St. Louis Weekend With Kids

St. Louis is a family travel playground! Indoor and outdoor activities abound. Add in the lure of the "Mighty Mississippi" and the always impressive Gateway Arch and you've got a city filled with fun, education and enjoyment. Probably best of all, many of the attractions are free!

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Drury Plaza Hotel
With fountains and statues in the spacious lobby and friendly, attentive staff this was a wonder full stay. What made it especially great for families was the incredible breakfast buffet and free fountain drinks and popcorn in the lobby all day. This hotel sits just across the road from the Gateway Arch and across from the Historic O... More >
With fountains and statues in the spacious lobby and friendly, attentive staff this was a wonder full stay. What made it especially great for families was the incredible breakfast buffet and free fountain drinks and popcorn in the lobby all day. This hotel sits just across the road from the Gateway Arch and across from the Historic Old Courthouse.
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Imo's Pizza
A St. Louis institution. The location we ate at (near the Magic House) was small, with an outdoor seating area for fine weather. Place your order at the counter and it will be brought to you. Tangy Provel cheese makes this unlike any other pizza you've tasted. Multiple locations around St. Louis.
A zoo-inside-a-zoo, the Children's Zoo ($4) is where you can get up close and personal with some of the more cuddly critters.
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Ted Drewes
The "must get" St Louis dessert. The location we visited lies along the "old Route 66". Portions are huge! If you like chocolate try the Crater Copernicus- but remember to share! Be prepared to wait in line- this is a St. Louis tradition.
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St. Louis Zoo
A wonderful zoo situated in gorgeous Forest Park. The best part: admission is free! Of course there is a small charge to ride the shiny trains ($5 to hop on/hop off) and the antique carousel ($3), but it is still a very affordable way to spend the day. Just next to the sea otters is a kids play area with slides- one which weaves thr... More >
A wonderful zoo situated in gorgeous Forest Park. The best part: admission is free! Of course there is a small charge to ride the shiny trains ($5 to hop on/hop off) and the antique carousel ($3), but it is still a very affordable way to spend the day. Just next to the sea otters is a kids play area with slides- one which weaves through the otters' pool! A zoo-inside-a-zoo, the Children's Zoo ($4) is where you can get up close and personal with some of the more cuddly critters.
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Magic House, St Louis Children's Museum
Climb Jack's beanstalk, become a fairytale princess, solve mysteries, play music, command the air, sign the Declaration of Independence, stand behind the Presidential Podium, build skyscrapers... Indoors and out The Magic House is a never ending exploration of discoveries. You'll have so much fun you'll forget you're learning things!
The replica boats- the Tom Sawyer and the Becky Thatcher- will have a captain and a guide from the Jefferson National Expansion memorial (ie: the Gateway Arch) to share history and point out interesting sit...
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Gateway Arch
This symbol of westward expansion overlooks the Mississippi river and downtown St. Louis. While many realize you can ride to the top in rather sci-fi like pods- incredible views- fewer know about the Museum of Westward Expansion below the monument. Entry into the monument and the museum are free. Use the south "leg" of the arch- few... More >
This symbol of westward expansion overlooks the Mississippi river and downtown St. Louis. While many realize you can ride to the top in rather sci-fi like pods- incredible views- fewer know about the Museum of Westward Expansion below the monument. Entry into the monument and the museum are free. Use the south "leg" of the arch- fewer people use it and the queue may not be as long on busy days. You will be screened as you enter; prepare to have your bags searched and walk through a metal detector.
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Gateway Riverboat Cruises
Paddlewheel riverboats are a nostalgic step back in time and a great way to learn about St. Louis. The replica boats- the Tom Sawyer and the Becky Thatcher- will have a captain and a guide from the Jefferson National Expansion memorial (ie: the Gateway Arch) to share history and point out interesting sites. Bring jackets- even on a h... More >
Paddlewheel riverboats are a nostalgic step back in time and a great way to learn about St. Louis. The replica boats- the Tom Sawyer and the Becky Thatcher- will have a captain and a guide from the Jefferson National Expansion memorial (ie: the Gateway Arch) to share history and point out interesting sites. Bring jackets- even on a hot day the river breezes can be cool.
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About the Author

Jody L Halsted
Jody L Halsted
Jody Halsted has been blogging since 2004, when she became a stay at home mom to her eldest daughter. As frequent travelers, Jody and her husband heard "You can't travel after you have a baby." When internet searches for family traveling turned up results for Walt Disney World and similar vacation spots, Jody began sharing her family travel how-to's in her first travel blog, Have Kid Will Travel. In 2010 Jody launched FamilyRambling®, a website designed to inspire family travel, provide tips to make it easier and share first hand trip reports. New for 2011 Jody is sharing her love of family travel in Ireland by launching Ireland With Kids, a website designed to promote family travel in the Emerald Isle. Jody also writes for various online and print publications. Jody is active in social media, sharing her knowledge via Facebook and Twitter as well as bringing together social media experts for her own I_Blog Conference. To follow Jody's travels be sure to visit the Family Rambling Facebook page (facebook.com/familyrambling). For more about Jody visit JodyHalsted.com.
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