The Best Things to Do in St. Louis with Toddlers

If you want a toddler-friendly destination, St. Louis is your answer. There are so many exciting things to do in St. Louis with toddlers, and many are FREE.

From STEM play to award-winning museums, a world-class zoo, indoor and outdoor playgrounds, a botanical garden, animal encounters, iconic frozen treats, and more – with over 20 places to visit, this list of the best things to do in St. Louis with toddlers will more than fill your itinerary.

My guide includes indoor play areas, museums, animal encounters, outdoor adventures, and places to grab a sweet treat. As a wife to a St. Louis native, I hope you enjoy your time in the Gateway City.

The Best Things to Do in St. Louis with Toddlers: Indoor Play and Museums

One of the best ways for children to learn is through play. Now more than ever, cities have more inclusive museums and indoor play areas for kids, and St. Louis is one of them. St. Louis is brimming with a variety of museums, and each one has dedicated spaces for toddlers. As a mom of 3 kids under 3, I appreciate this more than most.

There are several fun things to do in St. Louis with Toddlers for indoor play and education. Toddlers can learn about science, climb on epic fort structures, use their imagination to work in a town square, play with train tables, and more.

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City Museum – Toddler Town

The City Museum is the ULTIMATE playground! The museum is an exhibit of repurposed architectural and industrial objects to create an epic playground. It consists of four floors and a rooftop that offers endless entertainment for everyone as young as toddlers to as old and wise as adults.

Parents, you will enter the museum and feel like all your childhood dreams have come true. Luckily, the City Museum allows you to enjoy those childhood dreams as you explore every nook and cranny with your kid(s).

If you have adventurous little ones, this is one of the best things to do in St. Louis with toddlers. With that said, it can also be nerve-racking. The best place to take toddlers is the Toddler Town on the third floor. It is a smaller version of slides and climbing fort structures with an awesome ball pit and a mini rope trampoline.

Based on my personal experience, here are a few things I recommend. Bring knee pads (or rent them at the gift shop). These kneepads can be helpful for kids, but really it’s for adults to keep up with kids. Put your child in bright, colorful clothes so you can easily spot them in this crazy but wonderful museum. Lastly, a tracking system like Airtags would be a good idea because you can quickly lose sight of your child going through the tunnel systems.

Best for 3 years old – adulthood

Frisco Train & Toy Store

Calling all train-loving toddlers! One of the best and FREE things to do in St. Louis with toddlers is a trip to the Frisco Train & Toy Store.

The Frisco Train & Toy Store is a small, local business with the largest selection of wooden trains and accessories in the St. Louis area. It is also a place for kids to play with one of the many train tables. What better way to test out a toy than at the toy store? There is a huge 16-foot multi-level train table, a Hape ride-on train table, and other fun train demo tables for kids to enjoy.

You can find everything you need to complete your train set as they carry Thomas & Friends, Brio, BigJigs, Melissa and Doug, Hape, Maple Landmark, Muni Pals, and many others. Trains are not all they have in store (no pun intended). You can also find a variety of toys, books, puzzles, games, and more.

If you are lucky, you can also see an actual train go by on the tracks outside!

FREE, but please consider making a small purchase or donation to support the small business.
Best for 18 months – 4 years old

Missouri History Museum – History Clubhouse

You are probably wondering how the Missouri History Museum is one of the best things to do in St. Louis with toddlers. The Missouri History Museum has an award-winning family exhibit, History Clubhouse, with special programs such as Babies and Toddlers Storytelling—and it’s all FREE.

The History Clubhouse is an interactive space specially designed for children and their families to learn and experience local history. When you first walk in, kids can explore downtown St. Louis, create their own city skyline, and build tall skyscrapers.

As you continue through the clubhouse, kids are transported back in time. Families can serve food at the 1904 World’s Fair, pilot a steamboat on the Mississippi River, and go fishing in a canoe at the ancient city of Cahokia.

