What's Going On in St. Louis Today? 

St. Louis Kids Magazine

This is a daily listing of events taking place in St. Louis. Focuses on one day events, special events. Not all are free, however.

St. Louis County Library Events

St. Louis County Libraries always have something going on, especially during the summer. Check their data base!

Missouri Department of Conservation - St. Louis Area

The Missouri Department of Conservation has a busy calendar, too! Check out their events to see if anything suits you.

St. Charles Events

Select the date in the calendar to see what is available in the St. Charles area.

Kids in St. Louis

A great website! Provides a lot more information than I do!

Things to do In St. Louis

Just more ideas, in case you don't have enough!

Today's Weather in St. Louis 

National Weather Service

Check today's weather before making your plans

St. Louis Coupons/Passes 

St. Louis Attractions Card

Can be picked up at Schnucks, libraries (when children enroll in summer reading program).

Gold C Coupon Books

Can be purchased at Schnucks for $10. A lot of good deals, coupons, passes, etc.

Entertainment Book

Great coupons for things in the St. Louis area

Savings Coupons to St. Louis Attractions

Great coupons!

St. Louis Town Shopper

a great resource of coupons!

St. Louis Union Station

Great coupons for Union station!

Painting Paw

Great pottery and ceramics place in Chesterfield.

Restaurant.com

Neat Site! Oh my gosh!!! Type in the zip code of the area in which you reside or are visiting. Hopefully, restaurants will appear. When they do, you can see the price of the gift certificates at a discounted price. For example, you may be able to buy a $10 gift card for $3 to a favorite restaurant.

(If you find this site to be misleading in anyway, please let me know. I have not purchased any gift cards yet through this site.)

Just Plain Kid Fun 

Some places in St. Louis are in a kid category all of their own, so here is their "kid" category!

City Museum

Only in St. Louis! An eclectic collection of things that children and adults both love to explore. You just have to see it to believe it, and then visit again and again, only to discover it has been added to, changed, morphed; it's an artist's dream.

Bob Kramer's Marionnettes

Expensive (compared to my penny-pinching!), however, very unique

Children's Museum in Edwardsville

Located in Edwardsville, Illinois (I haven't been here yet!)

Metamo4ic Math Center

This is a great place for children and parents to play with math. Parents have to be prepared to read and be engaged with children here. No computer games, animated figures, or plasma tvs giving instructions. This is a reality place and you are the participants. It is like a very large math classroom. This math center is a vision and creation of one person, a teacher, who wanted to offer a math center for children. We went here for a Brownie activity to earn the Math Fun Try-it. Now you try it, you will like it.

$5.00 per person

NASCAR Speedway at the Mills

Great for older kids and younger kids. The older children will be able to ride the cars, younger kids can ride the various race car rides. Great place to be when it is hot outside or when it is raining.

Worldways Children's Museum

Worldways has many activities for kids. Dress up, games, different scenes, great photo ops!

Six Flags

It's Six Flags. I really don't need to say anything!!!
The kiddie area is back by the Screamin' Eagle now. Plus, there are new kiddie rides dispersed throughout the amusement park.

Swing-around-fun-town

Miniature golf, go karts, batting cages, and much more!

The Infield

Miniature golf, go karts, batting cages, and much more!

Build A Bear

Fun, expensive place for kids. The build-a-bear at the Science Center has astronaut outfits that can only be purchased at that location!

Art and Arts & Crafts Activities 

The Painting Paw

Great place to take kids to paint ceramics. Decent pricing, very nice setting, great place to allow children (and adults!) to be creative. They offer services to make speciality ceramic gifts, as well.

Leftovers, Etc.

A unique place for children to create art from trash. They have a store and display of things made from discards given to them. Maybe your children will be inspired.

Paint Me Pottery

Great pottery place for adults and kids to create!

(This place was submitted by a "St. Louis Family Fun" fan!)

St. Louis Art Museum Family Programs

FREE - On Sundays, from 1 pm to 4 pm, families can visit the Art Museum to create artistic pieces of work. Each month there is a different theme.

The Art Museum offers other Family programs, too. Some FREE, some for a fee.

Craft Alliance

Great art resource in the University City area. Classes are offered.

Missouri History Museum

FREE Drop-in Make-and-Take Workshops
Summer Time only!
Tuesdays 11 am - 2 pm
Friday 12 pm - 2 pm
The first one we went to was making a flag - not really history connected. We will try a few others to see if the make-and-take connect to the exhibits.

Yucando Art

A drop in art studio! Supplies can be purchased to use at home, too. Camps, lesson, are offered. I think we need to visit this place soon!

It's a St. Louis Thing 

Well, this whole lens is a St. Louis Thing. However, every now and then some things stand out and yell "St. Louis". Here are a few.

Fox Theatre

The Fabulous Fox! A wonderful, beautiful theater even children love to tour and to see a show.

Grant's Farm

FREE (parking charge)
Children love seeing the animals and the shows. It is a perfect leisurely activity.

Anheuser-Busch Brewery Tour

FREE
Now, I don't know how many adults want to take their children to a brewery, but the adults will enjoy this part of their St. Louis vacation/staycation. We all may want to tour it soon. Will we be able to in the near future?

Jefferson Barracks Historic Site

Jefferson Barracks is one of the National Cemetery.
It is beautiful.
There is no charge to visit.

Old Courthouse

FREE
The Old Courthouse is a definite must to see in St. Louis
The famous Dred Scott case was held here.
It is a beautiful building.

St. Louis Symphony Orchestra

Forest Park

This park has a lot for you to do. The St. Louis Zoo, Art Museum, Missouri History Museum, Science Center, Jewel Box, Muny, Visitor's Center, Boat House and just so much more!

Ted Drewes

Now, THIS is a St. Louis thing! Yummy frozen custard. Great treats, many sizes, flavors, toppings. You must go!

