After being cooped up all winter, it’s great to spend some time outside. You and the kids will have a great time – and you might even be one of the lucky moms who gets to enjoy an afternoon nap after wearing out your kids all day. | Outdoor Activities | 
701 North 15th Street, St. Louis, MO 63103
Driving Directions Get ready for a huge adventure! MonstroCity is an outdoor scultpture exhibit suspended above the parking lot. It feels like a huge jungle gym for kids, but adults will want to play along, too. This museum has 4 stories of sculpted "playgrounds" for all ages. There is a toddler room, an art room, an aquarium, a human skate park, a glass studio, a circus, caves, slides, tunnels . . . the list goes on and on. Although there are elevators, this did not make the stroller-friendly list, since your kids will be going where strollers can't fit. MOM tip: Bring flashlights to navigate the tunnels and caves, but don't bring much else - you'll have to drag it around as you chase the kids. Wear long pants and tennis shoes, since you may be crawling around a lot! |    Visitor's Center 5595 Grand Dr., St. Louis, Mo. 63112
Driving Directions
Forest Park covers more than 1300 acres - about 500 acres larger than Central Park in New York. It is home to the Saint Louis Zoo, Art Museum, Science Center, the Missouri History Museum, the MUNY, and the Jewel Box. The Boat House has a restaurant as well as a dock to rent paddle boats. Two 7.5 mile paths for walking, running, biking and rollerblading circle Forest Park, one soft surface and one paved. There is also a great new 1/2 acre playground next to the visitor's center, and it's accessible to all children. MOM tip: The playground has very little shade, so have sunscreen/hats on hand. There are plenty of shady picnic tables near the playground.
| 10501 Gravois Rd., St. Louis, MO, 63123 Driving Directions According to the U.S. Family Travel Guide Zagat Survey®, Grant’s Farm is the seventh- best family attraction in the nation. The land was originally founded and farmed by Ulysses S. Grant, and today it is run by Anheuser-Busch, Inc. After entering the property, you ride a tram through the wildlife preserve for an up-close look at the animals. There are more than 1,000 of them, representing more than 100 different species from six continents. You can also see animal shows, hand-feed some goats – and don’t miss the world-famous Clydesdales! Food and refreshments are available for purchase throughout the park, and complimentary Anheuser-Busch Hospitality (yes, that means beer) is offered in the Bauernhof area.
MOM tip: While admission is free, parking is $8. If you plan to visit often, you can pick up a season parking pass for $30. | Here is a link to a Web site written by cycling and running enthusiasts with maps and information about Grant's Trail. It's a flat, paved trail, and it's great for jogging strollers or family bike rides. Check the Web site for mileage and parking information, and even attractions along the way. MOM tip: The trail crosses several busy streets, so be sure to stick together. | 110 W Argonne, Kirkwood, MO 63122
Driving Directions Head to downtown Kirkwood after dinner, and park near the Amtrak station. The kids will love to wait by the tracks for an evening freight train to rumble through. The Custard Station is nearby, and they have great soft-serve frozen custard. You'll probably see some of Kirkwood's station volunteers near the tracks - there are no longer any agents at the station, so volunteers keep things rolling. MOM tip: This is a popular family "hangout" on Sunday evenings. | 12580 Rott Road, St. Louis, MO 63127
Driving Directions A 98-acre open-air park with over 80 outdoor, contemporary sculptures. Some of the trails are paved, but many of the sculptures are off the path in the grass. Art Camp and classes are available for kids over 4.
MOM tip: Put lots of sunscreen on the kids and wear walking shoes. |
4344 Shaw Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63110
Driving Directions
This is a perfect place to take the whole family in the Summer. If you go on a hot day, bring towels and let the kids run through the fountains in the Children's Garden. Bring your stroller and snacks, and stay all morning.
MOM tip: Garden admission is free Wednesday and Saturday mornings before noon for St. Louis city and county residents. (Admission to the Children's Garden is extra.) | 2967 Barrett Station Road, St. Louis, MO 63122
Driving Directions The Museum of Transport has one of the largest collections of transportation vehicles in the world, including over seventy real locomotives. Kids will learn about the history of rail power, and they'll love climbing in and around the trains. Guided tours are available, or your kids can lead the way to their favorites. Strollers are not a problem - the rail yard is paved. A new 24 inch scale replica of a steam locomotive was recently added - you can ride the 1 mile loop with your kids for a fee. The Creation Station is in a new building behind the welcome center. It's an indoor play area for kids under 5. The room is large enough for kids to spread out, but parents can easily keep an eye on everyone. Check the Web site for "boarding times" and prices. MOM tip: Use your Family Attraction card for discounted admission. The Creation Station is indoors, but the trains are outdoors. |
11715 Cragwold Road, Kirkwood, MO, 63122-7015
Driving Directions Take your kids on one of the outdoor, paved trails for a “bear hunt.” (Don’t worry, you’re far more likely to find deer, squirrels and birds.) There are lots of benches along the way for snack breaks, and it’s nice and shaded. New indoor exhibits will open May 12.
MOM tip: Bring lots of water to drink on the trails! If you have a stroller or wheelchair, be sure to pick the flat trail to the left of the Welcome Center. | One Government Drive, St. Louis, MO 63110
Driving Directions Admission to the Zoo is free, although there are fees for some attractions. Saint Louis Zoo is located in Forest Park, and free parking is available on the street –especially for early birds. Giant misting machines are set up on hot, hot days throughout the zoo, and "geysers" will cool the kids off in the Children's Zoo.
MOM tip: Admission to the Children's zoo is free each morning for the first hour. |
Driving Directions: Take I-44 to Highway 109 (Exit 264). Go North three miles to Old State Road. Turn right and go about 200 ft. on Old State Road. Then turn right again onto Washington/Grand avenues. Proceed about three blocks to the train station. Take a 30 minute ride along the Meramec River aboard a 12 inch gauge small scale steam train. The train runs every Sunday from May through October. The ride is in open, wooden-benched train cars pulled by a steam engine. MOM tip: Bring a blanket and a picnic lunch - all that fresh air will leave your little ones hungry. You'll find a soda machine and restrooms near the station. |
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