Summer in St. Louis offers a fantastic mix of family-friendly activities. The Gateway City, Missouri’s cultural heartbeat, offers endless summer adventures that kids and parents will love. From sprawling parks to unique animal encounters, St. Louis blends educational experiences with pure fun.
This vibrant city comes alive during the warmer months, making it perfect for family vacations. If you’re visiting with children, look beyond the famous Arch and discover these standout family hotspots to make your summer unforgettable.
1. Explore Forest Park
Forest Park is one of America’s finest urban parks. According to its official website, it spans over 1,300 acres and attracts over 15 million viewers annually. The park hosts many free attractions, making it perfect for budget-conscious family visits.
You’ll find many kid-friendly cultural institutions within Forest Park. The Saint Louis Zoo is a popular attraction offering free admission. Children will be delighted by over 16,000 animals across 500 species. The zoo offers special summer programs specifically for young visitors.
The Saint Louis Art Museum and Science Center also offers free admission. This makes them great options for hot afternoon breaks with the little ones. Families can explore the Missouri History Museum and the upgraded World’s Fair exhibit, which brings history to life for children.
The Saint Louis Science Center showcases riveting interactive shows that will captivate curious young minds. These institutions make the park a hub of family learning and discovery. If you want to enjoy outdoor activities, Forest Park has much to offer. There are several pedestrian and biking routes to explore.
During summer, the park’s Grand Basin becomes a popular spot for paddle boat rentals, where families can bond on the water. The park’s Nature Playscape offers a natural playground where kids can climb, build, and explore. Keep an eye out for family-oriented summer events that often take place within the park’s expansive grounds.
2. Introduce Your Family to Adventure Racing
St. Louis offers modified adventure racing experiences perfect for families with children. If your family enjoys outdoor challenges, these beginner-friendly courses provide exciting ways to explore St. Louis’s natural areas while building teamwork skills.
Adventure racing blends augmented reality and multiple outdoor activities into one exciting challenge. St. Louis Magazine explains that adventure racing allows parents and children to work together to navigate a modified wilderness course. Participants use simple maps while trekking, biking, and sometimes paddling.
These activities test strategy and build family bonds through shared accomplishment. If you’re unsure if you or your kids can’t handle it, don’t worry. Local organizations offer beginner-friendly courses for those new to the sport. If your family is new to adventure racing, just bring comfortable athletic clothes, sturdy shoes, and water bottles.
Most family events provide all the specialized gear needed. These courses are designed to be accessible to children while providing an exciting challenge. As you plan your adventure racing experience in St. Louis, transportation between event locations is an important consideration. While exploring St. Louis, be mindful of high-traffic areas.
Road accidents have become common due to the city’s growing industries and increasing traffic. If you and your family are involved in an unfortunate accident while traveling, seeking guidance from a St. Louis accident lawyer can be beneficial. However, ensure you contact the right help.
If you’re involved in a collision with a large commercial vehicle, a car accident lawyer won’t do you much good. A St. Louis truck accident lawyer would be more suitable. A lawyer specializing in these cases can help investigate the accident. They deal with insurers, police, and the trucking company, ensuring you receive adequate reparations for any injuries or damages.
According to TorHoerman Law, compensation can cover various losses. It includes bodily injuries, emotional issues, and financial liabilities.
3. Experience the St. Louis Shakespeare Festival
You can celebrate the St. Louis Shakespeare Festival’s 25th anniversary with an exciting lineup this summer. You can enjoy a touring production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream across various metro parks.
The beloved free, annual Hamlet production will again grace the Forest Park’s Shakespeare Glen stage. Don’t miss the special Romeo & Zooliet at the Saint Louis Zoo, created specifically with young audiences in mind. This new production features puppet versions of a prairie dog and a grizzly bear in the lead roles, exploring a fascinating animal kingdom dynamic.
The breathtaking puppets are designed by Michael Curry Designs, known for their iconic work on Broadway’s The Lion King. This collaboration between the festival and the Zoo promises an unforgettable theatrical experience for audiences of all ages. For the best experience, arrive early with blankets or low chairs.
Pack a picnic or purchase food from nearby vendors. Pre-show activities, featuring local musicians and artists, begin 90 minutes before performances.
4. Unwind at Grant’s Farm
Grant’s Farm offers a peaceful family retreat 15 minutes from downtown St. Louis. This historic 281-acre estate is a perfect destination for animal-loving children. The property once belonged to Ulysses S. Grant, later becoming home to the Busch family. It houses over 900 animals around the world that kids can interact with safely.
Children will be thrilled to feed baby goats and llamas and see exotic deer species and colorful parakeets. Adults, on the other hand, can catch a glimpse of the famous Budweiser Clydesdales in their stables. Animal encounters are designed to be educational and safe for even the youngest visitors.
A tram tour takes your family through the property’s Deer Park, where children will delight in spotting bison, cattle, and deer roaming freely. While adults can enjoy the Bauernhof Courtyard’s complementary Anheuser-Busch beer tasting, kid-friendly refreshments are always available.
The experience combines wildlife viewing with American history in a way that engages children. While admission is free, parking applies, making this an affordable family outing. The farm also hosts special summer events for families, including evening programs and seasonal celebrations that children will remember for years.
People Also Ask
Q1. What is the best way to get around St. Louis as a visitor?
For families, downtown St. Louis is walkable. For longer distances, use the Metrolink or MetroBus. Ride-sharing with car seats and family-friendly bike rentals are options. Renting a car offers the most flexibility for exploring attractions outside the city with kids.
Q2. What’s the best time to visit Forest Park to avoid crowds?
Weekdays or early weekend mornings are ideal for a more relaxed family visit to Forest Park. The Zoo and museums are the busiest on weekends and holidays, especially from 11 AM to 3 PM. Consider visiting popular spots like the Nature Playscape earlier in the day.
Q2. Where can I go for a family hike near St. Louis?
For family hikes, try Castlewood State Park for scenic trails (better for older kids). Lone Elk Park offers easy trails perfect for spotting wildlife with younger children. Forest Park has paved paths suitable for strollers and leisurely family walks.
St. Louis offers the perfect balance of educational experiences and fun for families. Whether you’re feeding baby goats at Grant’s Farm or helping your children complete their first adventure race, these destinations provide unforgettable summer memories.
Plan your family trip to include these unique activities and discover why St. Louis remains a top Midwest destination for families. The Gateway City welcomes families with open arms and child-friendly experiences this summer. If you need more ideas, check Explore St. Louis’ free summer events calendar for family concerts, outdoor movies, and food truck festivals.
