61 Fun Things to Do in St Louis

Under the Gateway Arch, St. Louis is one of the most important cities in the state of Missouri.

The city has all kinds of activities for all audiences and ages, such as historic houses, museums that pay tribute to the victims of the Holocaust, and events from the world of motoring.

Attention, mystery lovers, I have the perfect activity for you! St. Louis, beyond its incredible cultural and monumental appeal, is also a city full of secrets. Its most mystical side is hidden in the Lemp neighborhood.

Discover unique places with the St. Louis Paranormal Research Society and explore one of the most haunted neighborhoods in the country. Thanks to Dr. Mark Farley, you'll get the full experience. During your tour, you'll visit old haunted basements and learn the stories that inhabit them, as well as the history of the famous Lemp family.

As you may already know, St. Louis is a city rich in culture. Throughout its history, the 19th and 20th centuries stand out as periods of great growth for the city. Proof of this can be found in its monuments, such as the Central Library, the Soldiers' Monument, the Campbell House Museum, the Peabody Opera House, and City Hall.

The experience consists of a guided tour in which you will discover the most interesting curiosities and secrets of St. Louis' cultural heritage, such as its hidden gems and incredible history. Here is a list of the best tours in St. Louis.

The famous Soulard neighborhood has been the scene of some of the most shocking news stories in St. Louis. Known for its Mardi Gras celebrations, this place has seen everything from election riots to terrible stories of sociopathic midwives, transforming it from a quiet farming community to one of the most controversial neighborhoods in St. Louis.

You will tour the neighborhood with a guide who specializes in the subject and will bring each of the events to life. You can also bring beer or your favorite drink to make the tour more enjoyable.

Are you addicted to curious stories? If so, I recommend you immerse yourself in this experience, where you will discover the events that made Lafayette Square one of the most iconic places in St. Louis. This square was the nerve center of the Missouri elite, forming part of President's Park. With a central statue of the Marquis de Lafayette, this park has been a cemetery, a zoo, a military camp, and even a slave market.

In addition to the park, during your visit you will also explore the surrounding area, including the famous Mississippi Ave. The experience lasts one hour and is undoubtedly one of our favorites in St. Louis.

Spend a week on wheels exploring St. Louis via the oldest bike path in the country. The trip lasts six days, during which you will discover magical places such as St. Charles, Clingotn, MO, and the Missouri River. With the scent of vineyards, the sound of water as your soundtrack, and wildlife as your companion, you will enjoy a healing experience for the soul.

The experience includes all nights of accommodation, as well as a hot breakfast perfect for starting the day off right and full of energy. You will meet people from all over the world, disconnect from the noise of the city, and discover landscapes worthy of a painting.

Do you like games and treasure hunts? If so, I know you'll love this original idea. It's the perfect experience to do with your most party-loving friends. It consists of visiting the city's bars in search of treasure. You'll have to pass different tests along the way so that, in the end, you or a friend can become the Bar Hunt Champion.

This way, you can get to know the most iconic and original bars in St. Louis, albeit in a very different way. As if that weren't enough, during your route you'll see the city's main tourist attractions. This is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in St. Louis at night. But there are many more!

The best experience for the most lively! This private bike tour is ideal for bachelor parties and birthday parties. The activity consists of touring the streets of St. Louis on a bike with a capacity for 14 people. You'll have to pedal while dancing and having fun with your friends.

This fun experience takes you through the city's main streets, stopping at strategic locations such as the iconic Anheuser-Busch Brewery, which opened in 1852 and is one of the most famous breweries in the world. You will also visit the historic market and Big Daddy's.

Do you like scavenger hunts? Discover this fun way to explore the St. Louis Zoo. You can meet all the animals there, such as lions, geese, and kookaburras, while searching for the lost treasure.

You'll have to complete challenges throughout the zoo for your character to win the final prize. This way, you'll get to know this magical place in St. Louis in a different and fun way.

Don't let your guard down for a moment! The killer could be right next to you, or who knows, it could even be you. During a fantastic 4-course dinner, you'll take part in an interactive show. Together with the detective on the case, you'll have to discover the perpetrator of the murder.

