The Saint Louis Zoo (1 Government Dr.) is home to more than 600 species of animals. Immerse yourself in the Rivers Edge exhibit to see hippos and black rhinos. Grizzlies and gorillas inhabit The Wild Zone, while lions and tigers prowl in Big Cat Country. See meerkats, tree kangaroos and insects in the Discovery Zone. Pet lovers can enjoy wagon rides and cuddle baby bunnies, chicks and piglets at Purina Farms (500 William Danforth Way in Gray Summit). Meet horses, cows, chickens and sheep and swing on a rope in the Animal Barn & Hayloft Play Area and watch rescued dogs demonstrate their athletic skills in the Incredible Dog Arena.
Sip a frosty mug of root beer and savor American fare while watching sodas being bottled on a restored 1940s bottling line at Fitz’s (6605 Delmar Blvd.). Try one of the seasonal flavors or specially labeled bottles if you're there in the fall (Pumpkin Pop), the summer (Happy 4th of July) or St. Patrick's Day.
The Magic House, St. Louis Children’s Museum (516 S. Kirkwood Rd.) features hundreds of hands-on exhibits and fun things to do. Catch fish or fix a car in the Children’s Village, become a detective or try out the Oval Office. Wee ones can ride a toddler-size boat or climb in the Peekaboo House in a special space for infants, toddlers and their grown-ups.
Teens
Board an egg-shaped pod for a ride to the top of The Gateway Arch (at Memorial Drive and Market Street). The views stretch up to 30 miles away on clear days, taking in downtown St. Louis, Busch Stadium to the east and the Mississippi River to the west.“Bake” your own custom-designed shirt, shorts or other wearables in minutes at Baked T’s (6368 Delmar Blvd.). The bakery-themed shop will package your finished design to look like cookies, doughnuts or cupcakes.
The Endangered Wolf Center (6750 Tyson Valley Rd. in Eureka ) offers the opportunity to learn about and interact with several species of wolves through tours, programs and events. Work alongside the animal trainers who care for wolves, swift foxes and African painted dogs, or practice your photography on a special tour of the wooded enclosures.
All Ages
Baseball fans can tour Busch Stadium (700 Clark Ave.) any time of year for a close-up look at the home of the Cardinals. View the field from the radio broadcast booth or the Cardinals dugout, and see the World Series trophies in the Champions Club. After the tour, visit Ted Drewes Custard (4224 S. Grand Blvd. and 6726 Chippewa St.). Locals have lined up for Ted's rich and creamy frozen treats here since 1930.Kids from 8 to 80 can slide, crawl and climb through City Museum (750 N. 16th St.), an eclectic mixture of playground, fun house and architectural marvel constructed entirely from recycled and found materials.
Join the 150,000 spectators who turn out every September to see 70 world-class balloon pilots take to the sky in the Great Forest Park Balloon Race . Festivities begin Friday with the Balloon Glow at Central Field in Forest Park (5595 Grand Dr.), followed by fireworks. Children’s activities and live entertainment lead up to the impressive race launch on Saturday.
With more than 100 rides, shows and attractions, Six Flags St. Louis (4900 Six Flags Rd. in Eureka) is packed with fun things to do for the entire family. Match wits against Lex Luthor in the 4-D Justice League: Battle for Metropolis or experience gut-wrenching 50-mph drops on American Thunder. Find fun for little ones in Bugs Bunny National Park, cool off in Hurricane Harbor or see a show.