When you’re planning a family getaway, finding activities that keep everyone entertained can feel like a challenge. Parents want attractions that are fun, affordable, and easy to reach, while kids are looking for exciting adventures they’ll remember long after the trip is over. Fortunately, St. Louis delivers on all fronts.
Whether you’re traveling with toddlers, elementary-aged children, or teenagers, you’ll find countless things to do in St. Louis with kids. From climbing through giant tunnels at the City Museum to seeing thousands of animals at the Saint Louis Zoo, the city is packed with attractions that combine entertainment, education, and unforgettable experiences.
One of the best parts about visiting St. Louis is that many of its top family attractions are located just minutes from one another. That means you can spend less time driving and more time making memories together. If you’re arriving by RV, staying just outside downtown also makes exploring the city much easier without worrying about navigating busy streets or expensive parking.
In this guide, we’ll cover the seven best family attractions in St. Louis, along with practical travel tips to help you plan the perfect weekend or vacation. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning to discover something new, these destinations deserve a spot on your itinerary.
Why St. Louis Is One of the Best Family Vacation Destinations
Families often overlook St. Louis in favor of larger tourist cities, but that can be a mistake. The city offers an impressive variety of attractions, many of which are affordable—or even free—and designed specifically with children in mind.
If you’re searching for things to do in St. Louis with kids, you’ll quickly notice that the city strikes a great balance between outdoor adventures, educational experiences, and hands-on fun.
Here are just a few reasons families love visiting St. Louis:
- Several world-class attractions offer free admission.
- Interactive museums keep children engaged for hours.
- Beautiful parks provide room for kids to run and explore.
- Family-friendly restaurants are easy to find throughout the city.
- Most major attractions are within a short drive of each other.
- There are activities for every season, including rainy-day options.
Whether your children enjoy animals, science, history, climbing, or simply spending time outdoors, there’s no shortage of family activities in St. Louis.
Better yet, many visitors can comfortably see several major attractions during a single weekend, making St. Louis an excellent destination for road trips and RV vacations.
1. Saint Louis Zoo
One of the first attractions that comes to mind when people search for things to do in St. Louis with kids is the world-famous Saint Louis Zoo—and for good reason.
Consistently ranked among the best zoos in the United States, the Saint Louis Zoo is home to more than 12,000 animals representing hundreds of species from around the world. Even more impressive? General admission is completely free, making it one of the best family values in the Midwest.
2. City Museum
If you’ve never heard of City Museum before, prepare to forget everything you think a museum should be.
This isn’t a place where kids quietly look at exhibits behind glass. Instead, it’s one enormous playground built from recycled architectural pieces, industrial equipment, bridges, tunnels, airplanes, castles, and giant slides.
For many families, City Museum tops the list of things to do in St. Louis with kids because it’s unlike anything else in the country.
3. Gateway Arch National Park
No family trip would be complete without visiting the city’s most recognizable landmark.
Standing 630 feet tall, the Gateway Arch isn’t just a famous monument—it’s also home to a fascinating museum, beautiful riverfront walking paths, and one of the most unique tram rides in the country.
For families researching things to do in St. Louis with kids, the Gateway Arch offers a mix of history, engineering, and incredible views.
4. The Magic House
If you’re traveling with younger children, The Magic House is one attraction you won’t want to skip. Located in nearby Kirkwood, this award-winning children’s museum is designed to make learning feel like play through hundreds of hands-on exhibits.
For many families searching for things to do in St. Louis with kids, The Magic House becomes the highlight of the trip because every room encourages children to touch, build, climb, create, and explore.
5. Forest Park
If you only have time to visit one area outside downtown, make it Forest Park.
Spanning more than 1,300 acres, Forest Park is actually larger than New York City’s Central Park and serves as the heart of family recreation in St. Louis. It’s home to several of the city’s most popular attractions, making it one of the best places to spend a full day outdoors.
For anyone researching things to do in St. Louis with kids, Forest Park offers incredible variety in one convenient location.
6. Saint Louis Science Center
When weather changes your plans—or your kids simply love hands-on learning—the Saint Louis Science Center is an excellent choice.
Consistently ranked among the top science museums in the country, it features hundreds of interactive exhibits covering space, engineering, biology, physics, and technology.
Families searching for things to do in St. Louis with kids often appreciate that general admission is free, making it another budget-friendly attraction.
7. Grant's Farm
Animal lovers should add Grant’s Farm to their St. Louis itinerary.
Originally owned by the Busch family, this historic property offers a unique blend of wildlife encounters, beautiful landscapes, and family entertainment.
For visitors looking for memorable things to do in St. Louis with kids, Grant’s Farm delivers experiences that are difficult to find elsewhere.
Where to Stay for Easy Access to St. Louis Family Attractions
After spending the day exploring the city’s best attractions, having a comfortable place to relax makes all the difference.
For RV travelers, campers, and families looking for a convenient home base, staying just outside downtown can save both time and money.