There is also a room perfect for babies and toddlers. It has a train table, soft building blocks, a reading nook, puzzles, crafts, and games.

FREE
Best for 18 months – 6 years old

Myseum

Myseum is a scientifically fun place in St. Louis for toddlers. It is a children’s museum and indoor playground with over 30 unique, highly interactive, educational, and just plain fun exhibits. From a Tesla coil show to a zoo vet clinic, seaweed swamp, interactive video wall, magnetic ball wall, dino dig, giant bounce house, UFO maze, and more.

This hidden gem is one of the best things to do in St. Louis with toddlers because of its “Toddler Central” area for kids 38 inches and under. While adventurous toddlers and older kids enjoy the entire museum, younger tots can jump in their designated inflatable barn, play with train tables and magnetic shapes, crawl through a caterpillar, and more.

Overall, Myseum is a relaxing learning environment that allows kids to enjoy fun activities and informative exhibits without feeling overwhelmed. And remember to bring socks! Otherwise, you can purchase a pair at the front desk.

Best for 18 months – 8 years old

Play Street Museum

Play Street Museum is an interactive children’s museum and imaginative indoor play area. The museum allows children to have independence and explore their creativity in a safe environment.

Play Street Museum has a charming town square filled with a pet rescue, grocery store, Victorian house, doctor’s office, fire truck, building on fire, and more. You can sit back and relax as you watch your child discover new imaginative play skills, or you can feel like a kid again and join the fun.

Additionally, there is a DUPLO corner, a giant Lite Brite, a magnetic ball wall, and a small area for reading, building, and playing with vehicles. Kids can also get creative with arts and crafts. Play Street Museum has tables with several activities, including a Slime Lab.

Kids will learn about sticky science at the Slime Lab. During the science experiment, kids will make their slime from scratch by picking a theme, choosing a bright color, and mixing the secret compounds until it makes ooey gooey slime.

Best for ages 1 – 8 years old

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Saint Louis Science Center – Discovery Room

The Saint Louis Science Center is one of the nation’s only free nonprofit museums. It features over 700 interactive experiences, including a Planetarium, and a four-story OMNIMAX® Theater.

The Discovery Room at the Saint Louis Science Center is one of the best things to do in St. Louis with toddlers. The exhibit is specifically designed for young scientists to immerse themselves in exploration through imaginative and educational play.

Inside the Discovery Room, kids can play on a giant rocket ship with a slide and operate voice controls, paint on the STEAM easel, play with water and sand sensory tables, observe a saltwater aquarium and insect displays, and more. There is also a dedicated Crawler Corner for young tots 2 and under.

The Discovery Room is a timed exhibit. You will need to purchase tickets for a specific time. Children need to be supervised by an adult.

Once you get your fill of fun in the Discovery Room, grab some popcorn and enjoy one of the incredible shows inside the Planetarium and OMNIMAX® Theater. It’s a great way to relax and soak in the awe-inspiring theaters.

But wait, there is more! The Saint Louis Science Center also has fun programs for young families. Science Storytime is an interactive read-aloud of a science-themed picture book, followed by a short demonstration. Science Tots allow toddlers to explore STEM activities through songs, stories, hands-on exploration, and play.

FREE (some attractions require a paid ticket and pay for parking)
Best for ages 18 months – 5 years old for Discovery Room

St. Louis Union Station

St. Louis Union Station pays homage to the city’s rich history and railroad station by embracing its grand architecture and renovating it to feel nostalgic and sophisticated. You will feel the Grand Hall’s elegance and eminence with the original terrazzo floor, green glazed terracotta bricks, and stained glass windows.

The grand allure of St. Louis Union Station is just the beginning. St. Louis Union Station is one of the hottest destinations in the city, with several attractions to fill an entire day. You can ride the St. Louis Wheel to get the city’s best views, play a round of Mini Golf, and watch two spectacular shows, Fire & Light Show and The Grand Hall Light Show.