Be careful, not all that glitters is gold, and there are actors camouflaged among the diners. Together, you'll discover crucial clues and witness interrogations of the main suspects.

Another ideal experience for the more intrepid. Answer trivia questions, solve challenges, and find hidden gems in the streets of St. Louis. Thanks to this activity, you can visit the city's main tourist attractions in a fun and lighthearted way.

Some of the sites you will visit include the Peabody Opera House, the Central Public Library, the Campbell House Museum, and the City Museum. As the tour progresses, so does the game, so don't forget to keep track of your points!

The oldest cathedral west of the Mississippi, an archway to the American dream, the first courthouse established in the city, and one of the oldest skyscrapers in the United States: you can see all of this on this tour of downtown St. Louis!

Through these places, you can learn about the history of St. Louis from its beginnings, with the settlement of the first indigenous peoples of the area. As if that weren't enough, the tour has a maximum limit of 15 people, providing an intimate experience where you won't miss a single detail.

St. Louis is a city renowned for its artistic and cultural wealth. Proof of this is the Museum of Contemporary Art, known as CAM. It is the perfect place for lovers of art in all its forms, including the experimental.

Plus, if you've already been, don't worry, as the museum has six annual exhibitions featuring artists from around the world.

If you like musicals and are a jazz lover, the St. Louis Municipal Theater Association has just what you're looking for. It's undoubtedly the perfect way to end a day of walking and sightseeing, the ideal way to rest your legs and stimulate your mind.

Many plays are performed here, with something for all tastes and ages. You can enjoy everything from a performance of Mary Poppins to the famous musical Chicago.

At almost two meters high, the Gateway Arch has been an American symbol since 1960, the year it was completed. This impressive monument at the foot of the Mississippi River pays tribute to Lewis and Clark, the two explorers who led the expansion of the United States to the west.

The point where the march began was in what is now Gateway Arch National Park. Once you have explored the area, I recommend visiting the museum to learn more about the history of the famous arch.

Silence, paintings, and exhibitions? If that's what a museum means to you, then you have to visit the City Museum of St. Louis. As a result of protest art, this cultural space is quite different from the traditional concept of a museum.

The City Museum covers the whole of St. Louis, taking advantage of old urban infrastructure to turn it into castles, ball pools, tunnels, and secret passageways. It's a great experience if you're traveling to Missouri with children, as the place has facilities tailor-made for the little ones.

Of course, this list would not be complete without an activity for marine wildlife lovers. The St. Louis Aquarium offers a tour of different habitats, starting with a freshwater river and ending in the ocean.

You'll encounter giant octopuses, moon jellyfish, horseshoe crabs, piranha sharks, and even the occasional surgeonfish. In addition, the aquarium hosts various activities for all ages, such as treasure hunts and Jelly Touch pools.

One of the most highly regarded green spaces in St. Louis and Missouri is Tower Grove Park. This park is the work of botany lover Henry Shaw. The space is part of the Missouri Botanical Garden and features everything from majestic fountains to Victorian pavilions and historic houses.

A product of the 19th century, the park is a historical example of the landscaping customs of that era. Don't forget to bring your camera and, above all, respect the park's natural environment.

If you're not afraid of heights, this experience is the best way to enjoy a panoramic view of St. Louis. At just over 60 meters high, the St. Louis Wheel offers a breathtaking view of the city.

The ride lasts 15 minutes, divided into four turns. Afterwards, I recommend heading to the mini golf course next to the Ferris wheel to finish off by indulging your inner child in style.

Beyond its impressive buildings, St. Louis is also known for its green spaces. Among them, Forest Park stands out as one of the largest urban parks in the United States. I recommend grabbing a delicious cheese and wine snack and enjoying a picnic in the park.

What's more, if you visit the city in winter, you can feel like the star of an American movie at the Steinberg ice rink, soak up some culture at the Missouri History Museum, or discover new species at the Jewel Box Conservatory.

Take advantage of your trip to St. Louis to learn about the cultures of the different civilizations that make up the world. Housed in a building designed by architect Tadao Ando, the Pulitzer Foundation for the Arts is a meeting point for the different cultures that permeate the world across all continents.

