🏙️ City

Things to Do with Kids in St. Louis, MO

Explore 40 family-friendly activities in St. Louis — filtered by age, scheduled around nap time, and ready to drop into your personalized itinerary.

Top Family Activities

40 of 40 selected
🎡

Saint Louis Zoo

Full DayAges 012+Stroller OK

Free admission to most exhibits — a rare gem. Rent a stroller at the main gate for $12. Arrive early to beat crowds at S...

📌

City Museum

Full DayAges 212+

Wear closed-toe shoes and comfortable clothes — this is an industrial playground. Not stroller-friendly inside; use the ...

🎡

Gateway Arch National Park

Half DayAges 012+Stroller OK

Book tram tickets online in advance — they sell out fast, especially in summer. Tram pods are very tight; children who a...

🏛️

The Magic House, St. Louis Children's Museum

Half DayAges 012+Stroller OK

Perfect for ages 0-10. Dedicated toddler area for under-4s is well-padded and gated. Stroller parking available at exhib...

🏛️

Saint Louis Science Center

Half DayAges 012+Stroller OK

General admission is free — only OMNIMAX and special exhibits cost extra. Use the parking garage on Oakland Ave for easy...

🏛️

Saint Louis Art Museum

2–4 hoursAges 012+Stroller OK

Free general admission. Stroller-friendly throughout. Pick up a family activity backpack at the information desk — great...

🌳

Forest Park

Full DayAges 012+Stroller OK

Larger than Central Park and mostly free. Rent a paddleboat or surrey bike at the Boathouse. Art Hill sledding in winter...

📌

Missouri Botanical Garden

Half DayAges 012+Stroller OK

Completely stroller-accessible on paved paths. The Japanese Garden is serene and beautiful. Children's Garden has water ...

🎡

Grant's Farm

Half DayAges 012+Stroller OK

Free admission but parking costs $15. Arrive early — tram rides to see the animals fill up fast. Kids can feed and pet b...

📌

Six Flags St. Louis

Full DayAges 212+Stroller OK

Buy tickets online for significant savings. Looney Tunes Town is great for kids under 8. Arrive at opening to hit the bi...

🎡

St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station

2–4 hoursAges 012+Stroller OK

Book tickets online to save money and skip box-office lines. The touch tank is a hit with toddlers and school-age kids. ...

📌

St. Louis Union Station

2–4 hoursAges 012+Stroller OK

The historic train station now houses an aquarium, mini-golf, Ferris wheel, laser tag, and food hall. Great rainy-day co...

📌

Anheuser-Busch Brewery Tour

1–2 hoursAges 012+

The Budweiser Clydesdales are always a hit with kids. The tour involves a fair amount of walking on cobblestones — skip ...

🎡

World Bird Sanctuary

1–2 hoursAges 012+Stroller OK

Free admission! Over 200 birds including eagles, owls, and vultures. Flat gravel paths are stroller-accessible. Trails t...

📌

Laumeier Sculpture Park

2–4 hoursAges 012+Stroller OK

Free admission to the sculpture grounds. Wide paths are stroller-friendly. Kids love exploring and climbing around the l...

🏛️

Missouri History Museum

2–4 hoursAges 012+Stroller OK

Free admission and located right in Forest Park. Stroller-friendly with elevators. The 1904 World's Fair exhibit is fasc...

📌

Art Hill Sledding at Forest Park

2–4 hoursAges 212+

A beloved St. Louis winter tradition — free and family-friendly. Bring your own sled or inner tube. The hill in front of...

📌

Forest Park Boathouse Paddleboat & Kayak Rentals

1–2 hoursAges 012+Stroller OK

Paddleboats hold 4 people and are great for families with toddlers. Life jackets provided and required for children. The...

🎡

Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House

1–2 hoursAges 012+Stroller OK

Located in Faust Park. Tropical conservatory filled with hundreds of free-flying butterflies — magical for young childre...

📌

Chesterfield Valley Athletic Complex Aquatic Center

Half DayAges 012+Stroller OK

Family water park with a zero-depth entry splash area perfect for toddlers. Slides for older kids and a lazy river for t...

📌

St. Louis Cardinals Game at Busch Stadium

Half DayAges 012+Stroller OK

Family-friendly family section in right field. Kids under 2 sit free on laps. Arrive early for batting practice — kids l...

📌

Faust Park Historic Carousel

under_1hAges 010+Stroller OK

An 1920s restored carousel with beautifully hand-painted horses — a magical experience for toddlers and young children. ...

📌

CityGarden Sculpture Park

1–2 hoursAges 012+Stroller OK

Free, urban sculpture park in downtown St. Louis. Water features are turned on in summer and kids absolutely love them —...

