1. Bring Junior to his first Cardinals game at Busch Stadium
Few experiences are as unforgettable as a baby’s inaugural Cardinals baseball game at Busch. Should Junior become restless, visit the Family Pavilion on Level 1, located between Gates 5 and 6, where you’ll find a soft play space, climbing structure, and for older kids, a virtual reality zone and Speed Pitch game. If that fails to soothe, consider a treat from Build-A-Bear in Ford Plaza, 700 Clark.
2. Slide down the slides at City Museum
Explore inside a colossal whale sculpture, chuckle at a giant pair of underwear, wander through caves and tunnels, and ascend to the rooftop to ogle a school bus, Ferris Wheel, and praying mantis sculpture. This delightfully odd museum, located in a former shoe factory, is not only full of curiosities that captivate kids and adults but also hosts Circus Harmony. 750 N. 16th.
3. Attend your first MLS game at CITYPARK
Soccer is ingrained in St. Louis culture. Even if your child hasn’t joined a Kickaroo or Scott Gallagher team, watching our new MLS team, St. Louis CITY SC, will guarantee a memorable day. 2100 Market.
4. Enjoy a day at Eckert’s
The three locations in Illinois are a year-round hub for farm fun. In the summer, pick your own peaches and blackberries; in the fall, visit the apple orchard, pumpkin patch, or attend the autumn carnival at the Millstadt location, which features pig races, a pumpkin cannon, and a corn maze. In winter, stop by the Belleville farm to meet Santa or cut down your own Christmas tree. Belleville, 951 S. Green Mt., Belleville, Illinois. Grafton, 20995 Eckert Orchard, Grafton, Illinois. Millstadt, 2719 Eckert Orchard, Millstadt, Illinois.
5. Have a howlin’ good time at the Endangered Wolf Center
Located in a wooded reserve in Eureka, this center is dedicated to the protection of endangered canines. Book a tour and observe the Mexican wolves, red wolves, maned wolves, swift foxes, and African painted dogs that reside there. Or visit during an Evening Wolf Howl for a chance to coax the wolves into howling back as you venture near their habitats. 6750 Tyson Valley.
6. Hit the ice at Enterprise Center
Whether enjoying a Blues game or Disney on Ice, Enterprise Center is the hub for all things ice-related. 1401 Clark.
7. Relish a float at Fitz’s
Stop by this location on the Delmar Loop (6605 Delmar) for a root beer float while enjoying views of the vintage bottling line. Don’t live nearby? Fitz’s also has a location in South County (5244 S. Lindbergh).
8. Discover it all at Forest Park
This park embodies many aspects of St. Louis culture, continually evolving. At the Saint Louis Zoo’s (1 Government) Michael and Quirsis Riney Primate Canopy Trails, children can observe lemurs and monkeys in outdoor tunnels and explore a climbing structure. The park’s Anne O’C. Albrecht Nature Playscape (Concourse Drive) is filled with opportunities for climbing, digging in the mud, and playing in sand. Additionally, the future of Steinberg (400 Jefferson) is still being developed, but there’s excitement over its all-seasons concept. Don’t forget to enjoy classics like a kid-friendly show at The Muny (1 Theatre) on warm summer evenings, marveling at mummies at the Saint Louis Art Museum (1 Fine Arts), witnessing the illuminated hot air balloons during the Great Forest Park Balloon Race each September, and stargazing at the McDonnell Planetarium in the Saint Louis Science Center (5050 Oakland).
9. Catch a performance at The Fox Theatre
A visit to the Fox (527 N. Grand) for a night of musical theater is a St. Louis kids’ rite of passage, just like going to The Fountain on Locust (3037 Locust) for dessert afterwards.
10. Explore Gateway Arch Park & Mall
For years, a visit to the national monument was just a tram ride to the top. However, now there’s a plethora of activities to enjoy. Explore the museum featuring six themed galleries that showcase 200 years of history, wander the riverfront for a one-hour cruise, or take a helicopter tour for breathtaking views of the city. Just across Kiener Plaza, stroll through Citygarden, where children can marvel at giant bunny sculptures and splash around on warm days. This spring, the Old Courthouse will reopen following renovations, adding yet another historic site to explore. Ultimately, a visit to STL wouldn’t be complete without riding the tram inside the egg-shaped Arch to the summit of America’s tallest monument. 11 North 4th.
11. Feed a goat at Grant’s Farm
Owned by the Busch family since 1903, this animal farm in Grantwood Village is named after resident Ulysses S. Grant, who once built his Hardscrabble cabin on the property. Enjoy activities like feeding goats while another resident, the Clydesdales, can be admired, plus enjoy a complimentary Anheuser-Busch beer for adults. 7385 Grant.
12. View a giant eyeball at Laumeier Sculpture Park
Stroll among the unforgettable, larger-than-life sculptures—inclusive of a giant eye and a big deer—on the Art Hike Trail. For young art enthusiasts, Laumeier also offers workshops that allow little Picassos to get hands-on with creations. 12580 Rott.
