St. Louis, Missouri, isn’t on a lot of bucket lists. Sure, it’s located in a flyover state and surrounded by corn fields, and it’s mainly known for the giant arch. Still, it’s possibly my favorite city in the USA, and for good reason: it’s got food, it’s got history, it’s got culture, it’s got things to do galore. Even better? Many of the attractions in St. Louis are free. Yep, free things to do in a St. Louis, MO, a big city? You read that right- and I’m not just talking about parks, although St. Louis has some great ones. Nope, St. Louis has free museums, free attractions, and even free plays and musicals if you know where to look. Today I’m sharing a few of my favorite free things to do in St. Louis.
Free Places to Visit in St. Louis
1. Forest Park
I know, I said it wasn’t just parks. Hear me out: Forest Park is a great park. It’s bigger than Central Park in New York City, and offers plenty of picnicking, walking, and biking space. More importantly, Forest Park is home to multiple free attractions for both kids and adults. For kids, check out the Turtle Playground, home to giant animal statues for climbing, running, and jumping. Or, if the weather isn’t cooperating, head on over to the St. Louis Science Center, a free children’s science museum. For adults, check out the Missouri History Museum or the St. Louis Art Museum. For all ages, St. Louis boasts a beautiful zoo with creatures from around the world. There is no admission charge. The Muny, located in Forest Park as well, is an outdoor musical theatre that offers 1500 free seats for every show. The free seats at the Muny fill up fast, with lines forming as early as three hours before the gates open, but it’s a great way to see a show without breaking the bank.
Parking can be hard to find during peak hours, especially during the spring and summer, so plan to walk a bit or arrive at the Forest Park MetroLink Station. There is a trolley in Forest Park, which costs $2 for adults and $1 for children. This fare includes unlimited on-off privileges on the day you purchase the ticket, so if you’re traveling with children or someone who can’t walk a lot, this is a great option.
2. Purina Farms
Located roughly 45 minutes outside St. Louis’s downtown area, Purina Farms does require a reservation to visit, but both parking and visiting is free. At Purina Farms, you can watch dogs perform agility and diving shows at 11 am and 1 pm, or you can visit the farm animals at the Visitor’s Center. Purina Farms is a great family destination, and kids and adults alike love being able to touch animals like bunnies and pigs. Purina Farms is open 9:30-3:30, although you should check the event calendar before planning your trip, as Purina Farms is also home to several dog shows and competitions.
3. Citygarden
Citygarden is a combination park and art exhibit located in downtown St. Louis. However, it’s better known for two things: food trucks and water. The water area is for kids only, and features a splash pad, several small wading pool areas, and sculpture to climb on. For adults, there’s a video screen featuring art or short films, as well as an audio tour of the park. There’s plenty of seating, and Citygarden is a perfect place to relax while eating some lunch off one of the many local food trucks, or while taking a break from exploring the big city. Citygarden is home to many special events throughout the year, such as a summer concert series.
4. Anheuser Busch Brewery
St. Louis is known for its beer. Budweiser sponsors everything, and it seems to be everywhere. As the home of Anheuser Busch, St. Louis is proud to offer brewery tours in the Anheuser Busch Brewery, located just outside of downtown St. Louis. The brewery is open and offers free tours 7 days a week. Although you don’t have to be 21 to tour the brewery, you do have to be 21 to get beer samples.
5. Laumeier Sculpture Park
St. Louis loves the arts. That’s obvious when it comes to Justin’s favorite free attraction in St. Louis, Laumeier Sculpture Park. This 105 acre park is free to the public, and offers many art exhibits spread across the park. You can explore on your own, or check their website for information on the free walking tours led by a trained docent. The free guided tours are only offered on specific days and times, so be sure to check the schedule before you go. Laumeier is also home to many special events throughout the year, some of which are free to the public.
6. Soulard Farmer’s Market
Soulard, the oldest farmer’s market west of the Mississippi, had its beginnings in 1779. It’s come a long way since then, but it’s still a great place to buy your local meat, produce, and more. Soulard is open Wednesday through Saturday, but the best days to shop are Friday and Saturday. Explore the historic farmer’s market and find treats and delicacies you won’t see anywhere else, like gooey butter cake. Yes, you could spend money here (and probably a lot of it), but it’s not a necessity to have a good time. Soulard Farmer’s Market is located in the historic Soulard neighborhood, which is also fun to explore.
