What memories of childhood will your children cherish?
“Mommy, can we go to the beach, see animals, and have dinner with my buddy? Just you and me? Not Sophia, not Josie, and not Daddy. Just you and me?”
You got it, bud!
Like most kids, my oldest two THRIVE and CRAVE one-on-one time. At times, it’s hard for my husband and I to deliver between a demanding job, school activities, sports, three dogs, and two other kids to tend to.
This is why we try our best to spend a day and night or a weekend away with just one of our kids. It’s good for both of us! We need it, and we love doing it.
So, this month, I tried my best to fill my son’s requests, and we spent the day exploring STL and ending the day with dinner with his buddy, a hotel stay, and his favorite breakfast the next morning-PANCAKES!
Below I’ve listed out each activity with tips and details in case you want to plan a similar day or single visit.
Missouri Botanical Gardens
This served as his “beach” request since the morning started off rainy. We arrived at 9 am, which is when the gardens open, along with their Children’s Garden. We walked around a bit, looking at the flowers, gardens, waterfall, and we walked across the creeks. Then we made our way to their Children’s Garden. It was opening day for the season and our first time experiencing this permanent exhibit. I was pleased that I didn’t let the rain deter us from going- it ended up being perfect! We walked the trails, explored the caves and uncovered fossils, played in the water, sand, and made music!
Details:
Check website for pricing
Get there right at 9
Bring water shoes or an extra pair of clothes just in case
Children’s garden cost is separate from general admission to the Garden.
Grant’s Farm
This was our animal outing, and it was SO. MUCH. FUN.
We fed the goats, looked at all of the animals, enjoyed some lunch and a popsicle before heading to our close-up Clydesdale tour.
I do not recommend this for young kids.
My son didn’t care about the history and just wanted to see the horses (he’s 4). We got to pet one in the beginning and not again until the end where we got to brush & take pictures with a Clydesdale. I’d recommend going yourself through the barn to see them either before or after you go through the park.
We finished the Clydesdale tour and immediately headed to our Animal Encounters Tour. My son talked about this nonstop! We met our group leaders at the entrance to the parking lot and walked to the tram area, where we were loaded into a private tram. We were driven through the deer park and stopped twice to feed the animals that came up to our car. We fed highland cattle, deer, elk, Watusi cattle, and got chased by a llama who really wanted a snack. Once we made it through the park, we toured one of their private barns where we saw tortoises, a potbellied pig, piglets, porcupines, reptiles, and fed lemurs and saw their BABY!
I can’t say enough good things about this tour. It was extremely kid-friendly, informative and the perfect length of 75min.
Info:
Check website for pricing and tour times.
Must pay for parking
Pro-tip: Purchase a fun pass ticket. It includes 2 animal feedings, a carousel ride, and a popsicle!
After we had our fair share of adventures, we headed to our hotel to shower and take a rest.
Frankie Martins
Next was dinner with his buddy and his mom! We ended up at Frankie Martins in downtown Cottleville, and it was fantastic. It has a large turf area with several fire pits, picnic tables, a large stage with live music, a drink house where you can purchase alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages, a sand volleyball court and pickleball court. If you have a larger group, you can rent out a larger seating area under a pavilion. Food options depend on what food trucks are in attendance- we had five to choose from. The adults were able to catch up while the boys ran around and played. It was perfect!
Pro tip: bring your own lawn chairs or blanket!
We ended the night with a movie in bed and finished the date with pancakes at The Original Pancake House the next morning.
I love this tradition so much and I hope it becomes a core memory for the kids!
Want to keep the fun going? Take plenty of photos and go to Hobby Lobby together to pick out scrapbook supplies and make a book of your adventures.