Animal Themed Places 

National Tiger Sanctuary

How many of you knew we had a National Tiger Sanctuary in the Greater St. Louis area? Once located much further south, the sanctuary is now located at 10019 State Route Y in Bloomsdale, Missouri (63627). We haven't been there, but we plan to go this summer. I will update with a picture or two once we go.

World Aquarium at the City Museum

Fee to get into City Museum
Additional Fee to visit the Aquarium

World Bird Sanctuary

FREE (donations accepted)
Wonderful place to visit with Kids!!!
Near Lone Elk Park in Fenton

Wolf Sanctuary - Wild Canid Survival and Research Center

Near Lone Elk Park
Wonderful place to visit with the family

Suson Park

FREE
Besides the park setting, Suson offers fishing and has many farm animals for children to see first hand

St. Louis Zoo

FREE (various other costs - parking, food, shows, etc.)
Well, what can I say about the St. Louis Zoo??

Pirahna Realm

While this is not a Shedd's Aquarium of Chicago, this is an incredible aquarium with a very knowledgeable owner! Our Brownie Troop earned their Eco Explorer Try-it here. There is quite a collection of fish, some rare. It is a nice addition to St. Louis' selection of places to visit. VERY ECONOMICAL, too.

Purina Farms

Haven't been here, yet, but I have heard great things.

(This place was submitted by a "St. Louis Family Fun" fan.)

Science Themed Attractions 

These places are science oriented. They may be museums, gardens or unique centers.

Challenger Center

Not many cities have a Challenger Center, an idea conceived as a result of the Challenger explosion in January 1986. Expensive, but a unique experience for aspiring astronauts or NASA engineers!!

Missouri Botanical Gardens

Obviously, has a wonderful selection of plants and flowers

Has a great playground for kids

Butterfly House

Kids love identifying the butterflies
Has a great classroom with a variety of activities
Good movie about butterflies, too

Earthways Home

Come learn how to make your home "green."

Magic House

FREE on Every Third Friday after 5 pm
What can I say? It's the Magic House, one of the best kid's places in the U.S.

Free on these dates:
August 15, 2008
September 19, 2008
October 17, 2008
November 21, 2008
December 19, 2008

Mastodon State Park

FREE
Did you know dinosaurs roamed this area? The proof is at Mastadon park. See what was discovered when Highway 55 was developed.

Melvin Price Locks and Dam

FREE
This was an unbelievable find. We took our class here this past school year. Oh, my gosh! Were we all impressed. You need to go. Again, I think we were just amazed at to find something else that no one in our group had seen before.

St. Louis Science Center

FREE
Some areas have fees
A great place to visit

Transportation Themed Attractions 

Historic Aircraft Restoration Museum

Expensive, but quite a site!

Transportation Museum

This place is a hit! Very economical, too. A must see!

Shell History Museum

Shell Woodriver Refinery retirees developed this Shell history museum.

Wabash Frisco and Pacific Railroad Association, Inc.

Take a train ride through the Missouri hills on a miniature, but comfortable train!
VERY ECONOMICAL
Sundays 1pm - 4pm

Kemp Auto Museum

This is not the "walk in" museum. You do need to call ahead and register for the events they have. I haven't been here, have you??

Bigfoot

Fun to see Bigfoot, monster size 4x4. This is a short visit, but worth stopping by, even if you aren't into 4x4s. Great photo op. Kids and adults can sit in the wheel of the huge truck to grasp the size of the vehicle. There is a penny squisher for a cheap souvenir. Besides gas and 51 cents towards a flattened penny, this stop won't cost you a dime.

Moto Museum

A motorcycle museum with limited viewing times. Haven't been here, have you?

St. Louis Iron Mountain Railway

Great train ride! Make this a part of a day trip to southern Missouri. Combine it with the National Tiger Sanctuary, or, with a visit to Cape!

Riverboat Cruises - Downtown St. Louis Riverfront

Looks exciting! Hope to do this soon!

Helicopter Tour - Riverfront

Looks exciting! Don't know if I could do this - height phobic, here!

Space & Flight Themed Attractions 

Boeing Prologue Room

FREE
A unique display of flight and space history
Tells the story of St. Louis' role in race to get to the moon in the 1960s. A great place for the avid space and flight aficionado.

Space Museum

We haven't been here yet. However, what I have read about this place, it should be a great visit worth the drive.

Greater St. Louis Air and Space Museum

This is a great museum in the making. Just on the other side of the river in Cahokia, 5 minutes from Downtown. This museum is a collection of personal items from many MacDonnell Douglas Retirees. Hopefully you will like to visit to support what will be a great museum.

Historic Aircraft Restoration Museum

Expensive, but quite a sight to see.

Challenger Center

Not many cities have a Challenger Center, an idea conceived as a result of the Challenger explosion in January 1986. Expensive, but a unique experience for aspiring astronauts or NASA engineers!!

Art Museums and Galleries 

Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis

Haven't been here, but planning to go soon!

Kemper Art Musuem

FREE! (but you need to pay the parking meter! 25 cents per 15 minutes, maximum of 2 hours - which is what you will probably need)

Washington University Complex

Nice museum (and the Newman Money Museum is downstairs!) Pictures allowed in main atrium and upstairs, but not in specific galleries. I found most artwork "kid appropriate". Nice variety in art. Definitely worth the time. You could see this then go across the street to Forest Park.

Wildwood Press

I haven't been here, yet
Looks nice!

St. Louis Art Museum

FREE To All Who Enter!
Wonderful!

Laumeier Sculpture Park

FREE - The park is
Now, I cannot remember if the gallery is. The sculptures in the park are great to see.

Pulitzer Foundation of the Arts

FREE
Haven't been here yet, have you?

St. Louis University Museum of Art

FREE
We haven't been here...yet! I think we will be going very soon!

Art Foundary

FREE
This is a unique art facility. Private artists rent space here. Visitors can roam the most of the building for free, looking into the artists studios while they work. Some have store displays where they sell their art work. Classes are offered here. A few galleries are available to view for free. One has a fee. A great visit.

