Just a short road trip from Kansas City, St. Louis is a vibrant Midwestern city that offers a lot for your family.

The city is a mix of old-world charm and modern activities for your family to explore.

St. Louis Day Trip from Kansas City

But did you know St. Louis is also a city for KIDS? There are tons of kid-friendly things to do…

Kids’ activities, attractions, entertainment, recreation, and fun things to do in St. Louis are here for your family to explore and enjoy. Explore art, animals, and so much more in St. Louis! Check it out:

PLUS: we have your complete guide to other fun weekend trips from Kansas City  And even more detailed day trip guides for Branson, and Topeka that your family can enjoy too. Make sure you get our eNewsletter too. It’s packed full of family-fun events and things to do this weekend in Kansas City…delivered right to your inbox. Get The Scoop now!

Dance St. Louis

Bringing internationally renowned dance companies to St. Louis audiences. Performances at the Fabulous Fox Theatre and Blanche M. Touhill Performing Arts Center. Educational programs are available. Call for show Schedule.

ADDRESS: 3310 Samuel Shepard Drive St. Louis, MO 63103

HOURS: MON-FRI., 9:30 AM-4:30 PM

PHONE: (314)534-6622

Saint Louis Art Museum

Built as the Fine Arts Palace of the 1904 World’s Fair and one of the nation’s leading comprehensive art museums. Collections include works of art of exceptional quality from virtually every culture and time period. Highlights include free admission to special exhibitions on Friday and programs that range from films to performances. Admission is FREE every day.

Family Sundays

On select Sundays, the museum provides an opportunity for families to uncover the stories of the Museum’s collection with hands-on activities and gallery exploration. Each Family Sunday features a different theme and art project.

Wee Wednesdays: At Home Art 

Wee Wednesdays in an online option that includes reading a story with the littlest one, encouraging them to look at art from the Museum’s collection, and creating an age-appropriate art activity with materials found in your home. Each on-demand session has its own theme. Use this link to access the videos and then share your artwork with us by using the hashtags #STLArtMuseum and #WeeWednesday. Recommended for children 3 to 5 and their caregivers.

ADDRESS: ONE FINE ARTS DRIVE FOREST PARK, ST. LOUIS, MO 63110

HOURS: MON, CLOSED; TUE-SUN., 10 AM-5 PM; FRI., UNTIL 9 PM

PHONE: (314)721-0072

World Bird Sanctuary

Live eagles, owls, hawks, and birds from around the world, are exhibited in a convenient 305-acre park setting. Hiking trails, bird watching, picnic areas, and knowledgeable naturalists offer unique environmental entertainment. Up close and personal encounters are available too.

Entry fees to World Bird Sanctuary are as follows:

$8 Per Individual

$12 Per Car (2+ people)

$20 Per Bus (10+ people)

Children 5 and under are free

ADDRESS: 125 BALD EAGLE RIDGE RD. VALLEY PARK, MO 63088

HOURS: OPEN DAILY, 8AM-5PM

PHONE: (636) 225-4390 ext. 0

City Museum

According to many sources, this is the best thing to do in St. Louis- it was voted the #1 family attraction! The St. Louis City Museum is filled with 4 floors of kid’s activities…you could spend days here! There is the World Aquarium (details below), the giant jungle gym of MonstroCity, an entire cave system, a 10-story slide, a circus, a tree house, enchanted caves, a vault room, a toddler town, a mosaic room, and tons more to explore. Be sure to wear closed-toed shoes and appropriate clothing to play and climb all day.

The Museum is handicap accessible, but there are parts of the park that are uneven like the caves. The staff will do as much as they can to help your kids experience the full museum. There are wristbands, so your family can come and go as they please without having to pay again too. Pro tip from the Museum; try coming after 5pm on Friday or Saturday as there are lines in the morning.

ADDRESS: 750 North 16th Street St. Louis, MO. 63103

HOURS: vary by day. Check the online calendar for the day of your visit to see what their hours will be

PHONE: (314) 231-2489

Missouri Botanical Garden

Explore the 79 acres of beautiful gardens & nature exhibits within the Botanical Garden. There is plenty of room for kids to run around & soak in the natural beauty! The Botanical Garden hosts kid’s events and activities throughout the year, so check online for updated things to do info. There are orchid shows, delicious restaurants, shops, and classes to make your day trip from Kansas City a full day of fun.

You can explore the butterfly house, and the Climatron dome, along with all the gorgeous flowers & trees!

ADDRESS: 4344 Shaw Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63110

HOURS: open Tuesday through Sunday from 9:00am- 5:00pm and closed on Monday

PHONE: (314) 577-5100

St. Louis Zoo

The Zoo is a fun place to take the kids for a day to explore & the perfect place for outdoor lovers. There are behind-the-scenes tours available, educational activities, programs, and other family events. Be sure to check their online calendar for updated kids’ activities and specific event dates.

