Planning a family trip to St. Louis? This city is an absolute gem for parents traveling with kids of varying ages. I was recently asked to give recommendations for a family with two children (ages 3 and 9) who would be spending five days exploring the "Gateway City". I've put together the perfect mix of high-energy outdoor action and interactive indoor places—all fueled by some truly incredible local coffee and food.
St. Louis is famous for its world-class (and often free!) attractions, making it a fantastic, budget-friendly destination. We’ve structured this itinerary to balance activity levels and keep both a preschooler and an elementary-aged child fully entertained.
Here an ultimate 5-day St. Louis family itinerary from a native St. Louis mom!
Day 1:
Coffee:
Omen Coffee has really great coffee and the pastries are also good. I got the strawberry pop-tart and loved it! This is a great choice for a lighter breakfast.
Latte Lounge has a coffee flight and amazing waffles if you're looking something more filling!
The Morning: Gateway Arch National Park
Let's start off strong with the tallest monument in the United States, and also the smallest National Park, the Gateway Arch National Park. The surrounding park is beautiful for running around, and the Museum at the Gateway Arch (located entirely underground) is incredibly interactive and engaging for all ages. While the museum is free, to ride the tram it's about $20 per adult and $15 for kids!
You must try a Po' Boy from Blue City Deli or the Hot Salami sandwich at Gioia's Deli. It’s been a St. Louis staple on "The Hill" (the historic Italian neighborhood) since 1918, and it’s famous for a reason.
The Afternoon: Saint Louis Zoo (and Animals Aglow!)
The Saint Louis Zoo is consistently ranked as one of the best in the country, and remarkably, admission is free! Currently, "Animals Aglow," a seasonal event that transforms the zoo at night with stunning lanterns is happening and it's absolutely gorgeous! For dinner, I recommend eating at the zoo for their special Animal Aglow. The Korean Corn Dog and Bao Pork Buns are both great options, but there's so many options to chose from.Day 2
Coffee: Sump Coffee
This place is massive. The Saint Louis Science Center features over 700 interactive exhibits. Our 9-year-old loved the Makerspace, while the 3-year-old was captivated by the dinosaurs. Don't miss the bridge that spans the highway (you can watch the traffic pass beneath your feet!).
The Lunch
Our family loves a good burger and your right by two amazing options - Mac's Local Eats and Hi-Pointe. Both places are casual restaurants with great food!
The Afternoon: Missouri Botanical Garden
For a slower afternoon, and the Missouri Botanical Garden was the ideal spot. It is breathtakingly beautiful. For the kids, the Doris I. Schnuck Children's Garden is a must! We love climbing the steamboat and exploring the prairie village.
Dinner: Idol Wolf at 21c Hotel
This is such a fun Spanish restaurant! We've tried the jamon croquettas, patatas bravas, gambas al ajillo and the seafood paella. All of them were amazing! 21c Hotel is also is a really cool contemporary art museum!
The Morning: The Magic House
The Magic House, St. Louis Children’s Museum is one of the top children's museums in the entire country. It’s located in a sprawling Victorian mansion, with room after room of incredible hands-on exhibits.
The Magic House, St. Louis Children’s Museum is one of the top children's museums in the entire country. It’s located in a sprawling Victorian mansion, with room after room of incredible hands-on exhibits.
Lunch: Twisted Ranch or Hi-Pointe
For dinner, Twisted Ranch, where everything on the menu, from burgers to fries to drinks, is based on their signature ranch flavors. Hi-Pointe is another one of our favorite burger places and they have a location in Kirkwood, too!
For dinner, Twisted Ranch, where everything on the menu, from burgers to fries to drinks, is based on their signature ranch flavors. Hi-Pointe is another one of our favorite burger places and they have a location in Kirkwood, too!
Evening: Union Station
For a late night adventure, every hour on the hour, from 5- 10 pm, the Union Station Lobby has an amazing light show! The Soda Fountain has really fun "freak shakes" if you're looking for a fun evening dessert.
Day 4
The Morning: Grant’s FarmThis is a truly unique St. Louis experience. Grant’s Farm is a preserve that is home to over 900 animals. We loved feeding the goats, riding the antique carousel, and seeing the massive Budweiser Clydesdales in their historic stables.
Dinner: Yellowbelly
For dinner, we wanted something that felt like a vacation. Yellowbelly in the Central West End offers a sophisticated "island" vibe. It's light, airy, and has fantastic seafood (and mocktails) that made us forget we were in the Midwest.
Day 5
We had breakfast at Kingside Diner in the Central West End. The diner has a cool chess theme and great traditional diner fare!
The Afternoon: Missouri History Museum
We made one last stop in Forest Park at the Missouri History Museum. The museum is free, and the "History Clubhouse" is an interactive space designed specifically for families. Our kids loved learning about the 1904 World’s Fair.
Lunch: Corner 17
For our final St. Louis meal, we went to Corner 17 in the Delmar Loop. It’s famous for bubble tea and incredible Chinese food. The best part? There is a window where you can watch the chefs pulling noodles by hand! It's sooo cool!
Evening: The Loop
There's so many fun things to do on the Delmar Loop! We loved Magic Mini Golf and PinUp Bowl for some smaller, more St. Louis themed fun!