Top 20 Places to Take Kids in the St. Louis Area - 2020
Top 20 Places to Take Kids in St. Louis - 2020 Survey Results
St. Louis is rich in fun events and exciting places. It was hard for our readers to select their favorites from the hundreds of choices! The venues listed below are wildly popular with kids and families in the St. Louis area. But don’t miss out on ALL the other wonderful places as well! Browse through KidsOutAndAbout.com and discover lots more to do, and don't forget to check out our Everything That's Free page!
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Saint Louis Zoo
Enjoying an adventure every time you visit. Knowing a discovery will be made around each corner. One of the few free zoos in the nation, the Saint Louis Zoo brings together more than 17,000 wild animals and 3 million visitors each year. Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), the Saint Louis Zoo is part of an elite group of institutions that meet the highest standards in animal care as well as provide fun, safe and educational family experiences.
Big Joel's Safari
At Big Joel's Safari Petting Zoo and Educational Park you can see over 60 different animal species, both big and small. We are a family-owned farm and attraction, open to the public from April though October.
City Museum
Housed in the 600,000 square-foot former International Shoe Company, the museum is an eclectic mixture of children’s playground, funhouse, surrealistic pavilion, and architectural marvel made out of unique, found objects.
Grant's Farm
Explore a unique setting of nature, animals & history in an up-close environment! See the home of Ulysses S Grant and tour the 281 acre wildlife preserve including 900+ animals, representing 100+ species, featuring the Anheuser-Busch Clydesdales.
Playtime Party Center - Wentzville
Playtime is not just for kids anymore! We have moved into an 18,000 sq ft building boosting a 4,000 sq ft, 2 story state of the art laser tag arena. We have also added 4 lanes of bowling, a virtual rock wall, 65 piece arcade, inflatable/playground arena, restaurant, axe throwing, and FULL BAR! We have currently hosted 40th birthdays, a 21st birthday, class reunion, wedding reception and team building events with the local business’. We can host your corporate holiday party, as well as your or your child’s birthday. We rent Inflatables too. Check us out at www.playtimepartycenter.com or call 636-887-4244.
My local library
Of course, the libraries in the St. Louis area are not really ONE place, but MANY places... but it's important to emphasize how valuable libraries are for family learning and fun. The libraries in our area are wonderful about posting their events to the KidsOutAndAbout calendar so you always can get ideas for free things to do with your kids that celebrate education and imagination. KidsOutAndAbout.com takes this opportunity to salute the wonderful children's librarians who serve our community with such dedication. They're proud that locals voted them to the list of best places to take kids this year!
The Magic House
The Magic House will engage all children in hands-on learning experiences that encourage experimentation, creativity and the development of problem solving skills within a place of beauty, wonder, joy and magic.
Saint Louis Science Center
The Saint Louis Science Center is one of the top five science centers in the US, serving 1.2 million visitors annually. The complex includes a 4-story OMNIMAX Theater, the air-supported EXPLORADOME and the James S. McDonnell Planetarium.
Ultimate Ninjas St. Louis
Build self-confidence and prepare to reach higher than you ever thought possible. Obstacle Course Racing (OCR) classes are designed and led by American Ninja Warrior, Jamie Rahn (Captain NBC) who trains on the same obstacles as seen on the show! Ultimate Ninjas also offers private events on weekends so your group can celebrate privately in our 11,000 SF facility. Adults can exercise in daily group fitness training via ultiFIT. H.I.I.T fitness wokrouts are designed for beginners and advanced adults. Build strength from the inside-out at Ultimate Ninjas St. Louis!
Crown Ridge Tiger Sanctuary
Crown Ridge Tiger Sanctuary is a Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS) Verified 501(c)3 non profit big cat rescue and educational facility that provides permanent lifelong care for abused, neglected or unwanted big cats. As a true sanctuary, we do not buy, sell, breed or trade any of our animals; we believe they deserve to live the rest of their lives in a healthy and caring environment. With your support our goal is to provide our animals with exceptional physical and mental care as well as educating the public about the growing captive wildlife crisis. We offer many types of tours for all ages and on-site lodging, so please come and learn all about our rescued big cats.
Kokomo Joe's Family Fun Center - St. Peter's
Kokomo Joe's is the ultimate Family Fun Center for both kids and adults. Enjoy time with your family and friends in our clean, welcoming and fun atmosphere. Offering Go Karts, Laser Tag, Escape Rooms, Trampoline Park, Bumper Cars, Bounce Beach, 100+ Arcades, Restaurant & Bar. Private Rooms and Meeting Space available. Open daily. All indoors.
Missouri Botanical Garden
Families with kids of all ages will enjoy visiting the Missouri Botanical Garden, a 79-acre oasis in the city of St. Louis. Vibrant display gardens, sculptures, fountains, educational opportunities, and much more await you! Plan your visit at mobot.org.
Six Flags St. Louis
Six Flags St. Louis and Hurricane Harbor water park combine two great parks in one great place for the perfect family getaway. Six Flags St. Louis is the Coaster Capital of Missouri with nine heart-pounding roller coasters. Live shows daily and concerts over the summer.
St. Louis Cardinals
The St. Louis Cardinals play in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's National League.
Lone Elk Park
Lone Elk Park is a St. Lou's County Park consisting of 546 acre located west of Valley Park. The park is a wildlife management area, with bison, wild turkey, waterfowl, elk and deer.
Eckert's Country Store and Farms
Eckert’s Country Store & Farms is the largest family-owned and operated pick-your-own orchard in the United States. Eckert’s offers an experience that extends beyond pick-your-own produce to include the Eckert’s Country Store & Garden Center, and the newly expanded Restaurant. Eckert’s offers specialty foods, meats, wine and cheese selections, as well as a range of classes, including cooking and wine classes for adults, and special children’s activities for families to enjoy throughout the year.
