You aren’t a true resident of St. Louis until you’ve visited the Gateway Arch! The Arch offers a variety of experiences throughout the year, from the classic tram ride to the top to riverfront cruises. Plan your visit here.

Forest Park connects many of Saint Louis’s best public attractions together in one beautiful outdoor space. At about 1,300 acres, it’s larger than New York’s Central Park. It is, of course, home to the (free!) Saint Louis Zoo and its 555 different species of animals. Just down the road, the Saint Louis Art Museum sits atop Art Hill overlooking the Post-Dispatch Lake. Visitors can enjoy a lakeside lunch at the Boathouse Cafe before continuing on to the History Museum or catching a live musical at The Muny, depending on the season.

General admission to the St. Louis Science Center is free, but the Science Center also offers ticketed attractions such as the OMNIMAX Theater, Planetarium shows, rides, simulators, and other special attractions.

The Missouri Botanical Gardens are a favorite for nature lovers. They offer a variety of experiences from paid private & public walking tours to the popular weekly Whitaker Music Festival shows, which are free to the public!

Looking to beat the St. Louis heat with indoor activities? With four different floors and a rooftop, The City Museum offers multiple indoor adventures, including explorable caverns, a circus, and an aquarium (with both real and imaginary fish!). Some of the climbing and caves may be more fun for smaller guests, but the striking architecture and art displays – often featuring repurposed materials – will appeal to everyone.

Visit the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra’s website to explore upcoming events and purchase tickets.  

It’s not just about dog food—Purina Farms offers fun and exciting adventures for the whole family, from wagon rides to interactive pet shows, cow milking demonstrations, baby animal petting, and, of course, performing dogs and cats. Activities are both outdoors and inside event arenas. Admission and parking are free except for special events.

Laumeier Sculpture Park prides itself for its engagement with the community through art and nature. The massive sculptures and wooded trails make for an incredible experience. The park also hosts a variety of events throughout the summer and even offers online exploration for those that cannot physically attend the park.

The Magic House is a favorite for families with children! They offer a variety of events, free family nights, summer camp, Scout camp-ins, and recently developed a Magic at Home series!

An evening at the Bissell Mansion Restaurant & Murder Mystery Dinner Theater  guarantees a night full of laughter and great food in St. Louis’ oldest home. You can be part of the cast, ask for a starring role in the show, or just sit back, relax, and guess whodunnit. The Bissell Mansion Participatory Murder Mystery is presented with a 4-course meal to DIE for! It would be a crime to miss out on this unique experience… so be sure to make a reservation ahead of time!