A few favorite things to do at St. Louis Union Station with toddlers include: encountering animals at the St. Louis Aquarium, finding your way through a Mirror Maze, taking fun family photos at Selfie Express, riding a nostalgic Carousel, and tackling a challenging Ropes Course (there is a small course for kids 48 inches and smaller).

Best for ages 2 – 12 years old

The Magic House

The Magic House is one of the best children’s museums in the country. With over 20 indoor and outdoor interactive exhibits, The Magic House inspires children to discover the world through play and hands-on learning experiences.

Kids can climb a giant Jack and the Beanstalk, go down an epic three-story slide, create masterpieces at the Art Studio, play with bubbles in the Bubble Room, role play different career paths at the Children’s Village, and that’s just to name a few. A few toddler-focused exhibits include Wonder Works and the Wonder Why? Early Childhood Learning Lab.

Wonder Works is a colorful, STEM-focused exhibit that allows kids to learn and explore how simple machines work. It also has an out-of-this-world play structure to help improve gross motor skills by climbing, going down big and small slides, crawling through tunnels, and more.

Wonder Why? Early Childhood Learning Lab is a sensory exhibit for children to learn how to pour, measure, sort, and organize sensory materials in a safe place. One of the coolest features in the learning lab are the take-home resource cards. Kids can bring the fun home with the help of parents by using the cards to create sensorial activities.

There is also a For Baby and Me exhibit dedicated to babies and toddlers 2 and under. This area has a reading nook, a small play house, a fun boat, soft climbing structures, and a small play structure with a slide.

Insider tip: check out FREE Family Nights at The Magic House every third Friday of the month.

Best for ages 18 months – 11 years old

The National Museum of Transportation – Creation Station

You must visit The National Museum of Transportation if your family loves trains and automobiles. It has the most extensive collection of transportation vehicles worldwide, with over 240 artifacts. From historic stage coaches to trolley cars, steam locomotives, classic cars, aircrafts, and more.

The National Museum of Transportation is one of the best things to do with toddlers in St. Louis because it has so many fun activities. In addition to admiring the planes, trains, and automobile collections, kids can ride a miniature train and historic trolley, drive cute Little Tikes cars, operate handcars (for kids 40 inches tall), activate miniature train sets, and play at the Creation Station.

Creation Station is a fantastic indoor play area with hands-on learning experiences for all modes of transportation. Whether your kid loves rocket ships, firetrucks, trains, or construction, there is something for every transportation-loving kid. It has vehicle bouncers for active babies, vehicles to ride, a school bus play structure with a slide, STEM activities, several train tables, and LOTS of transportation vehicles to play with. 

The Creation Station is limited to a number of kids per “boarding time.” It is first-come, first-serve and requires an additional ticket for a 40-minute playtime. Check The National Museum of Transportation for boarding times. 

The exhibits at The National Museum of Transportation are both indoors and outdoors. There is a lot of walking, so I recommend baby wearing or a light stroller to get to every exhibit.

Best for ages 18 months – 5 years old for Creation Station

Urban Fort Play

Urban Fort Play is an indoor play area with a wholesome environment to encourage families and the community to gather while children create meaningful experiences. Adults can sip coffee (from a cafe partner), relax, or even work, while kids can play in a safe and healthy space.

Urban Fort Play has open play times for kids to enjoy a giant multi-level train table, DUPLO table, reading area, small climbing structure, rock climbing wall, tall slide, and an imaginative market and house. There is also a closed space for babies to play safely.

If you have babies or young toddlers, check out Tot Time Tuesdays for open play designated for children 0 – 20 months old.

Best for ages 18 months – 6 years old

The Best Things to Do in St. Louis with Toddlers: Animal Encounters

St. Louis has several fun opportunities for kids to come face-to-face with animals. From feeding goats to touching stingrays, watching a sea lion show, and experiencing butterflies flying all around you – here are incredible animal encounters in St. Louis for toddlers.