Craft Alliance

Here, children can take classes (and adults, too, I believe). Work by students are displayed in the art gallery.

The Sheldon

Haven't been here, have you?

Atrium Art Gallery

Haven't been here, have you?

Public Art

FREE in a sense - This is a great resource! This site helps you locate regional pieces of artwork throughout the city and county! Fill up your tank, get your camera, and take off on a unique scavenger hunt. Just remember to print out the maps to all of the sculptures that you want to see!

History Museums 

St. Louis is so fortunate to have so many history museums.

Black World History Museum

Only two museums like this one exist in the states. I haven't been to this museum yet, but plan to go very soon.

Alton Museum of History and Art

This museum has displays regarding the Lincoln Douglass Debates and the development of the Underground Railroad, all which are a part of Alton's history. Haven't been here, have you?? Tell me about if you have!

Museum of Westward Expansion: Jefferson National Expansion Memorial (St. Louis Arch)

FREE
Come see the St. Louis Arch and gain a better understanding of Westward Expansion. The Arch, river boat rides and others do have fees. This is the St. Louis experience.

Bethalto Historical Museum

Haven't been here, have you??

Cahokia Mounds

This is the place to see! It is one of the few World Heritage Sites - a site determined to be important to world cultural development. A must see! The museum is unbelievable and the movie is wonderful!

Camp Dubois

A great find! Great for Lewis and Clark buffs! Our students and their parents couldn't believe how nice this museum was, especially since none of us had even heard of it. Where have we been??? This is an outdoor experience. Walk through buildings, see how the structures were made, how the stayed safe from the Native Americans, just a neat experience.

Center for American Archeology

I haven't been here, yet, but plan to go soon. Families can participate in an archaeological dig. What an experience!!

Fort de Chartres

Another great find. Haven't been here. Have you?

Visitor's Guide to the Middle Mississippi River Valley

A great resource to discover and locate many places just on the other side of the Mississippi River

Missouri History Museum

FREE
Certain display areas have an additional fee
Exhibits are always so professionally done. The Charles A. Lindbergh and the 1904 Word's Fair are so informative and so detailed.
Kid's area on the second floor is very nice, hands on.

The Landing on the Historic St. Louis Riverfront

When visiting or living in St. Louis, get down to Laclede's Landing. The history, the scenery, the river, this is St. Louis! Children need to see the cobble stone, the big cobble stone.

White Haven

Ulysses S Grant's home is a nice attraction. It doesn't contain any furniture; the Grant's lost their possessions due to a fire when the were living in the White House (Grant was one of our President's, you know). Anyway, the home has been refurbished. Visit so you can hear the many stories about the family, the home and the property.

National Great Rivers Museum

This museum is wonderful, just a wonderful surprise. I had never been here. We took our class this year and everyone just loved it. This is part of the Melvin Price Locks and Dam. You need to go and tour the Locks and Dam, even if you are height phobic like me.

Wood River Museum and Visitors Center

Haven't been here, have you?

Camp River Dubois

This was another wonderful find. This museum has a great interpretive center with a scavenger hunt which requires children to stamp a passport as they find things in the room.

Lewis and Clark Center

This is a great interpretive center. The children participate in a scavenger hunt of animals, dioramas of Lewis and Clarks expedition are large and engaging (my daughter at the age of 6 could explain parts of the expedition because of this diorama), there is a water table showing how river courses change over time and why, and they have a great movie to view. You should visit this place!!

First Capitol

How many of you knew Jefferson City wasn't always Missouri's capitol? Ok, if you are from Missouri, you already know. But, if you aren't from Missouri, maybe you just learned something. Come see the first capitol. You will be just amazed and amused by the facilities and the stories that go along the building's history.

Old Courthouse

Part of the Westward Expansion Memorial Museum (a.k.a. Museum at the Arch!), a wonderful place to visit, especially for history buffs! It is a must!

Holocaust Museum and Learning Center

I haven't been here yet, but I do hear that it is a great museum and a wonderful resource. I would advise visiting first to see if the content is suited for your young children. More than likely, middle school and high school students can handle the content well since they know about the time period this museum covers.

Museum of Black Inventors

I haven't been here yet, but it sounds like a great place to visit with children. Learning about inventors is a great way to encourage children to invent on their own. If you have been here, let me know.

St. Louis Union Station

Union Station is a historic landmark, just a site to see. There are a few museums (Memories and Transportation Museum at Union Station) and self-guided walking tours to participate in at the Station.

The Center for American Archeology

Archeological digs still occur in the Greater St. Louis area, believe it or not, and YOU can be a part of it! Haven't tried this yet, but we plan to!

Museums 

Museum of the Dog

Collections revolve around canine theme
No hands-on activities in museum, unless special event is taking place
Still a nice place to visit

Greater St. Louis Air and Space Museum

This is a great museum in the making. Just on the other side of the river in Cahokia, 5 minutes from Downtown. This museum is a collection of personal items from many MacDonnell Douglas Retirees. Hopefully you will like to visit to support what will be a great museum.

Dental Health Museum

I wonder how many cities have a Dental Health Museum? Perfectly designed for children. A lot of schools go here for field trips.

Federal Reserve Bank

Money Museum! I haven't been here in awhile. However, I have been a coin collector since I was a kid, so I remember being very interested in this museum. I will update when I have visited it!

First Due Fire Museum

FREE (donations accepted)
Volunteer firemen and women run the museum. They give tours. Our Brownie troop went here to earn their Safety Sense Try-It. Kids get to play with different sirens and their sounds, try on firemen equipment and watch a movie.

Bowling Museum

Yes, we have a bowling museum. I haven't been here, have you? Tell me about it if you have.

Newman Money Museum

FREE
Great museum! Small, but contained my children's attention most of the time. The Talking Ben Franklin had them a bit perplexed. "He" starts to talk, and it looks real (moving digital face projected from the back of the head), almost strange, but intriguing. The history of money was thoroughly explained in easy to read and understand. Both of my kids found something that they liked looking at and learning about.

