Family spring break plans

Question

Hello folks. We’re looking to take the family (wife/10yo/7yo/self) to St. Louis the last week of March. We’ve planned four nights at the Drury Arch, and will be driving from Chicago. We’d like to enjoy attractions during the day, and relaxed evenings at the hotel pool with nearby dining.

Our loose agenda is

1: Drive in to Meremac Caverns, check into hotel in the evening

2: morning Arch, afternoon Botanical Gardens

3: Union Station

4: City Museum

5: Possibly Magic House before driving to Indianapolis for their Children’s Museum.

We aren’t locked into anything, and very open to suggestions. We settled on the Drury Arch due to good reviews and recommendations, but are open to options.

Thanks for looking!

Answer

Your planned spring break in St. Louis sounds well-paced and family-friendly. Here’s a detailed look at your itinerary and some suggestions to enhance your experience:

Day 1: Meramec Caverns and Arrival

Driving from Chicago, stopping at Meramec Caverns is a great way to break up the trip. The guided tours are interesting for both kids and adults, featuring stalactites, stalagmites, and colorful cave history. Expect the tour to take about 1–1.5 hours.

After the caverns, heading to your hotel in the evening is a good plan. Drury Arch offers a comfortable stay with complimentary evening snacks and a pool, perfect for unwinding after the drive.

Day 2: Gateway Arch and Botanical Gardens

Morning visit to the Gateway Arch is ideal. Plan to arrive early to avoid crowds, especially if you plan to ride the tram to the top. The museum under the Arch offers interactive exhibits for kids.

In the afternoon, the Missouri Botanical Garden is relaxing and educational. The Climatron greenhouse is a highlight and usually fascinates children with its tropical plants and butterfly exhibits.

Day 3: Union Station

Union Station offers a variety of attractions. Consider:

St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station – interactive exhibits with touch pools and daily shows.
Ropes courses and mini-golf – fun for kids to burn off energy.
Dining options – Union Station has family-friendly restaurants for lunch or dinner.

Day 4: City Museum

The City Museum is a unique, multi-level playground built from repurposed architectural elements. It’s ideal for your 7- and 10-year-olds, offering climbing structures, slides, tunnels, and creative exhibits. Arrive early to maximize your visit, as it can take several hours to explore fully.

Day 5: Magic House / Departure

If time permits before your drive to Indianapolis, the Magic House Children’s Museum is an engaging stop. Exhibits are interactive and hands-on, perfect for younger children. Allocate 2–3 hours to enjoy the highlights without rushing.

Hotel Choice and Nearby Dining

Drury Arch is centrally located and has good family-friendly amenities including a pool. For evening dining nearby, consider:

Pi Pizzeria – casual, deep-dish pizza, kid-friendly.
Farmers Market at Soulard – if your family enjoys casual local food and an open-air market experience.
Broadway Oyster Bar – seafood with a lively atmosphere, suitable for a relaxed evening meal.

Additional Tips:

Parking: Many attractions in downtown St. Louis have on-site or nearby garages. Bring quarters or use apps for metered spots.
Traffic: Weekdays can be busy near the Arch and City Museum; plan to arrive early.
Flexibility: Your itinerary allows for relaxed afternoons. Consider swapping a museum day with the Botanical Gardens if the weather is nice for outdoor exploration.

Overall, your plan is well-balanced between educational and fun activities, with pool and dining time built in for relaxing evenings. St. Louis is compact enough to make driving between sites manageable, especially with young children.

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