St. Louis in March
I will be traveling to St. Louis in March with my 7 year old. This is our first road trip that his Grandma is going to come along too! So far these are the places we plan to visit
-The Arch of course
-The City Museum
-The Science Center
-The Botanical Gardens
-The Zoo
Is there anything else we should add to the list?
Are there any restaurants you would recommend we check out?
Which activities could we do together in one day/which ones need a day devoted to just that one activity?
Any other activities Grandma might enjoy? The Botanical Gardens are mainly for her, but I'm open to other suggestions!
Thanks in advance!
St. Louis is a fantastic city for a family trip, especially with a mix of attractions for both children and adults. You’ve already listed many of the city’s highlights, and your itinerary seems well-balanced. Here’s some detailed guidance for planning your days, additional suggestions, and restaurant ideas.
Suggested itinerary and grouping activities:
- The Arch + Riverfront: You can combine the Gateway Arch with a visit to the Old Courthouse and a stroll along the Mississippi riverfront. This can be done in a half-day, leaving time for lunch or other nearby activities.
- City Museum: Plan to dedicate at least half a day, or even a full day if your child enjoys climbing and exploring. This place is very hands-on and can be tiring, so consider it a main activity for one day.
- St. Louis Science Center: A great choice for interactive exhibits. Half to a full day is ideal, depending on interest level. You could pair this with a visit to nearby Forest Park attractions if time allows.
- St. Louis Zoo: Located in Forest Park, the zoo can easily take half a day. Admission is free, but some special attractions may have fees. It’s best to start in the morning when animals are more active.
- Missouri Botanical Garden: Perfect for Grandma. You could combine this with a light lunch in the Central West End. The garden can take a couple of hours, so it’s best as a focused activity.
Additional attractions to consider:
- Grant’s Farm – great for kids to see animals and enjoy the tram ride.
- Delmar Loop – shopping, dining, and the St. Louis Walk of Fame; good for a relaxed afternoon.
- Forest Park – besides the zoo, it also has museums and walking paths.
- Union Station & St. Louis Aquarium – fun for kids and easy to fit in a couple of hours.
- Citygarden – an urban sculpture park downtown that’s fun for short walks and photos.
Restaurant recommendations:
- Pappy’s Smokehouse – famous for barbecue, casual and kid-friendly.
- Blueberry Hill – fun diner with music memorabilia, located in the Delmar Loop.
- The Boathouse in Forest Park – family-friendly with scenic views and casual American cuisine.
- Pi Pizzeria – great for deep-dish or thin-crust pizza, popular with families.
- Café Osage – offers lighter fare and is near the Botanical Gardens.
Planning tips for your days:
- Pair activities by location to save travel time: for example, Forest Park Zoo + Science Center on the same day.
- City Museum deserves a day to explore fully; it can be tiring for both kids and adults, so plan accordingly.
- Botanical Gardens and nearby lunch or light shopping can be a slower-paced day for Grandma.
- Start early for attractions with outdoor components like the Zoo or Grant’s Farm to avoid crowds and enjoy cooler parts of the day.
Overall, your itinerary already covers the highlights. Adding Grant’s Farm, Delmar Loop, or Union Station could round out the trip nicely. With careful grouping of activities by location, you can balance energetic days for your child with more relaxed experiences for Grandma, making it a memorable trip for all three of you.
