TRAINS
Wabash, Frisco, and Pacific Railroad
All aboard this hidden-gem family destination in Glencoe, where miniature trains carry passengers through the woods along the Meramec River. The approximately 40-minute journey gives kids plenty of chances to hear the whistle blow, take in the scenery, and keep an eye out for wildlife along the way. The Wabash, Frisco, and Pacific Railroad operates Sundays from May through October. 101 Grand, Glencoe. 636-587-3538.
Discover fun things to do with the family
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National Museum of Transportation
For train-loving kids, it’s hard to beat a museum filled with locomotives, railcars, automobiles, and other transportation treasures. Families can explore the collection before hopping aboard the museum’s miniature train, which offers unlimited rides for an additional cost per person when operating. Younger visitors can also check out Creation Station, a hands-on play space designed for children ages 1–5. Train, trolley, and Creation Station schedules vary by day and season, so check the museum’s current hours and schedule before heading out. 2933 Barrett Station. 314-965-6212.
Give little legs a break while still seeing plenty of the Saint Louis Zoo aboard the Emerson Zooline Railroad. The all-ages, ADA-compliant train winds through tunnels and alongside animal habitats on a narrated trip around the Zoo. Families can hop off to explore attractions along the route and climb aboard again to continue their journey. Hours and availability can vary with the season and weather, so check the Zoo’s website before your visit. 1 Government. 314-781-0900.
Formerly Six Flags St. Louis, the Eureka theme park is now Mid America Adventure. When you need a breather between roller coasters and other thrill rides, hop aboard the park’s railroad for a more laid-back trip around the grounds. With the park transitioning to its new name and brand, check its website for current attraction names, schedules, and availability before visiting. 4900 Six Flags, Eureka. 636-938-5300.
Passenger trains no longer pull into this historic downtown depot, but there’s still plenty here to delight a train-obsessed kid. Families can explore the soaring Grand Hall and remnants of the building’s railroad past, and during the holiday season, Union Station gets back into the passenger-train business with The Polar Express Train Ride, which takes families on a Christmas adventure inspired by the classic children’s book. 1820 Market. 314-923-3900.
For kids who would happily play with trains all day, this Valley Park toy store is a destination in its own right. Housed in the historic Frisco building, the shop specializes in wooden trains and accessories, along with toys, games, puzzles, books, die-cast vehicles, and more. The best part for little engineers: They can test-drive their favorites on a massive 16-foot, multilevel train table and other play areas before you buy. The store also hosts train-themed birthday parties with private play spaces and a Build-A-Track room. 24 Front, Valley Park. 636-529-1660.
For the kid who would rather watch a real train roll into town, make a stop at Kirkwood’s historic Amtrak station. The 133-year-old depot reopened in September 2026 after a yearlong, $4.7 million renovation that restored its 1940s-style platform and added a new courtyard. Inside, families can explore a small museum featuring railroad artifacts and murals celebrating local rail history, then stick around to watch Amtrak trains arrive and depart from the volunteer-run station. 110 W. Argonne, Kirkwood.
PLANES
Historic Aircraft Restoration Museum
Tucked away at Creve Coeur Airport, this nonprofit museum is dedicated to acquiring, restoring, displaying, and even operating antique and vintage aircraft. Its collection focuses on the Golden Age of Flight, roughly the 1920s and ’30s, giving young aviation fans a close-up look at planes from another era. Hours are limited, so check the museum’s website or call ahead before making the trip. 14301 Creve Coeur Airport.
Saint Louis Science Center, Experience Flight
Ready for takeoff? The Saint Louis Science Center’s Experience Flight simulators let visitors try everything from piloting an aircraft during an air-to-air combat simulation to accompanying a stunt plane through the sky. Different simulators have separate fees and height requirements, including a 48-inch minimum for the GForce Encounter and a 42-inch minimum for the VR Transporter, so check the requirements before promising your pint-size pilot a turn. And don’t miss the F/A-18B Hornet on display outside the James S. McDonnell Planetarium. 5050 Oakland.
Get an up-close look at aircraft that tell the story of Scott Air Force Base and the Air Mobility Command. The outdoor airpark features such planes as a C-141 Starlifter, KC-135 Stratotanker, C-130 Hercules, C-9 Nightingale, and C-140 Jetstar. It’s an easy stop for kids who would rather see the real thing than a plane behind museum walls. 763 Seibert, Scott Air Force Base.
AUTOMOBILES
National Museum of Transportation
Trains may get plenty of attention here, but car-loving kids have lots to see, too. The museum’s extensive transportation collection includes historic automobiles, such as the one-of-a-kind Bobby Darin “Dream Car” and a 1901 St. Louis Motor Carriage Co. automobile. Younger children can also explore Creation Station, a hands-on play area where transportation takes center stage. Check the museum’s events calendar for car shows and other special activities. 2933 Barrett Station. 314-965-6212.
Kids who prefer two wheels to four can explore motorcycle history at this Midtown museum. The collection puts an emphasis on rare and vintage European motorcycles, including machines dating to the early 20th century. Admission is free, with donations accepted, but hours are limited, so check the museum’s website before visiting. 3408 Locust.
This museum and showroom gives car enthusiasts the chance to wander among more than 100 classic and collector vehicles, along with rare pedal cars, vintage signage, and other automotive memorabilia. Because it’s also a working collector-car dealership, you might even find your dream ride while the kids pick their favorites. Visitors can take a self-guided tour or contact the museum about other tour options. 1575 Woodson.
