City Museum, the Arch and hands-on play in St. Louis
St. Louis, MO
If you were considering Legoland, this is a different kind of trip.
- Who it suits
- Families with little kids, families with teens, couples and friends
- How long
- 3, 4 or 5 days
- Getting there
- Drive. A drive from Indianapolis, Chicago, Cincinnati, Columbus, Louisville, Nashville (about 8 hours or less by car).
- Seasons
- Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Why it works
- City Museum is an artist-built playground with installations you can climb up, slide down and crawl under.
- At Gateway Arch National Park, a tram carries visitors up inside the Arch for a view over St. Louis.
- The Magic House, St. Louis Children's Museum, has hands-on exhibits including a bubble room and a climbing sculpture.
- Gateway Arch National Park also covers the Old Courthouse, where Dred and Harriet Scott sued for their freedom.
Watch out for
- Arch tram tickets sell out early and often, and advance reservations are strongly recommended.
- The play area on City Museum's roof opens only when weather and other factors permit.
Sources
- City Museum is an artist-built playground with installations you can climb up, slide down and crawl under. source (checked 2026-11-13)
- At Gateway Arch National Park, a tram carries visitors up inside the Arch for a view over St. Louis. source (checked 2026-11-13)
- The Magic House, St. Louis Children's Museum, has hands-on exhibits including a bubble room and a climbing sculpture. source (checked 2026-11-13)
- Gateway Arch National Park also covers the Old Courthouse, where Dred and Harriet Scott sued for their freedom. source (checked 2026-11-13)
- Arch tram tickets sell out early and often, and advance reservations are strongly recommended. source (checked 2026-11-13)
- The play area on City Museum's roof opens only when weather and other factors permit. source (checked 2026-11-13)