National Great Rivers Museum

A great resource!

Missouri Mines State Historical Site Park Hills, Missouri

I love this place, but I love rocks, and I will drive 1.5 hours to see an old dilapidated mine, to look at old mining equipment, to view rocks, and to look at rocks that glow in the dark under fluorescent lighting. So, if you like those kind of things, this place is a must!!

St. Louis Cardinals Hall of Fame Museum

Haven't been here yet, have you? Great place for Cardinals and baseball fans, I am sure!

Soldier's Memorial Military Museum

Haven't been here yet, have you?

Wax Museum of St. Louis

Haven't been here yet, have you? Combine this with a visit to the Arch, the courthouse, and eat at the Spaghetti Factory on the Landing!

Culture Centers 

UMSL German Culture Center

Haven't been here yet, have you?

Farmer's Markets 

Ferguson Farmer's Market

If you are interested in "getting back to nature", shopping at the Ferguson Farmer's Market is the place to be! Haven't been here yet, but I have heard many great comments.

Soulard Farmer's Market

Oldest one west of the Mississippi - but the produce isn't! Comes see this market and the history that comes with it. So many choices, such variety, and a lot of history.

Thies Farm

This family operate a outdoor market of sorts throughout most of the year, and, they have a great Pumpkin Patch in October! Come see it. Buy fruits, vegetables, sauces, salsa, and more!

Tower Grove Farmer's Market

Haven't been here yet, but one of the many viewers of this lens has! And, it it comes highly recommended. I feel the desire to buy fresh veggies coming on!

Water Parks 

Raging Rivers

A great water park! We haven't been there, but by the looks of it, it HAS to be wonderful!

Aquaport

This was one of the first water parks in the St. Louis area. I think that other water parks took the best ideas of Aquaport (great slides and the lazy river idea) and created even better water parks. This park is probably more enjoyable for older kids, upper elementary and older.

Hurricane Harbor

Great waterpark, I am sure. We haven't been there. I think our kids are too young. This will be a hit when they are older.

River Chase in Fenton

This place is unbelievable. I am so jealous. I wish it was in my community.

Splash City

Looks nice! Haven't been here, have you?

Splash at Wabash

We went to Wabash for a kid's party and I found this to be a wonderful water park. I found it totally kid friendly. The lazy river is perfect for kids; parents could walk on the concrete deck all the way around the river, without getting in but giving young children the opportunity to do something neat "by themselves" -- perfect for those kids who want to be independent. This park allows families to bring their own flotation items (when we visited - always call to make sure rules haven't changed.)

Sporting Activities to Try 

Hidden Valley

Yes, you can ski in Missouri. Are you skiing the Swiss Alps? No. But, it is better than not being able to ski at all, or having to spend a small fortune to ski out of town. We are very proud of our Hidden Valley and appreciate the hard work Hidden Valley employees do in order to provide a skiing opportunity for Missourians. I have heard nothing but great things about Hidden Valley. So, if you come to St. Louis in the winter, hit the slopes!

REI Store - Rock Climbing

Outdoor sporting goods store, has a 24-foot rock wall to climb for $5, no reservations necessary

Missouri Conservation Department - Interpretive Centers 

Missouri Conservation Department sites are always free to visit. Missouri has one of the best, if not the best, conservation departments in the country. We are so fortunate to have such a great organization in our state.

Columbia Bottom Conservation Area

The Columbia Bottom area includes a view of the confluence of Missouri's largest rivers, over 6.5 miles of river frontage, 800 acres of forest, ...

Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center Fact Sheet

DESCRIPTION: Powder Valley Nature Center is a 112-acre oasis in an urban area. It includes a center with a variety of exhibits on the botany and wildlife of ...

August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area

Natural area and interpretive center
Fishing and hunting services

Rockwoods Conservation Area

Natural area and interpretive center
hiking trails
Great place!

Missouri Department of Natural Resources 

Babler

Great place to enjoy nature, hike, stay in cabins, a must see!

Missouri State Parks 

Castlewood State Park

A lot of variety in topography, flat fields, hills to hike up, river view, creeks to wade through safely, and a white, soft, sandy beach to enjoy along the Meramec. However, have children wear coast guard approved life vests, drownings have occurred at this location. Adults should, too.

Route 66 Park

FREE
A great display showcasing the history of Route 66.

St. Louis County Parks 

St. Louis County Parks are free and there are so many to choose from.

Queeny Park

FREE
A lot of outdoor choices - horse back riding, hiking, nice BIG PLAYGROUND FOR KIDS!! Take a lunch and spend an afternoon!

Lone Elk Park

FREE
Bison, Elk, Deer, turkey, are just a few of the wild animals you will see at Lone Elk Park. This is a perfect Sunday Drive that you can do any day of the week. Some Sundays it is packed and you will be part of a trail of cars driving through the park at 5 miles per hour. If you can enjoy it during the week, that would be best.

Nature Attractions 

Besides St. Louis parks, Conservation Centers, and State Parks, there are other places to enjoy nature.

Jewel Box

Jewel Box is a wonderful "greenhouse" to visit. While the Missouri Botanical Gardens tends to steal the "plant show" in St. Louis, the Jewel Box is definitely worth the visit. And, at $1 per person (free on Monday and Tuesdays from 9am-12 noon), it could be a viable alternative to a slightly more expensive Missouri Botanical Gardens.

Shaw Nature Reserve - Aboretum

A wonderful, beautiful nature reserve

Missouri Botanical Gardens

Obviously, has a wonderful selection of plants and flowers

Has a great playground for kids

Weldon Spring Site Interpretive Center and Educational Opportunities

Haven't been here yet, have you??

Bonne Terre Mines - Boat Rides

Take a unique boat ride through the Bonne Terre Mines. Expensive, but it must be a thrilling experience.

Haven't done this, have you??

Tower Grove Park

This park comes highly recommended from a viewer of this lens. I haven't been here, but by the looks of the website, I think I should get there very soon! Evidently, the park has a wading pool for visitors to wade and cool off. Wow! What a surprise!

