Top 5 Places in St. Louis For Kids…That’s Free
By Denise Bertacchi
Why is St. Louis such a great town for families? It’s because of the freebies! Thanks to our Metro Zoo-Museum Tax district a lot of our best attractions charge no admission. See, sometime your tax dollars actually pay for something fun.
Here’s my top five favorite places to take the kids, no charge.
1) The St. Louis Zoo: This one is a no-brainer. We have one of the very best zoos in the country (don’t just take my word for it) and there’s no entrance fee. If plan ahead, you can visit the zoo completely on the cheap. You’ll need to get there early to grab some free street parking and during the first hour the zoo is open you’ll also get free admission to the Children’s Zoo. In the winter, the zoo opens at 9am.
2) The St. Louis Science Center: Another great St. Louis institution that kids love! The Science Center doesn’t charge admission and you can get free parking by entering from the Planetarium side in Forest Park. Most of the activities in the Science Center are free—and be sure to stick around for the science demonstrations, like when they explore gravity by dropping stuff off the balcony.
3) The Missouri Botanical Garden: Shaw’s Garden (as we old timers know it) is part of the museum district, but they only offer locals free admission on Wednesday and Saturday mornings before noon (kids under 12 are always free to the main garden). You’ll need to show your driver’s license to prove you’re a resident of St. Louis City or County to get this freebie. The garden is beautiful year-round—in the winter be sure to check out the tropical Climatron. But the real fun for kids starts this spring when the Children’s Garden reopens for the season. The Children’s Garden is free for kids under 2 and anyone over 13. Tickets for kids are normally $5 for non-members, but they’re offering free admission on Saturdays before noon.
4) Powder Valley Nature Center: This park tucked into the wilds of Kirkwood is run by the state conservation department and has a totally free nature museum that little kids love. Kids can explore a tree house, play with animal puppets, check out a real bee hive and so much more. If the weather is nice you can take your family on a hike through the woods on a paved trail. The handicap accessible trail is good for starters—super flat and short. The others are massively hilly and a over a mile long.
5) Laumeier Sculpture Park: Laumeier is a St. Louis County Park in Sunset Hills that puts art out in the open where kids can really get into it. Sculptures are out in the fields and hidden on the trails, so you can enjoy a nature walk AND get a little culture. There’s also an indoor museum, so if you didn’t bring your dog for the hike you’ll want to check that out too.
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It’s so cool that you’ve got so many great free places…especially that are kid and family friendly! Down here in Florida, it’s tough to find free stuff to do (besides going to the beach).
I visited St Louis on a Blogging trip and the driver that picked me up at the airport told me that the zoo is free. I think that is amazing that you can take your children there all the time to see the animals and learn about their habitats.
What a great list! Thanks for sharing.
I love the St. Louis Zoo. I took my son there a few years ago, and it’s just amazing. I couldn’t believe it was free!
I’ve heard the St. Louis zoo is awesome! I hope to visit there one day!
We had a fun time at the science center when we visited a few years back and the zoo is always fun to visit. I’ll have to remember the others for the next time we are in the area.
I’ve heard that the st louis zoo is awesome. I’ll definitely check it out if I ever get over that way.
GREAT post – I wish our zoo was free… we have to pay an arm and a leg for membership 🙁
Okay, I am officially jealous! Our local zoo is REALLY expensive. I didn’t realize there were so many great and frugal choices in St. Louis. That is so nice for a family of 5!
Wow, I can’t believe there are so many awesome places to take your kids there that are Free! That’s the best part. Awesome destinations that don’t cost money! I wish we lived near St. Louis!
these are all great places to take the family, the best part is that they are free. when i go to st. louis next i will be sure to remember them.
I would like to visit some day.
These are some amazing places to take your family. Thanks for sharing!
Great list! I have never heard of Laumeier Sculpture Park, I will be taking the kids there this year!
Thanks for highlighting these great places. St. Louis is only 1 1/2 hours away and visiting these would make for a fun weekend getaway!
Not to be a downer, but I heard a few months back that St. Louis was one of the most dangerous cities in the country. Is that overblown, or is kind of like Chicago where you have to pick your spots carefully?
The zoo sounds like a lot of fun! I’d also like to visit the Powder Valley Nature Center!
the zoo sounds like fun!!
I totally agree that St. Louis is amazing! We have only been twice in the winter but enjoyed the Science Center and the Zoo! They are both amazing and the Zoo is a family favorite! The City Museum is not free but so cool and I think it is totally worth it!