Grant’s Farm

Grant’s Farm is a historical landmark in St. Louis that has become a wondrous destination for families. Ulysses S. Grant built it and has been in the Busch family since 1903. And yes, I am referring to the family that owns Anheuser-Busch brewing company.

Grant’s Farm is more than a landmark; it is a FREE and joyous experience for everyone. It starts with a tram ride through Deer Park, where you can see deer, bison, cattle, zebras, and other four-legged friends roam free. Then you arrive at the Tier Garten, where you can bottle feed baby goats at the petting zoo, feed parakeets, ride a carousel, watch an animal show, and see various fascinating animals such as lemurs.

After a full experience of encountering animals, you end at the Bauernhof Courtyard, a German-inspired biergarten that serves German cuisine. At the courtyard, adults can also enjoy two free refreshing beer tastings.

But wait, there is more! Instead of going straight to your car, head to the back of the parking lot to see the world-renowned Budweiser Clydesdales in their stables. You can also enjoy a handful of tours such as a Behind-The-Scenes Tour of the property, a special Animal Encounter Tour, Clydesdales Close-Up Tour, and more.

Free, but you pay for parking, animal feedings, special attractions, and tours.
Best for ages 18 months – 12 years old

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Saint Louis Zoo

As one of the best zoos in the country, the Saint Louis Zoo is easily one of the best things to do in St. Louis with toddlers, and it’s FREE! The Saint Louis Zoo has world-renowned natural exhibits and over 16,000 animals, many of which are endangered. As a result of its dedication to saving animal species, the Saint Louis Zoo is recognized as a leading zoo in animal management, research, conservation, and education.

The Zooline Railroad is one of the best attractions for kids and a great way to get around the beautiful zoo. Guests can enjoy a narrated tour while they ride to different exhibits. The Zooline Railroad works best for families that do not bring strollers because strollers are not permitted on the train.

Other fun attractions include Giraffe Feedings, Conservation Carousel, Sea Lion Show, the Stingrays at Caribbean Cove, and Canopy Trail Challenge. The Canopy Trail Challenge is great for active toddlers because they can climb up a tower and go through rope tunnels (located near Primate Canopy Trails). 

Best for ages 18 months – 12 years old

Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House

The Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House is home to over 60 tropical butterfly species and 150 tropical plants inside an 8,000-square-foot glass conservatory. Guests can enjoy the conservatory and witness a butterfly emerge from a chrysalis.

Watching over 1,000 butterflies in free flight is beautiful, but watching through a child’s eyes is extraordinary. This is why the Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House is one of the best things to do in St. Louis with toddlers.

In addition to the conservatory, children can enjoy the sensorial “Nature Trek,” dress up like a butterfly at the children’s exhibit, climb on a caterpillar in the sculpture garden, and join the “Little Bugs Program.”

It is strongly recommended to use an umbrella stroller or baby carrier inside the tropical conservatory.

Best for ages 18 months – 12 years old

St. Louis Aquarium

Cue “Baby Shark,” the St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station, is a wonderful thing to do in St. Louis with toddlers. This unique aquarium pays homage to its historic railroad location by taking guests on an immersive and interactive aquatic journey.

It starts with a train ride narrated by St. Louis native John Goodman and continues with one-of-a-kind exhibits and tanks housing 13,000 animals in more than 250,000 gallons of water. From freshwater rivers to salt marshes and the world’s deep oceans all the way to the dark abyss, you will encounter some amazing aquatic species.

The St. Louis Aquarium does a beautiful job of engaging kids to experience all aspects of marine life. Kids can get tickled by Doctor fish, feel a stingray or jellyfish, watch a sea otter feeding, play at the water sensory table, and have fun in the kid’s zone. The kid’s zone has many activities such as operating a submarine, crawling through pipes, and our favorite – coloring a sea creature and then watching it come to life and “pop into the ocean.”

Best for ages 18 months – 12 years old

Suson Park Animal Farm

Suson Park is a hidden gem in St. Louis for families. It has a playground, a pond for fishing, walking trails, shelters for picnics, and a working animal farm.

