St. Louis, Missouri, is known as the gateway to the west, but I can tell you from experience that it’s also a gateway to fun for kids. In fact, I’d call it one of the best places to visit with family! This is because there is so much to do in St. Louis. How do I know? I grew up there, and I want my kids to experience all that St. Louis has to offer, so, it is top of my bucket list of kid friendly vacation destinations. 2024 will be that year for visiting the greatest show in America!

In this series of travel blogs, we here at MomsTribute.com —a top mom to mom blog—are discussing great travel spots for families. Today I’d like to share my ideal day-to-day itinerary for a quick trip to St. Louis.

Here’s a time management tip! Download the free KFV app to scope out great travel options for your family as you make your way to St. Louis.

Day 1 – Travel Days can be Experience Days

Have you ever traveled, and it feels like Day One of your holiday is a waste? You spend all day getting to your destination and don’t get to have any fun along the way. It doesn’t have to be like that! Flying into St. Louis is a breeze, but even if you choose to drive you can make it fun by mapping out your travel route.

My family recently did this on a road trip during which we found the cutest diner with an “egg” theme—all their dishes centered around eggs! It was so much fun, and we got to support a small, local business.

Once you arrive at your destination, you’ll want to get settled into your hotel. There are plenty of great, budget friendly options. You might also opt for an upscale location along the riverfront or in the downtown area.

My top pick would be a spot on the riverfront, close to the St. Louis Arch. After all, the Arch is my number one pick for a day 1 attraction! Guests can ride an elevator to the top where they can take in the view from the windows along the enclosed arch. At the base of the arch, guests can go through a museum and gift shop.

Day 2 – Monkey Around

The St. Louis Zoo is one of America’s top zoos! I visited this amazing zoo a dozen times during my childhood years. Let me just tell you—it is huge! At ninety acres, there is a lot to unpack here. Besides the amazing animal exhibits, you and your kiddos can also enjoy a train, a carousel, a dinosaur exhibit, a 4D theater, and animals shows put on by birds, sea lions, and sting rays. It will be a whole-day event, so you’ll want to go prepared.

Feel free to pack a picnic lunch if you wish, or you can enjoy one of the many food locations throughout the zoo. If you’d rather leave and come back within the same day, that’s allowed too! This lets you have more flexibility if you’d like to dine outside and experience a taste of local cuisine or colorful, fun restaurants.

Day 3 – Take In a Show

St. Louis has more than a couple amazing theatrical options. You can take in a live performance at the Muny or the Fox Theatre or check out a movie at one of the city’s many movie theaters.

The Muny is America’s oldest and largest outdoor theatre. It’s been entertaining guests for over one hundred years! I have great childhood memories of visiting over the years, where we saw performances like Peter Pan, Annie, and Alice in Wonderland, to name a few.

The Fox Theatre is a bit more upscale, so if you’re looking for a special night out on the town this might be your best bet. Here you’ll find lots of options including Disney performances, live music, Broadway shows, and comedy acts.

There are also plenty of highly rated movie theaters near the riverfront if a lowkey movie is more up your alley. Check out the MX Movies & Bar or Cinema St. Louis to see what’s playing while you’re in town.

Day 4 – Sports, Science, or Shopping?

There is so much to do in St. Louis that it’s hard to fit it all in.

You can take in a professional sporting event including baseball with the St. Louis Cardinals or hockey with the St. Louis Blues. The schedules for these events will vary depending on when you visit.

Another great kid friendly venue is the St. Louis Science Center. This amazing science museum is hands on and highly interactive.

If shopping is something that calls you then check out the St. Louis Galleria. You’ll also find dozens of fantastic downtown shops.

No matter which way you shake it, St. Louis is full of kid friendly venues, so keep it in mind as you consider options for your spring, summer, and fall travel. And when your trip is done? Make sure you log back into the KFV app to rate your top spots!

Katie C