With the kids out of school, keeping boredom at bay can be a challenge for any family. But for St. Louis families, there is one huge advantage—so many of our attractions don’t cost a thing. Here are the free St. Louis attractions perfect for an outing with the kids and plenty of room to wheel a stroller around.
1. Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis: There are many amazing free museums in St. Louis, but the CAM deserves special recognition for its Stroller Tours through the summer exhibits. On top of that and their Family Day Block Party, the contemporary art museum always has something interactive and awesome going on, whether it’s their First Friday events or their special speakers that can help the whole family see the world a bit differently. 3750 Washington.
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2. Whitaker Music Festival at the Missouri Botanical Garden: Every summer, the Missouri Botanical Garden opens up its doors for free on Wednesday nights to anyone looking for some live music on the lawn. The Children’s Garden is open from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., so your little ones can run around for a bit before the music starts. You’re also able to bring in your own blankets and food if you’re looking for a little mid-week picnic along the way. 4344 Shaw.
3. World Chess Hall of Fame: This museum is a fantastic reminder of how unique St. Louis can really be. Not many people outside of the city and the chess community know that St. Louis is a world-class chess hub. The hall of fame is open every day of the week, and this summer they have an M.C. Escher exhibit that runs through September. Whether your child is a chess wiz or they just like picking up the life-sized pieces and moving them around, this free museum is a great way to connect to a corner of local culture. 4652 Maryland.
4. The Saint Louis Zoo: There’s something to be said about a summertime classic. St. Louis is lucky enough to have one of the best zoos in the country nestled right in Forest Park, whether you’re seeking out grizzly bears or sea lions. The zoo is open Monday through Thursday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday through Sunday 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. There’s also a free concert in the middle of the zoo every Friday evening until August 30.
5. Tower Grove walking trails: Tower Grove Park may not be as big as Forest Park, but it still offers a little bit of greenery for when the great outdoors start to feel too far away. There are paved and unpaved trails, so the paths are both stroller and rambunctious kid-friendly. Tower Grove Park also features playgrounds and unique architectural elements, so if there’s potential for an imaginary big top under one pavilion and a pretend castle under another. Overall, it’s a great place for the kind of kid that just wants to play, no matter the setting.4256 Magnolia.
6. Amazing Animal Encounters at the World Bird Sanctuary: Every Saturday and Sunday until Labor Day, the World Bird Sanctuary will give the public a chance to be up close and personal with a few of their animals. The shows are broken up into 25-minute chunks that run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. During that time, naturalists from the sanctuary teach you about the reptiles, mammals, and birds that they care for. 125 Bald Eagle Ridge.
7. Veterans Tribute Park: This St. Charles park is dog-friendly and equipped with walking trails winding through. Its really interesting feature, however, is the spouts of water that create a splash pad in the center. It’s the perfect place for the family to run around on those hot summer days. It also hosts a fishing lake, in case you’re trying to teach your little ones how to throw out a line like a champ this summer. 1031 Kisker, St. Charles.
8. Storytime in the Commons: This PBS event is back at the Public Media Commons on Olive this summer. The event is held once a month. It’s a free way to watch television, listen to someone tell a story and let your kids get their hands dirty with crafts and other hands-on activities. The event runs from 9:30 to 11 a.m. on the first Saturday each month. You can register for Storytime in the Commons on Eventbrite up to a month in advance. 3653 Olive.
9. The NEST at Central Library: When the muggy Missouri weather gets to be too much, an air-conditioned library might just be the cost-effective escape you need. This summer, Central Library has what they’re calling a “child-led playscape,” but really it’s a multimedia exhibit where kids can create part of the installation themselves (under the guidance of volunteer artists, of course). It’s also open to all ages, so if you want to jump in and create, you’re more than welcome to. The exhibit is open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.1301 Olive.
