There’s nothing we love more than having fun with our family—forgetting about school and work for a couple of days, be it a day trip or a locally based adventure. When the weather’s too hot, too cold, or too rainy to play outside, we look for indoor activities in St. Louis and the surrounding neighborhoods. Think: laser tag, bowling alleys, escape rooms, arcades, trampoline parks, play spaces, and entertainment centers. Read on for activities your whole family will love, no matter the weather.
Discover fun things to do with the family
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Attractions: Trampoline park
This indoor trampoline space offers open jump times for families every day. Altitude hosts Toddler Time for children ages 2–6, Monday–Friday, 11 a.m.–1 p.m. 618-744-6959. 91 Fountain, Glen Carbon, Illinois.
Attractions: Inflatable bounce park
At this South County spot, kids can jump on a variety of bouncy castle–type inflatables. Open bounce is offered on weekends from 2–3 p.m., and Preschool Playdates are hosted on Mondays from 10–11 a.m. and from 2–3 p.m. Ready for date night? Two Fridays per month, BounceU hosts Parents’ Night Out, where kids ages 5 and older can be dropped off for an evening of pizza, bouncing, and games. 314-845-7529. 4403 Meramec Bottom, Suite C.
Attractions: Laser tag, go-karts, bowling, bumper cars, virtual reality, and arcade
The Edge features five different laser tag games, including Capture the Flag, inside its 14,000-square-foot arena; a go-kart race track; a six-lane, black light bowling alley; bumper cars; four different virtual reality rides; and three arcades with classic and new games. 618-236-2101. 701 S. Belt West, Belleville, Illinois.
Attractions: Go-karts, rides, laser tag, bumper cars, bowling, and arcade
In addition to laser tag, mini bowling, go-karts, bumper cars, and an arcade with more than 150 games, Incredible Pizza Company in Sappington has three rides: Lost in Space, a tilt-a-whirl ride; a spinning mini roller coaster; and a 4-D XD theater. Need to refuel? There’s an all-you-can-eat buffet featuring pizza, salad, tacos, hot dogs, pasta, and desserts. 314-282-8742. 5254 S. Lindbergh.
Attractions: Escape rooms, virtual reality, trampoline park, laser tag, inflatables, bumper cars, arcade, mini bowling, and a laser maze
Fight off dinosaurs and other creatures on the virtual reality ride, catch some air on the trampolines, test your timing and control in the laser maze, or solve the puzzles to beat the escape rooms. As if that wasn’t enough fun, there are also bouncy houses, bowling, an arcade, and more. The newer 12 full-size bowling lanes have become a staple, and the bar may be a perk for the adults in your group. 636-447-5656. 4105 N. Cloverleaf, St. Peters.
Attractions: 18 holes of miniature golf, two shuffleboard courts, a Ferris wheel, pinball, and basketball arcade games
This indoor play attraction has just about everything you could want, including food, drinks and live entertainment. The 9,500-square-foot all-seasons venue features 18 holes of miniature golf designed by artist Andy Cross, two full-size shuffleboard courts, a five-car Ferris wheel, pinball, and basketball arcade games. 314-725-2222. 6160 Delmar.
Attractions: Bowling, laser tag, arcade games, inflatable playground, rock-climbing wall, and axe throwing
This 18,000-square-foot facility offers mini bowling, a rock wall, an arcade with 65 games, a two-story laser tag arena, axe throwing (18 and older only), and an inflatable playground for kids, plus a full bar and restaurant in case you get hungry. 636-887-4244. 105 Highway A, Wentzville.
Attractions: Game hall, including cornhole, Connect 4, airbowling, bocce, giant pong, Jenga, and ping-pong
Rec Hall’s lawn games will make you feel like a kid again. All games are included in the cost of admission, but it’s important to note that those younger than 21 are only allowed on Saturdays from noon–5 p.m and Sundays from noon–7 p.m. 314-818-9112. 800 S. Duchesne, St. Charles.
Attractions: Trampoline park
Attractions include a drop slide, aerial silks, trapeze and swing, and an air basketball court. Kids ages 7 and younger have the run of the place on Sunday mornings during Little Leapers, and you can jump under black lights on Friday and Saturday nights.
Ballwin location: 636-591-1850. 14820 Manchester.
Fenton location: 636-364-4444. 631 Gravois.
Fairview Heights, Illinois, location: 618-589-1111. 10850 Lincoln Trail.
Shrewsbury location: 314-384-4075. 7375 Watson.
O’Fallon, MO, location: 636-321-4024. 61 N. Central.
