Family Vacation in St. Louis with 2 & 4 year old
Mar 29th, 2009, 10:02 AM
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Family Vacation in St. Louis with 2 & 4 year old
We are looking to take a family vacation in St. Louis this year. We have two boys that are 2 & 4 years old. We got the travel guide and have a few things that caught our eye: Children's museum, Budweiser tour (would like to coordinate it when they have the clydesdales), their zoo, and of course the arch.
We would like to get some suggestions for any other must see sites or activities. Dining and hotel suggestions are also welcome. We would love to get a hotel which would have at least a fridge so we don't have to dine out for every meal... putting our money towards more attractions instead of dining out is always a plus.
Thanks for any advice and suggestions you can offer?
We would like to get some suggestions for any other must see sites or activities. Dining and hotel suggestions are also welcome. We would love to get a hotel which would have at least a fridge so we don't have to dine out for every meal... putting our money towards more attractions instead of dining out is always a plus.
Thanks for any advice and suggestions you can offer?
Mar 29th, 2009, 11:23 AM
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I grew up in St. Louis, so I can help you with activities, but don't know much about the hotel situation.
The zoo is free...and outstanding. I highly recommend it. Other suggestions:
St. Louis Science Center
Sporting events-- STL is a big sports town (Cardinals, Rams, Blues, etc.) If you are visiting in the summer, definitely check out a Cards baseball game at the new Busch Stadium.
St. Louis Art Museum-- Free admission. Very nice collection.
Fair St. Louis-- if you'll be in town around July 4th. Big fair right under the Arch. Great fireworks.
Six Flags-- amusement park west of STL.
Dining suggestions:
It really depends what part of town you'll be staying in. I always recommend that visitors check out "the Hill," a part of town with several great Italian restaurants.
Hope this helps! Have a fun trip!
The zoo is free...and outstanding. I highly recommend it. Other suggestions:
St. Louis Science Center
Sporting events-- STL is a big sports town (Cardinals, Rams, Blues, etc.) If you are visiting in the summer, definitely check out a Cards baseball game at the new Busch Stadium.
St. Louis Art Museum-- Free admission. Very nice collection.
Fair St. Louis-- if you'll be in town around July 4th. Big fair right under the Arch. Great fireworks.
Six Flags-- amusement park west of STL.
Dining suggestions:
It really depends what part of town you'll be staying in. I always recommend that visitors check out "the Hill," a part of town with several great Italian restaurants.
Hope this helps! Have a fun trip!
Mar 29th, 2009, 11:27 AM
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Just thought of two more ideas:
The Butterfly House... http://www.butterflyhouse.org/
The Botanical Gardens
The Butterfly House... http://www.butterflyhouse.org/
The Botanical Gardens
Mar 29th, 2009, 01:09 PM
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You don't mention if your kids are boys or girls but if they are into the wooden trains (Thomas The Tank Engine) there is a store in the St. Louis area that makes wooden trains. Whittle is their name. I've never been there but always wanted to make it out there when my boys were younger. You can do a google search on whittle trains or I think their website is www.woodentrain.com.
Mar 29th, 2009, 01:37 PM
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Also Forest Park near the Art Museum, Zoo area has evening shows(Theater) in the woods under the stars... might be fun if not too late for the kids.
Union Station, the old historic train station, has fun shopping area, inside for a bad weather day. Interesting bldg; Ask were the whispering arch is.
Also when doing the arch leave enough time to do the
gateway to the West exhibit under the arch. 1Hr
Union Station, the old historic train station, has fun shopping area, inside for a bad weather day. Interesting bldg; Ask were the whispering arch is.
Also when doing the arch leave enough time to do the
gateway to the West exhibit under the arch. 1Hr
Mar 29th, 2009, 04:24 PM
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Also Forest Park near the Art Museum, Zoo area has evening shows(Theater) in the woods under the stars... might be fun if not too late for the kids.
Union Station, the old historic train station, has fun shopping area, inside for a bad weather day. Interesting bldg; Ask were the whispering alcove is.
Also when doing the St. L. arch leave enough time to do the
gateway to the West exhibit under the arch. 1Hr
Union Station, the old historic train station, has fun shopping area, inside for a bad weather day. Interesting bldg; Ask were the whispering alcove is.
Also when doing the St. L. arch leave enough time to do the
gateway to the West exhibit under the arch. 1Hr
Mar 30th, 2009, 10:56 AM
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St. Louis is a great place for young kids!
In addition to the great suggestions above:
--Grant's Farm! It's the estate of the Busch family and last I knew it was free, but I think they take reservations. The website is www.grantsfarm.com. The Clydesdales have their stables there, they have lots of animals (like a small zoo), trained animal acts (parrots, etc.)...it's such a unique place, it's kind of hard to describe. It's very pretty there (a tram takes you on a drive through the estate on your way out) and well worth a visit with little ones. And, they offer free Anheuser-Busch beer for the grown-ups!