🍕

Ted Drewes Frozen Custard

under_1hAges 012+Stroller OK

A St. Louis institution since 1929 — the 'concrete' thick frozen custard is a must-try. Expect lines on summer evenings;...

🌳

Kiener Plaza Park

1–2 hoursAges 012+Stroller OK

Renovated downtown park with interactive water fountain jets that kids love in summer. Flat and stroller-accessible. Adj...

📌

Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site

2–4 hoursAges 312+

Free UNESCO World Heritage Site just across the river in Illinois. Monks Mound has 155 steps to the top — manageable for...

🌳

Kirkwood Park Playground

1–2 hoursAges 012+Stroller OK

One of the best playgrounds in the St. Louis metro area — large, well-maintained, and free. Separate play areas for todd...

📌

St. Louis Zoo Emerson Carousel

under_1hAges 010+Stroller OK

Beautiful carousel located within the free St. Louis Zoo — animals on the carousel reflect the zoo's collection. Costs j...

📌

Hidden Valley Ski Area

Half DayAges 312+

Great beginner ski resort 40 minutes from downtown St. Louis. Children's ski school available for ages 4+. Equipment ren...

📌

Meramec Caverns

2–4 hoursAges 212+

About an hour southwest of St. Louis. Guided tours last 80 minutes through stunning cave formations. Year-round 60°F tem...

📌

Swing-A-Round Fun Town

2–4 hoursAges 212+Stroller OK

Family entertainment center with mini-golf, go-karts, batting cages, bumper boats, and a large arcade. Great for ages 4+...

📌

Crayola Experience at St. Louis Mills

2–4 hoursAges 212+Stroller OK

25+ creative activities in a vibrant, colorful setting perfect for ages 3-12. Kids can melt crayons, wrap their own cray...

🎡

Gateway Arch Riverboat Cruises

1–2 hoursAges 012+

Sightseeing cruise on the Mississippi River departing from the Gateway Arch grounds. Kids love seeing the Arch from the ...

📌

St. Louis Symphony Orchestra Family Concerts

1–2 hoursAges 210+Stroller OK

Specially designed 45-60 minute concerts for children ages 2-8. Fun, interactive introductions to classical music. Powel...

🍕

Soulard Farmers Market

1–2 hoursAges 012+Stroller OK

One of the oldest public markets in the US — vibrant, lively, and kid-friendly. Sample fresh produce, pastries, and loca...

📌

Queeny Park

2–4 hoursAges 012+Stroller OK

Large county park with paved trails, a disc golf course, dog park, and a nice playground. Great for jogging-stroller fam...

📌

Lone Elk County Park

1–2 hoursAges 012+Stroller OK

Drive-through wildlife park where you can see elk, bison, and deer roaming freely — like a free mini safari! Keep window...

📌

Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center

1–2 hoursAges 012+Stroller OK

Free nature center with interactive exhibits and 3 miles of paved trails through the woods. Perfect for strollers and yo...

🌳

Creve Coeur Lake Memorial Park

2–4 hoursAges 012+Stroller OK

Huge county park with a large lake, paved trails, a massive playground, and open picnic areas. Kayak and paddleboat rent...

📌

St. Louis Blues NHL Game at Enterprise Center

Half DayAges 212+Stroller OK

Exciting live hockey for the whole family. Kids love the fast action and crowd energy. Earplugs recommended for young ch...

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Packing Tips for St. Louis
  • Sunscreen & hats for outdoor activities
  • Comfortable walking shoes for the whole family
  • Stroller or baby carrier
  • Snacks & water bottles
  • Rain jacket or poncho (just in case)
  • Small first-aid kit with band-aids
  • Entertainment for transit (books, tablet, coloring)
Get a full personalized packing list when you plan your trip.
Sample Family Itinerary
Day 1 — Explore
🏛️
Saint Louis Art Museum
2–4 hours
🍕
Lunch Break
🎡
Gateway Arch National Park
Half Day
Day 2 — Adventure
🎡
Saint Louis Zoo
Full Day
Build Your Custom Itinerary

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best things to do with kids in St. Louis?

Top family activities include Saint Louis Zoo, City Museum, Gateway Arch National Park, The Magic House, St. Louis Children's Museum, Saint Louis Science Center. Toddler Trip curates age-appropriate activities and builds nap-aware itineraries for your family.

Is St. Louis good for toddlers?

Yes! Many activities in St. Louis are suitable for toddlers. Toddler Trip filters activities by your children's ages and schedules around nap time so everyone enjoys the trip.

How do I plan a family trip to St. Louis?

Use Toddler Trip's free planner: enter your family profile, pick from AI-curated activities, and get a nap-aware day-by-day itinerary with a personalized packing list — all in about 5 minutes.

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