Instead of navigating busy city streets in a large RV or paying premium downtown lodging rates, many visitors choose accommodations that provide quick access to the city’s biggest attractions while offering more space and family-friendly amenities.
One option is Cahokia RV Parque, a campground that has welcomed travelers since 1991. Located just across the Mississippi River in Cahokia Heights, Illinois, it’s only about five minutes from the Gateway Arch, making it easy to explore downtown St. Louis without staying in the middle of the city.
Families can choose from:
- Full-hookup RV sites with 30-amp and 50-amp service
- Tent camping
The campground also offers amenities that make family travel more comfortable, including:
- Seasonal swimming pool
- Playground
- Clean restrooms and showers
- Laundry facilities
- Propane station
- RV wash
- Pet-friendly accommodations
- Convenient shuttle service to select attractions
- The popular Sawmill BBQ restaurant located on the property
These amenities make it easy to unwind after a full day of exploring the many things to do in St. Louis with kids. The campground emphasizes value, convenience, and a welcoming, family-oriented atmosphere while providing easy access to downtown attractions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best things to do in St. Louis with kids?
Some of the most popular family attractions include the Saint Louis Zoo, City Museum, Gateway Arch National Park, The Magic House, Forest Park, Saint Louis Science Center, and Grant’s Farm.
Is St. Louis a good destination for families?
Yes. St. Louis offers a wide variety of family-friendly attractions, many of which are free or affordable. The city has activities for toddlers, school-aged children, teenagers, and adults, making it an excellent destination for weekend getaways and longer vacations.
What are some free things to do in St. Louis with kids?
Families can enjoy several free attractions, including:
- Saint Louis Zoo
- Forest Park
- Gateway Arch Museum
- Saint Louis Science Center (general admission)
- Saint Louis Art Museum
- Missouri History Museum
Is the Saint Louis Zoo really free?
Yes. General admission to the Saint Louis Zoo is free, although certain attractions inside the zoo, such as the train and carousel, may require separate tickets.
Is City Museum suitable for young children?
Yes. While many climbing areas are designed for older children, City Museum also offers spaces that are appropriate for toddlers and younger visitors with adult supervision.
How many days should you spend in St. Louis with kids?
A two- or three-day trip gives families enough time to visit several major attractions without feeling rushed.
What is the best attraction for toddlers?
The Magic House, Grant’s Farm, and the Saint Louis Zoo are all excellent choices for younger children thanks to their interactive exhibits and age-appropriate activities.
Are there indoor attractions for rainy days?
Absolutely. City Museum, The Magic House, the Saint Louis Science Center, and the Gateway Arch Museum are great options when the weather doesn’t cooperate.
Can you visit most St. Louis attractions in one weekend?
Yes. Because many attractions are located relatively close together, families can see several highlights during a weekend with good planning.
What is the best time of year to visit St. Louis with kids?
Spring and fall are popular because of the comfortable temperatures, but summer is also a great time to visit if you don’t mind larger crowds.
Is the Gateway Arch worth visiting with children?
Definitely. Kids often enjoy riding the tram to the top, exploring the museum, and seeing panoramic views of the city and the Mississippi River.
Are there family-friendly restaurants near these attractions?
Yes. Downtown St. Louis, Forest Park, and surrounding neighborhoods offer a wide variety of restaurants that cater to families, with everything from casual dining to local favorites.
Is St. Louis easy to explore by RV?
Yes, but many RV travelers prefer staying just outside downtown to avoid navigating busy streets and parking large vehicles. Staying nearby allows easy access to the city’s attractions while providing a more relaxed place to return each evening.
Where should families stay when visiting St. Louis?
Families have many accommodation options depending on their travel style. Hotels are available downtown and throughout the metro area, while RV travelers, campers, and cabin guests often prefer staying just across the river for convenient access to attractions and additional outdoor amenities.
Why is St. Louis a popular Midwest family vacation destination?
St. Louis combines world-class attractions, free museums, beautiful parks, educational experiences, and entertainment for all ages. Its affordability and variety make it one of the best family vacation destinations in the Midwest.
Final Thoughts
From climbing through tunnels at City Museum to meeting incredible animals at the Saint Louis Zoo, there is no shortage of amazing things to do in St. Louis with kids. Whether your family enjoys outdoor adventures, interactive museums, educational attractions, or unforgettable landmarks, St. Louis offers experiences that appeal to children and adults alike.
The best part is that many of these attractions are located within a short drive of one another, making it easy to build a fun-filled itinerary without spending hours in the car.
If you’re planning an RV trip, camping getaway, or family road trip, choosing accommodations close to downtown can help you maximize your vacation time. With convenient access to the Gateway Arch and many of the city’s most popular attractions, it’s easy to spend your days exploring and your evenings relaxing with the comforts of a family-friendly campground. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or an extended stay, you’ll quickly discover why so many families return to St. Louis year after year.