Top 20 Places to Take Kids in the St. Louis Area - 2023
Every May and June, thousands of local parents, grandparents, and caregivers weigh in on their favorite local places to take kids. This page is where we showcase the 2023 list of winners for the St. Louis area. (Click here for the full list of nominees.)
Of course, there are literally hundreds of wonderful places to take your kids in our area, not just this year's winners! Browse through KidsOutAndAbout.com and discover lots more to do, and don't forget to check out our Everything That's Free page! If you are not already on our weekly mailing list for our free e-newsletter, please sign up by clicking here. You'll find out everything that is happening for kids and families at these places and a lot more -- way ahead of time!
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1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Grant's Farm
The Busch Family Home since 1903, Grant’s Farm is an iconic St. Louis destination where guests of all ages are invited to have hands-on interactions with nature, animals, and history. Open daily with FREE admission, the 281-acre property is home to over 100 species of animals, including the world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales! Experience beloved traditions including goat feeding and free Anheuser-Busch beverage samples for guests ages 21+, and enjoy new seasonal events like Summer Nights. Come make new memories with family and friends at Grant’s Farm!
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. Myseum
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!
10. 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.
12. 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.
13. 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.
14. 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.
15. Go Ape! Zipline and Treetop Adventure
Located in Creve Coeur Lake Park, Go Ape Treetop Adventure and Treetop Journey courses create a one-of-a-kind outdoor experience. These exciting high ropes courses include suspended obstacles, rope ladders, Tarzan swings and some truly epic ziplines. More than a simple canopy tour, the Treetop Adventure takes between 2-3 hours to complete. Treetop Journey is a 1-hour activity, appropriate for all ages and a terrific introduction to an aerial adventure course.
16. Upper Limits Climbing Gym
Upper Limits is the premier rock climbing gym in St. Louis, offering something for everyone! Family-owned and operated, Upper Limits offers world-class climbing with midwestern heart. Four gyms, one membership, and 25 years as a leader in the climbing community.
18. Ultimate Ninjas St. Louis
Boys and girls of St. Louis….build self-confidence and prepare to reach higher than you ever thought possible with Obstacle Course Racing (OCR) classes. Designed and led by American Ninja Warrior, Jamie Rahn (Captain NBC) who trains at Ultimate Ninjas with many of the same obstacles as seen on Season 13! Ultimate Ninjas also offers private parties and events on weekends so your group can celebrate 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. Find out more at www.ultifitonline.com. Build strength from the inside-out at Ultimate Ninjas St. Louis! Your first class is always free!
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.Top Arts Educator: COCA - Center of Creative Arts
COCA 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.
Top Sports Educator: The Little Gym
“The premier children’s enrichment program for over 45 years, The Little Gym helps children develop confidence in themselves, and grow physical, social and emotional skills through gymnastics based classes. We also offer Awesome Birthday Bashes, and drop-off Camps and Parents Survival Night. Come have fun on the big red mat with us today!”
https://www.thelittlegym.com/fentonmo/
Top STEM Educator: 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.
