St.Louis is a great city for a family vacation or even a “stay”cation. There is so much to explore around the city and in the surrounding suburbs. The best part is there are a ton of places that offer free admission.
Just 6 miles from downtown you will find Forest Park. Even bigger than New York city’s Central Park, you will find more than just a park. Almost everything here is free including the amazing Zoo. If you plan to visit more than one place in a day there is a trolley that stops throughout for just $2/$1 per adult/child for all day rides.
Saint Louis Art Museum
Featuring 3 floors worth of all types of art from the past and present. You are sure to find something for everyone family member to enjoy. Open Tuesday-Sunday and general admission is free. There is a fee for special exhibits, however on Fridays those are free as well. They also have family Sundays where there are hands-on activities and a family tour through the museum. For more information check out their website.
St.Louis science center
Open 7 days a week with shorter hours on Sunday. General admission is free and there are special exhibits, the kid friendly discovery room and Omnimax theater that do have a fee. On Wednesday and Thursday they also have free story time with a science themed book and activity.
Missouri History Museum
Open 7 days a week, with late hours on Tuesday. General admission is free, some exhibits do have a fee. Opened not to long ago is the History clubhouse an on going hands on exhibit aimed at kids. While this is a free exhibit it does required a ticket to get in and depending on how busy your time may be limited. This is a great place to learn about the history of St.Louis as well as national history too.
the Muny
This outdoor theater runs popular musical shows throughout the summer. The line up changes every year and there is a different show every week. Tickets start at $15 per seat and cost goes up as you get closer to the stage. But they also offer “free” seats to every show. The back 9 row are first come first serve so you will want to get their early and if you have them bring a set of binoculars.
Saint Louis Zoo
One of the nations top Zoos. Open 7 days a week with free general admission. There are some places that have a fee. Like the children’s zoo, conservation carousel ,sea lion show, zoo train and stingray cove. They do have a bracelet you can purchase to get all the above for 1 price of $12.95 per person. Children under 2 are free to everything. The children zoo is free to everyone for the 1st hour the zoo is open.
Six Flags Saint Louis
Located in Eureka, MO about 30 minutes from downtown Saint Louis. Two parks are included in your admission. the main theme park and Hurricane harbor. Open 7 days a week and the water park is open Memorial weekend through Labor day. During the fall they host Fright fest and mid-November til the end of December they have holidays in the park. Your kids will have plenty to ride in Bugs Bunny national park a whole section full of kid friendly rides.
Grants Farm
This property once home to the Busch family is owned by Anheuser-Busch. Open April – October admission is free but it does cost $12 to park. There is tram ride through the park which takes you past a cabin once belonging to president Grant. There is animal food for purchase to feed the goats and camels. If you are over 21 they do have complimentary samples of Anheuser-Busch beverages.
Museum of Transportation
Located in Kirkwood, MO. Open 7 days a week, admission $8 adult/$5 children (under 3 is free). There is an extra cost to ride the train, trolley and handcars and play in the creation station. There is a collection of cars, trains, airplanes and even a boat both indoor and out. There is a minature train you can ride as well as a trolley car.
Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly house
As the name hints this building houses close to 80 different species of butterflies and 150 types of tropical plants. You may even find yourself lucky enough to see a butterfly emerge from its cocoon. Open Tuesday-Sunday, admission $8/$5 and children under 2 are free. The butterfly house is located in Faust park in Chesterfield, MO. Also within the park grounds there is a carousel rides are $2 per person.
Purina Farms
This fun farm is located in Gray Summit,MO about 45 minutes from downtown Saint Louis. In the barn area you can watch a cow get milked and pet piglets and bunnies. They have building with a 3 story cat house. They have a dog show-you can watch dogs dive in the pool, run the obstetrical course and catch frisbees. In the spring they offer even more cute baby animals for kids to pet. Admission and parking are both free.
City museum
This museum is fun for both kids and adults. Many of the features here have been recycled from old buildings or pieces of art to create a one of a kind playground. You will find a 10 story high slide, underground caves to crawl through and even giant ball pit. Plenty to explore and run off lots of energy. There’s even a ferris wheel and a school bus on the roof. I would strongly suggest tennis shoes (an jeans if planning to crawl in tunnels).Open 7 days a week and the rooftop maybe closed for in-climate weather. Admission $12 ages 3 and up, parking $7 cash only.
CityGarden
Located downtown between 8th street and market you will find a sculpture park. There is a spray park for kids as well as a small pool and waterfall. Great on a warm day to cool off or just walk around and enjoy the art and gardens. Open daily and admission is free. If your kids like playing in the water don’t forget a towel!
The Magic House
Located in Kirkwood,MO. This childrens museum has lots of hands on fun. There is a giant bean stalk to climb, a mock court room, village with its own pretend pizza place, a water play area, even a space exclusively for babies and so much more. In addition to the permanent exhibits here they have a rotating exhibit room currently featuring Clifford the big red dog. In the summer months they also have an outdoor sand play area that is included in your admission. Cost is $11 per person over 1.
Myseum
A great place for fun and learning. Lots of hands on science themed fun, a dino-dig, vet clinic and even a bounce house (socks required). Perfect for those rainy or snowy days. Located in Town and Country,MO. Open daily except major holidays. Admission $11 kids 2 and up Adults $6.
Missouri Botanical Garden
You might have guessed what this location is know for, its garden. Home to all different species of plants, trees and flowers. Some are unique like the corpse flower that when it blooms has an unattractive smell. The most kid friendly area is the children’s garden-extra fee. In here you will find a tree house to explore, slides, a cave and a splash area. Open 7 days a week. General admission is $12 for adults and children under 12 are free ($5 for the childrens garden)