Kids who love animals will enjoy seeing horses, donkeys, miniature horses, cows, pigs, goats, chickens, geese, and turkeys. You can also feed several of the animals. So make sure you bring quarters to buy some grain.

After you visit the working farm, you can walk to the nearby park, which is fun for kids of all ages.

FREE
Best for ages 18 months – 8 years old

The Best Things to Do in St. Louis with Toddlers: Outdoor Adventures

Kids love to play outside. Thankfully, the city of St. Louis knows that well because there are so many fun outdoor places for toddlers – and many are FREE with splash pads. So pack your swimsuits and sunscreen, and enjoy these outdoor attractions.

Citygarden

Citygarden is an urban park and sculpture garden to bring people together to experience the blend of art and nature. It features 25 sculptures, a lush landscape, reflecting pools, a playful spray plaza, and waterfalls.

Citygarden is an oasis for everyone. Adults can admire beautiful works of art while kids will enjoy splashing in the spray plaza and swimming in the reflecting pools.

The spray plaza has 102 nozzles that will sprout water six feet into the air in different patterns. There are two reflecting pools that are well-suited for children of all ages.

Babies and toddlers can swim and splash in a small, one-inch-deep pool beside the spray plaza. Older kids (and toddlers who swim well) will enjoy the 180-foot-long pool with a six-foot waterfall and large stepping rocks.

FREE
Best for ages 18 months – 8 years old

Forest Park

Forest Park is one of the country’s most beautiful and best urban public parks. It has 1,300 acres featuring magnificent forests, nature reserves, lakes, playgrounds, recreational sports, a skating rink, and more. It is also home to the city’s most cultural institutions – Saint Louis Zoo, Missouri History Museum, The Muny, Saint Louis Art Museum, and Saint Louis Science Center.

One of Forest Park’s greatest treasures is the playgrounds for kids. There are five playgrounds at Forest Park, each one fantastic and unique.

• Richard Hudlin Playground – a classic play structure and swings with nearby tennis courts.
• Oakland Avenue Playground – award-winning playground with a 20-foot climbable turtle made of 144 tree stumps.
• Turtle Playground – where kids can climb on giant reptiles like a snapping turtle and a slithering snake.
• Variety Wonderland Playground – a local family favorite park because of its inclusiveness to be fully accessible to children of all abilities.
• Anne O’C. Albrecht Nature Playscape – a 17-acre play space with nine different natural landscape activity areas such as stepping tree stumps, sand pit, tree climbing, and more.

FREE
Best for ages 18 months – 8 years old

Gateway Arch Park

The Gateway Arch is one of the world’s greatest architectural wonders, symbolizing the gateway to the West. It is a unique U.S. National Park and the nation’s tallest monument.

Millions of visitors take the tram 63 stories high to the top to enjoy stunning city views. Though, if that sounds daunting for families with toddlers, you can enjoy views of the Gateway Arch on ground level.

Grab a blanket, and enjoy a picnic on the lawn. Stroll through Explorer’s Garden or walk along the historic St. Louis Riverfront Trail. Step inside the Museum at the Gateway Arch and learn about the United States’ westward expansion.

FREE
Best for ages 18 months – 8 years old

Kiener Plaza Playground

Kiener Plaza Playground is a small, enclosed, cute playground with a section designed for toddlers. There is a saucer swing, a fish-shaped metal slide, a wooden log climber with rope netting, wooden ride-on animals, and a dancing fountain splash pad.

FREE
Best for ages 18 months – 8 years old

Missouri Botanical Garden – Doris I. Schnuck Children’s Garden

The Missouri Botanical Garden is the country’s oldest botanical garden in continuous operation and a National Historic Landmark. It has 79 acres of beautiful horticultural displays, a geodesic dome conservatory, a Japanese garden, historic architecture, the most extensive collection of rare and endangered flora, and an interactive children’s garden.

