16 Kid-Approved Attractions in St. Louis

Do your little ones have big dreams? At these family-friendly attractions across the St. Louis region, kids can imagine themselves as artists, engineers – even the president!

Architect

The sky is the limit at City Museum, an all-ages architectural playground housed in a 600,000-square-foot former warehouse. Here, you’ll find the second largest collection of Louis Sullivan architectural fragments, along with weirdly wonderful exhibits consisting largely of repurposed architectural and industrial objects, from colorful tiles to safety deposit boxes to stainless steel buffet pans.

Farmer

You’re never too old to play in the dirt. Eckert’s Orchards took root in 1837, and today, there are three farms just across the river in Southern Illinois, where you and your family can pick everything from strawberries to peaches and apples to pumpkins.

Veterinarian

Not your typical farm, Grant’s Farm gives animal-lovers – and future veterinarians – the opportunity to get up close and personal with antelope, deer, various bovines, goats, birds, llamas and the iconic Anheuser-Busch Clydesdales.

Artist

Kids can get crafty at MADE for Kids, a 7,000-square-foot makerspace on Delmar Boulevard. Watch as your youngsters experiment with pottery, screen printing, 3D printing, laser cutting, stop motion animation and more – they’re bound to be inspired.

Spelunker

Hello down there! Beneath the rolling hills of the Meramec Valley, Meramec Caverns boasts glistening stalactites, magnificent stalagmites, an ancient “wine table” and a seven-story “mansion,” which were formed over millions of years from the erosion of large limestone deposits. This is your chance to explore one of the most awe-inspiring caves on the planet – no headlamps needed.

Botanist

Highly acclaimed for its scientific research and education programs, the Missouri Botanical Garden is a place of beauty, serenity and discovery. As you stroll through the flourishing grounds, ask your kids to pick out some of their favorite flora – after all, there are more than 27,000 plants from which to choose!

Paleontologist

A combination children’s museum, science museum and indoor playground, Myseum has 30 unique exhibits, including an area where kids can dig for dinosaur bones and dream of life as a paleontologist.

Musician

Chuck Berry, Miles Davis, Tina Turner, Nelly – some of the country’s favorite musicians got their start in St. Louis, and maybe your child will, too. At the National Blues Museum, visitors of all ages can write their own blues song and add a guitar track – no strumming skills required.

Pilot

Imagine if your office was in the sky. Children who aspire to those heights will love the National Museum of Transportation. Seek out the twin-engine 1943 Douglas Aircraft, which was likely used by U.S. forces in the D-Day invasion of Normandy during World War II.

Astronomer

The James S. McDonnell Planetarium at the Saint Louis Science Center dazzles astrophiles from near and far. Inside, visitors can relax under the largest artificial sky in the Western Hemisphere, see genuine space capsules and have their questions about the universe answered.

Conservationist

A leading zoo in animal management, research, conservation and education, the Saint Louis Zoo should be at the top of your travel bucket list. During your visit, strike up a conversation with the dedicated education volunteers – they’re always happy to share their wealth of knowledge about the animals, their care and the zoo’s conservation efforts.

Engineer

Everybody scream! Six Flags St. Louis boasts nine exhilarating rollercoasters – plus, Bugs Bunny National Park, where toddlers and little ones can ride, fly, spin and climb to their hearts’ content. One day, they might even build rides that surpass those thrills.

Marine Biologist

Paddlefish, sea dragons, cownose rays – the creatures that inhabit our rivers and oceans are fascinating. Take a behind-the-scenes tour of the St. Louis Aquarium for personalized animal encounters that the budding marine biologists in your family won’t soon forget.

Soccer Star

An epic adventure for preschoolers and young children, The Magic House offers hands-on interactive exhibits where they can explore a child-size village, investigate scientific wonders, discover a new culture and join a professional sports team. In the St. Louis CITY SC Soccer Training Center, the whole family can use training equipment, test their balance, show off their agility and score goals for the club.

Racecar Driver

Do your kids have a need for speed? Victory Raceway, located on the original Route 66, offers electric go-karts that reach speeds up to 45 miles per hour. There are no two-seaters on the indoor racetrack – everyone drives!

Bird Trainer

The World Bird Sanctuary encompasses more than 305 acres and houses more than 200 birds, offering a one-of-a-kind wildlife experience. Meet a proud eagle, talk to a colorful parrot, encounter an emu and learn to appreciate vultures. Plan to join a guided tour, where you can learn more about the sanctuary’s mission to protect and preserve all manner of winged friends.