Spring Break in St. Louis: The Ultimate Family-Friendly Guide
St. Louis is one of the most underrated family-friendly getaways in the Midwest. With so many free places to visit, a fantastic food scene and a variety of adventures, it’s the perfect spring break destination. As a mom of two, and your official St. Louis cheerleader, I’ve rounded up more than 80 things to do in St. Louis! Whether you’re local and looking for a little staycation or visiting from outside the 314, there’s something for everyone.
This guide is presented by Barron Gymnastics
ST. LOUIS CLASSICS
Saint Louis Zoo: It’s the best FREE zoo in the country, and the top recommendation from almost every local. You can spend an hour and see your favorite animal or a full day, there’s so much to see and do. It’s worth it to buy the Adventure Pass for the train, carousel and other extra experiences! PRO TIP: There’s plenty of free parking around Forest Park if you are willing to walk a bit. Looking for lunch nearby? Modern Brewery, Felix’s Hi Pointe Drive In and Byrd and Barrel are all great options! 📍 1 Government Dr, St. Louis, MO 63110
Saint Louis Science Center: Dinos, space adventures, tons of hands on exhibits make this a must-visit FREE attraction for families! Plus the Omnimax is a very cool way to see a film! PRO TIP: The Discovery Room is one of the best play areas for younger kids in St. Louis. Worth the extra admission fee! But it books up early so grab tickets.📍 5050 Oakland Ave, St. Louis, MO 63110
Missouri History Museum: This museum is a must for the history of St. Louis and like everything in Forest Park it’s FREE! The kid’s play area alone is worth a visit! The museum is filled with interactive exhibits and a really great gift shop for all things St. Louis. 📍 5700 Lindell Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63112
Gateway Arch National Park: It’s the most iconic landmark in the Midwest and the symbol of St. Louis. You can’t visit without at least laying eyes on it. The museum at the bottom is FREE but why not ride up to the top and see St. Louis from a whole new angle. Locals, when was the last time you visited? It’s time! PRO TIP: Leave enough time to walk around the grounds and take a look at the Mighty Mississippi. For a great cup of coffee visit Trust Cafe across the street or pop over to The Cobblestone on Laclede’s Landing for lunch. 📍 11 N 4th St, St. Louis, MO 63102
Old Courthouse: Don’t miss the major renovation at the historic courthouse. FREE. 📍 11 N 4th St, St. Louis, MO 63102
St. Louis Union Station: You can spend a full day at the former railray station in Downtown St. Louis. From the Aquarium to the ropes course, the carnival rides and putt putt course, there’s something for everyone. And you can’t miss The Wheel towering above it all! PRO TIP: Head into the Union Station Hotel for a free light show in one of the most gorgeous hotel lobbies you’ve ever seen. 📍 1820 Market St, St. Louis, MO 63103
City Museum: When I polled locals, this was top of the must-do list for kids and adults. You’ve never experienced anything like it. Part playground, part art installation, totally unforgettable.📍 750 N 16th St, St. Louis, MO 63103
Soulard Farmers Market: Grab fresh produce and local treats at one of the oldest farmers markets in the U.S. Open Wednesday-Saturday but Saturday is the day ALL vendors are there and you can get the full experience.📍 730 Carroll St, St. Louis, MO 63104
Anheuser-Busch Brewery: The FREE tour of the historic brewery in Soulard is one of my favorite things to do with out of town guests. And every tour guest (over 21!) gets free samples of beer. Plus you get to see the famous Clydesdales. 📍 1200 Lynch St, St. Louis, MO 63118
Grant's Farm: Feed the goats, take a tram ride and experience the historic site in St. Louis County. Admission is FREE but parking cost $. 📍 10501 Gravois Rd, St. Louis, MO 63123
Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House: Walk among hundreds of free-flying butterflies. Located in Faust Park you can also explore the park and playground. The Butterly House is part of the Missouri Botanical Gardens and free for members.📍 15193 Olive Blvd, Chesterfield, MO 63017
St. Louis Carousel at Faust Park: Located next to the Butterfly House is the historic 1920’s carousel. Just $2 for a ride.📍 15185 Olive Blvd, Chesterfield, MO 63017
National Museum of Transportation: Massive trains and vintage vehicles, especially fun for little train lovers. Their Route 66 exhibit opens March 14. 📍 2933 Barrett Station Rd, Kirkwood, MO 63122
The Magic House: A St. Louis staple for kids filled with hands-on activities, pretend ply, arts and crafts and so much more! PRO TIP: After 3:00, it’s just $3 and it’s free on the third Friday evening each month. Toddler hour is hosted each week and is a great time to take little ones. They also have expanded hours during Spring Break. 📍 516 S Kirkwood Rd, Kirkwood, MO 63122
Take in a Game: Spring is the time of year when all of St. Louis sports are in action! From the St. Louis Blues to City SC to St. Louis Cardinals (opening day is March 26!) and the Battlehawks (home opener is March 28!.