Caves to Tour in Missouri 

Onondaga Cave

Tours given - 1.5 hours long!

Meramec Caverns

Very "Tourist-y"
Very nice to see!

Graham Cave State Park

We haven't been here yet. But, it's a cave! It must be neat, right?

Historic Homes & Places 

Many historic homes are available to tour in the St. Louis area

Beall Mansion

Historic home of Senator Edmond Bealle

Campbell House

Campbell Family Home (no kidding!)

Eugene Field House and St. Louis Toy Museum

This is a historic home that children will love. The toy collection on the third floor will keep children's interest.

Payne Gentry Home

Payne Gentry home located in Bridgeton, Missouri
Children will find it interesting and engaging. The information in the doctor's office may be a bit more detailed than parents may want to hear.

Daniel Boone Home & Boonesfield Village

A historic home kids will love to visit. Children will find this one interesting and engaging.

Faust Park

Historic homes set up in a village-like setting. Some of the homes are open on certain days and during special events. Children tend to find seeing the different old homes near each other quite captivating. Almost "Walnut Grove -esque" (for you "Little House on the Prairie" fans).

Scott Joplin Home

A wonderful place to visit.

St. Louis Historic Homes

A resource to tour six historic homes.

Lemp Mansion

Wow! What can I say? This is a historic home, a restaurant, a part of St. Louis' history, and an inn; it just a bit of everything. It is a great visit. Regarding spending the night, well, let's just say that its history may "come to life" when you stay. :P

Bissell Mansion

Restaurant & Murder Mystery Dinner Theater - haven't been here, but I have heard great things!

Water Tower and Park

Looks like a great view from the top of the tower!

Cathedral Basilica

At the main page, click on "friends" to get to the "tour" link.

I haven't been here, but the photos are beautiful. The mosaics displayed here are known world-wide. Though the building was built around 1907, the mosaics were not finished until 1988! A must see for many who come to St. Louis.

Historic Small Towns to Visit 

Hannibal

Tom Sawyer's hometown!

Hermann

German history

St. Genevieve

Ste. Genevieve is just a great small town to visit. You could definitely spend the day visiting all of the historic homes and buildings.

Historic St. Charles - Mainstreet

A site you may want to use for more information about Historic St. Charles.

Our family spends a lot of time in historic St. Charles. It is like our second home town. We love R.T. Weiler's, our daughter's dance school is located there (Performing Arts Center), and we like to visit the Art Foundary. Frontier Park is a great park and it has a great view of the Missouri River!

Historic Florissant

My children and I visited the Gittemeier Home and the Narrow Gauge RailRoad Station (which is now a Penny Candy store!). Both are nice, short visits. Combine them with seeing the St. Ferdinand Shrine (which we did) and the other historic homes. It would be a great day! Some homes, however, are only available for Sunday tours.

Kimmswick

A great small, small town you can visit in a day, easily. A lot of history, shops, and a few places to eat -- The Blue Owl, to name one!

Cherokee Street

Unique business district in St. Louis City

Veterans War Memorials 

Korean War Memorial at Forest Park

A Korean War Memorial is near the Jewel Box. The unique piece of artwork at the site is a sundial.

Soldiers Memorial Military Museum

Memorial to all veterans

St. Louis County Library Free Events for Families 

The St. Louis County Library system has a ton of free activities for kids.

Summer Reading Program - Visit Summer 2009!!

Several programs
Free to all
Variety of programs
Nice, easy to use site!

Cultural Connections

These programs are great. Wonderful, superior presenters, oftentimes there are hands-on activities to participate in, just can't say enough, oh, and of course, IT'S FREE!!!

Only In Missouri 

Off the beaten path, roadside attractions - you decide if gas prices will you allow to see such silly things...

Roadside America

This is a list of silly things to see. Some I would say are noteworthy, others, I would stop to see them if I was driving by, but to make a special trip, well, maybe not.

Free Movies in St. Louis 

Wehrenberg Theaters - Visit Summer 2009!!

Free Movies

Wednesday and Thursdays

AMC Theaters - Visit Summer 2009!!

$1 Movies
Wednesdays

Regal Movie Theaters - Visit Summer 2009!!

Free Movies

Tuesday and Wednesday

Movie Theaters Families May Find Interesting 

Moolah Theater

Once the Moolah Shrine, a Masonic Temple, it is an incredible, one of a kind movie theater!

Restaurants where "KIDS EAT FREE" 

It is always best to call before going. Rules and guidelines can change at anytime. Individual stores can opt to participate in the "kids eat free" program.

Krieger's

Tuesday's

(from website)

Denny's

Tuesday's
Saturday's - some locations

(from website)

Lone Star

Tuesday's - Kids eat free on Tuesday's off kid's menu,
2 kids' meals per one adult entree

Saturday's - Kids eat free on Saturdays 11am - 4pm
2 kids' meals per one adult entree

(from website)

Chimichanga's

Sunday's

Pasta House

Sunday's

O'Charley's

10 and under free
limit 2 per adult

CiCi's

3 and under - Free
ages 4-10 are $2.49

Fuddrucker's

Monday and Tuesday
4pm and after
2 kids per parent
entree, drink, cookie

(last verified by phone 6/15/08)

Frailey's

Monday's
&
Tuesday's

(verified by phone 6/15/08)

Culpepper's

Monday's
12 and under

Restaurants with Kid's Menu Specials 

These restaurants have specials once a or more a week, however, the meals are not free.

Buffalo Wild Wings

Monday's
child's meal is $1.99 w/adult entree
12 and under

(information from website)

Fazolis

Tuesday's
5pm - 8pm
99 cents for kids meals
activities provided
(information from website)

CiCi's Pizza

Under 3 free
ages 4-10 $2.49

Sonic

Not Just For Kids!!!!

June 2008 - 99 cent shakes
2pm-4pm happy hour - 1/2 price on slushies and drinks

(verified by phone 6/15/08)

Red Robins

Super place to eat!