HealthWorks! Kids' Museum St. Louis
We know that being sick is no fun! We also know that good health habits help us prevent getting sick. So, HealthWorks! makes health fun and accessible so kids can live healthier lives. Be sure not to miss our interactive educator led programs that will have your little ones oohing, ahhing, and laughing their way to good health.
Upper Limits Climbing Gym
Upper Limits is the premier rock climbing gym in St. Louis, offering something for everyone! A new location in Chesterfield will join the other two locations in the STL area (Downtown & Maryland Heights).
The Little Gym
(tied for #19)
With over 300 locations around the world, a curriculum developed by child development experts, and teachers who love to make your children smile and grow, The Little Gym is serious fun for your child each week! Since 1976, our gymnastics, dance, sports and karate classes let your child build self confidence, and grow physical, emotional, social and mental skills in a warm, fun, nurturing environment. We have classes for children 4 months - 12 years old, and drop off Camps, Parents Survival Nights and Birthday Parties available. Try us out today!
Myseum
(tied for #19)Myseum™ is the St. Louis region’s newest destination for kids to have fun and learn a thing or two. Our Interactive exhibits are scientifically fun and unique!
Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site
(tied for #20)
Largest prehistoric Indian site in North America; a large world-class museum, orientation show; gift shop; interpretive trails; reconstructed Woodhenge and stockade walls; special events. Also a World Heritage Site and a National Historic Landmark.
Chesterfield Sports Fusion- CLOSED
(tied for #20)We offer seven feature attractions (including the best laser tag in St. Louis), the full service “Fusion Cafe,” and a top-of-the-line arcade. Each of our signature attractions (laser tag, mini-golf, dodgeball, rock wall, play structure, sport court, and obstacle course) encourage participants to be physically active.
Winners in Special Categories
In the second part of our survey, we asked readers to select their favorites in seven categories. Here were their choices.Favorite Indoor Play Center
Playtime Party Center - WentzvillePlaytime is not just for kids anymore! We have moved into an 18,000 sq ft building boosting a 4,000 sq ft, 2 story state of the art laser tag arena. We have also added 4 lanes of bowling, a virtual rock wall, 65 piece arcade, inflatable/playground arena, restaurant, axe throwing, and FULL BAR! We have currently hosted 40th birthdays, a 21st birthday, class reunion, wedding reception and team building events with the local business’. We can host your corporate holiday party, as well as your or your child’s birthday. We rent Inflatables too. Check us out at www.playtimepartycenter.com or call 636-887-4244.
Favorite Place to have Fun Outdoors
Saint Louis ZooEnjoying an adventure every time you visit. Knowing a discovery will be made around each corner. One of the few free zoos in the nation, the Saint Louis Zoo brings together more than 17,000 wild animals and 3 million visitors each year. Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), the Saint Louis Zoo is part of an elite group of institutions that meet the highest standards in animal care as well as provide fun, safe and educational family experiences.
Favorite Performing Arts
The MunyLive Broadway-style musicals produced right here at the Muny's historic outdoor theatre in beautiful Forest Park. America’s oldest and largest outdoor theatre.
Favorite Kid-Friendly Museum
City MuseumHoused in the 600,000 square-foot former International Shoe Company, the museum is an eclectic mixture of children’s playground, funhouse, surrealistic pavilion, and architectural marvel made out of unique, found objects.
Favorite Nature Center
Missouri Botanical GardenFamilies with kids of all ages will enjoy visiting the Missouri Botanical Garden, a 79-acre oasis in the city of St. Louis. Vibrant display gardens, sculptures, fountains, educational opportunities, and much more await you! Plan your visit at mobot.org.
Favorite Farm (agri-entertainment)
Eckert's Country Store & FarmsEckert’s Country Store & Farms is the largest family-owned and operated pick-your-own orchard in the United States. Eckert’s offers an experience that extends beyond pick-your-own produce to include the Eckert’s Country Store & Garden Center, and the newly expanded Restaurant. Eckert’s offers specialty foods, meats, wine and cheese selections, as well as a range of classes, including cooking and wine classes for adults, and special children’s activities for families to enjoy throughout the year.
Favorite Professional Sports Team
St. Louis CardinalsThe St. Louis Cardinals play in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's National League.
Favorite Arts Education Center
COCA - Center of Creative ArtsCOCA is the fourth largest multidisciplinary community arts center in the country and a national leader in innovative arts education. With a mission to enrich lives and build community through the arts, COCA serves 50,000 people of all ages and skill levels, from enthusiastic amateurs to emerging professionals—all taught by a faculty of distinguished arts educators. We provide meaningful arts experiences in our own studios, gallery and theatres as well as in schools, community centers and corporate settings in order to build a vibrant St. Louis that is creative, connected and inclusive.
Favorite Sports Education Center
Vetta SportsVetta Sports owns and operates five indoor sports facilities in the St. Louis, Missouri metro area and provides sports programming at several outdoor venues. Vetta Sports has been offering sports programs for kids (ages 18 months & up) and adults in a fun and safe environment since 1988. The roots of Vetta Sports Club began with their Soccerdome facility in Mid County and have sprouted a cooperative of indoor sports facilities, with locations throughout the metropolitan area of St. Louis (Vetta Sports Soccerdome in Mid County, Vetta Sports Concord-South County, Vetta Sports Manchester, Vetta Sports St. Charles, and Vetta Racquet Sports West in St. Peters).
