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:

There are other fun weekend trips from Kansas City your family can enjoy too. Or you can find 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. Education programs available. Call for show Schedule.

ADDRESS: 3547 OLIVE BLVD. IN CENTENE, ST. LOUIS, MO 63103-1014

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

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. No ticket admission required!

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

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

PHONE: (314)721-0072

World Bird Sanctuary

Live eagles, owls, hawks and more exhibited in a convenient 305-acre park setting. Hiking trails, bird watching, picnic areas and knowledgeable naturalists offer unique environmental entertainment. No ticket admission required!

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 kids 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, circus, tree house, enchanted caves, vault room, toddler town, 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; trying coming after 5pm of Friday or Saturday as there are lines in the morning.

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

HOURS: Monday to Thursday 9 am till 5 pm, Friday & Saturday 9 am till Midnight, Sunday 10 am till 5 pm

PHONE: (314) 231-2489

World Aquarium

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 kids 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, the Climatron dome, along with all the gorgesou flowers & trees!

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

HOURS: Open 9 am to 5 pm daily & open till 9 PM on Wednesdays ONLY

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 animal shows and feedings, 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: Monday-Thursday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday-Sunday 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. for Prairie Farms Dairy Summer Zoo Weekends

Fall, Winter & Spring Hours (starting Sept. 4):

• 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, except major holidays and Zoo special event days.
• The Zoo will close at 4 p.m. on Thursday, September 6.

PHONE: (314) 781-0900

Sant 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 kids 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: Until September 3rd, Monday – Saturday:  9:30 AM – 5:30 PM & Sunday:  11:00 AM – 5:30 PM

REGULAR HOURS*

Monday – Saturday:  9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Sunday:  11:00 AM – 4:30 PM