CPK

Yeah! California Pizza Kitchen is a great place to eat! Our kids love it here. Nice serving sizes, without being super-sized.

Restaurants with Kid's Menus or Fun Places to Eat with Kids 

These restaurants have kid's menus, but do not offer reduced or free kids night specials at the present time.

Cooperella

My friend owns this place so it is going to be good! We will be visiting ASAP and will be placing a pic or two very soon!

Casa Gallardo

Kid's menu only
(verified 6/15/08)

IHOP

Kid's menu only
(verified 6/15/08)

Texas Roadhouse

Kid's menu only - Kirkwood Location
(verified 6/15/08)

Fitz's Root Beer

Great place to take kids to eat. Food served in retro cardboard cars. Fitz's also offers field trips. Great food, great root beer floats.

Whistle Stop

What a great idea for an old train depot, make it into an ice cream shoppe!!! Yum! Haven't been here, but I have heard great things. Maybe combine this stop with the Ferguson Farmer's Market one Saturday morning!

Jilly's Cupcake Bar

(This great place came from a "St. Louis Family Fun" reader. Thanks!)

Just look at this website. Yummy cupcakes, oh and the food looks good to. Haven't been here yet. But I have heard it is great!!!!

Crown Candy Kitchen

"A St. Louis tradition since 1913."

Your Guides to Planning Your Visits 

Do you need help organizing the sights you want to see? Check these links to see if they help.

Great River Road - Experience the Illinois side

This site will help you determine which places you may to visit.

Historic St. Charles

This site may help plan your visit.

St. Louis Fact Sheets

This site is just incredible. It provides a TON of info about a TON of different St. Louis sites. Believe it or not, I do not have everything on this website....yet. Use this site to provide you with the details that I left out.

DoubleKey Treasure Hunts

This would be a unique (expensive to some) way to tour St. Louis. Looks very interesting and has received a lot of publicity. Let me know what you think should you try it. (I have a feeling you are going to like it!)

A Huge "Must See" Attractions List for St. Louis

Just one huge list of places you should see! You may need a few years!

St. Louis Attractions

Another great list of places to visit

Built St. Louis

Studying architecture in St. Louis

St. Louis Planner

Just another great list of places to see!

Birthday Party Locations, but not just for Birthday Parties 

These locations are great for birthday parties and for places to play, especially during extremely hot or rainy days.

Planet Fun

Great place to have a party. We had our son's here. Wednesday nights are the best - very few people were there. We had the place to ourselves.

Pump It Up

We have attended a ton of parties here. The kids love it.

Team Central Gymnastics

Great place!

Johnny Rockets

For the classic retro 1950s party atmosphere

Museum of Transportation

Fun place for kids.

Magic House

One of the best in the country!

Kidz Art

Great for Artists in your family.

Whittle Shortline Railroad

For your train engineer!

St. Louis Carousel

Are you having a circus themed party?

Build A Bear

In case you are in short supply of stuffed animals.

Wehrenberg Theaters

For a true movie buff.

Michael's

Contact your local store to see if they have party rooms for an artistic birthday party.

Monkey Joe's

Unique place to play and party

St. Peter's Rec Plex

a great deal for a swimming party

St. Louis Zoo

We have been to a few of these parties. It was a pleasant experience. However, if the weather is bad, there really isn't a bonus to having your party there, especially for the price.

City Museum

Another great place for an artistic party, and a great place to just roam around!

Grant's Farm

One of St. Louis' unique places

Sky Zone

If your child loves to jump, this is the place to be!

Leftovers, Etc.

For the artistic child, and the family who loves to see things made from other's "trash"!

Bounce U

Another great place for kids who love to bounce!

The Bear Factory

We had a small party here and it was great. Great alternative if you don't care about "name brand" stuffed animals.

The Putting Edge

Miniature Golf Fans?? Neon Golfing fans?? Here you go. You will love this place!

Aqua Port

Nice water park for a birthday party

Chuck E Cheese

We have been to a few Chuck E Cheese's parties. It is amazing, kids just love this place.

Build A Dino Party

Are you planning a dinosaur theme party??

Rainbow Recreation Room

Well, if you don't have the space or the money for a Rainbow, the kids will have a blast just playing around in this place. We have a rainbow and our kids still love it in there. The owners are WONDERFUL and very accomodating.

Challenger Center

If you have an astronaut in the making, this is the place to be. While it is expensive, it is a wonderful place providing a wonderful experience. We haven't been here for a party, but we have been there for a tour and Brownie troop function.

Mother & Child Reunion

A wonderful source of birthday party ideas.

Incredible Pizza Company

Pizza, games, go karts, bumper cars, glow in the dark miniature golf, and more!

Mad Science

Our daughter had a Mad Science Birthday party. It was wonderful!

(This place was submitted by a "St. Louis Family Fun" fan!)

Little Gym

We have attended Little Gym parties and my kids have had a blast!

(This place was submitted by a "St. Louis Family Fun" fan!)

Children's Resale Shops 

Once Upon a Child

I visit the Olive Location. It is wonderful!

Purple Cow

Been here, and I love it!

(This place was submitted by a "St. Louis Family Fun" fan.)

Kangaroo Kids

Looks like a great place!

(This place was submitted by a "St. Louis Family Fun" fan.)

Finders Keepers

Looks like a great place!

(This place was submitted by a "St. Louis Family Fun" fan.)

