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*Thank you the St. Louis Gateway Arch, & Gateway Arch Riverboats, & Union Station for hosting us.
If you’re looking for a weekend getaway that’s packed with history, hands-on, and family friendly, St Louis would make a great summer trip. Two weeks ago we spent two days exploring some of the city’s most iconic attractions – The Gateway Arch, Riverboats at the Gateway Arch, City Museum, and Union Station.
Day 1: The Gateway Arch, & Riverboats at the Gateway Arch
Location: 100 Washington Avenue, St Louis, MO 63102
We kicked off our trip to St. Louis at the Gateway Arch, and Riverboat tour. When you’re in St Louis, it’s impossible to miss the Gateway Arch – literally. Towering 630 feet over the Mississippi River, this iconic monument is both a symbol of America’s westward expansion and a must-see attraction for visitors of all ages.
Before or after the tram ride, don’t miss the Museum at the Gateway Arch, which is completely underground. It’s included with your entry and is beautifully designed. The museum takes you through centuries of the U.S. history, from Native American culture to the building of the Arch itself. It’s hands-on, visual, and just the right amount of educational.
Location: 50 S Leonor K Sullivan Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63102
After our Arch visit, we walked down to the St Louis Riverboats, located just steps from the Arch grounds. The narrated sightseeing cruise lasts about one hour and is packed with fun facts about St Louis, the Mississippi River, and riverboat history. It’s a smooth ride, and perfect for families of all ages. There is shaded seating inside and open-air spots on the top deck – great for photos or just soaking in the breeze.
Tip: You can buy combo tickets for both the Arch tram and river boat cruise in advance through the Gateway Arch website.
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Day 2: St Louis Aquarium & City Museum
Location: 201 S. 18th Street, St. Louis, MO
On Tuesday morning, we started our day at the St. Louis Aquarium, located inside the historic Union Station. Before entering the exhibits, guests board a simulated “train ride” that takes you on a virtual trip from St. Louis to aquatic ecosystems around the globe. With immersive screens, sound, and motion, it’s a fun way to introduce the concept of water travel and animal exhibits.
Learn about Missouri’s river ecosystems and native species like catfish, paddlefish, and snapping turtles. There are hands-on elements throughout, including touchscreens and educational graphics perfect for school-age kids.
Shark Canyon is the showstopper – it’s a massive 250,000 gallon tank filled with sharks, rays, and sea turtles. The viewing windows are huge, and a central seating area lets you sit and soak in the underwater world around you. There’s even a smaller viewing tunnel for kids to crawl through.
There are several touch areas where kids can interact with sting rays, moon jellies, and doctor fish (the one’s that gently nibble at your fingers).
We spent 1.5 hours at the Aquarium which was the perfect amount of time.
Location: 750 N 16th Street, St. Louis, MO
After visiting the St. Louis Aquarium, we went back to our hotel to freshen up and then drove 5 minutes over to the City Museum. The City Museum is unlike anything you’ve ever experienced before. It’s part sculpture museum, part indoor playground, part art installation, and part jungle gym – all housed in a former 10-story shoe factory. This 100,000-square-foot is a playground for kids (and adults), packed with secret slides, tunnels, caves, secret passageways, and hidden gems.
We were only able to spend 3 hours here, and honesty could have spent the whole day here. There’s just so much to see, touch, and climb. If you have the time, I highly recommend spending an entire day at the City Museum. We had so much fun that we are already planning another trip back!
Tips:
- wear sneakers or closed-toe shoes. You’ll be climbing A LOT.
- bring flashlights or headlamps for the caves.
- lockers are available for rent.
- plan for 3-4 hours (or all day!)
Union Station: Ferris Wheel, Carousel, Ropes Course Adventure, & Mini Golf
Location: 1820 Market Street, St Louis, MO
The morning before we left, we spent a couple hours at Union Station. The St. Louis Wheel is a must when you visit Union Station. The 200ft tall Ferris Wheel offers sweeping views of downtown St. Louis. Each gondola is enclosed and climate-controlled – making it a great ride any time of year. The ride lasts about 15 minutes, giving you multiple slow rotations.
Next, Kamden rode on the beautifully crafted vintage-style carousel. It’s a quick and relaxing ride and great for all ages.
Kamden geared up for the Ropes Course and Sky Trail. Suspended two stories above the ground, this high-flying obstacle course is perfect for adventurous families. With suspended bridges, balance beams, swinging steps, and climbing elements, it’s a hands-on experience.
Last up on our Union Station adventure: mini golf. We played 18 holes, and Gavin beat Kamden and I. I hadn’t played mini golf in years so it was fun to get a round of mini golf in.
Where To Stay
Location: 201 S 20th St, St. Louis, MO
When planning our stay in St Louis we wanted to pick a hotel that was close to some of the activities we were wanting to do. Drury Inn & Suites St Louis Union Station was just steps away from the Historic Grand Hall of the St Louis. The hotel is part of the original 1894 train station building and feels both historic and welcoming.
What we loved:
- Walk everywhere: A 5-minute walk to Union Station’s Ferris wheel, and aquarium, and under 10 minutes to City Museum; the Gateway Arch is a quick 1.6 mile drive or short Metrolink ride.
- Family-friendly perks: Clean, comfortable rooms with in-room mini fridge, microwave, and free Wi-Fi
- Free meals and drinks: Enjoy complimentary hot breakfast buffet every morning, 3 free happy hours drinks in the evening, as well as free dinner.
- Amenities: Indoor pool and hot tub, fitness center, secured parking ($10-$19/day), business center, and laundry facilities if needed.
If you are looking for other travel guides, you can check them out here.
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