Top 5 Free Things to Do in St. Louis with Kids
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Planning a St. Louis trip but don’t want to spend a fortune on attractions?
You’re in luck—St. Louis has some of the best free, family-friendly spots in the country.
Our family has visited St. Louis several times, and I’m always amazed by how many fun things there are to do that don’t cost a thing.
You can visit a National Park, zoo, and science center—all for free. How crazy is that?
Here are five free experiences at the top of our list that make a St. Louis getaway both fun and budget-friendly.
1. Gateway Arch National Park
You can’t visit St. Louis without seeing the iconic Gateway Arch.
As long as you skip the tram ride to the top, the grounds and Museum at the Gateway Arch are completely free and super kid-friendly!
The museum has hands-on exhibits that tell the story of America’s westward expansion in a way kids actually enjoy.
When we visit, we stay at the Drury Plaza at the Arch and love walking to the Arch grounds in the evenings.
We’ve even brought the kids’ scooters, and they had a blast riding all around the wide sidewalks surrounding the Arch.
One night, we ended up kicking a soccer ball beneath the majestic Arch which was such a simple but unforgettable moment.
The Arch grounds are a perfect spot for a short walk, picnic, or photo op with that stunning view of the Mississippi River.
➡️ Read next: Ultimate Family Guide to Exploring Gateway Arch National Park
2. St. Louis Zoo
The St. Louis Zoo is one of the best—and crazily, it’s absolutely free.
You’ll find everything from elephants and gorillas to penguins and puffins. It even has hippos and polar bears too!
Our boys love the Big Cat Country and River’s Edge exhibits, and I’m a big fan of the shady walking paths and snack stands that make exploring easy with kids.
💡 Mom tip: Arrive early if you want to find free street parking around Forest Park otherwise the zoo lots are $20 per car.
🦓 Worth noting: Some extras like the carousel, stingray feeding, or train rides have a small fee, but the main exhibits and zoo admission are always free.
3. St. Louis Science Center
Again, it’s not every day you get free admission to a science center! This spot is perfect for a rainy day, a scorching summer afternoon, or when you just want something a little more laid-back.
Don’t miss the Skybridge, a glass walkway that stretches over the highway where kids can clock the speed of passing cars below.
Admission is free, though parking and special exhibits have a small fee.
4. Grant’s Farm
Grant’s Farm was one of our favorite stops in St. Louis. Admission is free (you just pay for parking), and it’s the perfect mix of animals, history, and fun.
You’ll ride a tram through the park, feed goats, see camels and zebras, and visit the famous Budweiser Clydesdales.
We loved how easy it was to spend a few hours there without spending much and how family-friendly the entire experience felt.
5. Forest Park
Forest Park is one of the best spots in St. Louis to slow down and let the kids run around.
It’s home to many of the city’s free attractions (like the Zoo, Art Museum, and History Museum), but it’s also just a beautiful place to spend a morning or afternoon.
You can pack a picnic, rent paddle boats, or let the kids burn off energy across the open lawns.
In the fall, enjoy the gorgeous colors; in the winter, take a chilly hike or go sledding at Art Hill, a local favorite.
My kids love playgrounds and unique places to play, so the Dennis & Judith Jones Variety Wonderland Playground is a must-visit for us, along with Turtle Playground, which is such a fun (and free!) stop.
It’s peaceful, easy to access, and perfect for a laid-back family day.
💡 Mom tip: Pack a simple picnic lunch and let this be your “slow day” between bigger attractions.
Planning Your St. Louis Trip Next?
St. Louis proves that a family trip doesn’t have to break the bank.
Between hands-on museums, a national park, animal encounters, and wide-open park spaces, there’s plenty to do for free, and every one of these spots is completely doable with kids.
Planning your own trip? Check out my other St. Louis guides:
- St. Louis Family Getaway: Where to Stay, Eat, and Play – full trip planning guide
- Exploring the St. Louis City Museum: Ultimate Family Guide – tips + what to expect
- Top Reasons to Stay at the Drury Plaza at the Arch – where we stay + why
✨ Free Resource: Make planning your next family trip easy with my Travel Itinerary Planner — a free printable designed to help you map out your days, organize details, and keep your vacation stress-free. Download below. 👇
May you LOVE your adventure! KW
