Less than four hours from Indianapolis, St. Louis is a Midwest destination with many must-see spots for a fantastic family adventure. From iconic attractions to local gems, here are some of the best things for families to do in St. Louis.
1. Visit the tallest national monument in the U.S.
When you think of St. Louis, you probably think of the Gateway Arch, the world’s tallest arch and the tallest national monument in the country. Gateway Arch National Park is where you can get-up close to this stainless steel monument, and take a 4-minute tram ride up 630 feet to the top. Once at the top, peep out the windows to see breathtaking views of downtown St. Louis on one side, and the Mississippi River on the other.
Back on solid ground, you’ll want to explore the Museum at the Gateway Arch, which features six themed exhibit areas that trace the story of the Native Americans, explorers and pioneers who made America possible.
2. Get lost at one of the weirdest and wackiest museums ever imagined
The City Museum is a one-of-a-kind architectural wonderland that was once an old shoe factory. This downtown St. Louis attraction is like a child’s fever-dream — a magical place that isn’t just a museum but an awe-inspiring playground for all ages, full of surprises at every turn.
Imagine exploring tunnels, wiggling through caves, and zooming down slides both indoors and outdoors. Climb aboard a school bus that’s perched precariously over the edge of the building, wander through an enchanted forest, parkour around the skateless skatepark, experience the thrill of a circus, and even ride a Ferris wheel on the rooftop while admiring a vintage plane. It’s nonstop fun, and perfect for adventurous kids who love to climb and test their limits.
3. Enjoy art, culture, animals and nature at Forest Park
Spanning more than 1,300 acres, Forest Park is one of the largest urban parks in the U.S. This park is home to many of the city’s major cultural institutions, and amazingly, almost everything in Forest Park can be visited free of charge.
A highlight of Forest Park is the Saint Louis Zoo, a world-class destination with more than 14,000 animals from around the world, many that are rare and endangered. A popular exhibit is Sea Lion Sound, where you can walk through an underwater tunnel into the seal and sea lions’ habitat.
Another museum that’s popular with families is the Saint Louis Science Center, which houses a wide range of exhibits about the wonders of science. Explore Earth’s ecosystems, unravel the mysteries of the human body, attend a live science demonstration, play and learn about video games, see a giant replica of a T.Rex dinosaur and much more.
4. Celebrate one of the world’s oldest games
This one is for the chess lovers! At the World Chess Hall of Fame, you can visit the World’s Largest Chess Piece, certified by Guinness World Records in 2018. This regional and national landmark measures 20 feet tall and 9 feet, 2 inches in diameter, and weighs a whopping 10,860 pounds. Inside the free museum, you’ll find three floors of exhibits, featuring rare and unique chess pieces and boards, and information about famous chess players.
5. See the sights at Union Station
The first train pulled into the St. Louis Union Station in 1894, and the last one departed in 1978. Now, this iconic landmark has been transformed into a vibrant entertainment destination.
One of Union Station’s main attractions is the St. Louis Aquarium, which opened in 2019. The aquarium features dozens of exhibits, highlighting everything from local river ecosystems to shark habitats.
Union Station is an all-in-one destination for family fun. You can take a ride on The Wheel, a 200-foot-high Ferris wheel that offers panoramic views of the city from the gondolas. Or take adventure to new heights at the indoor Ropes Course, snap silly selfies at Selfie Express, explore the Mirror Maze, play a round of mini golf, hop a ride on a carousel and lots more.
Union Station is a great place to play and stay. The St. Louis Union Station Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton, is a beautiful and historic hotel that just steps away from all of the action. Bonus: There’s a free light show on the soaring ceilings of the Grand Hall at the hotel every hour.