The FREE St. Louis Art Museum is a must visit.
The St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station may be newer but it’s already a classic in our books!
🌳 OUTDOOR ADVENTURES
Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center: A peaceful, stroller-friendly nature escape with easy hiking trails and a FREE interactive nature center. Perfect for little explorers.📍 11715 Cragwold Rd, Kirkwood, MO 63122
Lone Elk Park: Drive-through wildlife park where kids can spot elk and bison up close. A fun, low-effort FREE outdoor adventure.📍 1 Lone Elk Park Rd, Valley Park, MO 63088
Creve Coeur Lake Memorial Park: A beautiful scene lake loop with playground, sandy shoreline and paddle board, canoe and kayak rentals. Rentals begin in April. 📍 13725 Marine Ave, Maryland Heights, MO 63043
Forest Park Nature Playscape: A nature-inspired playground where kids can climb, balance, and explore in the heart of Forest Park. FREE📍 5595 Grand Dr, St. Louis, MO 63112
Missouri Botanical Garden: Spring blooms, wide open walking paths, and the Climatron make this a must visit. The Children’s Garden is one of the BEST. It opens for the season on March 28, 2026. PRO TIP: The garden is free for St. Louis City and County residents on Wednesday and Saturday mornings from 7am-noon.📍 4344 Shaw Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63110
Suson Park: Free farm animals + playground = toddler heaven. Plus fishing lakes! 📍 6073 Wells Rd, St. Louis, MO 63128
Laumeier Sculpture Park: It’s the 50th anniversary of this FREE outdoor sculpture garden in St. Louis County. Explore the art and nature, bring a picnic and enjoy this world-class park. 📍 12580 Rott Rd, Sunset Hills, MO 63127
Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site: In Illinois you can explore ancient Native American earthworks and climb the mounds for sweeping views. The museum is temporarily closed but there are portable restrooms available. FREE📍 30 Ramey St, Collinsville, IL 62234
Willoughby Farm: A charming working farm where kids can see animals up close, plus a fun playground and nature scape area. FREE 📍 631 Willoughby Ln, Collinsville, IL 62234
Fort Belle Fontaine Park: Historic ruins, river views, and quiet trails make this a hidden gem. FREE 📍 13002 Bellefontaine Rd, St. Louis, MO 63138
Powder Valley Conservation is the perfect kid friendly hike.
Lone Elk Park in St. Louis County is a hidden gem. How often do you get a free safari?
🏃♀️ LET’S MOVE
Barron Sports: With locations in South County, O’Fallon and Ballwin, kids can swim, tumble, dance and ninja! They offer classes and one day clinics, plus mark your calendar for their FREE family fun night on April 3. 📍 Multiple locations
Ryze Adventure Park: Aerial ropes courses and zip lines for adventurous kids (and brave parents). Great for older elementary + teens.📍 12420 Grace Church Rd, Maryland Heights, MO 63043
Explore the Greenways: Miles of paved trails for scooters, bikes, and family walks. Easy win if you want something free and flexible.
Swing-A-Round Fun Town: Go-karts, mini golf, bumper boats, batting cages and arcade games. Classic spring break energy.📍 335 Skinker Ln, Fenton, MO 63026
Rawling’s Experience: Explore the mini-museum and see baseball memorabile. Then check out the high-tech "Hit Lab" with batting cages, Rawlings & Easton bat demos, and HitTrax technology. 📍462 W. Port Plaza Dr. Saint Louis, MO, 63146
Puttshack: High-tech mini golf inside City Foundry. Competitive, colorful, and fun for families with older kids. PRO TIP: Go around meal time, they’ve got great food! 📍 3730 Foundry Way, St. Louis, MO 63110
Hikes: There are so many great hikes in the St. Louis area. From Castlewood to Cliff Cave Park to Klondike Park, there are many options in the immediate metro area.
Bike the Katy Trail: The 239 mile trail goes across the state but there are plenty of spots in the St. Louis area to ride a small piece of it.
Upper Limits Rock Climbing Gym: Indoor rock climbing with beginner-friendly walls, great for brave and active kids! 📍 1874 Lackland Hill Pkwy, Maryland Heights, MO 63146
Top Golf: Climate-controlled golf bays make this doable even with unpredictable spring weather. Locations in Chesterfield and St. Louis.