7. Delmar Loop
A hip and quirky street in St. Louis, Delmar Loop is home to St. Louis’s own “walk of fame,” featuring Hollywood-style sidewalk stars celebrating all the famous people you didn’t know were from St. Louis. Delmar Loop has many special events throughout the year, such as the Delmar Ice Carnival. Between the special events, the quirky vibe, and all the cool stores and restaurants to check out, it’s no wonder that the Loop has been called one of the 10 Greatest Streets in America!
There’s plenty more to do in and around St. Louis, but if you’re looking for free things to do in St. Louis this weekend or St. Louis attractions for families, this list should be enough to get you started. What’s your favorite free activity or attraction in St. Louis?
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St. Louis is on my list of places to visit very soon. I will definitely have to check out all 7 things, as the free stuff, in my opinion, tends to be the best anyways!
I love St. Louis and have been there on many occasions. I’ll keep this list handy but I absolutely love the zoo there. 🙂
I’ve never made it to the midwest at all. I’d love to take my family to all of these sites, especially when they are free!
I haven’t visited St. Louis yet but I would like to, this is a great list! I am bookmarking this!
Tracy @ Ascending Butterfly
Free is always good haha 😉 but these sound like some absolutely amazing places to visit 🙂 x
We went to St Louis last year and loved it! We did a couple of the things on this list, but not all!
Thanks for the wonderful list!
I also love that it is a list of free things to do.
I have heard great things about St. Louis but have yet to visit the area myself. The arch is absolutely breathtaking!
I am in NH but would love to visit this area, and since I am frugal minded having things to do that are free totally appeal to me!
I always think a great ‘free’ list is a must have when traveling. Often the more interesting aspects to a city can be found there.
Looks like a good place to have a relaxing and fun vacation. I would love to go there someday.
I want to visit Purina Farms. I love farms and see how people produce food. I’d love to be there.
St Louis sounds like a great place to visit, love that you shared free things to do because so many people love traveling but prefer once there to enjoy some free sights!
Sounds like so much fun. I love how diverse the offerings are in St. Louis. I would love to check out the Delmar Loop.
I’ve always wanted to visit St. Louis. There is a restaurant there I want to see and taste the food in person. All these free places look great. Can’t wait to get there.
I’ve never been to St Louis but it sounds like a great place to visit! There is so much to see and do in St Louis. I’d love to check out the Citygarden. It sounds like a beautiful place!
I’ve never been to St. Louis before. My musts would be the Arch and to see a Cardinals game!
This is a great list of places to visit in St. Louis. I have always wanted to visit here, hopefully one day I will be able to go!
St. Louis sounds like a great place to visit. I’d want to see the city garden and the brewery for sure.
These are awesome suggestions, love free options when you are visiting new places. I have never been to St. Louis but will make sure to check out these spots if I ever visit.
I’ve only been to St. Louis a few times and it’s always been for work so I haven’t had a chance to sightsee. I’d love to go and visit the sights you recommend. They sound awesome!
I live so far away, so reading these types of things really makes me wish I could travel around the US. I think it would be fun, and St. louis sounds great!
I’ve always wanted to go to the Anheuser Busch Brewery and didn’t realize it was in St. Louis. I’ll have to make a trip there, I’ve heard great things!
I have been to St. Louis once I saw the arch. He looks like to be a lot of fun places to go that are free out there. Have to go check out a few of these.
This looks like a great place to go on vacation. I would love to visit the Anheuser Busch Brewery.
We’ve never been to St. Louis but you are right, we do think of the arch first. This is a great reference list for free events if we should find ourselves in the area. I’d enjoy the Farmer’s Market for sure. Pinning to my Travel board.
It’s nice to know that there is so much you can see for free. St. Louis sounds like a blast.
I would love to visit the sculpture garden! That sounds absolutely amazing. I’ve never been to St Louis before; maybe I’ll add it to my must visit list!
I’ve always wanted to visit St. Louis since it isn’t too far from Chicago and there always seems like fun things to do. Would love to catch a game between the Cubs and the Cards and cheer my boys to victory…they are currently up 2-0 in the first series of the season between the rivals!
I’ve never been to St. Louis but I would love to visit. This time of year I’m always looking for free activities to do with the kids.
I’ve been through St. Louis on several road trips, but I’ve never stopped and stayed a while. Looks like a great place to visit.
St. Louis is a gorgeous area, and there is so much to do there. Thanks for this list. It’s perfect for a frugal vacation!