Attractions: Obstacle courses
Kids can get out all of their extra energy at Ultimate Ninjas. The facility’s obstacle courses are a combination of exercise, agility training, and strength-building wrapped up in a fun, exciting environment. The general manager of this location has competed on nine seasons of American Ninja Warrior. 636-206-8550. 140 Long Road, Suite 130, Chesterfield.
Attractions: Rope Course, Mirror Maze, The Wheel, Mini Golf, Aquarium, Selfie Express, and Carousel
The historic Union Station is home to a full day of family fun. Explore life under the sea at the aquarium, take a spin on the wheel or carousel, see if you can make your way through the Mirror Maze, conquer the rope course three stories in the air, take epic selfies with the fam, and play a round of mini golf. 314-923-3900. 1820 Market.
Urban Air Adventure Park in Sunset Hills and Cottleville
Attractions: Adventure and trampoline park
Although the locations of Urban Air offer different attractions, both indoor trampoline parks have climbing walls, a Battle Beam, ropes course, and an indoor playground. Check the locations’ websites for information on when they offer Teen Nights, Family Nights, and Jumperoo, when Urban Air is open for children ages 5 and younger only.
Sunset Hills location: 314-530-6534. 10990 Sunset Hills Plaza.
Cottleville location: 636-733-6744. 5993 Mid Rivers Mall.
We Rock the Spectrum in St. Ann and Fenton
Attractions: Inclusive kids’ gym
This kids’ gym is a sensory-safe, inclusive indoor playspace for children of all abilities. All of the activities here help children gain physical and social skills, like balance, hand-eye coordination, playground skills, motor planning, and core strength. Plus, both locations offer child care services for children with special needs.
St. Ann location: 314-733-9787. 10513 St. Charles Rock.
Fenton location: 636-529-8282. 2075 Bentley Plaza.
Looking for indoor playrooms specifically for toddlers? Check out our guide here.
Attractions: Arcade and skill games
It’s the place where a kid can be a kid. Simply get a play pass or rechargeable wristband, fill it with Play Points or a monetary value, and let your kids play to their heart’s content. Kids can choose from skill games, like bowling and basketball, console games, and prize games, where kids can earn tickets to redeem for prizes. Looking for a reason to give this classic another try in 2025? Try the iconic brand’s new Adventure Zones.
St. Louis location: 314-487-0101. 720 South County Centerway.
Ellisville location: 636-391-2391. 15913 Manchester.
St. Charles location: 636-946-3444. 2669 Veterans Memorial.
Attractions: A variety of games
Choose from dozens of games here, from classics, like Pac-Man, Skee-Ball, or Pop-A-Shot, midway games, or virtual reality video games. Want to make a night of it? Treat the family to dinner with a menu featuring burgers, wings, salads, a kid’s menu, and more. Plus, all games are half-price every Wednesday. 314-209-8015. 13857 Riverport, Maryland Heights.
St. Louis Pinball & St. Louis Escape
Attractions: Pinball, arcade games, escape rooms, haunted house, and mini golf
The LaSalle Park pinball arcade is only open when an escape room at St. Louis Escape is booked, but it’s home to more than a dozen classic games, including Big Buck Hunter and Ms. Pac-Man. There are seven escape room themes to choose from, all of which are recommended for kids ages 12 and older. And once you’ve escaped the room, take a crack at the 18-hole black light–and–’80s–themed mini golf course. 314-346-9593. 1517 S. 8th.
Attractions: Arcade, bumper cars, mini golf, go-karts, bumper boats, and batting cages
At Swing-A-Round, find two floors of games, or, if you’re looking for more active entertainment, play a round of mini golf, drive the go-karts (once named the Family Favorite Go-Kart Track in St. Louis Magazine’s Family Favorites), or use the bumper cars and boats. If you work up an appetite, enjoy pizza, burgers, and more.
Fenton location: 636-349-7077. 335 Skinker.
St. Charles location: 636-947-4487. 3541 Veterans Memorial.
Attractions: Game room, mini golf, batting cages, bumper boats, and Nas-Karts
Looking for a little adventure? Centerfield Park, which is only open seasonally (typically April–November), has an 18-hole mini golf course, batting cages, bumper boats with built-in squirt guns, and old-fashioned go-karts. Check out the game room, which has nearly 30 games for all ages, or stop by the snack bar to refuel for more fun. 618-624-7074. 5620 Old Collinsville, Fairview Heights, Illinois.
Attractions: Arcade
Although this arcade bar in the Central West End is usually a spot for the 21-and-older crowd, it offers family hours on the first Sunday of every month, from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Up-Down features more than 60 arcade games from the ’80s and ’90s (like Donkey Kong, Frogger, Tetris, Space Invaders, Pac-Man, and Mortal Kombat), pinball machines, Skee-Ball, and giant Jenga and Connect 4. 314-449-1742. 405 N. Euclid.
