


Six Flags St. Louis delivers double the fun with a massive theme park featuring nine thrilling roller coasters alongside Hurricane Harbor water park, making it the ultimate destination for adventure-seeking families. From adrenaline-pumping rides for teens to gentle attractions for little ones, plus cooling water slides during hot Missouri summers, this park offers something for every family member to enjoy together.
Visit on weekdays in May, early June, or September for the shortest lines and most comfortable weather. Arrive right at park opening (typically 10:30am) to maximize ride time before afternoon crowds peak. Avoid summer weekends and holidays when wait times can exceed 90 minutes for popular attractions.
Admission includes both the theme park and Hurricane Harbor water park. Parking costs extra ($30-35). Outside food and drinks are not permitted, but the park offers numerous dining options from quick-service to sit-down restaurants, with kid-friendly meals available throughout.
Open weekends in April-May and September-October, with daily operations from late May through August. Hurricane Harbor typically operates Memorial Day through Labor Day. Special events include Fright Fest in October with family-friendly daytime activities and Holiday in the Park in November-December with festive lights and attractions. The park is closed January-March.
Head to Bandana's Bar-B-Q (10 minutes away) for family-style BBQ with a kids menu, or stop at Farotto's Restaurant for pizza and Italian favorites that please picky eaters after a long park day.
Step back in time at this beloved St. Louis institution where kids can experience an authentic old-fashioned soda fountain that's been serving up sweet treats since 1913. Crown Candy Kitchen delights families with towering ice cream sundaes, classic malts and milkshakes, and a candy counter filled with hand-dipped chocolates and nostalgic sweets that'll make parents reminisce about their own childhoods.
The Saint Louis Zoo is an absolute gem for families,a world-class, FREE zoo spanning 90 acres in beautiful Forest Park with over 14,000 animals representing 600+ species. With its exceptional Children's Zoo, engaging animal encounters, interactive exhibits, and family-friendly amenities, this consistently top-rated attraction offers incredible value and unforgettable experiences for kids of all ages.
Forest Park is an absolute treasure for St. Louis families, spanning 1,300 acres of green space that's been voted the best city park in America. With five world-class museums, multiple playgrounds, trails for biking and walking, seasonal ice skating, and wide-open spaces for picnics and play, you could spend weeks here and still discover something new each visit.
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.