I lived in St. Louis for three years of my life, while attending college at St. Louis University, also known as SLU. While, I don’t get to visit as much as I would like now, I’ve always loved what the city has to offer. In lieu of me missing this great city and my five year college reunion coming up this fall, I put together 15 things to do, if you are visiting St. Louis (or if you live there and need to get out of the house one day!).
Forest Park
Forest Park was always my favorite. Everything to do in the park is free, and there is a ton to do. All through the park is trails, sports fields, such as soccer and rugby fields, beautiful fountains, and even paddle-boating.
Here are some facilities within Forest Park that are FREE:
Saint Louis Zoo
The Saint Louis Zoo is one of my absolutely favorite free activities in Forest Park. The Saint Louis Zoo is by far the best zoo I’ve ever been to, and is massive. I have always been amazed that there are so many animals, for a free zoo. If you visit, I highly recommend the penguin exhibit!
The Muny
The Muny is a large outdoor musical theatre with 1,500 free seats. They have shows such as Annie, The Little Mermaid, and Jersey Boys. The shows only take place in the summer, and the free seats are on a first come, first serve basis, so the earlier you get there, the better, because it does fill up fast!
Saint Louis Science Center
The Saint Louis Science Center is fun for all ages, but especially fun for children. Use a radar to see how fast cars are going on I-64, see huge life-size dinosaurs, and watch the stars align in the planetarium. Everything is indoor, so on a hot summer day, the science center is perfect to get out of the humidity!
Saint Louis Art Museum
While the Mona Lisa may not be in the Art Museum, there is a lot of beautiful art to check out, and it’s not limited to paintings. There are drawings, sculptures, and photographs from all different era’s and works from artists of varying ethnicities.
The Missouri History Museum
The Missouri History Museum has learning exhibits for all ages. The museum has actual artifacts, as well as the information behind the artifacts. I’m not the biggest history buff, but there’s a lot of neat information. It’s a great stop, and definitely something to take your children to.
Hanging out in Forest Park isn’t all you can do in St. Louis for free. Here are more free activities outside of Forest Park:
Anheuser-Busch Brewery
My friend came out to visit, and we were absolutely broke. Obviously, I wanted to show her around the best city ever, so I took her to Anheuser-Busch. Now, we paid $5 to do a brewery tour, and beer school, but they also offer free tours every day of the week! The $5 was totally worth it. If you want to check out the brewery without beer school, it’s worth it, too. Also, did you know that Anheuser has their own Clydesdales? You can see them right outside the brewery!
Grant’s Farm
Another attraction, courtesy of Anheuser-Busch is Grant’s Farm. Entrance, tram rides and all the shows are free. Now, the term “farm” may be a little misleading, because it’s somewhat like a zoo with all the exotic animals. Yes, Grant’s Farm has Zebras, Antelopes and Bison, among other animals.
Saint Louis Arch
The obvious St. Louis staple, is a must-visit. Seeing the outside of the arch or picnicking underneath is absolutely free, and does have wonderful views of downtown St. Louis. You also get great views of the Mississippi River. However, if you do want the full experience, you have to pay an admission fee to ride the tram to the top.
Purina Farms
Purina Farms is more of a farm with animals, like pigs. But, being Purina, they also have lots of dogs and cats, as well! Admission is always free, and they have entertainment, such as dog shows, and cat shows!
The Cathedral Basilica
Castlewood State Park
Castlewood State Park isn’t technically in St. Louis, it’s actually in the outskirts, in Ballwin, Missouri. This is where you find Missouri “mountains”, which are more of hills to someone like me, who is from California. Nonetheless, it’s fun to go hiking, and see the beautiful views.
St. Louis Children’s Museum
Also known as “The Magic House” has free admission on Emerson Family Nights every third Friday of the month. Admission is free for up to two adults and four children per group. Active-duty military, and their families receive free admission. Also, foster families get free admission into the Children’s Museum. How awesome is that?!
Schlafly Bottleworks
Every Friday Schlafly has free beer school, where you get to learn the history of Schlafly Beer, the brewing process, and get to try Schlafly beer.
Ballpark Village
Ballpark Village is fairly new, but is typically free to get into (unless there is an event). It’s a couple stories tall with multiple bars and restaurants throughout the building. No matter if you are on the first floor or second, you can watch hockey, baseball or football games on the large screen, for free. If you want to go out on the deck for a Cardinals game, you do have to pay admission, and if you choose to eat, drink or play, you have to pay. It’s a cool experience, and definitely worth walking in to see!
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