On the Map: Saint Louis, Missouri
Whether your visit to Saint Louis includes a trip to the top of the Gateway Arch, a Cardinals baseball game, an Anheuser-Busch brewery tour, a bike ride through Forest Park, a trip to the world-famous St. Louis Zoo, a stroll through the beautiful Missouri Botanical Garden, or a performance at The Fabulous Fox Theatre or Powell Symphony Hall, Saint Louis offers an incredible variety of attractions and neighborhoods for all types of travelers. And in many cases, the attractions are free or offer hours of admission that feature discounted pricing, making St. Louis a perfect destination for families.
For me, a trip back home to St. Louis isn’t complete without a meal on The Hill, a concrete from Ted Drewes, and, if time allows, a morning or afternoon in Forest Park. Check out a few of our St. Louis favorites.
Family Friendly Destinations
Forest Park
St. Louis Zoo
Free to all visitors, the world-famous St. Louis Zoo cares for more than 17,000 animals and is often considered “America’s Top Free Attraction.” Check the zoo’s hours and pricing guide for the Zooline Railroad, Children’s Zoo, Sea Lion Show, and other attractions inside the zoo.
St. Louis Science Center
Free admission for all visitors, the St. Louis Science Center is a great place for kids and adults alike to explore, discover, and learn. Be sure to check out the website to learn about ticketed attractions, showtimes for the Omnimax Theather, and more.
Busch Stadium
Fewer things are more “St. Louis” than the St. Louis Cardinals. Known to have the best fans in baseball, the Cardinals play in a retro-style stadium that was built in 2006 and seats around 46,000 fans. If you find yourself in St. Louis in September, be sure to see if the 11-time World Series champions have a home game!
Grant’s Farm
Open on the weekends during the month of September, Grant’s Farm is a unique attraction of more than 280 acres smack dab in the middle of Saint Louis County. Perfect for families and adults alike—with shows, goat feeding, tram rides, and complimentary Anheuser-Busch hospitality for visitors 21 and over—Grant’s Farm is a wonderful place that combines history and wildlife and fun for all ages.
City Museum
With exhibitions, 20-plus slides, rooftop rides, and an outdoor playground complete with an airplane, the City Museum is an eclectic mix of entertainment for kids of all ages and adults. Be sure to check out the museum’s “pro tips” before you visit!
The Gateway Arch
Towering 630 feet in the air, The Gateway Arch was designed by Finnish-American architect and industrial designer Eero Saarinen. Completed in 1965, the Arch offers a beautiful view of downtown St. Louis and the Mississippi River. Be sure to visit the website to plan your trip to the Gateway Arch National Park.
Dining Out
Saint Louis Style Pizza
- IMO’s Pizza: A traditional South St. Louis-style pizza with provel cheese and thin crust. With nearly 100 franchises all over Missouri, you’re sure to find a location close to where you’re staying or playing.
- Biggie’s Restaurant & Bar: This family owned restaurant near The Hill offers a casual atmosphere and a delicious menu. I particularly love their white french salad dressing, their St. Louis style pizza, and their chicken sandwich—on garlic cheese bread, of course!
Italian on The Hill
The Hill is a popular destination for St. Louisans and travelers alike in search of delicious Italian cuisine. Some of our favorite restaurants on The Hill include Cunetto House of Pasta, Zia’s on The Hill, and Gioia’s Deli.
Ted Drewes Frozen Custard
A trip to Saint Louis isn’t complete without a trip to Ted Drewes Frozen Custard. Famous for their concretes, Ted Drewes has been a Saint Louis staple since 1930. And if concretes aren’t your thing, the menu offers everything from malts and shakes to floats, sundaes, and ice cream sodas.
Stay
For accommodations on the more economical side of things, be sure to check out SpringHill Suites by Marriott St. Louis Brentwood or Drury Inn & Suites Saint Louis Brentwood. Located south of Interstate 64 (Route 40), both hotels are in a convenient location to travel around Saint Louis during your stay. For more of a boutique or luxury hotel experience, check out The Cheshire or The Chase Park Plaza:
The Cheshire
Located on the southwest corner of Forest Park, The Cheshire is a boutique hotel within walking distance of the Saint Louis Zoo and just a few minutes’ drive from the Delmar Loop, downtown Clayton, the Cathedral Basilica, Science Center,
The Chase Park Plaza
Situated on the northeast corner of Forest Park in the heart of the Central West End, the Chase Park Plaza is a luxury hotel that features three different on-site restaurants, a movie theater, and outdoor swimming pool.
If you’ve been to St. Louis, what are some of your favorite places to visit? Share in the comments below!