During the exhibition, you can see impressive works from Afghanistan, as well as other contemporary art. I also recommend checking out the foundation's temporary exhibitions.

If you like sports, don't miss the opportunity to attend a baseball game at Busch Stadium during your visit to St. Louis. In fact, this experience is recommended even if you don't like sports.

With a capacity of 46,000 fans, this unusually designed stadium is the quintessential American experience in St. Louis. Complete your visit with the St. Louis Cardinals Hall of Fame Museum, where you can learn about the history of the St. Louis Cardinals.

Seltzerland is a festival held on October 15 in St. Louis. It takes place at the famous GCS Credit Union baseball stadium and is the perfect excuse for party animals.

You can try more than 100 types of carbonated drinks, some less well-known than others. You'll also have the opportunity to take photos in the White Claw bubble booth or walk up the lemonade staircase, all to the beat of the different DJs who will be providing the soundtrack to the festival.

St. Louis Cathedral Basilica was built relatively recently, at the beginning of the 20th century. Nevertheless, it is one of the most beautiful cathedrals in the world. In addition to other architectural details, it is particularly notable for the mosaics that adorn its walls.

In fact, the cathedral has a Mosaic Museum that details the process of creating these beautiful ornaments that decorate the interior of St. Louis's quintessential Catholic monument.

Among the different parks in St. Louis, Citygarden occupies an important place. With a total of 24 sculptures scattered throughout its gardens, it stands out as a magical and unique place.

Among my favorite sculptures are Christ the Redeemer in Rio and the playful rabbits. In addition, in summer, you can cool off in the rain gardens. If you plan your visit for mid-morning, don't forget to bring a good snack for a picnic in the park.

The St. Louis Art Museum is located inside Forest Park. It is a museum of great artistic importance, not only in Missouri, but throughout the United States. Inside, you can find ancient Egyptian tombs, Greek pottery, and even a Monet.

You can do this activity on the same day you plan to go to Forest Park. If possible, I recommend choosing a sunny day to see the park at its best. If, on the other hand, it is cold or if your trip to St. Louis is during Christmas, you can enjoy the workshops and activities held at this museum to celebrate Christmas traditions.

For all you Instagram enthusiasts, I have what is going to be one of your favorite activities in St. Louis. The Selfie Room is an interactive art exhibition that will stimulate your creativity with the selfie as the protagonist.

The venue offers different activities throughout its rooms, with the Present Room and the Minty Fresh Room being the highlights. Of course, you can take your photos home with you as a souvenir of this fun experience.

Inside the famous Forest Park is the St. Louis Science Center, a museum dedicated to each of the branches of science that make our way of life possible. Through different games and interactive activities, everyone from the youngest to the oldest can learn all about our planet.

With a total of 700 exhibits, you can see everything from dinosaurs to constellations. As if that weren't enough, you'll also have the opportunity to try a flight simulator and feel like a real pilot.

A mass by Pope John Paul II, monster truck shows, volleyball matches, motocross races... In short, the Dome at America's Center is a place of worship with space for all kinds of celebrations.

I recommend checking out their event calendar for the days you plan to be in St. Louis. Even if you don't like large celebrations, you can still find something that catches your eye, such as an art exhibition or a play.

If you are passionate about animals and wildlife, I recommend enjoying the wonderful experience offered by Grant's Farm. Take a tram ride to explore St. Louis' natural heritage and admire its plains.

Grant's Farm was created by General Ulysses S. Grant and is home to more than 900 animals, including Clydesdale horses, deer, bison, and elk.

It was in 1851 when the first house in the area, Campbell House, was built in the famous residential neighborhood of Lucas Place. The house was occupied by the Campbell family until 1938, a lineage that began with the famous businessman Robert Campbell.

Today, the house is a museum where everything remains intact: the furniture, the paintings, the crockery, and all the personal items that once belonged to the family. In fact, it is one of the most important historical property museums in the United States.

Are you aware of the impact chess has had on the evolution of society as we know it today? Do you know the cultural significance of this famous board game? You can discover all this and much more at the Chess Hall of Fame.

Through a journey across chessboards from around the world, you can rediscover chess and understand its cultural significance. You will also have the opportunity to see the world's largest chess piece, all to the pleasant melody of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra.