Summer Day Camps in St. Louis 

YMCA St. Louis

many week-long camps offered

Grant's Farm

many week-long camps offered

Painting Paw

many week-long camps offered

Camp Kangazoo

many week-long camps offered

St. Louis Ice Skating Summer Camp

one week camp offered

Art Foundary St. Charles

limited week long camps offered

Bridgeton Parks and Recreation

many week-long camps offered

LEGO Robotics Summer Camp

limited camps offered, half day

Craft Alliance

multiple camps offered, 1/2 and full day, before/after care

St. Louis Science Center

limited week-long camps

Challenger Center

limited week-long summer camps

Laumeier Art Camp

various week-long, 1/2 and full day camps offered

St. Louis County Parks and Recreation

multiple camps offered

COCA

multiple camps offered

St. Louis University High School

many camps offered, focus on older children

Girl Scouts

multiple camps offered

Boy Scouts

multiple camps offered

St. Louis Independent Schools

multiple camps offered

Greensfelder Camps

multiple camps offered

Gifted Resource Council

multiple camps offered

Parent Zone's List of Day Camps

many types of camps are listed

Magic House

multiple weeks offered

JCCA

multiple camps offered

St. Louis Blues Summer Hockey Camp

one week-long camp offered

St. Louis School of Circus Arts

camp was not offered during summer of 2008; let's see what happens next year

Easter Seal Summer Day Camp

multiple camps available for children with disabilities

St. Louis Open Studio and Gallery

multiple camps offered

Missouri Botanical Gardens

multiple camps offered

Children's Photography Studios or Photographers 

Kid in Me

Looks good, let me know if you have used them!

Eye Smiles

Looks good, let me know if you have used them!

Sears

Always good!

Target

Looks good, let me know if you have used them!

Picture Me!

Looks good, let me know if you have used them!

Olan Mills

Looks good, let me know if you have used them!

The Picture People

Looks good, let me know if you have used them!

J. Thomas Photography

Looks good, let me know if you have used them!

LJ Photography

Looks good, let me know if you have used them!

Books about St. Louis 

Missouri Off the Beaten Path, 9th: A Guide to Unique Places (Off the Beaten Path Series)

by Patti DeLano

Avg. Customer Rating:

Amazon Price: $11.66 (as of 10/11/2008)
List Price: $14.95
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Favorite Places to Go With Kids in St. Louis

by Ann Seebeck

Avg. Customer Rating:

Amazon Price: $9.95 (as of 10/11/2008)
List Price: $9.95
Used Price: $2.58

Usually ships in 7 to 11 days

St Louis Architecture for Kids

by Lee Ann Sandweiss

Avg. Customer Rating:

Amazon Price: $12.76 (as of 10/11/2008)
List Price: $15.95
Used Price: $3.49

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Favorite places to go with kids in St. Louis ;: A guide to childrens activities in Greater St. Louis

by Ann Seebeck

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St. Louis Toys 

St. Louis Cardinals World Series 2006 Monopoly

Release Date: 01/04/2007

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Amazon Price: $29.95 (as of 10/11/2008)
List Price: $35.95
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Revell Spirit of St. Louis Plane

Release Date: 09/19/2006

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Amazon Price: $10.29 (as of 10/11/2008)
List Price: $12.99
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Usually ships in 2-3 business days

Mr. Potato Head Sports Spuds St. Louis Cardinals

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Amazon Price: $11.70 (as of 10/11/2008)
List Price: $33.95
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Usually ships in 1-2 business days

St. Louis Stadium-Cardinals Jigsaw Puzzle 550pc

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PHOTO GALLERY OF ST. LOUIS BELOW 

Newman Money Museum 

FREE
Great museum! Small, but contained my children's attention most of the time. The Talking Ben Franklin had them a bit perplexed. "He" starts to talk, and it looks real (moving digital face projected from the back of the head), almost strange, but intriguing. The history of money was thoroughly explained in easy to read and understand. Both of my kids found something that they liked looking at and learning about.

To find the specific link, go to the MUSEUMS section and look for Newman Money Museum.

Kemper Art Museum 

FREE! (but you need to pay the parking meter! 25 cents per 15 minutes, maximum of 2 hours - which is what you will probably need)

Washington University Complex

Nice museum (and the Newman Money Museum is downstairs!) Pictures allowed in main atrium and upstairs, but not in specific galleries. I found most artwork "kid appropriate". Nice variety in art. Definitely worth the time. You could see this then go across the street to Forest Park.

To find the specific link, go to the ART MUSEUMS section and look for Kemper Art Museum.

Ste. Genevieve 

Ste. Genevieve is just a great small town to visit. You could definitely spend the day visiting all of the historic homes and buildings.

To find the specific link, go to the HISTORIC SMALL TOWNS section and look for Ste. Genevieve.

Big Foot 

Fun to see Bigfoot, monster size 4x4. This is a short visit, but worth stopping by, even if you aren't into 4x4s. Great photo op. Kids and adults can sit in the wheel of the huge truck to grasp the size of the vehicle. There is a penny squisher for a cheap souvenir. Besides gas and 51 cents towards a flattened penny, this stop won't cost you a dime.

To find the specific link, go to the TRANSPORTATION THEMED ATTRACTIONS section and look for Big Foot.

Washington University - St. Louis 

Just a beautiful place to visit. We visited the campus and just enjoyed reading all of the historical documentation all around the campus.

Laumeier Sculpture Park 

A beautiful park displaying wonderful sculpture art. This picture is of a Cat Playhouse decorated with various mosaics. A great picture op! Combine visiting this park with Powder Valley Nature Center; they are within a few miles of each other.

St. Louis Arch 

Located at the river front, you can't miss it, and above the Museum of Westward Expansion, you will have a great time riding up the tram to the top for a great view!

National Museum of Westward Expansion 

Located under the Arch, children and adults will be impressed with the informative museum. Full of dioramas, video and artifacts.

Boathouse in St. Charles 

A great museum for children to learn about Lewis and Clark. It has a neat water table for visitors to see how rivers move and change. Located along the Missouri River, and in historic St. Charles. Combine this with a walk along Frontier Park, a visit to the old Capitol, and the Art Foundary.

Butterfly House at Faust Park 

Another great place for kids and adults. Butterflies can be viewed up close, flying about an open greenhouse. If anyone is "ify" about flying things, this may not be the place to do.( Obviously, you can't swat at the butterflies to get them away from you if you don't like them flying around you!) Besides the greenhouse, their is a classroom, movie, and insect terrariums to see.

