Activities

Take a 630-foot ride to the top of this world-famous stainless steel monument for the finest view in the Gateway City. Then stop by the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial to get a glimpse of where Lewis and Clark set out on their historic expedition! Visitors can also hop aboard a 19 th century paddle-wheel boat replica for a narrated cruise down the mighty Mississippi.

Gateway Arch

www.gatewayarch.com

11. N. Fourth St.
St. Louis , MO 63102

Hours:
Open daily except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. Winter hours: 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Summer hours: 8 a.m.-10 p.m. Phone: (314) 982-1410
Toll-Free: (877) 982-1410 FREE
Public Email: info@gatewayarch.com

Standing 630 feet tall, the Gateway Arch, our nation's tallest man-made monument, anchors the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial and stands as the iconic monument symbolizing the westward expansion of the United States. Get your tickets from the Gateway Arch ticket center now located inside of the Old Courthouse. The Gateway Arch experience includes the Journey to the Top of the Gateway Arch, Monument to the Dream - an award-winning documentary about the construction of the Gateway Arch, the Old Courthouse featuring new exhibits in three galleries with artifacts relocated from the Museum of Westward Expansion which is now closed, and the Gateway Arch Riverboats. Open daily except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. Winter hours: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m., Summer hours: 8 a.m. - 10 p.m. Limited accessibility. Tickets required for entry. Advance ticket purchase highly recommended.

The Magic House, St. Louis Children's Museum

516 S. Kirkwood Rd.
St. Louis , MO 63122

www.magichouse.org

Phone: (314) 822-8900
Public Email: info@magichouse.org

Nationally acclaimed children's museum offers hundreds of hands-on educational exhibits for kids from one to 101. Explore the Children's Village, Star-Spangled Center, Jack and the Beanstalk Climber and more. Admission $10. Free parking.

Immerse in the culture of Forest Park

Bounded by I-64, Kingshighway, Lindell and Skinker
St. Louis , MO 63110

www.stlouis-mo.gov/citygov/parks/forestpark

Hours:
6 a.m.-10 p.m. daily. Phone: (314) 289-5300

One of the largest urban parks in the United States. At 1,371 acres, it is approximately 500 acres larger than Central Park in New York City. In 1904, the Louisiana Purchase Exposition, the greatest of the World's Fairs, drew more than 19 million visitors from around the world. Home to the Art Museum, Science Center, Zoo, Jewel Box greenhouse, History Museum, The Muny theatre, 7.5-mile biking, jogging and skating path, skating rink and lakes. FREE

Experience art in the fresh air

Enjoy a fusion of sculpture and landscape architecture at Citygarden, an urban oasis featuring works of modern and contemporary art, native plants, six rain gardens and a café overlooking the beautiful scene. Or discover the stunning Laumeier Sculpture Park with over 70 outdoor sculptures, a music amphitheater for special events and a traveling series of exhibitions. Chesterfield boasts an impressive collection of outdoor art including the recently added sculpture “The Awakening,” a 70-foot statue of a giant embedded in the earth.

Have an animal encounter

Go on a private expedition through Grant's Farm for an up-close and personal feeding experience with buffalo and goats. Stop by and visit the majestic Budweiser Clydesdales and take a ride on the Grant's Farm carousel. Or explore the family-friendly Purina Farms where you can get up close and personal with barnyard animals and everyday pets like dogs and cats. See exciting performances by rescued dogs and attend special dog-friendly events open to all dogs and their owners.

The City Museum

Explore the City Museum's unique all-ages playground filled with caves, slides and climbing apparatus made from recycled and found objects. Visitors can interact with over 10,000 sea creatures in the World Aquarium, venture through the Museum of Mirth, Mystery and Mayhem and wander through the Elmslie and Sullivan architectural exhibit. Stop in for circus-themed food, parties and educational circus classes and workshops held daily. Create your own masterpiece in Art City, take notes with the world's largest pencil and enjoy the view while grabbing a bite at The Roof Top Cantina.

outdoor adventure

Take a two-wheel excursion through the Gateway City on one of our many biking trails (contact TrailNet for maps). Set up camp at one of Missouri's beautiful state parks and choose from a variety of al fresco activities ranging from fishing and hiking to swimming, horseback riding and much more! Journey underground and discover buried treasure at Meramec Caverns or stay the night at a comfy bed and breakfast in famous Missouri wine country while sampling some of the regions finest varietals.

Missouri Botanical Garden

Explore 79 acres of lush gardens, landscape architecture, greenhouses and conservatories at the oldest Botanical Garden in the United States. Wander through collections of botanical and horticultural plants among beautiful fountains and statuary. Visit the Climatron for a real rainforest experience featuring magnificent waterfalls, tropical birds and exotic plants like bananas, cacao, coffee trees and orchids. Other points of interest include the serene Japanese garden and the interactive and educational Children's Garden.

St. Louis Fair and Festivals

In February you can join a Mardi Gras celebration second only to New Orleans, and May brings the Rib America Festival and delicious BBQ to town. Summer visitors can get patriotic at Fair St. Louis, which features fireworks, air shows and free live concerts. If you're visiting in the fall, attend the International Film Festival and see some of the world's most innovative and cutting-edge features at each of St. Louis' independent landmark theaters. Fall guests can also attend the St. Louis Art Fair and celebrate German culture with authentic food and live music at Soulard Oktoberfest. Before your visit, check out a full list of the city's annual events.

Walk down the Delmar Loop

Make a day of it at the Delmar Loop . This six-block entertainment and shopping district is packed with hip bars, eclectic restaurants, live music venues, vintage clothing boutiques and a Hollywood-inspired walk of fame featuring St. Louis celebrities. Catch a show at the historic Tivoli Theatre or learn about our solar system along the outdoor Planet Walk exhibit . Shop for quirky gifts or souvenirs and grab a bite to eat at one of the dozens of restaurants and outdoor cafés, from Turkish and Thai delights to Mexican and American classics.