TOP 20 FUN THINGS TO DO IN ST. LOUIS
1. Gateway Arch Riverfront
The top of the Gateway Arch is just one of the amazing sights to see while at the Gateway Arch Riverfront. Other activities, from browsing the Museum of Westward Expansion, to viewing the latest exhibits at the Historic Old Courthouse, to watching a giant-screen movie in our state-of-the-art theater, to taking a sightseeing cruise are all just a few steps away.
2. Forest Park
At 500 acres larger than Central Park and a recent 100 million dollar facelift, Forest Park is the soul of the city! Monuments, historic buildings, wildlife, waterways and landscapes combine to form a unique cultural institution that is vitally important to the entire St. Louis region.
3. The Missouri Botanical Garden
As one of the top three botanical gardens in the world, the Garden is a 79-acre urban oasis of indoor and outdoor display gardens. Highlights of the Garden include The Scented Garden, Kaeser Memorial Maze, and Tower Grove House.
4. The City Museum
Let your imagination run wild! Housed in the 600,000 square-foot former International Shoe Company, the museum is an eclectic mixture of children's playground, funhouse, surrealistic pavilion, and architectural marvel made out of unique, found objects.
5. The St. Louis Zoo
Named the top zoo in the country by Zagat’s, the Saint Louis Zoo is a great place to not only enjoy a variety of animals, but also to enjoy these fun attractions: Conservation carousel, Zooline railroad, sea lion show, children’s zoo, wild adventure ride, & a 3-D movie. Free admission makes this trip a favorite attraction among families.
6. Anheuser-Busch Tour
The maker of Busch, Budweiser, and Michelob beers offers complimentary tours of the world’s largest brewery. Tours include the Budweiser Clydesdales’ stables, historic brewhouse and Bevo packaging plant.
7. St. Louis Science Center
As one of the top three science centers in the U.S., the St. Louis Science Center offers more than 750 hands-on exhibits. Located in Forest Park, you are guaranteed a fun learning experience at the Omnimax Theatre and the Planetarium.
8. The Hill
San Francisco has Chinatown, and St. Louis has The Hill. The Hill’s Italian restaurants are renowned throughout the region. It is one of the few districts in the city that has retained its historic ethnic identity. Visit The Hill for wonderful food, atmosphere, and bocce ball!
9. St. Louis Union Station
Formerly one the nation’s largest railroad terminals, Union Station is now home to the Hyatt Regency Hotel, Hard Rock Café, movie theatre, and dozens of shops and restaurants. Several historic trains are on display, as well as other reminders of the station’s history.
10. Grant’s Farm
Deer and buffalo roam on this 281-acre former home of President Ulysses S. Grant. Guests young and old enjoy hand-feeding the baby goats and attending the entertaining, educational animal shows in the Tier Garten Amphitheater.
11. Baseball, Football and Hockey
St. Louis is one of the oldest sports cities in America and proudly proclaims the distinction of being named “the Best Sports City” by the Sporting News . Cheer for the St. Louis Cardinals baseball, Rams football, Blues ice hockey, Steamers indoor soccer, River City Rascals minor league baseball, & Missouri River Otters hockey games!
12. Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis
This magnificent house of worship houses the largest mosaic collection in the world. Step through beautiful oak doors and take in the arches, soffits, domes, and other areas adorned with 83, 000 square feet of intricate mosaics, created by 29 different artists.
13. Soulard: The French Quarter
Soulard is known for its 225-year old farmers’ market. The Soulard area is one of the city’s oldest residential neighborhoods, with 19 th century homes set amidst pubs, taverns, and restaurants that offer live music and wonderful food.
This artistic wonderland is a 98-acre, open-air museum. The outdoor collection of more than 80 sculptures by artists of international acclaim makes Laumeier one of the region’s most visited cultural attractions in the area. Make sure to bring a picnic lunch and good walking shoes!
15. Fox Theatre
The Fabulous Fox was built in 1929 as a splendidly ornate movie palace. It reopened in 1982 after a massive restoration and now presents live entertainment along with an occasional classic movie.
16. The Central West End
This thriving urban neighborhood boasts truly eclectic array of art galleries, sidewalk cafes, antique shops, boutiques, and trendy restaurants. But, it must, in order to cater to the extreme diversity of people who visit, work, and live in the area.
17. The Magic House
The Magic House is an exciting, unique, hands-on museum where children of all ages can explore, share, create, discover, pretend, experience and have fun. There are four floors packed with more than 100 hands-on, magical exhibits!
18. Moolah Theatre
Voted the "Best Movie Theatre" in St. Louis, the Moolah Theatre & Lounge offers an unparalleled movie-going experience with plush leather couches, balcony seating, a gorgeous massive dome with ever-changing planetarium-esque lights, a full bar, and "state of the art" sound and projection system.
19. Pin-Up Bowl
Pin-Up Bowl is St. Louis’ original bowling alley and martini lounge. The bowling alley offers eight lanes of bowling, as well as an extensive menu of classic, modern and signature martinis. The full bar also offers a selection of beer, liquors and wine, while the kitchen serves up an eclectic mix that’s sure to satisfy.
20. Faust Park
The main attractions at Faust Park include the old-time St. Louis Carousel, the Butterfly House, and the Thornhill plantation. This park is great for kids, especially if you want them to also see a little history.