St. Louis, Missouri, is home to many attractions, sights, and things to do. While many of them are free, there are a few of them that aren’t. Considering things to do in St. Louis this weekend? It can be hard to decide if something is worth the price, especially when there are plenty of activities that don’t cost anything at all, so I’ve rounded up a few of my favorite things to do in St. Louis to help make your trip planning just a little easier.
5 Things to Do in St. Louis, MO today:
1. City Museum
If you’re thinking “oh no, who wants to visit a museum while they’re on vacation?” then you have the wrong idea. City Museum isn’t exactly a museum. It’s actually a giant, indoor-outdoor playground located in downtown St. Louis. While it may be geared towards children, you’re likely to see adults enjoying the 10 story slide as well. Kids under 16 require a chaperone at all times, and on Fridays after 5, anyone under 18 will require a chaperone as well. Admission is $12 per person, plus $5 to visit the rooftop exhibit and Ferris wheel. There are several snack bars located inside City Museum, along with an actual bar, because this is St. Louis.
2. Grant’s Farm
Although admission to Grant’s Farm is technically free, there is a parking charge of $12 per car, so we’re counting this on the “paid” list of things to do. There is also a new membership option, which includes a yearly parking pass along with several other perks. At Grant’s Farm, you’ll board a free tram and be given a guided tour of the park, seeing animals such as bison, zebras, antelope, and more. You’ll stop at an area filled with attractions, which do cost money, such as 50 cents to feed a camel or $7 for a paddle boat ride. Good luck saying no to your kids when they’re begging for you to buy a bottle of milk to feed those cute baby goats! There is also an area called the Bauernhof, where you can see historic carriages, meet horses in the stables, and buy food. This is where guests 21 and up can try free samples of Anheuser Busch products, because again, this is St. Louis.
3. The Muny
This outdoor musical theatre in Forest Park does offer 1500 free seats for every show, but they fill up fast. For your best chance of seeing a show, you’re going to want to actually buy tickets. Tickets range from $14-$90 each, and concessions can be bought on-site. Shows change several times a season, and range from classics like Fiddler on the Roof to smash hits like Mama Mia. Justin and I have seen several shows there, like Les Miserables and Mary Poppins, and the casts have hit it out of the ballpark every single time. Parking fills up quickly near the Muny, so you may want to arrive at Forest Park early. Expect traffic after the show.
4. The Fox
Formerly a cinema, The Fox is now home to live shows and concerts throughout the year. Ticket prices vary based on who or what is playing at The Fox. The Fox is a gorgeous theatre, and worth a visit on that alone. You’ll love the fine decor and plush seats, and the lobby of The Fox is a popular spot for Instagram photos. There is a bar, concession stands, and there are many dining options within walking distance. I saw Broadway’s The Lion King at The Fox in 2012 and it was a once in a lifetime experience.
5. Missouri Botanical Gardens
Missouri Botanical Gardens is one of Justin’s favorite things about his hometown. At $8 for adults over 13, $4 for St. Louis City and County residents, it won’t break the bank to explore. Pricing may vary during special events, such as the popular Chinese Culture Days, and the Children’s Garden is open from April to October for an additional $5 charge per child. The Children’s Garden features hands-on learning and plenty of play activities, so it’s definitely worth the $5 per child to explore. Back in the botanical garden itself, explore popular parts of the park like the Japanese Garden and the Victorian District, seeing plants both native to Missouri and exotic to the area. The botanical gardens also are home to an antique shop, a garden shop, and several cafes.
There’s plenty to do in St. Louis, but these are some of the best of the best when it comes to paid attractions. So stop in an Imo’s, pick up a St. Louis-style pizza, and use this list as a springboard to start your own exploration of the Gateway to the West.
What’s your favorite fun things to do in St. Louis?
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I’ve never been but I want to see the arch and I definitely want to grab some of the good eats. Especially some BBQ. I hear it’s really good.
I’ve never been to St. Louis, but these definitely sound like great places to visit if you’re there.
I’ve always want to travel to St. Louis. It looks like an happening place. So interesting!
These are all great places to see in St. Louis Missouri. I have never been to St. Louis but would love to go there some day. The Missouri Botanical Gardens would just be gorgeous to see for sure. Thanks for sharing the ideas.
These sound like really great places to stop by and visit. Thanks for the great information.
I love your list, if I ever visit the states this sounds like a worthwhile place to go!
St. Louis is on my list of places to travel. If I ever make it there, I will be sure to check out these 5 things.
I have never been to St. Louis before, but I would like to visit! Museums and botanical gardens are my favorite!
When I visit new cities I enjoy going sightseeing/ city tours. I have never been to St. Louis, but I would like to go to Missouri Botanical Gardens.
I would love to head back to St. Louis some day soon and check out the botanical gardens. We were there a few years back for just a day to check out the Arch, and it was amazing!!!
I have never been there. Your list just makes me want to pack and go!
I have never been to St. Louis but slowly we are exploring different parts of our neighbours to the south. Will have to add this location to my list!
I have been to St. Louis a couple times and I’ve always liked it. I’ve never have explored more than just a day there so I have to go back again and check out some of these places.
I’ve never been to St Louis, but my kids love City Museum. They would love to go the playground, slide and ferris wheel. I would like the bar.
These sounds like fun places to visit. I’ve never been there. I think I drove through once,but we didn’t stop.
There’s so much to see and do in St. Louis. I would love to take the family and visit the city. I think we would have a lot of fun at the Botanical Gardens!
I’m planning a trip to St. Louis this summer, so this list is PERFECT FOR ME! I think I will definitely check out Grant’s Farm! Thanks so much!
I would love to spend a morning at the Botanical Gardens. These all look like fun things to do in St. Louis. I’ll keep them all in mind.
My husband has family out there and I have been dying to go with him to visit. He loves it there and I really want to go, too!