VEX Robotics World Championship

St. Louis is excited to host the VEX Robotics World Championship, April 21 - 30, 2026!

Get ready for the ultimate celebration of STEM excellence! From April 21–24, 2026, the VEX Robotics World Championship returns to the Dome at America’s Center in the heart of St. Louis.

This high-octane event brings together the world’s most talented students from the VEX IQ, VEX V5, and VEX U Robotics Competitions. After a grueling season of qualifiers, these global teams will go head-to-head in the 2025-2026 challenge: VEX V5 Robotics Competition: Push Back.

 

Your Essential Guide to the Gateway City

St. Louis is bursting with one-of-a-kind attractions, restaurants and entertainment options for you to explore before and after your conference duties are done.

Let this be your guide to the best restaurantsshoppingentertainment and attractions the gateway city has to offer.

Union Station Ferris Wheel with St. Louis Arch in background

St. Louis knows how to have a good time!

When the day’s matches wrap, the fun doesn’t stop!

During the 2026 VEX Robotics World Championship, some of St. Louis’ top attractions will open their doors for special after-hours activities designed for teams and their families.

After a day of competition, it’s the perfect chance to relax, explore and make memories of the city that will last a lifetime.

So, where will we see you?

Multistory treehouses, underground tunnels, enchanted caves and sprawling labyrinths beckon explorers to this all-ages attraction. Weirdly wonderful and endlessly inventive, City Museum boasts repurposed architectural treasures transformed into immersive worlds of climbable, crawlable art. Can you think of a better place to play?

City Museum will offer VEX teams and their families discounts any day of their stay – plus, private event nights!

Where: City Museum, 750 N. 16th St., St. Louis, MO 63103
When: April 24 (6 to 9pm), April 27 (6:30 to 9:30pm) and April 30 (6:30 to 9:30pm)
What: During private event nights, all City Museum spaces, except the rooftop and pinball hall, will be open. 314DJ will set up in Arch Hall, while Karaoke Ashley keeps the energy going in Beatnik Bob’s. Snack stands will also be open for food purchases.
How much: $16 per person

A young girls peaks out of a dinosaur's mouth at City Museum in St Louis.
City Museum | Photo courtesy of City Museum

Adjacent to Busch Stadium, Ballpark Village is all about sports. At the entertainment district, you and your crew can hang out in the outdoor spaces or grab food at a local restaurant.

Where: Ballpark Village, 601 Clark Ave., St. Louis, MO 63102
When: April 22
What: After you refuel at local haunts such as Katie’s and Salt + Smoke, enjoy yard games at Sports & Social.
How much: Free games

Once one of the largest and busiest passenger rail terminals in the world, St. Louis Union Station is now a wellspring of family-friendly activity. Anchored by the St. Louis Aquarium and the St. Louis Wheel, it also boasts a ropes course, a mirror maze, a miniature golf course, a selfie experience, a classic carousel and three new amusement rides – all of which will stay open late for you!

Where: St. Louis Union Station, 1820 Market St., St. Louis, MO 63103
When: April 25
What: Activities and outlets, from the aquarium to the rides, will stay open late. While you’re here, don’t miss the 3D light show in the Grand Hall – whales swim, flowers dance and fireworks burst in the stunning experience created by Technomedia Solutions, an award-winning collaborator with Cirque du Soleil.
How much: Prices vary

People of all ages ride the Wave Swinger at St Louis Union Station.
Photo courtesy of St. Louis Union Station

In a one-of-a-kind experience, dozens of towering lanterns and light displays will illuminate the Saint Louis Zoo. Don’t miss Animals Aglow on a special night designed for you!

Where: Saint Louis Zoo, 1 Government Dr., St. Louis, MO 63110
When: April 29
What: Animals Aglow celebrates the culture, art and beauty of traditional lantern festivals that have been celebrated in China for centuries. The illuminated displays will spotlight Chinese lanterns and folklore as well as wildlife from Africa, South America and the Arctic.
How much: The Saint Louis Zoo will offer a discounted price ($17.95 per person) for Animals Aglow – simply call the group ticket line at 314-646-4781 and reference the “robotics convention.” Note: During regular business hours, the Saint Louis Zoo is free for all.

Lily pad lanterns illuminate a walkway at the Saint Louis Zoo during the Animals Aglow lantern festival.
Animals Aglow | Photo courtesy of the Saint Louis Zoo

Show Your Badge

A variety of Explore St. Louis partners will be offering discounts for VEX attendees. Simply present you conference badge or use the special offer codes provided for online booking to take advantage of these offers.

Cool Kids

From interactive museums and animal encounters to sprawling parks and creative makerspaces, discover why St. Louis is a world-class destination for kids of all ages. This guide highlights the best free attractions, entertainment complexes, and outdoor adventures to help you plan the perfect family getaway.

RYZE Adventure Park has an adventure tower with more than 100 obstacles.

Traveling Teens

From tech-infused mini golf and high-speed go-karts to world-class contemporary art and trendy neighborhood hangouts, discover the spots that actually impress teenagers. This guide covers the best high-energy adventures, photo-worthy landmarks, and unique entertainment districts across the Gateway City.

Puttshack at City Foundry is a tech-infused mini golf course with colorful courses and good vibes.

Get Out and Explore

St. Louis continues to reinvent itself with exciting projects like City Foundry, Saint Louis Union Station and the re-imagined Gateway Arch National Park. Historic buildings in the Gateway City are undergoing transformations and being re-purposed for 21st century uses. From loft condos and apartments to restaurants, retail and entertainment venues, new life has been breathed into St. Louis.

We can’t wait for you to experience it for yourself!

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