Sometimes the best family getaways are the ones that feel far enough away to be an adventure but close enough that the drive does not feel overwhelming. For Kansas City families, St. Louis is exactly that. At about four hours from KC, it makes for an easy weekend road trip with plenty of kid-friendly attractions, great food and memorable stops along the way.
Our family of four, including our two daughters, ages 4 and 6, recently headed east for a St. Louis weekend getaway, and we quickly realized this city has so much to offer families with young kids. From Union Station and the Gateway Arch to City Museum, The Magic House and classic St. Louis eats, this trip was packed with family fun from start to finish.
Where to Stay in St. Louis with Kids: Union Station Hotel
We kicked off our trip by checking into the St. Louis Union Station Hotel, and honestly, the hotel itself felt like part of the vacation. The beautifully restored train station has so much history and charm, while still feeling exciting and fun for families. From the moment we walked in, our girls were wide-eyed.
One of the highlights of our first evening was watching the light show on the 65-foot ceiling in the Grand Hall. It was such a fun way to start the trip and made the hotel feel extra special.
Another huge perk of staying at Union Station is how many family attractions and dining options are right there on property. For dinner, we ate at The Soda Fountain, which was a hit with both kids and adults. The real showstopper was the “Everything But” milkshake, a giant over-the-top dessert topped high with chocolate sauce, whipped cream, potato chip and nut coating around the glass, toffee and a chocolate pretzel rod. It was messy, memorable and absolutely delicious.
Outside, Union Station felt almost like a mini fairground. We spent the evening enjoying several of the outdoor attractions, including the St. Louis Wheel, carousel, Wave Swinger and Locomotion Mini Coaster. It was the perfect first-night activity because we did not have to drive anywhere else after a travel day, and the girls still felt like they were getting to do something big and exciting.
Day Two: Gateway Arch, Missouri Botanical Garden and Classic St. Louis Food
The next morning, we started our day at Gateway Arch National Park. Riding to the top of the Arch was one of those classic St. Louis experiences we knew we wanted to try, but I will admit I wondered how our girls would do. They did great! The ride to the top only takes about three to four minutes, and once we arrived, the views made it worth it.
Afterward, we explored the museum underneath the Arch, where we learned more about the history of “The Gateway to the West.” It was a nice balance of sightseeing, history and a little bit of adventure, which made it a great morning stop for our family.
For lunch, we headed to Union Loafers, and it ended up being one of my favorite meals of the trip. I had the best Cuban sandwich of my life, and even the girls’ peanut butter and jelly sandwiches felt special. They were made with fresh-baked bread, strawberry jelly, peanut butter and regular butter, and they were so good.
From there, we visited the Missouri Botanical Garden, which was an absolute gem for families. If you are visiting St. Louis with young kids, plan extra time for the Children’s Garden. Bring a stroller, and if you are visiting in warm weather, bring swimsuits too. There is a splash pad, play store, sand play, a tree house and music play areas, making it much more than a traditional garden stop.
That evening, we enjoyed Italian food at Collina Eatery on The Hill before ending the day with frozen custard from Ted Drewes, a classic St. Louis treat and the perfect sweet finish to a full family day.
Day Three: Trains, Burgers, City Museum and Circus Flora
Day three started with an amazing breakfast buffet inside the St. Louis Union Station Hotel. It had everything our family needed to fuel up for a full day, including housemade pastries, hot pancakes, bacon, eggs and fresh fruit.
From there, we headed to the National Museum of Transportation, which was a big hit with our girls. We were treated to not one but two rides: a trolley and a miniature train. Our daughters loved climbing on and inside the authentic trains lined up along the tracks, and we also had fun exploring the museum and seeing cars from the last 100 years.
For lunch, we stopped at Carl’s Drive In for a classic Route 66 experience, and it did not disappoint. The tiny spot has maybe 15 seats total, but they kept things moving. We enjoyed juicy burgers, fries, grilled cheese, milkshakes and cold root beer.
Next up was City Museum, which is truly unlike anywhere we have ever been. My 6-year-old was fearless, climbing through the labyrinth of tunnels and caves while we followed cheerfully when we could and otherwise trusted she would eventually make her way back to us. She always did! My 4-year-old especially loved Skateless Park and Toddler Town.
Afterward, we made a quick drive to The Fountain on Locust. The art deco painted walls were beautiful, and the food was just as good. We ended the night at the premiere of Flying High at Circus Flora. With dog tricks, tightrope walking, extreme flexibility, trapeze stunts and incredible acrobatics, the show was a total hit for our family.
Day Four: The Magic House and the Perfect St. Louis Sendoff
On our final morning, we enjoyed breakfast at Kingside Diner in the Central West End, where we loved eating outside on the beautiful shaded patio. Our table was filled with donuts, a breakfast burrito, hash browns and avocado toast before we headed to The Magic House Children’s Museum.
The Magic House was our favorite stop of the trip. The girls loved the 90s Summer activities, making fortune tellers, friendship bracelets and spinner art while millennial hits played. We grabbed lunch from Picnic Basket Cafe and could have spent hours at Sandcastle Beach.
Why St. Louis Makes a Great Family Weekend Trip from Kansas City
St. Louis is a fantastic family trip from Kansas City, with kid-friendly fun, great food and memorable experiences at every turn. Whether your family loves museums, trains, outdoor play, sweet treats or classic sightseeing, this easy Midwest road trip offers plenty to fill a long weekend.
For Kansas City families looking for a fun, drivable getaway, St. Louis is an easy choice.
Tips for Visiting St. Louis with Kids
Pack swimsuits: Missouri Botanical Garden’s Children’s Garden has a splash area that is perfect in warm weather.
Bring a stroller: St. Louis has several big attractions, and younger kids may need breaks between stops.
Stay near attractions when possible: Union Station made the first night easy because dinner and activities were right on property.
Plan for climbing at City Museum: This stop is amazing, but it is best for kids who are comfortable exploring, climbing and crawling.
Save room for sweets: Between The Soda Fountain, Ted Drewes and St. Louis diners, treats are part of the fun.
FAQ: Planning a Family Weekend Trip to St. Louis from Kansas City
How far is St. Louis from Kansas City? St. Louis is about a four-hour drive from Kansas City, making it a manageable weekend road trip for families.
Is St. Louis good for a family weekend trip? Yes. St. Louis has kid-friendly attractions, museums, parks, restaurants and classic stops like the Gateway Arch, City Museum and The Magic House.
Is St. Louis an affordable family getaway? Yes. While some attractions are ticketed, St. Louis has many free family-friendly spots, including the Saint Louis Zoo, Forest Park, outdoor public spaces and seasonal events, making it easy to plan a budget-friendly weekend trip.
Where should families stay in St. Louis? St. Louis Union Station Hotel is a fun option for families because there are restaurants, attractions and activities right on property.
What are the best things to do in St. Louis with young kids? Great stops for young kids include The Magic House, Missouri Botanical Garden’s Children’s Garden, the National Museum of Transportation and St. Louis Union Station.
Is City Museum good for little kids? City Museum is very fun, especially for adventurous kids who like climbing and exploring. Younger kids may enjoy areas like Toddler Town and Skateless Park.
Planning your next family adventure?
Check out KC Parent’s Getaways Guide for more family-friendly road trips from Kansas City, or keep the fun local with our guides to the best Kansas City parks, local date night ideas and Kids Eat Free deals around town. From weekend getaways to easy KC outings, we have plenty of ideas to help your family make the most of every season.