Kristinesonja

We'll be in St Louis in April for a competition at the Americas Center Convention Complex and staying at the HILTON at the Ballpark. The team is made up of mostly 12 yr old boys.

We have plans to fit in some sightseeing including a tour at the Arch and tickets to a ballgame. We are also considering a drive to Meramec Caverns.

We are a group of 18 including parents and will have rental vans. I'm looking for additional suggestions for activities close by and also casual dining in and around the area.

Thank you for your input.

Kristine

spirobulldog

Crown's Candy Kitchen

Breakfast at Missourie Bakery

BBQ at Pappy's, Ropers, or Bogarts

Ackislander

Is the National Transportation Museum still there?

When I was there XX years ago, it was a big collection of trains and vehicles, all outdoors with plenty of room to run and neat stuff to climb on, but I haven't heard anything in a while.

It would have been perfect for my Webelos group.

abram

Oh, I'm so sorry you're staying at that hotel. We spent a weekend there for a wedding and the experience was a disaster. be sure to allow yourself LOTS of extra time, as the elevators are terribly slow and often full.

The Museum under the Arch is excellent. The City Museum and the St Louis Science Center were recommended to us. Does Busch Stadium offer tours?

Kristinesonja

Abram, thanks for the tip. We have a competition schedule to keep so your tip is helpful.

Personally, I'm especially excited about the Arch group tour we have booked.

Our competition includes the Friday night ball game tics. The tour idea is a good one. Thanks.

Kristine

Bitter

City Museum. Nothing else compares. (It isn't a museum about the city).

wtm003

The City Museum should be a big hit for 12 year old boys if they like climbing structures, slides and tunnels. That may sound like a description of Chuck E Cheese but it is far from it. Google images for City Museum to get an idea, as there website IMO isn't great. My then 14 year old went a couple of years ago and LOVED it.

My teens & I found the Science Center kind of boring.

Stop at Ted Drewes for frozen custard.

PeaceOut

Walk down to Laclede's Landing for a glimpse of the old St Louis riverfront. There are shops there for cheap souveniers, and restaurants for hamburgers, pizza, etc.

PeaceOut

If the Hilton is bad, and you have options, the Drury Inn downtown is very nice. It's in a cool historic building, has a wonderful breakfast and snack/cocktail hour included.

Kristinesonja

Ted Drewes is on our list too! Thanks.

More dining suggestions? Casual/walk in/family.

THANK YOU

musicfan

A restaurant suggestion:

http://www.fitzsrootbeer.com/index.php

spirobulldog

Can't believe I left out Drewes Custard.

Bitter

How is Laclede's Landing doing? Over the last 20 years, on visits every 5 years or so, I saw it go from an entertainment district, with lots of bars and some restaurants, but then many of those seemed to disappear. Visited a year or so back and it seemed to maybe be coming alive a bit with the casino. However, that also seemed to attract loitering and panhandling at night.

annesherrod

I would skip Lacedes Landing - it has become not the most safest place.

I agree about the City Museum - they will love it and it is very close!

The Museum of transport is still open!

Depending on your time, maybe Six Flags? It is about 40 min West.

Meramec Caverns is a great idea!! They will love it - there is a great BBQ on the way called Super Smokers in Eureka!

Forest Park Zoo is a must do!! There are many things to do in Forest Park - rent paddle boats at eh Boat HOuse , have lunch at the Boat house too.

Have fun!!

PeaceOut

That's too bad if Laclede's Landing has gone downhill.

Grant's Farm? Is it still open?

The Central West End is close to downtown, and has restaurants and shops. A good one is Duff's restaurant. http://duffsrestaurant.com/wordpress/

A bit further is the "loop" area, by Washington University. The college kids go to this area, so it has funky shops and restaurants. It's fun for kids. Blueberry Hill has great burgers, and history. Chuck Berry still performs there once in awhile.

CharlotteK

If you have time and cars, go to Cahokia Mounds, just over the river in Illinois. The largest city north of Mexico in the 13th Century--larger than London at the time!

I haven't been and am longing to go. I think kids would love it. We visited Indian mounds in Georgia when I was growing up and they were fascinating.

http://www.cahokiamounds.org/

annesherrod

I forgot about Grants Farm!!! It is still open!! It is free!

There is a tram ride through the park where you can see Buffalo up close. There are elephant shows, bird shows, etc..

We love it there - not far from downtown.

http://www.grantsfarm.com/

PeaceOut

Oh, I am glad to hear that.
Definitely go and find a petition to sign, that the new owners of Busch will not close down Grant's Farm or get rid of the Clydesdales. (idiots)

Bitter

I'd second Caholia Mounds for an educational and somewhat off the beaten trail visit (though really close to downtown STL. Best if done on a nice day so you can hike up and around the mounds.

annesherrod

PeaceOut - I beleive the Busch Family still owns Grants farm because theri ancesterol (sp) home is on the grounds. I dont think it was part of the Inbev deal.

The Clydesdale farm nearby may be owned by Inbev though.