--Also, there is a big Transportation Museum in suburban St. Louis which my son loved when he was about that age...we spent hours there...trains, airplanes, trolley cars...all sorts of stuff with wheels and some without (a tugboat)! Their website is transportmuseumassociation.org.
--Purina has a farm in the suburbs with lots of animals to see and learn about. It's also free.
--The Botanical Gardens are beautiful and a great place to walk around on a nice day.
--Forest Park (the zoo is here so you'll see it then)
--There is a McDonald's on a riverboat in the Mississippi River (at least there used to be).
As for where to stay, all these places are pretty spread out, but downtown is a good starting point, plus then you can feel like you really are somewhere--not at home--as all suburbs look alike these days. We stayed at an Embassy Suites downtown for one trip...ideal for a family...breakfast included, plus the kitchen and larger rooms...a little pricey, but when you consider what all you get...sign up for Hilton's hhonors points program and justify it that way!
Have fun!
In addition to the great suggestions above:
--Grant's Farm! It's the estate of the Busch family and last I knew it was free, but I think they take reservations. The website is www.grantsfarm.com. The Clydesdales have their stables there, they have lots of animals (like a small zoo), trained animal acts (parrots, etc.)...it's such a unique place, it's kind of hard to describe. It's very pretty there (a tram takes you on a drive through the estate on your way out) and well worth a visit with little ones. And, they offer free Anheuser-Busch beer for the grown-ups!
--Also, there is a big Transportation Museum in suburban St. Louis which my son loved when he was about that age...we spent hours there...trains, airplanes, trolley cars...all sorts of stuff with wheels and some without (a tugboat)! Their website is transportmuseumassociation.org.
--Purina has a farm in the suburbs with lots of animals to see and learn about. It's also free.
--The Botanical Gardens are beautiful and a great place to walk around on a nice day.
--Forest Park (the zoo is here so you'll see it then)
--There is a McDonald's on a riverboat in the Mississippi River (at least there used to be).
As for where to stay, all these places are pretty spread out, but downtown is a good starting point, plus then you can feel like you really are somewhere--not at home--as all suburbs look alike these days. We stayed at an Embassy Suites downtown for one trip...ideal for a family...breakfast included, plus the kitchen and larger rooms...a little pricey, but when you consider what all you get...sign up for Hilton's hhonors points program and justify it that way!
Have fun!
Apr 3rd, 2009, 09:36 PM
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You've gotten some great suggestions. We moved from St. Louis about a year and a half ago after living there for about 7 years, and here are my must sees.
~I highly recommend the City Museum - it's an amazing place for kids and adults alike!
~In Kirkwood is the Magic House - it's an interactive children's museum that my kids used to love. Definitely worth visiting even though it's a bit pricey.
~Grant's Farm is a fun way to spend an afternoon - it's free, but you have to pay around $10 to park. I believe during the summer they're closed on Mondays.
~Don't miss the zoo - it's amazing and free! - and if you get there early enough you can park for free on the street. If you want to see the sea lion show or ride the train there are fees, but it's worth it to do both!
~The zoo is in Forest Park, and the park is another great way to spend an afternoon strolling around, feeding the ducks/geese and renting a canoe at the Boathouse. That's a great place to grab a meal - you can sit outside and watch the boaters/ducks while you eat.
~Also in Forest Park is the Muny - it's an outdoor theater where they put on musicals every summer. It's really fun if you're there when there's a play you're interested in seeing!
~Another great place to visit is Lone Elk Park. It's a huge drive-through park that houses elk and bison, and has a "lake" where you can feed the ducks/fish/turtles. It's a fun picnic place.
Some fun family restaurants are:
~Fitz's in University City - they brew their own root beer on site and it's just a fun place.
~Crown Candy Kitchen is a candy shop/soda fountain where they make their own candy and serve old fashioned "soda shoppe" food and ice cream treats. It's fun!
~Don't leave St. Louis without trying Ted Drewe's Frozen custard!
~Don't know where you live, but St. Louis Bread Co has the best bagels ever! It's also Panera Bread everywhere else, and you may have one close to you.
The riverboat McDonald's isn't there any more
Have a great time - St. Louis is awesome!
~I highly recommend the City Museum - it's an amazing place for kids and adults alike!
~In Kirkwood is the Magic House - it's an interactive children's museum that my kids used to love. Definitely worth visiting even though it's a bit pricey.
~Grant's Farm is a fun way to spend an afternoon - it's free, but you have to pay around $10 to park. I believe during the summer they're closed on Mondays.
~Don't miss the zoo - it's amazing and free! - and if you get there early enough you can park for free on the street. If you want to see the sea lion show or ride the train there are fees, but it's worth it to do both!