Attractions: Escape rooms
Can you escape the room in 60 minutes? At this Manchester group of escape rooms, you have one hour to solve puzzles and win the game. Choose from seven different themed rooms, including Submarine Survival, Runaway Train, Mystery Mansion, and Island Escape. Worried about playing with strangers? All rooms are private at Breakout, so you only play with the people with whom you came. All are welcome to play, but ages 14 and younger must be accompanied by an adult. 636-200-5751. 14523 Manchester.
Attractions: Escape rooms
The three rooms at this Maplewood escape room are family-friendly and encourage puzzle-solving. Rooms are appropriate for kids ages 16 and older. Anyone under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. 314-202-8880. 7403 Manchester.
Attractions: Escape rooms
Choose one of four escape room themes—The Submarine, Western Bank Heist, The Theater, and Clock Tower—at this downtown spot and see if your group can solve the puzzle in 60 minutes. Kids are welcome to participate, but anyone under age 14 must be accompanied by an adult, and parties with those under 10 must book a private experience. 314-828-5178. 1201 Washington.
Attractions: Escape rooms
With difficulty ranging from 6.5–8.5 out of 10, be prepared to be challenged at these St. Louis escape rooms. Choose from five different escape rooms, including Scooby-Doo, Arizona Shootout, and Antidote. Escapology prides itself on having totally accessible games, so individuals who use wheelchairs are welcome to play, too. Rooms are recommended for ages 10 and older. 636-447-5656. 4105 N. Cloverleaf, Suite B, St. Peters.
Attractions: Escape rooms
Mastermind offers up eight different escape rooms, as well as two holiday-themed rooms (Elf and Home Alone). Other than the seasonal Elf room, the escape rooms here are not recommended for anyone younger than 8. And if it’s your first time doing an escape room, try Da Vinci’s Workshop, which is rated easy-medium.
St. Louis location: 314-690-3356. 440 N. 4th, #290.
St. Charles location: 636-373-7801. 3900 Old Highway 94 S., #1.
Attractions: Laser tag, bocce, ropes course, axe throwing, go-karts, and games
Get ready for an afternoon of action-packed fun at Ballwin’s Amp Up, where you can play arcade games and lawn games, conquer a ropes course, drive go-karts, throw axes (ages 14 and older only), and play laser tag near. Need to refuel for more gaming? Stop by The Filling Station for pizza, hot dogs, chicken tenders, and more. 314-439-8008. 13901 Manchester.
Attractions: Laser tag, ropes course, games, and bowling
Tackle a gravity ropes course that’s 20 feet in the air, join a team to play a capture-the-flag-type game of laser tag, or head to the lanes and bowl a few frames. Have a gamer on your hands? The arcade features more than 100 games, from old-school video games and classic arcade games to current games, like Dance Dance Revolution. 636-536-9999. 17027 N. Outer 40, Chesterfield.
Bowlero in Chesterfield, St. Peters, and Valley Park
Attractions: Bowling, arcade, and laser tag (St. Peters location only)
The bowling lanes at Bowlero feature black lights, soft lounge seating, and HD video walls (so you won’t miss the big game when you’re having a family night). If you get hungry, fuel up with wings, burgers, pizza, and more, all served laneside. Once you’re done bowling, head to the arcade to play old-school classics and state-of-the-art video games.
Chesterfield location: 314-469-6550. 176 Four Seasons Shop Center.
St. Peters location: 636-474-2695. 8070 Veteran’s Memorial.
Valley Park location: 636-225-2400. 1254 Dougherty Ferry.
Attractions: Bowling and mini golf
This South County facility features 32 lanes with flat-screen TVs in between score monitors. And when it’s mini golf season, putt a round on the Pirate’s Crusade golf course. 314-843-9200. 11801 Tesson Ferry.
Attractions: Bowling
Come bowl a game or reserve a lane for an hour or two at Crest Bowl. This alley features 32 lanes, a sports bar, and 14 TVs usually set to whatever sporting event is airing. It’s also home to Brickhouse Pizza Company. 314-837-0494. 650 N. New Florissant, Florissant.
Attractions: Bowling
Crestwood Bowl is a 24-lane bowling alley. Want some glowing bowling fun with your older kids? Friday and Saturday nights are Rock N Bowl, when the black lights are turned on and the music is turned up. Parents: Want a fun date night? Saturday Night Special, which includes one hour of bowling, shoe rentals, a pizza, and a pitcher of beer, is just $25 per couple. 314-966-4377. 9822 Watson, Crestwood.
