Meramec Caverns

If you're willing to drive a little ways from St. Louis, you are in for a real treat at Meramec Caverns. Just follow I-44 south, and watch for the billboards. You can't really miss Stanton if you are seeing all the signs along I-44 for Meramec Caverns. If you want a longer stay there, they have campsites right outside the caves, and a motel on site. This cave is a must for all cave explorers. It's a little chilly year round inside the caves so a light jacket or sweatshirt is something I would pack in advance. If you don't, the gift shop in front does have a nice selection of hoodies and sweatshirts. Meramec Caverns offers a 90 minute walking tour of the caves. There are no strollers or wheelchairs allowed on the tour. Small children will have to be carried, but it is a long tour, so remember that if you plant to carry a child through the caves. The begining of the tour focuses a little on the fact that Meramec Caverns was once used as a hideout for the James gang. But, the rest of the tour is all about the cave as Jesse and his band didn't venture too far into the cave. It was interesting to learn that parts of this cavern are still growing even today. You will not be allowed to touch any of the cave walls through this tour to protect the cave. It really isn't a problem because they have a concrete walkway all the way through the cave and handrails along most of it. Towards the end of the tour, a seat and light show on the cavern wall is a welcome pleasure. There is also a long climb up a flight of steps to see the largest "wine table" feature of any cave on the planet. This part is optional if the steps are a problem. Parts of the floor are contsantly wet, so a good pair of tennis shoes or walking shoes is recommended. There is a river running through this cavern that supplies the constant wetness, and sometimes floods. I wouldn't worry about checking the water level before taking the tour as the tour guide told us that parts of the cave are always open for touring even during high water conditions. They even had tours running when their parking lot was under water. Outside of the cave there is an optional riverboat ride along the Meramec River. There are also little activities for children and adults such as panning for gold and digging up treasures. All in all this is about an hour and a half drive from St. Louis that is well worth the side trip.

The Magic House Children's Museum

The Magic House Children's Museum

The Magic House is a great place for kids. As I said in my overview blog, The Magic House is not just all about magic. It cost us about $8.50 for an adult admission, and with the coupon, the kids got in free. The staff was very friendly and helpful there. At the desk where you enter they had maps to take with you and a large map on the wall to tell you where you were and how to get to where you wanted to go. We started out on one side where we learned all about plants, and the kids even got to climb up into a soybean. There was an interactive art display where you could create your own art right on the wall. It was also fun to play detective and use clues to determine fake art from the real thing. The best thing about the Magic House is that everything was touchable. In the music room, we learned all about how to make music in new and interesting ways, even by just sitting. My boys liked playing bank teller, learning about electricity and even playing at anchorman on kids TV. There were whole rooms dedicated to different activities, and all of it is hands on. From painting, building with tools, looking at specimens under a microscope, and even water activities, there was never a lack for something to touch. My boys especially enjoyed the Lewis and Clark area. The adventure was more than my mother and I were expecting, but we wouldn't change a thing. You can fully expect to spend a whole day exploring and discovering at the Magic House. There truly is something for everyone. Another activity my boys particularly liked was following a fishing lure down a stream and catching it with their poles. Despite a large crowd, there was room and opportunity to fully explore all there was to offer. This is definitely a trip worth repeating. More attractions to follow...

Family Vacation to St. Louis, MO

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.