10 St. Louis Places That Make You Forget It’s Cold Outside
It’s 17 degrees outside as I write this post and I’d like to head straight to the airport and hop on the first plane to some place warm, but alas that is not in the cards! So instead, I thought about some of the places here in St. Louis that makes it feel like we’re getting away, even for just a few hours! The perfect list to help you beat the winter blues.
85 degrees inside while it’s 17 degrees outside? Yes please.
CLIMATRON
The Climatron at Missouri Botanical Garden is the perfect tropical escape in the middle of St. Louis winter. The average temperature inside the lush green dome is 85 degrees. Wander the trail, see the plants and pretend you’re in the rainforest! There’s also a fun and interactive area for kids attached to the Climatron that’s perfect to continue your indoor fun.
Tip: Garden Members and Residents of St. Louis City and County can get in free on Wednesdays and Saturdays, plus the Garden opens early, at 7am for them (and members!) on those days.
BUTTERFLY HOUSE
Similar to the Climatron, the Butterfly House in Faust Park is also kept at a balmy 85 degrees. Walk through the massive 8,000 square foot conservatory and experience the magic of butterflies flying around you. They are open Tuesday-Sunday (sometimes on Mondays, check their latest hours here).
Tip: Children under 2 are free but be aware that large strollers are not allowed. The Butterfly House is free for Missouri Botanical Garden members and free for St. Louis City and County residents on the first Tuesday of the month for the first two hours of the day.
The Butterfly House is one of our favorite places to explore during the winter in St. Louis.
JEWEL BOX
The Jewel Box in Forest Park isn’t huge but it’s a beautiful place to be amongst the plants and flowers in the middle of winter. It’s climate controlled and warm even in the frigid temperatures. Admission is just $1 per person but it’s free on Monday and Tuesday from 9am-noon!
INDOOR WATER PARK/POOLS
It might not be vacation but we can pretend for an afternoon in the warm water at one of the indoor pools in St. Louis!
The Lodge: The Lodge in Des Peres has an indoor pool with wave pool and whirlpool that’s open to non-members. They also have a kids area/tot pool. On Thursday and Friday mornings they host Water Waddlers from 10am-12pm. It’s just $5 for residents and $7 for non residents. Ages 6 and under with a parent/guardian.
The Heights: Located in Richmond Heights, the indoor pool has a fun splash pad area for the kids. Open to residents and non-residents.
The Pointe: The indoor pool at The Pointe in Ballwin features multiple lap lanes, a two-story water slide, an indoor water playground, lazy river, and vortex. They host a Little Splashers program on Mondays from 3:30-5:30pm, and Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 10:30-11:30.
The indoor pool at The Lodge is one way to beat the winter blues.
RESTAURANTS THAT TRANSPORT YOU OUTSIDE OF ST. LOUIS
Yellowbelly: Tropical decor, bites and cocktails make this Central West End restaurant a warm escape from the cold and gray winter. Address: 4659 Lindell Blvd, St. Louis
Buzz’s Hawaiian: A laid-back Hawaiian spot serving authentic island favorites like poke bowls, Kalua pork, Huli Huli chicken, and Dole soft serve. A mini tropical getaway located in Tower Grove East. Address: 3457 Magnolia Ave, St. Louis, MO
Yemanja Brasil: Step into a slice of Brazil without leaving town. The beloved Brazilian restaurant in Benton Park offers vibrant décor, rich flavors, and a relaxed, festive atmosphere. Address: 2900 Missouri Ave, St. Louis, MO
The Ground Coffeehouse: Not your average coffee stop, this cozy, plant-filled café in West St. Louis County feels like a little indoor garden oasis. Plus they also sell plants in addition to delicious coffee! Address: 109 Ballpark Dr, Ballwin, MO
We might not be on the beach but at least we can pretend with a tropical cocktail!