Ultimate Guide to Exploring Gateway Arch National Park with Kids
Loving This Adventure contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through my links—at no extra cost to you. Loving This Adventure is also a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. If you make a purchase using one of these Amazon links, I may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. See my Disclosure Policy and for more information.
Planning a family trip to Gateway Arch National Park?
You’re in the right place.
This ultimate guide to visiting the Gateway Arch with kids includes everything you need to know including top tips, ticket details, parking, and family-friendly attractions that make this one of the most unique and memorable national parks in the U.S.
As an Iowa mom of four who’s visited St. Louis several times, I’ve learned what’s actually worth your time (and sanity) when visiting the Arch with kids.
Here’s everything you need to know to plan a fun, stress-free visit.
Where is Gateway Arch National Park?
The Gateway Arch is located in downtown St. Louis, along the Mississippi River waterfront.
Its stunning 630-foot height and location on a small hill make it visible from nearly every direction in the city.
You’ll find it just:
- 1.5 miles from Busch Stadium
- 2.5 miles from Union Station
- 3 miles from the City Museum
➡️ Also read: Exploring the St. Louis City Museum: Ultimate Family Guide
Parking at Gateway Arch National Park
Parking downtown can be tricky, but here’s what works best for families:
The InterPark Stadium East Garage at 200 S. Broadway Street is the recommended garage for Arch visitors.
You can find up-to-date directions, rates, and accessibility information on the official Gateway Arch National Park parking page.
- Parking: $10 for up to 5 hours
- Distance: 10-minute walk to the Arch entrance
- Bonus: Validate your ticket inside the visitor center if you didn’t pre-pay online
Must Know:
Discounted parking may not apply during Cardinals home games or major downtown events. It’s always smart to check the Cardinals schedule before you go.
Pro Tip:
If you’re planning to stay overnight, choose a hotel near the Arch so you can walk over any time of day. We loved evening strolls under the Arch—it’s quiet, peaceful, and beautifully lit.
➡️ Where to stay: Top 5 Reasons to Stay at the Drury Plaza Hotel St. Louis at the Arch
Best Time to Visit the Gateway Arch
You can visit year-round, but the experience varies by season.
- Summer: Most popular (and busiest). Plan around Cardinals games and other big events if you can.
- Fall: Gorgeous weather and lighter crowds.
- Spring: Pleasant and green, with blooming landscapes.
- Winter: Can be hit or miss—milder some years, snowy others.
If you want fewer crowds and nice weather, my favorite times are summer weekdays or early fall weekends.
➡️ Related: St. Louis with Kids: The Ultimate Family-Friendly Travel Guide
Gateway Arch Tickets and Admission
If you plan to ride the tram to the top, buy tickets ahead of time because it’s the best way to avoid long waits.
Tickets are timed, and having a reserved slot helps you plan your day better with kids.
Typical pricing:
- Adults: $15–$19
- Kids (ages 3–15): $11–$15
🎟️ Discounts:
If you have an America the Beautiful National Park Pass, you’ll save $3 per adult ticket.
Even if you don’t ride the tram, it’s still worth visiting. Entry to the Visitor Center, Museum at the Gateway Arch, and gift shop is free.
➡️ Looking for budget-friendly fun nearby? Check out my guide to the Top Free Things to Do in St. Louis with Kids.
Security at the Gateway Arch
All visitors enter through the West Entrance (the side facing the Old Courthouse on Fourth Street).
Security is similar to an airport but much quicker. Allow about 30–45 minutes during busy times.
If you’re bringing a stroller or wheelchair, take the elevator down instead of the escalator.
Small Tip: The elevators can be a little confusing because the floors aren’t labeled in a way that makes it obvious which level leads to security. If you’re unsure, ask a staff member before getting on so you end up on the right floor.
Family-Friendly Attractions at Gateway Arch National Park
Gateway Arch National Park has several memorable experiences for families.
Each one offers something a little different, and together they make this a fun and surprisingly kid-friendly national park.
Tram Ride to the Top
The tram ride is one of the most unique national park experiences you can have with kids.
When you enter the boarding area, a staff member will give you a number that tells you which tram car you will be in and exactly where to stand.
Before boarding, everyone watches a short five to seven minute video and then your family (or group) takes a quick photo together.
The tram pod is small. It seats five people and does not leave much room to move around, especially for adults.
