Photo: Miriam Simonsen
Photo: David Plowright
Photo: Charles Williams
Missouri Botanical Garden
★4.8(17,537 reviews)$$Nature
🕑 3-4 hours for a full experience, or 2 hours if focusing mainly on the Children's Garden👶 Best for ages 2-12. Toddlers and preschoolers love the splash pad and sensory exploration, while elementary-aged kids enjoy the treehouse village, caves, and steamboat. Even teenagers appreciate the stunning garden landscapes and seasonal butterfly house.🧡 Saved by 90+ families
About
The Missouri Botanical Garden offers 79 acres of stunning natural beauty with a dedicated Children's Garden that's an adventure playground meets nature wonderland. Kids can explore mysterious caves, cool off in the splash pad, climb into a treehouse village, and pretend to captain a steamboat,all while parents enjoy one of the nation's oldest and most beautiful botanical gardens.
Highlights
- ✓Children's Garden with interactive water features and splash pad
- ✓Treehouse village with climbing structures and slides
- ✓Cave exploration area that sparks imagination
- ✓Steamboat play structure perfect for pretend adventures
- ✓Seasonal Butterfly House with hundreds of free-flying butterflies
Pro Tips
- 1.Arrive right at opening (9 AM) to beat the crowds, especially on weekends and during summer when the splash pad is busiest
- 2.Bring swimsuits, towels, and water shoes for the Children's Garden splash pad,there are changing areas available
- 3.The garden is massive, so grab a map at entry and prioritize the Children's Garden first while kids have the most energy
- 4.Consider a membership if you're local,it pays for itself in 2-3 visits and includes free admission to 40+ reciprocal gardens nationwide
- 5.Download the free garden app for self-guided tours and don't miss the Japanese Garden, which is remarkably peaceful even with kids in tow
Best Time to Visit
Visit on weekday mornings in spring (April-May) or fall (September-October) for pleasant weather, smaller crowds, and peak blooms. Summer offers the splash pad but can be hot and crowded on weekends. Wednesday mornings tend to be quietest.
What to Know
General admission is $14 for adults, $8 for children 3-12, and free for kids under 3. Parking is free in the main lot. The Sassafras Café offers kid-friendly meals, or you can bring your own picnic to enjoy on the grounds.
Seasonal Notes
The splash pad operates May through September. The Butterfly House is open year-round but features different species seasonally. Holiday lights display (Garden Glow) runs November-January and is magical but requires separate tickets. Some outdoor areas may be less accessible in winter.
Nearby Eats
The Garden features its own Sassafras Café with kid favorites like mac and cheese and grilled cheese. Nearby on The Hill (10 minutes away), Adriana's on The Hill offers excellent Italian with a welcoming atmosphere for families and generous portions kids can share.
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