~The zoo is in Forest Park, and the park is another great way to spend an afternoon strolling around, feeding the ducks/geese and renting a canoe at the Boathouse. That's a great place to grab a meal - you can sit outside and watch the boaters/ducks while you eat.
~Also in Forest Park is the Muny - it's an outdoor theater where they put on musicals every summer. It's really fun if you're there when there's a play you're interested in seeing!
~Another great place to visit is Lone Elk Park. It's a huge drive-through park that houses elk and bison, and has a "lake" where you can feed the ducks/fish/turtles. It's a fun picnic place.
Some fun family restaurants are:
~Fitz's in University City - they brew their own root beer on site and it's just a fun place.
~Crown Candy Kitchen is a candy shop/soda fountain where they make their own candy and serve old fashioned "soda shoppe" food and ice cream treats. It's fun!
~Don't leave St. Louis without trying Ted Drewe's Frozen custard!
~Don't know where you live, but St. Louis Bread Co has the best bagels ever! It's also Panera Bread everywhere else, and you may have one close to you.
The riverboat McDonald's isn't there any more
Have a great time - St. Louis is awesome!
Apr 4th, 2009, 10:07 PM
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St. Louis Attractions
Magic House www.magichouse.org/ best attraction for little kids!
St. Louis Zoo http://www.stlzoo.org/ (most of it is free)
Transportation Museum transportmuseumassociation.org kids love this place
St. Louis Science Center www.slsc.org (most of it is free)
Forest Park Boat House www.boathouseforestpark.com - rent a paddle boat
Botanical Garden www.mobot.org children’s area is fantastic
City Museum www.citymuseum.org amazing but too much for very young kids
St. Louis Art Museum www.slam.org (most of it is free)
Missouri History Museum www.mohistory.org (most of it is free)
Grant’s Farm www.grantsfarm.com lots of animals to pet
Laumeier Sculpture Park www.laumeier.com (free)
Butterfly House www.butterflyhouse.org all kids love this!
Faust Park www.co.st-louis.mo.us/parks/Faust_home.html great carousel !
St. Louis Arch http://www.gatewayarch.com/Arch/info...at.ss.1hr.aspx
Becky Thatcher Riverboat cruise http://www.gatewayarch.com/Arch/info...at.ss.1hr.aspx
Eckerts Farms http://eckerts.com/ you can pick some fantastic fruit esp. peaches, apples & blackberries
Purina Farms http://www.purina.com/purina-farms/ (free - not always open)
Bob Kramer Marionnettes www.kramersmarionnettes.com pricey, but very cute
Municipal Waterparks - lots in the area; these are our favorites
http://www.desperesmo.org/index.aspx?NID=253
http://www.ballwin.mo.us/index.php?PageID=86
Baseball http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/index.jsp?c_id=stl www.rivercityrascals.com
Fishing http://www.greatriverroad.com/Cities...n/fishFair.htm great fun if you are in town - free
coupons
http://www.familyattractionscard.com...ionOffers.html
http://www.explorestlouis.com/magica...ttractions.asp
Magic House www.magichouse.org/ best attraction for little kids!
St. Louis Zoo http://www.stlzoo.org/ (most of it is free)
Transportation Museum transportmuseumassociation.org kids love this place
St. Louis Science Center www.slsc.org (most of it is free)
Forest Park Boat House www.boathouseforestpark.com - rent a paddle boat
Botanical Garden www.mobot.org children’s area is fantastic
City Museum www.citymuseum.org amazing but too much for very young kids
St. Louis Art Museum www.slam.org (most of it is free)
Missouri History Museum www.mohistory.org (most of it is free)
Grant’s Farm www.grantsfarm.com lots of animals to pet
Laumeier Sculpture Park www.laumeier.com (free)
Butterfly House www.butterflyhouse.org all kids love this!
Faust Park www.co.st-louis.mo.us/parks/Faust_home.html great carousel !
St. Louis Arch http://www.gatewayarch.com/Arch/info...at.ss.1hr.aspx
Becky Thatcher Riverboat cruise http://www.gatewayarch.com/Arch/info...at.ss.1hr.aspx
Eckerts Farms http://eckerts.com/ you can pick some fantastic fruit esp. peaches, apples & blackberries
Purina Farms http://www.purina.com/purina-farms/ (free - not always open)
Bob Kramer Marionnettes www.kramersmarionnettes.com pricey, but very cute
Municipal Waterparks - lots in the area; these are our favorites
http://www.desperesmo.org/index.aspx?NID=253
http://www.ballwin.mo.us/index.php?PageID=86
Baseball http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com/index.jsp?c_id=stl www.rivercityrascals.com
Fishing http://www.greatriverroad.com/Cities...n/fishFair.htm great fun if you are in town - free
coupons
http://www.familyattractionscard.com...ionOffers.html
http://www.explorestlouis.com/magica...ttractions.asp
Apr 5th, 2009, 01:59 PM
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My children loved going to the Spaghetti Factory at Laclede's Landing and being able to dine in the trolley.The food was typical chain Italian but the ecclectic interior made it a fun place to dine. Lacledes Landing also has handsome cab (carriage) rides. If you don't have access to a subway or elevated train system, ride the light rail. I second eating at St. Louis Bread, and the "Hill", and going to Grants Farm. Our last trip to Six Flags was a disappointment. The park seemded to have seen better days. Has it improved?
