Unlike most major metropolitan areas, St. Louis has an astounding number of free, family-friendly attractions. But did you know that even the destinations that aren’t free on a regular basis have days, evenings, or special tickets that give families the opportunity to access them for no charge? Here are our favorites.
The Magic House and MADE for Kids
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- The deal: Enjoy a magical afternoon made even more magical without the price tag. A family of up to two adults and four children can visit the children’s museum, as well as its makerspace counterpart, at no cost every third Friday of the month from 5–8 p.m.
- Know before you go: Free Family Nights are first-come, first-served. Reservations are not required, but space is limited to museum capacity.
READ: Your guide to The Magic House and MADE for Kids
- The deal: On National Park Service Fee-Free Days, the $3 entrance fee for adult tram rides and documentary movies is waived. Other fees, such as timed entry or reservation fees, may apply.
- Know before you go: Free Days for 2025 include January 20 (Martin Luther King, Jr. Day), April 19 (First Day of National Park Week), June 19 (Juneteenth), August 4 (Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act), September 27 (National Public Lands Day), and November 11 (Veterans Day).
READ: Your guide to visiting Gateway Arch National Park with kids
- The deal: SLAM is one of the city’s most popular free destinations, but Free Fridays at the museum offer the opportunity to experience a variety of ticketed exhibitions for all ages, including live music, gallery activations, open studios, films, and performances.
- Know before you go: On Fridays, the museum is open 10 a.m.–9 p.m. You can preview the scheduled programming on the website.
READ: Tired of the same old favorites? Visit our guide to St. Louis museums
- The deal: Party with the stars—celestial ones, that is. Although general admission is always free at the Science Center, free nighttime, public telescope viewings are offered the first Friday of every month (except July) on the grounds of the Planetarium. The event includes a Sky Lecture in the Orthwein Star Bay Theater, discussing whatever is visible in the current month’s sky including constellations, planets, meteor showers, and more.
- Know before you go: Events are weather permitting, but if observing conditions are poor, the Sky Lecture is still offered in lieu of telescopes.
READ: Plan the best visit with our Saint Louis Science Center guide.
Looking for even more free fun in St. Louis? Here’s our top picks.
