My husband and I and two daughters, ages 15 and 13, will be in St. Louis for 3 days in October. I am not familiar with the city so would love advice on the best areas to stay, things to do with young teens, good places to eat, etc.

We will have a car and don't mind driving to see things. One night we will be attending a show at the Scottrade Center but don't feel that it is necessary to stay near there unless it's in a good area.

Our girls like doing all kinds of things – they enjoy museums and educational activities but shopping would also be near the top of the list.

We all like a variety of foods and love to try new restaurants – local things – not really interested in national chains.

Thanks for any suggestions.

At least one trip to Ted Drewes is essential, it is such a trip into the 50's! People sitting on hoods of cars, whole families out together, loving their concretes. Wish I could be there tonight!

The Zoo is exceptional and the Botantical Gardens rate a visit. Forest Park is marvelous. Definitely go up in the Arch, touristy and wonderful. Have a great time in one of America's best cities.

Consider the Chase Park Plaza in the Central West End. They have two-bedroom suites and are across the street from Forest Park. There's also an interesting museum - the name absolutely escapes me now - that's across from the park but not in it, and another museum in the park. Central West End has lots of funky shopping (though I'm not sure about things teens would enjoy) and great restaurants.

Grant's Farm would also be a fun place for you and your children. There are TONS of other things to do in St. Louis but these are the first that come to mind for me. My son used to live there but we haven't been in years.

I would recommend Union Station for shopping, The Arch, Forest Park and they have a great art museums there, Anheiser Busch Brewery, the zoo.
You might want to think about a side trip to Hannible, Mo (home of Tom Sawyer), old Courthouse in downtown St. Louis, Six Flags Magic Mountain west of St. Louis.
Some of these suggestions you might find helpful and fit your interests, others not ... but all are just suggestions so you can pick and choose. Have fun!

My first question is... where are you from? My daughter and I, were very surprised by how small the city is and although we enjoyed it, would definately had planned better to take advantage of what there is to do. I couldn't believe it when we actually over shot our hotel by about 10 blocks and were out of the city completely! I'm glad you are doing your research. It was a lovely city, just very small. PS. The arch is hot and small! The riverwalk area was beautiful.