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St. Louis Family Fun

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St. Louis, known as The Gateway to the Midwest and home of the Arch, Cardinals and Anheuser Busch, was recently named by AAA magazine Midwest Traveler as the best city for a weekend escape. In addition to all those titles, to me it was home for the first 18 years of my life. I have many wonderful memories of my childhood in St. Louis and am fortunate to have family members that live there so that I can often take my girls to St. Louis to explore all that is has to offer families.

 

St. Louis Zoo

One Government Dr.

St. Louis, MO 63110

314.781.0900

www.STLZoo.org

History: Nestled in Forest Park, the St. Louis Zoo has welcomed millions of visitors during its 100-year history. The cornerstone of the zoo, the flight cage, was a part of the 1904 World’s Fair. Due to its popularity, the city purchased the cage for $3,500 once the fair was over and the Zoological Society of St. Louis was formed. The hope was that the zoo would make the city more appealing for both residents and visitors.

 

Good to Know: Admission to the St. Louis Zoo is free. If you want to park in the zoo lot, there is a charge, and some attractions in the zoo also charge a fee. One of the best things about the zoo is that in addition to admission being free, guests can carry in their own food and drinks.

 

 

What to See: With 18,000 animals living at the zoo, it’s impossible to see them all! As a child, I would visit the zoo with my family, see a few animals and then return to see a few more. If time allows, you may want to break up your visit over a couple of days. Be sure to see the penguins. If you visit during the winter, you may be lucky enough to catch a penguin strolling among the guests at the zoo! We always enjoy seeing the bears and wandering through Big Cat County. In my mind, a trip to the zoo isn’t complete until I’ve stopped in to say “Hi” to Phil the gorilla. Although he lived before my time, I’ve heard many stories and always enjoyed seeing him.

 

 

 

Six Flags

Six Flags Rd.

Eureka, MO 63025

636.938.4800

www.SixFlags.com/StLouis

History: Six Flags opened in 1971 as Six Flags over Mid-America and in 1996 became known at Six Flags St. Louis. Six Flags currently has six theme parks throughout the United States.

Good to Know: Six Flags is located in Eureka, which is just about 30 minutes outside of downtown St. Louis. Something unique to Six Flags is that your admission not only gets you into the amusement park, but into the neighboring water park, Hurricane Harbor.

What to See: Six Flags has 22 rides that the younger set will enjoy. But don’t fear if you have big-thrill seekers in your party: the legendary Screamin’ Eagle as well as the newer Batman roller coaster are sure to please. During the summer months, enjoy the Six Flags nighttime parade, Glow in the Park. Drummers, puppeteers, singers, dancers and kinetic stilt walkers surround floats making the parade unlike any other in the Midwest.

 

 

 

 

Saint Louis Science Center

5050 Oakland Ave.

St. Louis, MO 63110

314.289.4491

www.SLSC.org

History: The Museum of Science and Natural History was founded in 1959 in Clayton's Oak Knoll Park. The museum outgrew these facilities and in 1984, the museum acquired McDonnell Planetarium from the City of St. Louis. After a renovation, the building reopened July 20, 1985, as the Saint Louis Science Center. An expansion to construct the current main building opened Nov. 2, 1991.

 

 

 

 

Good to Know: The Saint Louis Science Center is a three-building complex (the main building, the Exploradome® and the James S. McDonnell Planetarium) with more than 700 hands-on exhibits. Young children will enjoy the Discovery Room, with activities and exhibits especially for those ages 3-7. General admission is free but several exhibits (including the Discovery Room) have a fee.

 

 

 

What to See: The main building houses many interesting attractions. Visit the "DNA Zone" dedicated to the emerging science of biotechnology and genetics. "Cyberville" focuses on computers, virtual reality and the Internet. "Structures" explains how bridges and large buildings are constructed. The "Human Adventure" exhibit explores senses, creativity and culture. There are three "Ecology and the Environment" exhibits: Past, Present and Future. The McDonnell Planetarium allows visitors an opportunity to learn what it is like to live in space through interactive exhibits, laboratories and live demonstrations.

 

 

 

The Magic House

516 S. Kirkwood Rd.

Kirkwood, MO 63122

www.MagicHouse.org

History: The Magic House was founded by two St. Louis women who volunteered three years of their time to create a cultural institution that would be both educational and fun. Thanks to their efforts and the contributions of many St. Louis-area individuals, corporations and foundations, The Magic House opened to the public on Oct. 16, 1979, and has been providing family fun for over 30 years.

Good to Know: It’s best to visit early as the Magic House can get crowded. Its layout makes it necessary for adults to stay with their youngsters. A café is also located in the Magic House. Place your order before lunch and then pick it up at lunch time--you can skip the long lines!

 

 

 

 

What to See: One of the most memorable and beloved wonders at the Magic House, the electrostatic generator, is an electrically-charged ball that will make your hair stand on end when you touch it. I think we have a picture of everyone of my brothers and sisters with their hand stuck on the ball and hair sticking straight up! Kids will also enjoy climbing the three-story Jack and the Beanstalk climber. Another highlight is the impressive Star Spangled Center where kids can sit at the president’s desk, vote in a voting booth and ring a replica of the Liberty Bell.

 

 

Grant’s Farm

10501 Gravois Rd.St Louis, MO 63123314.843.1700www.GrantsFarm.com

 

History: Originally the 281-acre ancestral home of the Busch family, Grant’s Farm is located just south of the city of St. Louis. The farm is home to more than 900 animals representing more than 100 different species. The farm takes its name from our 18th president, Ulysses S. Grant. In the 1850s, Grant founded and farmed a portion of the 281 acres that today is Grant’s Farm.

 

 

Good to Know: Admission to the farm, tram rides and shows is all free, however there is a fee to park and for the carousel. Wagons and running strollers aren’t allowed in the farm, but stroller rentals are available. While you can’t bring in food, there is plenty available for purchase. Grant’s Farm is fun for the whole family and can easily be seen in half of a day.

 

 

 

What to See: One can’t think of Anheuser Busch without thinking of Clydesdales. These beautiful animals can be viewed in the Clydesdale Stables and are a must-see. Be sure to take the tram ride. You’ll see many different animals up close. Be sure to visit their informative website before your visit to help you know what animals you can expect to see.

Margaret Sarver grew up in St. Louis and now calls Kansas City home. She still feels the Cardinals got a raw deal in ’85…

 

 

 

 

 

More MoKan Day Trips & Vacations!

 

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