🎨 Let’s Get Artsy
Craft Alliance: Hands-on art classes and workshops for kids and families, a creative way to spend a slower day. They host free Family-Friendly Saturdays on the third Saturday of the month. 📍 5080 Delmar Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63108
Yucandu Art Studio: An open art studio for kids and adults with tons of hands-on workshops. 📍 20 Allen Ave, Webster Groves, MO 63119
MADE for Kids STL: From art to STEM, there’s something for all interest at MADE for Kids. PRO TIP: It’s free on the third Friday of the month.
COCA: Dance, theater, music, and art camps run during school breaks.📍 6880 Washington Ave, University City, MO 63130
Saint Louis Art Museum: FREE admission and beautiful galleries inside Forest Park. Check toddler programs and hands-on activities all month long. 📍 1 Fine Arts Dr, St. Louis, MO 63110
Pulitzer Arts Foundation: FREE contemporary art in a stunning architectural space.📍 3716 Washington Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63108
Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis: Right next door to the Pultizer, this modern art museum is well worth a visit! On the second Saturday of each month they host family-friendly creative play and art making. FREE📍 3750 Washington Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63108
Kemper Art Museum: Another FREE art museum in St. Louis. The Kemper is located on Wash U’s campus. PRO TIP: Explore the beautiful campus. 📍 1 Brookings Dr, St. Louis, MO 63130
Indoor Activities
Lava Island: Massive indoor playground perfect for burning energy.📍 13901 Manchester Rd, Manchester, MO 63011
Edwardsville Children’s Museum: Hands-on exhibits and interactive play spaces just across the river. A great Illinois-side day option!📍 727 S Main St, Edwardsville, IL 62025
Museum of Illusions St. Louis: Optical illusions and interactive photo ops located at The City Foundry. PRO TIP: You can spend the whole day at City Foundry! 📍 3730 Foundry Way, St. Louis, MO 63110
Urban Air Adventure Park: Trampolines, climbing walls, and obstacle courses make this a perfect place to burn energy. 📍 10990 Sunset Hills Plaza, St. Louis, MO 63127
Main Event: Bowling, laser tag, arcade games and more. Located next to The District in Chesterfield so there are lots of options for a bite. 📍 17027 N Outer 40 Rd, Chesterfield, MO 63005
Go Play: A bright, imaginative indoor play space designed for younger kids with climbing, pretend play, and open-ended fun.📍 Locations in Chesterfield and Lake Saint Louis
Grandma’s Playroom: A cozy, neighborhood-style indoor play space with slides, ride-ons, and pretend stations, especially great for toddlers and preschoolers.📍 9061 Watson Rd, St. Louis, MO 63126
Tot Spot Social: A perfect place for kids to play and parents to sit and relax. Great for toddlers and younger kids. 📍 6451 Clayton Road, Suite 100-101 St. Louis, MO 63117
Little’s Loft Play Cafe: A gorgeous play space for kids with a cafe featuring coffee, pastries and a full menu. Toddle play sessions available. 📍 117 W. Argonne Drive Kirkwood, Mo 63122
Economy Museum: Interactive money exhibits and you can see real gold bars! It’s all FREE.📍 1 Federal Reserve Bank Plaza, St. Louis, MO 63102
Chocolate Chocolate Chocolate Company Factory Tour: Free tours (with samples!) at the chocolate factory near The Hill. This is always a hit..📍 5025 Pattison Ave, St. Louis, MO 63110
Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis: Step inside one of the most breathtaking buildings in St. Louis, home to one of the largest mosaic collections in the world. Even kids are amazed by the colorful ceilings and massive artwork. FREE📍 4431 Lindell Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63108
The Selfie Room: A playful photo studio with themed rooms and colorful backdrops, perfect for tweens and teens who love creating content.📍 814 N 2nd St, St. Louis, MO 63102
World Chess Hall of Fame: This free museum in the Central West End celebrates the history and culture of chess with rotating exhibits, interactive displays, and the world’s largest chess piece outside.📍 4652 Maryland Ave, St. Louis, MO 63108
🚗 Day Trips
Grafton: River town charm, scenic views, and eagle watching along the Mississippi.
Alton: Historic downtown, river views, and access to the Great River Road.
Washington: Quaint shops, riverfront walking paths, and small-town charm about an hour west. You can even take the train there!
Kimmswick: Home of the famous Blue Owl Restaurant and the cutest walkable historic district.
Meramec Caverns: Guided cave tours and outdoor adventure about an hour from St. Louis.
Want more ideas? How about a Staycation Guide to Downtown St. Louis, Weekend Trip to Southwest Illinois or a guide to the best shopping streets around St. Louis?
