Planning a family trip?
Got any ideas as to where?
It's hard enough to plan time to take a vacation, choosing where to go should be the easy part. If you're considering a trip to St. Louis, here are some ideas about where to go while you're there. As a former St. Louis native, it was easy to decide to visit family and friends, but for an active family, I wanted places to go that my children would remember and possibly want to revisit.
The Gateway Arch: St. Louis is known as the gateway to the west. The arch is a symbol of this and most pictures of St. Louis feature it. This trip I elected to avoid the arch. I have been up in the arch several times, but I was unimpressed. Maybe growing up in St. Louis has spoiled me for this adventure, but the idea of paying to wait in a long line with three children to ride an elevator to the top was particularly unappealing. The top of the arch is small, the windows for viewing are small and I've seen better pictures on post cards. It's usaully crowded and the windows are hard to get to. Once you've seen the view, there's nothing to do, but ride back down in another elevator - at least they have seats. I do recommend the museum in the base of the arch. It is filled with hours worth of memorabilia, and last I went, it was free.
The St. Louis Zoo: St. Louis has always had a top ranked zoo in the country. After just one visit I can definately see why. As of yet the zoo is free to enter. You can purchase a Safari pass at the entrance for $10. This allows you to ride the train, enter the children's zoo and see the sea lion show. Most other attractions within the zoo cost extra, but it is still free to walk through and see all the animals. Stroller rental is available too. I would include a trip to the zoo on any visit to St. Louis.
The Science Center and Planatarium: It had been many years since I last visited the Science Center and thought it was worth another look. I am glad we did. Almost everything in the Science Center is kid friendly and hands on. The Science Center is free to enter, but there is a parking fee. The Omnimax is inside and you have to purchase a ticket. They always seem to have a new feature playing. This would probably work for older children, but younger ones would be more entertained with all the exhibits. From dinosaurs to outer space, the science center is a great place to explore.
The Magic House Children's Museum: The Magic House is not all about magic or tricks. This is a totally hands on multi-level attraction. I recommend a visit for anyone with children. There is an entry fee, but it's not too bad. When we visited it was very crowded, but there was just so much to see and do that the crowd didn't matter.
Six Flags over Mid America: The cost of this is a little scary. There is a parking fee in addition to the admission fee. They have a section dedicated to smaller children, but there isn't much else there for them. Most of the rides have a height restriction. Older children would love Six Flags. There are also carnival games to play (extra cost of course). If you're not afraid to spend a pretty penny, six flags will provide an exhausting day for all. Also, this theme park is not exactly in St. Louis. It's located south on I-44 in Eureka.
Meramec Caverns: As long as you're heading south on I-44, you may as well continue to Stanton, Mo. Meramec Caverns is a famed hideout of Jesse James. I think it was worth the drive. The cost of an adult tour is $18. They provide an 80 minute walking tour of the caverns. There are no strollers for this tour. The cave is cool even in warm weather, so a jacket would help. If you don't have one, the gift shop out front sells sweat shirts and hoodies in all sizes. We really enjoyed this excursion.
City Museum: We didn't make it to this site on this visit, but we enjoyed it the last time we were there. There is much to do for the children and lots of huge slides. There is an entry fee for this attraction. Children of most ages - maybe not the older teens so much - would enjoy the City Museum.
Cahokia Mounds: Cahokia Mounds is over in Illinois. The last time I was there was back in 1990. It was really cool to learn so much about the Indians who lived there. Climbing the largest mound was a real challenge, but the top was gratefully attained. I've heard they've revamped the place since I was last there, so it may be worth a side trip.
Grant's Farm: The future of Grant's Farm seems uncertain as of now. The last time I was there, the kids loved it. You take a train through the farm and get to see the esteemed president Grant's cabin. After the train ride, there are animal exhibits and neat shows. The pride of Anheiser-Bush, the clidesdales are housed here. They have a good home at Grant's Farm. Since the brewery sold though, no one seems to know what will happen to Grant's Farm. Sadly, I have heard that the horse farm will be closed. I would call ahead to check times and openings if you plan to visit here.
All in all St. Louis offers many things to do and places to see no matter how long or short of a trip you plan. Even if you just want to walk the riverfront and Laclede's Landing, there is always something going on. This is a family vacation to be repeated.
If you're looking for some discounts, I would visit the printable coupon page: http://www.familyattractionscard.com/ or visit any Dierberg's, Shop 'n Save or Schnucks and ask for a family attractions card there.
I plan to expand more on some of the specific sites I visited in my future blogs...stay tuned.
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