13. Count the animals at Lone Elk Park & World Bird Sanctuary
Lone Elk Park (1 Lone Elk Park) is a bit of a misnomer as it’s home to many elk, not to mention bison, turkeys, waterfowl, and deer. Choose between observing the animals from your car or heading out on foot for a hike. Just a tip: staff feeds the animals early, so arriving before 8 a.m. is optimal for the best animal activity. Nearby, the World Bird Sanctuary (125 Bald Eagle Ridge) is a haven for various avian species. Meet a colorful parrot, get up close to an emu, and enjoy encounters with raptors.
14. Spend the day at The Magic House & MADE for Kids
This Kirkwood mansion (516 S. Kirkwood) is filled with engaging activities for young kids: shopping in a supermarket, climbing a mighty beanstalk, going “fishing,” and working at a construction site (with pea gravel). For children aged 4-14, explore MADE for Kids (5127 Delmar), a collaboration among The Magic House, MADE STL, and Cortex that allows kids to screen-print, 3D print, make pottery, and experiment with stop-motion animation.
15. Discover fossils and replicas at Mastodon State Historic Site
Young paleontologists will marvel at the Kimmswick Bone Bed, where evidence shows that humans and mastodons shared the Earth, alongside the mastodon skeleton replica. 1050 Charles J. Becker.
16. Experience nature at Missouri Botanical Garden, Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House & Shaw Nature Reserve
Parents in St. Louis know that the Doris I. Schnuck Children’s Garden, adjacent to the Climatron in the Missouri Botanical Garden (4344 Shaw), is one of the best play spaces in the city. Kids will relish splashing in streams, exploring locks and dams, traversing a rope bridge, climbing a treehouse, and cooling off in limestone caves. The garden remains open from April through October, but in colder months, head to the Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House (15050 Faust) to observe various butterfly species. If they’re still, one might land on them! Finally, MOBOT’s Shaw Nature Reserve (307 Pinetum Loop) offers outdoor areas designed for activities like nature art, balance exercises, and music.
17. Step back in time at the Missouri History Museum
The family exhibit, History Clubhouse, allows children to travel back in time, visit Cahokia, pilot a steamboat down the Mississippi River, and work at a café during the 1904 World’s Fair. 5700 Lindell.
18. Pretend to be a veterinarian at Myseum
This combination children’s and science museum with an indoor playground offers numerous exhibits to entertain. Kids can act as vets at an imaginary zoo clinic, create pathways on a magnetic ball wall, dig for dinosaur bones, and more. Just don’t forget to bring socks. 283 Lamp and Lantern.
19. Ride the mini train endlessly at National Museum of Transportation
Train enthusiasts will relish strolling through the expansive rail yard filled with locomotives, while younger guests enjoy limitless mini train rides around the museum grounds, a trolley ride, and the Major Lee Berra Creation Station, featuring train tables and play structures. 2933 Barrett Station.
20. Enjoy the dog show at Purina Farms
Cheer on dogs showcasing their tricks in the Incredible Dog arena, explore the tunnels in the barn, observe a cow-milking demonstration, and marvel at the 20-foot-tall home for adoptable kittens. 500 William Danforth Way, Gray Summit.
21. Experience the thrill of a roller coaster for the first time at Six Flags St. Louis
Summer wouldn’t be complete without a day at this Eureka amusement park. Younger visitors will enjoy milder Looney Tunes-themed attractions like the Bugs Bunny Fort and Daffy Duck swings, while thrill-seeking teens can brave the Catwoman Whip or the classic Screamin’ Eagle. 4900 Six Flags.
22. Indulge in the quintessential frozen treat at Ted Drewes Frozen Custard
Ordering a concrete at this iconic frozen treat spot is a summertime necessity. In winter, dedicated fans can pick out their Christmas tree from the Chippewa stand. 6726 Chippewa; 4224 S. Grand.
23. Enjoy the summer ambiance at Tower Grove Park
Children will love the two playgrounds (one centrally located, the other on the eastern side near Grand), as well as the waterlily pond and children’s fountain with pop jets for splashing around. Parents can explore the farmer’s market during weekends. 4256 Magnolia.
24. Discover the variety at Union Station St. Louis
The revamped train station offers an abundance of activities: dive into the St. Louis Aquarium, enjoy views on the St. Louis Wheel, immerse yourself in the mirror maze reflecting the 1904 World’s Fair, or take a spin on the carousel. Adventure-seekers can tackle the ropes course, and cap the day with mini golf or a freak shake at the Union Station Soda Fountain. 1820 Market.
25. Learn the game at World Chess Hall of Fame
Even if your child isn’t old enough to grasp the rules, visiting the massive outdoor chessboard and pieces at the Central West End clubhouse is a delightful experience. 4652 Maryland.