Once a year, the city celebrates the St. Louis Auto Show, an event featuring the most luxurious car manufacturers in the industry, such as Chrysler and Harley Davidson. If you are a fan of the automotive world, this experience is highly recommended.

You can see models that have not yet been released, discover futuristic cars, and even participate in test drives.

Visit the Miniature Museum, where you can discover the city on a small scale. This is undoubtedly an experience that both adults and children will enjoy.

You'll be amazed by the amount of detail in the model, and you can visit abandoned attics, kitchens, haunted houses, and dollhouses. You can also visit the shop and buy a souvenir.

Families with children visiting St. Louis should include a stop at The Magic House in their travel itinerary. The place is located in an old Victorian house with beautiful gardens and hides all kinds of games for the little ones.

Children can learn about all kinds of subjects in a fun way. They can even bring out their creative side in the art studio.

Inside the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis is the city's Museum of Economics. Here you can understand how this science that drives society's daily life works.

With nearly 100 exhibits, you'll understand the importance of even the most subtle issues. Plus, you can even get your hands on a gold bar.

Next to the Art Museum is the Missouri History Museum. Inside, you will find an unknown universe about this state. The building itself also has its own history. It was inaugurated in 1913 and is the first national monument dedicated to Jefferson.

The museum hosts all kinds of fascinating exhibitions, such as those on baseball and those commemorating the famous 1904 World's Fair.

If you like to challenge yourself and try new things, I recommend making time in your schedule to visit Upper Limits, St. Louis's premier climbing wall.

This place is perfect for beginners who want to get started in this sport. The complex provides all the necessary equipment, such as harnesses and shoes. Then it's up to you to show off your skills.

The National Transportation Museum is a place where automotive history comes to life before your eyes. It has a total of nearly 200 exhibits, ranging from historically significant aircraft to the world's largest steam locomotive.

You can even see the plane that was used for the D-Day invasion of Normandy: the 1943 Douglas.

If you love blues music, you must visit the National Blues Museum in St. Louis. Here, you can learn about the importance of this musical genre throughout history. You will understand the social movement behind the blues and its evolution into other genres.

You will also learn about the history of some of the most important blues musicians of all time and enjoy a live show.

Since 1764, four churches have been built on this site due to various historical events. Today, you can see the only one still standing, which dates back to 1831.

The Basilica of St. Louis, King of France, is known as the Old Cathedral and hides points of interest inside, such as the tomb of the city's first bishop.

The Soldiers Memorial Museum is a place of worship that seeks to pay tribute to all those military personnel who have served the country over the years. The museum includes galleries from the two World Wars with newspaper clippings and historical photographs.

In addition, you can see more than 300 artifacts used in the various conflicts in which the country has participated. You will also hear the interesting experiences of military personnel from St. Louis.

It is well known that we must learn from the past to avoid making the same mistakes in the future. A good way to do this is by visiting the St. Louis Kaplan Feldman Holocaust Museum.

No, it is not a pleasant or enjoyable experience, but it is a necessary one. Here you can learn the stories of several Holocaust survivors who emigrated to St. Louis after World War II.

The Broadway Oyster Bar is considered the best seafood restaurant in St. Louis. It is located in one of the most important historic buildings in St. Louis and stands out not only for its cuisine but also for its quiet, romantic, and unique atmosphere.

During dinner, you can enjoy a relaxing live music concert to liven up the evening. I recommend trying the fresh Gulf oysters, the naked alligator tacos, and the Prince Edward Island scallops.

What were once old cast iron and brick warehouses from 1850 to 1900 are now one of the most sophisticated places in St. Louis.

Laclede's Landing is located on the Mississippi River and is home to all kinds of restaurants, from exquisite Italian restaurants to old breweries. In addition, musical events are held here, such as the largest blues festival in the state.

This war is one of the most important in American history. If you are interested in these topics and want to learn more about this episode, I recommend visiting the Missouri Civil War Museum.

You can see artifacts used in the conflict, learn the stories of the people involved, and understand the importance of Missouri in the history of the United States of America.