Attractions: Bowling
Whether you’re bowling with your family or bringing a group of your kid’s friends to try their hand at knocking strikes, your group will have a blast a Dubowl in South County. This St. Louis bowling alley’s 24 lanes all feature automatic bumpers for kids, a new scoring system, and TVs throughout. 314-892-3900. 2711 Lemay Ferry.
Attractions: Bowling
This bowling alley functions as a private-event venue only, perfect for a birthday party of little bowlers. Parties have use of the whole facility, including eight lanes, free shoes and balls, and unlimited bowling. The venue offers food, beer, and mixed drinks for purchase. 314-781-8684. 3164 Ivanhoe.
Attractions: Bowling
The sister bowling alley to Pin-Up Bowl, Flamingo in downtown features art-deco decor and colorful designs, which create a fun atmosphere for a family outing (and awesome backdrops for Instagram). From 8 p.m.–close, only those ages 21 and older are allowed in Flamingo Bowl. When minors are allowed to bowl, those younger than 18 must be accompanied by an adult. 314-436-6666. 1117 Washington, St. Louis.
Attractions: Bowling and sand volleyball
The original home to Brickhouse Pizza Company, Kingpin Lanes features 24 lanes and a lounge. Kingpin is also home to two white sand volleyball courts with seasonal leagues. 314-291-3215. 12249 Natural Bridge, Bridgeton.
Attractions: Bowling
Established in 1959, this bowling alley, with a snack bar and lounge, continues to be a family-owned place for the community, just like founder Elroy Meyer set out to build. Call ahead for lane availability to ensure your family has a fun outing. 636-272-4393. 420 Sonderen, O’Fallon, MO.
Attractions: Bowling
Locally owned since 2011, this alley has 24 lanes, optional bumpers for the kiddos, and a full-service bar and grill. Olivette Lanes also offers specials most days; check the website for details. Looking for something fun to do on Friday nights? Come out for Cosmic Bowling on Fridays from 6–11 p.m. with disco lights and loud music. 314-991-0365. 9520 Olive, Olivette.
Attractions: Bowling
This full-service, 12-lane bowling alley in St. Louis is fun for the whole family. And when you’re enjoying a drink and a food menu with more than 40 options, you can try your hand at pool, darts, and arcade games. 314-830-2695. 12751 New Halls Ferry, Florissant.
Attractions: Bowling
This family-friendly bowling alley is home to 24 high-quality lanes with automatic scoring. Call before coming to bowl to ensure there is lane availability as leagues regularly play here. 636-946-3230. 506 Droste, St. Charles.
Attractions: Bowling
The sister alley to Flamingo Bowl, Pin-Up Bowl in the Delmar Loop is an intimate and unique alley featuring bowling and 1940s pin-up girl memorabilia. You won’t see this décor anywhere else, and there are plenty of awesome photo ops for your social posts. From 9 p.m.–close, only individuals ages 21 and older are allowed in Flamingo Bowl. When minors are allowed to bowl, those younger than 18 must be accompanied by an adult. 314-727-5555. 6191 Delmar.
Attractions: Bowling and pool
Visiting this eight-lane bowling alley in Maplewood is like stepping back in time. Established in 1916, it’s the oldest of its kind west of the Mississippi and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Sure, you have to keep your own score, but that’s part of the experience. Even Jack White and crew enjoyed the charm. 314-645-5308. 2725 Sutton.
Attractions: Bowling
This 24-lane bowling alley in Marlborough is fun for the whole family. And with anti-gutter bumpers, young kids are sure to knock down at least a few pins. Cosmic bowling is offered every Friday and Saturday night, 9:30 p.m.–12:30 a.m. And when you’re hungry, stop by the full-service café for a bite to eat. 314-961-2777. 7777 Watson.
Attractions: Bowling, arcade, and karaoke
This 32-lane bowling alley also features an arcade, karaoke, a lounge, snack bar, and homemade pizza. Cosmic bowling is offered Friday nights, 9 p.m.–close. Call for open bowling availability before heading out to ensure your family has a blast, and check the website for daily specials. 636-949-0311. 2187 First Capitol, St. Charles.
Attractions: Bowling, arcade, and pool
Once named the Family Favorite Bowling Alley in St. Louis Magazine’s Family Favorites, your family can enjoy regular and cosmic bowling, pool, arcade games, and darts at this Richmond Heights spot. Bumpers and assist ramps are available for groups with kids or those with special needs. Check the website for specials, like Sunday Family Funday, which includes two hours of bowling, shoe rentals, and one large pizza for $80. 314-781-0282. 7960 Clayton.
