7 Spring Break Itineraries in St. Louis: Where to Eat, Drink + Explore
As a St. Louis native, and mom of two, who loves exploring my hometown, I wanted to make it as easy as possible to spend a fun-filled day (or a full week) in one of the best family-friendly Midwest cities. So if you’re planning a vacation or staycation for Spring Break and don’t want to overthink the planning, I’ve got you covered.
After sharing my 80+ Things to Do in St. Louis for Spring Break, I realized some people would like the day planned out! So here are seven full day itineraries across the St. Louis region. From Forest Park to historic St. Charles and even a perfect day across the river in Illinois. Each one includes breakfast, lunch, dinner, dessert, and activities so you can just pick a day and go. Want to save each one? Scroll down for all the graphics to pin to your Spring Break pinterest board.
Downtown St. Louis Itinerary
Breakfast at Rooster: Crepes, brunch cocktails, and great coffee.
Visit the Gateway Arch National Park: Ride to the top and explore the interactive museum. Walk to the Old Courthouse and snap the perfect picture in Kiener Plaza.
Coffee at Trust: A modern coffee shop perfect for a mid-morning recharge.
Lunch at Union Station: Lots of options, including The Pitch Athletic Club & Tavern, The Train Shed at Union Station, The Fountain on Locust
Afternoon at St. Louis Union Station: Ride the ferris wheel, visit the aquarium, mini golf or tackle the ropes course.
Dinner at Salt + Smoke at Ballpark Village: Classic St. Louis BBQ to end the day.
Game Day? Take in one of St. Louis’ sports teams! From Cardinals to the Blues to the Battlehawks to City SC, we’re one of the best sports towns for good reason!
Downtown St. Louis in the spring is the perfect photo opp.
Illinois: Edwardsville & Collinsville Itinerary
Breakfast at Kruta Bakery in Collinsville: This nearly 100-year-old bakery is famous for its donuts and pastries. Grab a coffee and one of their classic glazed donuts to start the day.
Visit Willoughby Farm: Kids will love seeing goats, chickens, and other farm animals at this peaceful FREE working farm.
Lunch at Ed's Delicatessen in Edwardsville
Explore Edwardsville Children's Museum for hands on fun both indoors and outdoors
Dinner at Cleveland-Heath: One of the best restaurants in the Metro East with seasonal dishes and a cozy atmosphere.
Dessert at Bobby's Frozen Custard in Maryville: Classic frozen custard that locals swear by.
Explore the Edwardsville Children’s Museum outdoor area for a fun afternoon.
West County Family Adventure Itinerary
Breakfast at Honeybee's Biscuits + Good Eats
Explore The Magic House: Three floors of interactive exhibits, a kid-sized village, and hands-on learning.
Lunch at Hi-Pointe Drive-In: Creative burgers, fries, and shakes that both kids and adults love.
Walk through Laumeier Sculpture Park: Massive outdoor sculptures make this feel like an art treasure hunt. Plus it’s FREE.
Dinner at Katie's Pizza & Pasta Osteria in Crestwood: Handmade pastas and wood-fired pizzas from one of St. Louis’ most beloved chefs.
Dessert at Sylvie Dee's: A nostalgic candy shop filled with ice cream, chocolates, and sweet treats.
Imagine an outdoor museum, where you can walk amidst the art…that’s Laumeier Sculpture Park!
A Day Around Forest Park Itinerary
You could spend an entire week exploring Forest Park, but here’s the perfect one-day plan.
Coffee & croissants at Comet Coffee
Start the morning exploring the Saint Louis Zoo: One of the top free zoos in the country.
Walk over for a visit to Turtle Park
Lunch in Dogtown: Felix's Pizza Pub for huge slices, Byrd & Barrel for chicken sandwiches and nugs, Hogtown Smokehouse for BBQ
Grab a local beer at Heavy Riff Brewing Company
Choose your museum adventure: Saint Louis Science Center, Saint Louis Art Museum, Missouri History Museum. All are free and all are worth a visit!
Dinner at Edera Italian Eatery in the Central West End. Walk around and browse the local shops before or after your meal.
Dessert at Clementine's Naughty & Nice Creamery: Local favorite ice cream with both classic and boozy flavors.
The chicken sandwich is a must order at Byrd and Barrel in Dogtown.
Historic St. Charles Itinerary
Breakfast at Frontier Perk Cafe.
Explore Historic Main Street: Cobblestone streets, boutiques, and candy shops make it feel like stepping back in time.
Lunch at La Belle Vie in Frenchtown
Coffee at Bike Stop Cafe: Perfect stop before hitting the trail.
Bike the Katy Trail State Park: The longest rail-trail in the country! You can cross the state of Missouri on it but choose how long or short you ride. Feeling extra adventurous? Take the trail out to wine country in Augusta and Defiance.
Dinner at Jalea Peruvian Bistro
Dessert at SugarBot Creamery for delicious ice cream in an old time parlor.
Did you know you can cross the state of Missouri on the Katy Trail? Make your ride as long or short as you want!
Chesterfield Family Fun Itinerary
Breakfast at French Creperie
Visit Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House and St. Louis Carousel at Faust Park. Plus explore the playground.
Lunch: Smokehouse Market for some of the best sandwiches
Grab a coffee at Kaldi’s Coffee
There’s no shortage of play spots for kids in Chesterfield. Choose your fun-filled activity: Go Play St. Louis, Slick City Action Park, Main Event, Topgolf
Dinner at The District: Steve's Hot Dogs or Napoli Bros. Pizza & Pasta are great options.
Family-friendly brewery: 4 Hands at The District
The Butterfly House is a perfect indoor activity in St. Louis.
A Perfect St. Louis Day (Without Kids)
I love my kids and most of this day is totally kid-friendly but sometimes you want the adults-only plan.
Breakfast at Damn Fine Hand Pies
Stroll the Missouri Botanical Garden: Spring blooms make this one of the most beautiful places in the city.
Coffee at AO & Co.: Coffee shop and boutique full of fun specialty goods.
Lunch at Jack Nolen's: One of the best smash burgers in St. Louis.
Tour the Anheuser-Busch Brewery: Historic brewery tours plus FREE beer.
Dinner at Stews Food & Liquor: One of my favorite restaurants in town and due to the small size this is best without kids
Nightcap at NOTA at City Foundry STL: A hidden speakeasy inside City Foundry.
Cocktails and snacks at the always chic NOTA speakeasy at City Foundry.
Spring break in St. Louis doesn’t require a plane ticket. Between world-class museums, incredible parks, historic neighborhoods, and one of the best food scenes in the Midwest, there’s plenty to explore right here at home.
Whether you’re planning a family day with the kids, a date day, or a mini adventure across the region, these itineraries make it easy to experience the best of St. Louis. Mix and match, choose just a few things on each list, at the end of the day, this is your adventure! I made graphics for each if you want to pin or share with friends!