Whether you are a beginner or an expert, if you have time to spare in St. Louis, I recommend visiting the Bear Creek Golf Club. This is one of the best golf courses in the city, and even if you are not good at the sport, you will enjoy the scenery and views.

In addition to this club, there are many other golf courses in St. Louis. However, this is my favorite because of its ponds, lakes, and streams.

Escape rooms are becoming increasingly popular, and with good reason. Here you can unleash your ingenuity and awaken the detective you always wanted to be. With the help of your team, you'll have to overcome various challenges, all within a time limit.

There are several escape rooms in St. Louis, so I recommend checking out the ones that are closest to your location.

The Busy Einstein cognitive play center is the perfect place to bring out the genius in every child. They will stimulate their brains in a fun way through various activities.

Among the different rooms in the center are the Sensory Station and the Paleontology and Entomology Station, where they can bring out their scientific side.

It is well known that to understand the history of the United States, you have to start by learning about the first Native Americans, those who made the country their home before colonization.

Specifically, St. Louis was home to the Cahokian people, who resided in the city until the 17th century. The Cahokia Mounds Museum seeks to pay tribute to this civilization and represent the city as it was at that time.

Imagine having the opportunity to come face to face with your favorite Power Ranger, bow to Marie Antoinette, or arm wrestle Jackie Chan.

At Laclede's Landing Wax Museum, you'll find many of your favorite idols, both current and from other eras. Don't forget your camera at home!

Of course, this activity is not suitable for those who are afraid of heights. However, if amusement parks are your thing, you must visit Six Flags St. Louis.

Roller coasters, mile-long slides, water attractions... This amusement park has everything you need to get your adrenaline pumping. It also has activities suitable for all ages.

Attorney Roswell Field became famous for one of the most notorious trials in the country, Dred Scott v. Sandford. Today, you can visit the house where he lived, which dates back to 1845.

The house is now home to the Field House Museum, where you can discover what life was like in St. Louis in the 19th century.

Whether you're more into ballet or comedy shows, the Stifel Theater is the place for you. This cultural space hosts all kinds of events, including operas and plays of various kinds.

Throughout its history, world-renowned artists such as The Rolling Stones and Aretha Franklin have graced its stage.

If you are a meat lover, I recommend that you don't leave St. Louis without trying an authentic barbecue, the city's star dish. To do so, head to Pappy's Smokehouse, one of the best barbecue spots in town.

Of all their dishes, I recommend the Memphis-style ribs. The secret to their spectacular flavor? 24 hours of smoking over sweet apple wood.

Covering more than 200 hectares, Lone Elk Park is a rural park perfect for hiking and discovering America's natural heritage. During your walk, you may see bison, elk, waterfowl, and even wild turkeys.

It's definitely an activity worth doing, allowing you to disconnect from the noise of the city and breathe fresh air.

Don't like museums? This one is sure to win you over. Laumeier Sculpture Park reinvents the concept of a museum, bringing art into an open space. Covering more than 40 hectares, it houses a total of 60 large-scale works of art.

Among the works, you can see giant bronze tulips and a mosaic cat seat. During your visit, you can walk the trails, breathe fresh air, and stimulate your brain.

Myseum is a museum for children that promotes learning through countless interactive activities. With a total of 30 activities, children can expand their knowledge in a practical way.

Among the activities on offer are dinosaur excavation, musical coils, and the zoo's veterinary clinic.

This market is famous for its historical significance: it is one of the oldest markets in the Midwest. Its origins date back to 1779, and since then it has been the nerve center of the city.

With a typical Italian Renaissance style, the Soulard Farmer's Market is home to more than 150 stalls where you can find everything from fresh vegetables to unique pieces of handmade jewelry.

Whether you're traveling with young children or planning a trip to St. Louis with friends, this experience is ideal. The city has numerous trampoline parks where you can swim in bubble pools or jump like never before.

There are many options, but I recommend one of the best trampoline parks in the city: Rockin' Jump

After a hard day of sightseeing in St. Louis, what better way to relax than at a spa? Once your session is over, you can enjoy a delicious and pleasant dinner at any of the city's restaurants.

There are many wellness centers in St. Louis. Depending on which one you choose, you can opt for a good floatation therapy session, a few hours in the sauna, or a hot stone massage.