Nothing sounds better than escaping the walls of our home right now, does it? One of the Grove family’s favorite getaways is St. Louis, MO! It’s a simple 5-hour drive from West Lafayette with so much fun to be had upon arrival. Our entire family loves it.
City Museum
The City Museum is NUTS! In 1997, someone converted a 10-story, 600,000 sq. ft. shoe warehouse into a wacky mix of playground meets funhouse, with found and repurposed objects.
There are slides, ladders, and tunnels, and endless places and spaces to explore. Oh, and there are no maps. (So make sure that you don’t get lost or separated, or be sure to have a meeting time and place!) Kids and adults of all ages will definitely find something to do here—there’s just no shortage of oddities.
I’d suggest shoes and socks and carrying nothing with you. Don’t miss the rooftop! It costs a little extra, but it’s SO worth climbing on to a bus that’s hanging off the roof or enjoying a rooftop Ferris wheel! Be sure to write your best contact number on your child’s arm in permanent marker. I’m not kidding. If you lose them, they’re tough to find in this place.
Gateway Arch National Park
The Gateway Arch National Park is an iconic piece of American history that should not be missed! Often called the gateway to the West, it’s a memorial to Thomas Jefferson’s role in reopening the West, to all of the pioneers who shaped the history of the West, and to Dred Scott who sued for his freedom in the Old Courthouse.
Our kids absolutely loved climbing into the tiny tram capsule and riding to the top of the arch to look out the windows. Amazingly, the video about how the arch was built kept their attention! Getting another stamp in their National Parks passport book was also super fun!
St. Louis Zoo
The St. Louis Zoo is now open again, but reservations are required to limit crowding. The very best part of this zoo, my friends, is that it is FREE. It’s one of the few free zoos in the nation.
And boy, is this zoo a good one. It’s home to over 13,000 animals, and that includes 555 species. It’s also internationally recognized for all of its innovate approaches when it comes to animal care and management, research, education, and wildlife conservation. You don’t want to miss this one!
The Magic House Children’s Museum
The Magic House Children’s Museum is a really fun stop. It has hundreds of interactive exhibits that will spark children’s imaginations and help them continue to love to learn. The exhibits help children enjoy hands-on educational experiences and promote critical thinking and creativity.
You can currently book some afternoon visits for just $3.00 on the website. Families can also bring their own food to the outdoor garden pavilion or leave for dining and come back in with their admission stickers.
National Blues Museum
If you’re a museum junkie, you may want to visit the National Blues Museum. Blues music had a heavy influence on St. Louis, and the museum will appeal to the diehard fan but also to more casual fans of the music.
Go through the process of creating a song, check out memorabilia and artifacts from blues legends, and even enjoy live music in the evenings.
Schlafly Tap Room
We always enjoy checking out local breweries, and Schlafly did not disappoint! They began hand-brewing authentic beers in 1991 and remain a locally owned independent craft brewery! The beer was cold, and the food was hot. And, the kids’ menu was on-point!
If you’re not sure what to try, try a burger or a Ruben sandwich. If you want a healthier option, the beet salad is tasty, and the entire family will enjoy the beer bread.
Do you have any St. Louis favorites? If so, please leave me a comment so we can check it out on our next visit!
Leave a Reply