. Readers of all ages will appreciate a stop at Left Bank Books, the oldest indie bookstore in St. Louis. The shop has plenty of children’s bestsellers in stock, and occasionally features weekend readings with local authors. After spending the day browsing the neighborhood’s shops and boutiques, wind down with a movie at the Chase Park Plaza Cinemas. The five-screen theater shows the latest flicks, and the first shows of the day are only $5. For extra fun, head over to Forest Park (see Clayton above).

EAT: With bright, colorful interior décor and a menu full of Mexican favorites, El Burro Loco is a popular choice for families visiting the Central West End. At the chess-themed Kingside Diner, guests can grab breakfast, lunch, or dinner. If the kids aren’t up for a double-griddle burger, they can choose from the Little Pawns menu, which features classics like chicken fingers, grilled cheese, and more.

STAY: Famous actors, athletes, playwrights, and politicians have all reserved rooms at the historic Chase Park Plaza Royal Sonesta. Not only is it oozing with St. Louis culture, the elegant hotel offers an on-site movie theater, an outdoor Mediterranean-style pool, and many more amenities to keep everyone in your crew entertained throughout your stay. The hotel is located just across the street from Forest Park, and mere steps away from all of the best shops and restaurants that the neighborhood has to offer.

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