Cahokia Mounds 

This is an unbelievable place to see. It has been labeled as a World Heritage Sit. Talk about history. It is so peaceful that sometimes you wonder if you are hearing the past.

City Museum 

Only in St. Louis! An eclectic collection of things that children and adults both love to explore. You just have to see it to believe it, and then visit again and again, only to discover it has been added to, changed, morphed; it's an artist's dream.

Carousel at Faust Park 

Relive your childhood, ride horses on a carousel from the Highlands Amusement Park which closed in the 1960's. Thanks to the Olendorf family, these treasured horses were refurbished and brought back to "life." Rides are $2.00 person, I believe. Worth every penny. Oh, speaking of pennies, there is a penny squisher here!! A cheap sounenir!

Faust Park Playground 

Great playground! Super cushy ground, new bathrooms all automated, walking distance to Butterfly House, Carousel and Village Park. Could es

Faust Park Village 

Part of the Faust Park "complex." Many old homes, buildings and structures from around the St. Louis area have been moved here to be preserved. 1st and 3rd Sundays from 1pm to 4pm have docents dressed in period clothing. Free tours, donations accepted.

Grant's Farm 

An ongoing gift provided by the Anheuser-Busch family, this farm is home to many different kinds of animals - deer, wild turkey, elk, moose, bison, elephants, chickens, goats, and of course the St. Louis Clydesdales. Food and drinks (including beer, of course, this is provided by Anheuser-Busch) is sold in the biergarten.

Greater St. Louis Air and Space Museum 

This is a great museum in the making. Just on the other side of the river in Cahokia, 5 minutes from Downtown. This museum is a collection of personal items from many MacDonnell Douglas Retirees. Hopefully you will like to visit to support what will be a great museum.

Magic House 

What can I say? It's the Magic House, one of the best kid's places in the U.S.

Mastadon State Park 

Did you know dinosaurs roamed this area? The proof is at Mastadon park. See what was discovered when Highway 55 was developed.

Missouri Botanical Gardens - Children's Playground 

Obviously, The Missouri Botanical Gardens has a wonderful selection of plants and flowers. It is known world-wide. Even children love to see these flowers! And, it has a great playground for kids

Missouri Botanical Gardens 

(text same as above, different picture)
Obviously, The Missouri Botanical Gardens has a wonderful selection of plants and flowers. It is known world-wide. Even children love to see these flowers! And, it has a great playground for kids

Payne-Gentry Home 

Payne Gentry home located in Bridgeton, Missouri
Children will find it interesting and engaging. The information in the doctor's office may be a bit more detailed than parents may want to hear.

Planet Fun 

Great place to have a party. We had our son's here. Wednesday nights are the best - very few people were there. We had the place to ourselves.

Powder Valley Nature Center 

This is a great Nature center and reserve to visit. Kids will enjoy the interpretive center and the trails (though they can be very steep - NO STROLLERS!). Walk the trails to see the frog pond, however.

Boeing's Prologue Room 

FREE
A unique display of flight and space history
Tells the story of St. Louis' role in race to get to the moon in the 1960s. A great place for the avid space and flight aficionado.

Six Flags over MidAmerica 

It's Six Flags! What can I say. Either you like amusement parks, or you don't. Kiddie rides are found throughout the park, and a kiddie park is towards the back of the park by the Screaming Eagle.

St. Louis Art Museum 

Wonderful! Free to all who enter! Kids enjoy the mummy section and the knights.

Painting Paw 

Great place to create with ceramics without the mess in your own house. Colorful, inviting store inspires one to create. Good prices, too!

St. Louis Science Center 

A great science center, and FREE! Kids will love to explore. Just don't visit on a Thursday or Friday - it's summer camp day! Kids from everywhere come and it becomes very noisy!

St. Louis Zoo 

It's the St. Louis Zoo, what can I say! Right now they have a dinosaur exhibit in the Raging Rivers section. Extra costs, $1.50 for Zoo members.

Queeny Park 

Great playground! A lot of sand and Mayan-like climbing pyramids!

Build A Bear 

Fun, expensive place for kids to create a cherished stuffed animal. The one at the St. Louis Science Center has an astronaut suit that can be purchased only at the Science Center.

Suson Park 

Great park with a lot of picnic areas, fishing, farm animals, playgrounds, and shelters. Farm animals are available for viewing most days, walk-thru barns. Great background for photo-op, too. Variety of animals to see. Check website under ANIMAL THEMED PLACES.

Ted Drewes 

Yummy concretes, shakes, various flavors and sizes of custard! A St. Louis must STOP!!!!

Tower Grove Park 

Nice Park! Great fountain, bubbler and wading pool area to cool off in. The day we went (and evidently on other days too) the wading pool part was not filled in with water. But the fountain is great and provides for wonderful photo ops!

Tillis Park Winter Wonderland 

Great Christmas activity - drive through a park filled with Christmas lights. Everyone loves this! Fee charged per car.

Turtle Park 

Near the St. Louis Zoo, nice playground with bathrooms. Fun, large turtles to climb all over. Can picnic here, too.

White Haven 

Ulysses S Grant's home before and after White House occupancy. Not furnished (family lost belongings in a fire). Wonderfully rehabbed. Very original. Great stories and information shared. FREE - I think!

World Bird Sanctuary 

FREE

Located at entrance of Lone Elk Park, along 44 at the Valley Park exit. Many saved and rehabilitated birds of prey. Nice, ongoing volunteer program. Well shaded, has hot spots, however on hot days. Indoor interpretive center with store, too. Penny Squisher!!! Inexpensive visit. Combine this with Lone Elk Park for lunch and a drive.

Jewel Box 

Great place to visit! A greenhouse right in the middle of St. Louis City in Forest Park. $1 to enter, free on Mondays and Tuesdays from 9am-12noon.

Fitz's  

Yummy Restaurant. Kids can see the creation of Fitz's root beer and bottling process while waiting for their meal. Kid's meal comes in a cute cardboard 1950s car. Make sure you order root beer! It is made daily!