ADDRESS: Government Drive St. Louis, MO 63110

HOURS: Open daily from 9:00am- 4:00pm

PHONE: (314) 781-0900

Saint Louis Science Center

General admission to the science center is always FREE. Your kids can explore science and learn in a whole new way through the exhibits and interactive activities! The Science Center hosts kid’s activities & family events year-round, so check the online schedule to find things to do with your kids.

ADDRESS: 5050 Oakland Avenue St. Louis, MO 63110

PHONE: (314) 289-4400

HOURS: Open Thursday through Saturday from 9:30 am – 4:30 pm and Sunday from 11:00 am – 4:30 pm. They are closed Tuesday and Wednesday.

Grant’s Farm

See the famous Clydesdales and over 900 animals at Grant’s Farm. They also offer tours of the Busch family estate and more. This is a must-visit. Hours vary by day and admission is free. Parking passes should be purchased in advance.

St. Louis Aquarium

Address: 201 s. 18th st St. Lois, MO

This huge 120,000-square-foot aquarium is located inside the St. Louis Union Station. You and your family can explore the deep, rivers and freshwater animals. The marine habitat houses Shark Canyon, home to a variety of sharks.

Hours: They are open Sunday through Thursday from 9:00am- 5:00pm and Friday and Saturday from 9:00am- 8:00pm.

Tickets are $18 for ages 3-12 and $25 for adults. Kids 2 and under are free.

National Blues Museum

Address: 615 Washington st. St. Louis, MO. 

The National Blues Museum is full of history and celebrates this beautiful genre of American music.

Hours: The museum is open daily from 10:00am – 4:00pm.

Members and children under 5 are free, and students and children over 5 are $10. Senior and service members are $12 and adults are $15.

St. Louis Union Station

Address: 1820 Market st. St. Louis, MO

The St. Louis Union Station is full of excitement. Enjoy mini golf, take on the ropes course, and get lost in the mirror maze. Of course, you can’t forget the St. Louis Wheel. Hours vary by attraction. Check online for operating hours before your visit.

World of Chess Hall of Fame

Address: 4652 Maryland Ave. St. Louis, MO.

Hours: The hall of fame is open Saturday- Tuesday from 10:00am- 5:00pm and Wednesday- Friday from 10:00am-9:00pm.

This museum offers many different exhibitions and programs for families including musical events, tours, and more.

Meramec Caverns

Address:1135 Hwy W. Sullivan, MO. A short drive outside St. Louis is the magical Meramec Caverns. Deep below the hills of Meramec Valley, these mineral formations are a site to see.

Hours: The caverns are open daily from 9:00am- 4:00pm.

Six Flags St. Louis

Address: 4900 Six Flags Rd, Eureka, MO.

Six Flags St. Louis has rides, entertainment, games, and so many thrills. Visit during the summer and visit Hurricane Harbor! They have water rides, lazy rivers, and great water features for littles.

Missouri History Museum

5700 Lindell blvd. St. Louis MO

Hours: The museum is open Tuesday – Sunday from 10:00am- 5:00pm with the exception of Thursday when they close at 8:00pm. The museum is closed on Monday.

Admission is free as well as parking.

 

Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House

15050 Faust Park
Chesterfield, MO 63017

(314) 577-0888

Hours:

Tuesday–Sunday: 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Closed Mondays

The Butterfly House is home to 60+ tropical butterfly species. The Conservatory also houses over 150 tropical plants and provides a beautiful garden as the home for the butterflies. It truly is magical to visit. 

Sophia M. Sachs was the widow of Sam Sachs. He founded Sachs Electric Co. and was a key player in the development of Chesterfield, Missouri, one of the largest suburbs of St. Louis.  Mrs. Sachs shared the wonder of discovery and learning with children of all ages throughout her life.  This facility is named in honor of her generous spirit.

Shaw Nature Reserve

307 Pinetum Loop Rd,
Gray Summit, MO 63039

(314) 577-9555

The Shaw Nature Reserve has been a part of the community since 1980. The Nature Reserve provides 14 miles of hiking trails through an array of Ozark Border landscapes, including upland woods, dolomite glades, floodplain forest, tallgrass prairie, oak-hickory woodlands, and savannas, plus some wetlands as well. Restoration of these habitats provides visitors with a unique opportunity to experience Missouri’s rich biological heritage. They also host children’s programs, an annual art show, and other events serving area families.

St. Louis Kid’s Activity Book

There are so many other fun things to do within St. Louis…we couldn’t name them all. You can find other fun things to do with kids in St. Louis using the Explore St. Louis guide!

Did we miss a fun kid’s activity or attraction? Email us the details!

Looking for fun things to do in Kansas City this weekend? Be sure to sign up for THE SCOOP below, so you don’t miss a beat!

From our family to yours, iFamilyKC.