FlipFlopWeekend Mom’s Quick City Travel Guide: St. Louis, Missouri
The FlipFlopWeekend Mom’s City Guide Series is designed to provide some quick tips for Mom’s on things to do, see and eat in various cities worldwide. All content is provided by locals. To submit your city, please visit the submission form guideline page.
Emily Ferrario | St. Louis, MO
Emily, a midwestern millennial who loves fashion, travel, and Disney. Her blog, thoroughlycontemporary.com is committed to helping readers enjoy a beautiful life on a budget.
Best Time Of Year To Visit
Summer is the best time, because it makes outdoor activities easily accessible. Plus, it’s when you’ll find most of the local festivals. One thing to note, though, is that summers in St. Louis are hot and humid.
Best Free Things To Do With Kids
St. Louis has so many free things to do. It’s really a great part of the city.
- The St. Louis Zoo
- St. Louis Science Center
- The Saint Louis Art Museum
- Spending time in Forest Park
Theme Parks, Zoos, Aquariums, Etc.
The St. Louis Zoo and St. Louis Science Center are both so fun and free! There are extras you can pay for like petting string rays or riding the train or carousel at the zoo, and Planetarium shows at the Science Center.
You basically can’t go to St. Louis and not see Gateway Arch. The Arch grounds and museum are free- the museum was recently renovated.
There is a charge to go to the top of the Arch, but it is definitely worth it.
The Magic House is a great place for kids. It’s basically a children’s museum.
Another great option for kid’s is City Museum. It’s somewhat of an indoor jungle gym with activities even on the rooftop (There is a Ferris Wheel up there!)
City Museum, St. Louis flickr photo by jondejong shared under a Creative Commons (BY) license
And don’t forget the Cardinals! St. Louis is a baseball town and going to games at Busch Stadium is so fun! On Sundays they have family days which involves free ice cream and usually a giveaway for kids.
- St. Louis Zoo
- St. Louis Science Center
- Visit Gateway Arch
- Catch the Cardinals at Busch Stadium
- The Magic House
- City Museum
- The Butterfly House
Best Hotels For Families
Best Kids Meals/Family Dinner Spots
- Fitz’s -This is a burger place and the fun thing is they bottle their own soda. The original location is on the Delmar Loop and there is a new location in South St. Louis County.
- Peel Pizza – Wood fired pizza in Clayon, MO
- For some St. Louis style barbecue, head to Sugarfire Barbecue or Salt and SmokeRead more about Emily’s visit to Sugarfire Barbecue and the Butterfly House in this post.
There are a lot of fun ice cream places too. Ted Drewes is pretty much an institution. Clementine’s Naughty and Nice Creamery and Tower Grove Creamery are really great. Plus there’s tons of fast casual places like Blaze Pizza, Noodles and Company, and St. Louis Bread Co. (It’s Panera, they just call it that here).
Family Friendly Festivals
- Fair St. Louis: This is St. Louis’ Fourth of July fest. There are concerts (with usually well known acts) and a really great fireworks display. The Fair is always on the 4th and the weekend closest to it (it’s always 3 days long).
- Festival of Nations: tons of food and entertainment from around the world. Held in Tower Grove Park usually in mid August.
Hidden Local Gems
Laumeier Sculpture Park– This is an outdoor park with tons of sculptures and really nice walking trails with art all along the way.
The Way flickr photo by TFDuesing shared under a Creative Commons (BY) license
In Case Of Emergency
It’s terrifying to think of emergencies happening to your loved ones…especially your kiddos. But, it’s also important to know where to go in case you are in an unfamiliar location. Here are some recommendations near the Disney parks and if you find yourself or your kids in medical trouble while visiting St. Louis.
If critical / life threatening: Dial 911!
- Barnes-Jewish Hospital – (314)747-3000
- St. Louis Children’s Hospital – (314) 454-6000
Have a St. Louis travel planning suggestion? Share it in the comments! Have a question, feel free to ask in the Travel Community Forum!