The Doris I. Schnuck Children’s Garden: A Missouri Adventure is one of the best things to do in St. Louis with toddlers. The children’s garden is vast, with nearly 2 acres of fun!

Kids will enjoy playing on an epic tree house with rope bridges and climbing walls, exploring a limestone cave, speeding down Spelunker’s Slide, boarding a steamboat, playing in a Midwestern prairie village, exploring a sensorial nature classroom, splashing at the splash pad, and more. 

Best for ages 18 months – 10 years old

St. Louis Carousel

The St. Louis Carousel is one of the most elegant and historical carousels of its time. It was built in 1921 by two German Carvers from the acclaimed Dentzel Company for the St. Louis Highlands amusement park. Thankfully, it escaped damage from the 1963 fire.

Today, the St. Louis Carousel is fully restored and operational inside a climate-controlled building at Faust Park. Kids can ride on one of the 60 exquisitely hand-carved horses, deer, and sleighs. It’s a great activity for toddlers after a fun day at Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House or the park.

Best for ages 1 – 6 years old

The Best Things to Do in St. Louis with Toddlers: Sweet Treats

Exploring St. Louis with toddlers can be exhausting, so you will need to refuel. Here are a few family-friendly restaurants that serve delicious food and something sweet to give you a sugar rush or crash.

Fitz’s Root Beer

Fitz’s Root Beer is a local St. Louis craft soda micro-brewery and family-friendly restaurant. There are three locations, but the one in Delmar Loop is extra special because you can watch the bottling process on the vintage bottling line from your table.

The flagship, Fitz’s Root Beer, is known for being one of the best root beers in the country, but they also have 19 refreshing flavors of old-fashioned soda. From the classic Shirley Temple to Key Lime, Berry Pomegranate, Orange Pop, Old-Fashioned Cream Soda, and Coffee Cola – there is a unique flavor for everyone.

The best part, you can enjoy ‘bottomless’ soda on tap! So come thirsty and try them all, but leave room for dessert!

Fitz’s Root Beer is famous for its gigantic soda floats. Enjoy a classic root beer float, or try a specialty float featuring one of the many delicious flavors of sodas.

St. Louis Union Station Soda Fountain

The St. Louis Union Station Soda Fountain is the perfect place to satisfy a sweet tooth, especially after a fun day at Union Station.

The restaurant is a modern take on a 1950s diner serving classic options such as burgers, hot dogs, grilled cheese, peanut butter & jelly sandwich, onion rings, and more. It is so kid-friendly that they barely need a kid’s menu.

The food is delicious, but the sweet treats make the Soda Fountain unique. Kids will go crazy for the modernized Willy Wonka-style candy shop, Freak Shakes, ice cream sundaes, and traditional milkshakes. The Freak Shakes are Instagram-worthy pieces of art with rim-coated sprinkles stacked with whipped cream and elaborate sweets such as cotton candy, cookies, and cupcakes.

Parents, you will also enjoy The Soda Fountain because you can treat yourself to hand-crafted alcoholic ice cream floats and non-alcoholic soda cocktails.

Ted Drewes Frozen Custard

Of course, you cannot have a “best list in St. Louis” without Ted Drewes Frozen Custard, a historic Route 66 roadside attraction. Ted Drewes is the birthplace of concrete ice cream – frozen custard churned with mixed ingredients such as cookies, brownies, sprinkles, candy, fruit, and nuts.

Little kids will get a kick out of Ted Drewes Frozen Custard because they are iconic for serving their concrete upside down. And parents will appreciate the mini and kiddie sizes.

You can make a concrete creation or order one of their many specialty concretes. You can also order malts, shakes, sundaes, floats, and ice cream sodas. The options are almost endless.

If you see a long line, do not fret, Ted Drewes Frozen Custard is a well-oiled machine serving frozen treats quickly and efficiently. Within minutes you will order and receive your frozen treat from a friendly staff member.

And that concludes my list of the best things to do in St. Louis with toddlers! I hope you have found plenty of fun places to take your family.