St Louis Weekend on a Budget

St Louis is a perfect spot for a budget getaway. Many of the city's greatest attractions are free- or very affordable- and the variety of entertainments will please every member of the family. From the majestic Gateway Arch to the variety that lies in Forest Park, a weekend in St Louis will leave you longing to return!

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Drury Inn & Suites St. Louis Forest Park
With rates around $120 for a 2 room suite, this may not be a bargain hotel, but add in the complimentary hot breakfast each morning (eggs, pancakes, biscuits & gravy), free internet and the 5:30 kickback with food and beverages and the price is quite nice. The location is ideal for visiting Forest Park and is only minutes from downtown.
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St. Louis Zoo
A wonderful free zoo in the heart of Forest Park. It is small enough to walk, but the shiny trains ($5 for hop-on/hop-off tickets) are a great way to get the lay of the land. A wonderful carousel ($3) and play area near the otters make this an affordable day out for families.
The outdoor seating in the summer can fill quickly as the ambiance and great food are the draw.
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The Jewel Box
The Jewel Box lies within Forest Park, one of the largest urban parks in the US (it's 500 acres larger than Central Park). The Jewel Box is a large greenhouse and admission is only $1. Also in Forest Park are the World's Fair Pavilion, the Missouri History Museum (free), St Louis Art Museum (free), and the St. Louis Science Center (f... More >
The Jewel Box lies within Forest Park, one of the largest urban parks in the US (it's 500 acres larger than Central Park). The Jewel Box is a large greenhouse and admission is only $1. Also in Forest Park are the World's Fair Pavilion, the Missouri History Museum (free), St Louis Art Museum (free), and the St. Louis Science Center (free, parking $9) to mention just a few of the attractions that bring tourists and locals to Forest Park.
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Gateway Arch
The gateway Arch towers over downtown St Louis. On a sunny day it is nice to sit below and watch the clouds blow by. Entry into the arch is free- be prepared for security screenings. Below the arch is the Museum of Westward Expansion, a General Store and souvenir shop. To ride to the top of the arch is $10- a relative bargain for t... More >
The gateway Arch towers over downtown St Louis. On a sunny day it is nice to sit below and watch the clouds blow by. Entry into the arch is free- be prepared for security screenings. Below the arch is the Museum of Westward Expansion, a General Store and souvenir shop. To ride to the top of the arch is $10- a relative bargain for the history of how the arch was built and the surreal sci-fi ride to the top. On busy days enter through the south leg of the arch- it tends to have a shorter line.
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Anheuser-Busch Brewery
Whether you are a beer drinker or not, tours of the Anheuser- Busch brewery are entertaining and interesting. The famous Budweiser Clydesdales live in high style, surrounded by gleaming wood, marble and stained glass. The aging vats are enormous and many of the older parts of the brewery are opulent. The tour ends with beer tasting-... More >
Whether you are a beer drinker or not, tours of the Anheuser- Busch brewery are entertaining and interesting. The famous Budweiser Clydesdales live in high style, surrounded by gleaming wood, marble and stained glass. The aging vats are enormous and many of the older parts of the brewery are opulent. The tour ends with beer tasting- or soda if you're not of age.
Louis Bread Company.
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John D. McGurk's Irish Pub
Near the Anheuser-Busch Brewery and one of the 10 best Irish pubs in America. The outdoor seating in the summer can fill quickly as the ambiance and great food are the draw. Live music in the evenings is piped throughout the building. The Guinness Stew is phenomenal and the McGurk's Burger is delicious. Try to save room for dessert... More >
Near the Anheuser-Busch Brewery and one of the 10 best Irish pubs in America. The outdoor seating in the summer can fill quickly as the ambiance and great food are the draw. Live music in the evenings is piped throughout the building. The Guinness Stew is phenomenal and the McGurk's Burger is delicious. Try to save room for dessert- the bread pudding is so good you'll want to lick your plate clean!
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Saint Louis Bread Co
You may recognize the logo above... The Panera Bread everyone knows and loves began as the St. Louis Bread Company. The same bagels, sandwiches and pastries that you love in the city where it all began.
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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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