There are so many things to do and places to explore in St. Louis while you are visiting for Parent & Family Weekend! Below is a list of places our students have told us are some of the many places they were excited to share with their families.
We don’t have room to list all of the exciting places our students recommended, so we encourage you to talk with your student to see what they may be interested in doing.
We have also created a dining guide and shopping guide for families to use when looking for local dining and shopping establishments they may want to visit.
For more ideas on events and things to do in St. Louis, we recommend checking out the Explore St. Louis website.
Forest Park
One of the largest urban parks in the United States, at 1,371 acres, Forest Park is approximately 500 acres larger than Central Park in New York City. Home to some of St. Louis’ best cultural institutions and spots to explore, such as:
| Saint Louis Zoo | |
| Saint Louis Art Museum | |
| Saint Louis Science Center | |
| Jewel Box Greenhouse | |
| Missouri History Museum | |
| The Boathouse |
The Delmar Loop
Adjacent to campus is a student favorite, the Delmar Loop! With plenty of restaurants, shops, and things to do, the Loop has something for everyone.
St. Louis Union Station
St. Louis Union Station offers a number of experiences including the St. Louis Aquarium, the St. Louis Wheel, the A-MAZE-ING Discoveries Mirror Maze, a Ropes Course, Mini Golf, a Carousel, the Fire & Light Show, and The Grand Hall Light Show.
Citygarden
Citygarden is an urban sculpture park located in downtown St. Louis. The park is an oasis of free interactive art, fountains, and gardens spanning two blocks in downtown St. Louis. Paved, winding paths lead visitors past 24 sculptures resting on wide lawns, six rain gardens, a children’s spray plaza, and a 180-foot-long pool with a six-foot waterfall.
The Gateway Arch & Riverboat Cruises
The Gateway Arch is 630 feet high, making it the tallest monument in the United States. The 4-minute Tram Ride to the Top takes you to the viewing platform where 16 windows look out on downtown St. Louis, the Mississippi River, and Illinois. Within the Gateway Arch is a museum that explores the history of St. Louis and the American westward expansion.
The Riverboats at the Gateway Arch offer an opportunity to see the skyline of St. Louis as you traverse the Mississippi River.
City Foundry
Almost 100 years ago, the Century Electric company purchased the Midtown St. Louis property now known as City Foundry STL. At the time, Midtown was a manufacturing hub for the city, thanks to its proximity to the Wabash Railroad line, which cuts across the City Foundry STL Property. Today, this 15-acre site has been reimagined as City Foundry STL, with first-to-the-area makers and merchants moving to the complex. The food hall features something for everyone: gourmet delights, a quick lunch on the go, and everything in between.
Grand Center Arts District
Recognized as the cultural hub of the region, Grand Center Arts District offers art for everyone — no matter one’s taste. An electrifying deluge of culinary, visual, and performing arts will stimulate all who venture within the one-mile, 175-acre radius, and it is chocked full of sensory delights. With more than 12,000 theater seats representing 50 arts organizations, 20 restaurants and bars, a dozen art museums, two hotels, two performing arts parks, and two universities, the area is a vibrant epicenter of action.
Missouri Botanical Garden
More than 150 years ago, Henry Shaw founded the Missouri Botanical Garden as a place of beauty and floral display, but also as an institution of scientific research and education. Today, visitors can enjoy the beautiful gardens, take classes about sustainability, and enjoy specialty programming the Garden offers throughout the year.
The Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis
The Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis is a one-of-a-kind work of art. With its lofty vaults and radiant mosaics (the largest mosaic collection in the world outside Russia), the sheer scale of beauty is a thing of awe. The museum and tours of the Cathedral Basilica offer any visitor a guided overview of just how much there is to see and learn about the historic site.
World Chess Hall of Fame
The World Chess Hall of Fame presents world-class exhibitions that explore the connection of chess to art, culture, and history.
Cahokia Mounds
The remains of the most sophisticated prehistoric native civilization north of Mexico are preserved at Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site. Within the 2,200-acre tract, located a few miles west of Collinsville, Illinois, lie the archaeological remnants of the central section of the ancient settlement that is today known as Cahokia.
Meramec Caverns
The amazing cave system sitting below Missouri is on display at Mermac Caverns. Tour the caves, zipline through the tree tops, or take in the rich beauty of nature.