Apr 6th, 2009, 05:55 AM
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First, when are you coming and will you have a car?
I think Six Flags would be too much for 2 & 4 year olds. Except if it's incredibly hot and you want to be wet at the Hurricane Harbor. And I think I read that Six Flags may be going chapter 11, so it would be good to check before you go. I think it opened for weekends last weekend. Of course it is weirdly snowing today (it's Cards opening day!!) and once again, St. Louis weather is a surprise.
No one has answered your hotel question yet and I always have trouble with hotel questions since I live here and rarely use hotels. It will really depend on your budget, your planned activities and if you have a car with you. If you come back with more info about your budget requirements, I'll see if I can come up with some ideas. My first suggestion would be to check out hotels in Clayton.
Please be aware that a section of our major highway--I64/Highway 40--- is closed from I170 to Kingshighway. It is not due to reopen until Jan. 2010. You should easily be able to find the section on any St. Louis map. It would really only affect trips to the ballpark, the Arch or Laclede's Landing (which I DO NOT recommend for such young children). And St. Louisans refer to it as Highway 40, everyone else calls it I64. Signs really do say both designations, so if you know it has two names, you really won't be confused.
jmcdo gave you a great list of activities. The Magic House would be better for your young children than the City Museum.
Butterfly House is in Faust Park, you can do the carousel and Butterflies in the same day. If you really want to see Clydesdales I think Grant's Farm is the better place for your young children than the brewery. The brewery tour has a lot of stairs and walking. It would be tricky to bring a stroller and hard for little feet to walk that far.
I think Six Flags would be too much for 2 & 4 year olds. Except if it's incredibly hot and you want to be wet at the Hurricane Harbor. And I think I read that Six Flags may be going chapter 11, so it would be good to check before you go. I think it opened for weekends last weekend. Of course it is weirdly snowing today (it's Cards opening day!!) and once again, St. Louis weather is a surprise.
No one has answered your hotel question yet and I always have trouble with hotel questions since I live here and rarely use hotels. It will really depend on your budget, your planned activities and if you have a car with you. If you come back with more info about your budget requirements, I'll see if I can come up with some ideas. My first suggestion would be to check out hotels in Clayton.
Please be aware that a section of our major highway--I64/Highway 40--- is closed from I170 to Kingshighway. It is not due to reopen until Jan. 2010. You should easily be able to find the section on any St. Louis map. It would really only affect trips to the ballpark, the Arch or Laclede's Landing (which I DO NOT recommend for such young children). And St. Louisans refer to it as Highway 40, everyone else calls it I64. Signs really do say both designations, so if you know it has two names, you really won't be confused.
jmcdo gave you a great list of activities. The Magic House would be better for your young children than the City Museum.
Butterfly House is in Faust Park, you can do the carousel and Butterflies in the same day. If you really want to see Clydesdales I think Grant's Farm is the better place for your young children than the brewery. The brewery tour has a lot of stairs and walking. It would be tricky to bring a stroller and hard for little feet to walk that far.
Apr 7th, 2009, 11:18 AM
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I agree with Liz5959 regarding Laclede's Landing. Maybe during the day you could take the kids, but I wouldn't go there with children at night. Doesn't really have a family atmosphere...lots of bars, clubs, etc.
She also gave you good advice regarding I64.
She also gave you good advice regarding I64.
Apr 7th, 2009, 11:30 AM
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I live in St. Louis as well and it's a great family friendly city to visit. I would highly recommend you rent a car b/c our public transportation is sporadic and not very convenient to use, especially with small children. You got some great links to all of the activities around town.
For the best frozen custard in town and a definite St. Louis summer tradition, visit Ted Drewes on Chippewa (Route 66). You'll be glad you did!
For the best frozen custard in town and a definite St. Louis summer tradition, visit Ted Drewes on Chippewa (Route 66). You'll be glad you did!
Apr 12th, 2009, 10:42 AM
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We enjoyed staying at the Hampton Inn downtown. The double rooms have queen beds and a mini fridge. There is a continental breakfast that is like most but did offer hot items, cereal, danishes, fruit, etc.. This property also has an indoor pool. If you stay downtown there is a fee to park. If you're looking for a little more upscale, the Hilton at the Ballpark is nice.