I rode up with three of our boys and the four of us fit comfortably enough, but it is tight.
The ride takes four minutes going up and three minutes coming down.
I will be honest. I was nervous before boarding because I do not love small spaces, and it was very hot outside that day so I worried about feeling warm inside the pod.
I ended up having a good experience.
You can see the interior staircase through the small windows during most of the ride, and that helped it feel less closed in.
My kids thought the whole ride was incredibly cool.
What to Expect at the Top of the Arch
Once you reach the top, you will have about ten minutes to enjoy the views and take pictures.
It is enough time to see everything you want without feeling rushed.
Staff will give you a one or two minute notice when it is time to line up for the descent.
The views are incredible. From the ground, the windows look tiny, but inside the top of the Arch it feels more spacious than you would expect.
My boys loved climbing onto the small ledge under the windows to look out over downtown St. Louis and the Mississippi River.
If you can fit it in, I recommend taking your kids to the top of the Arch.
It is such a unique experience and a memory they will talk about long after your trip.
Museum at the Gateway Arch
The Museum at the Gateway Arch is free and full of interactive, kid-friendly exhibits.
It features six themed galleries that explore westward expansion with life-sized figures, hands-on areas, and large displays like wagons, cabins, and stagecoaches.
It is a great place to spend time before or after your tram ride, especially if you arrive early for security.
You can visit the museum anytime, even without tram tickets.
Riverboat Cruises
The Mississippi Riverboat cruises are another fun way to experience the Arch, especially if you want a relaxing break in your day.
Cruises run March through November, and you can purchase tram and cruise combo tickets to save money.
If you have an America the Beautiful National Park Pass, adults receive an additional discount.
Outdoor Spaces at the Gateway Arch
The grounds around the Arch are wide, green, and perfect for kids.
There is plenty of room for picnics, playing catch, running around, and scooter rides.
We have brought scooters before, and the boys loved riding the paved paths with the Arch above them.
Morning and evening are especially beautiful times to explore the area.
Family-Friendly Amenities at the Gateway Arch
Inside the visitor center, you will find:
- The Arch Café with kid-friendly meals and snacks
- A large seating area for breaks or waiting for your tram time
- Stroller-friendly walkways and ramps inside the visitor center
✨ One thing to know is that strollers and wheelchairs cannot go inside the tram pods. There is a stroller parking area near the boarding zone.
Finding the Gateway Arch National Park Sign
If your family loves collecting national park sign photos, this one takes a bit of searching.
To find the official sign, walk down the steps outside the Arch toward the riverfront.
If you have a stroller or wheelchair, use the paved path instead. It is a longer route but very scenic and perfect for photos.
10 Fun Things to Do at Gateway Arch National Park with Kids
- Take a family selfie under the Arch
- Ride bikes, scooters, or walk around the grounds
- Have a picnic on the grass
- Visit the Museum at the Gateway Arch
- Explore the gift shop
- Take the tram ride to the top
- Snap a photo with the National Park sign
- Take a riverboat cruise
- Play catch or frisbee in the green space
- Try the virtual reality experience
Tips for a Smooth Visit
- Check the Cardinals schedule or event calendar before you go (parking and crowds can change fast).
- Buy tram tickets in advance.
- Arrive 45 minutes early for security and tram timing.
- Bring a stroller for younger kids—it’s a lot of walking.
- Leave room in your day to explore the Museum before or after your tram ride.
- Don’t skip the National Park sign photo—it’s a must for your travel album!
Where to Stay Near the Arch
We love staying at the Drury Plaza Hotel St. Louis at the Arch, just steps away from the Gateway Arch grounds.
It offers free breakfast, evening snacks, and family suites that make city travel easier.
➡️ Read next: Top 5 Reasons to Stay at the Drury Plaza Hotel St. Louis at the Arch
Plan Your St. Louis Family Adventure
Visiting Gateway Arch National Park is a unique experience that blends history, adventure, and family fun all in one stunning setting.
If you’re planning a full St. Louis trip, don’t miss these resources next:
- Top Free Things to Do in St. Louis with Kids
- St. Louis with Kids: The Ultimate Family-Friendly Travel Guide
Download my free Family Travel Itinerary Planner to make organizing your trip simple and stress-free. 👇
May you love your adventure! KW
