The Boathouse Paddle Co
“We know why you really came to The Boathouse at Forest Park. The food was a bonus, but you came here to live out your childhood dream as a pirate or a naval commander. Well, we won’t burst your bubble. We can’t offer you the high seas, but Post Dispatch Lake is a fantastic place to launch a mini-expedition on our paddle boats, canoes, kayaks, and paddle boards. Our boats may not be the USS Constitution, but we can promise they’ll float.
We open every morning, and close around sunset each night. Rent our boats by the hour to explore Forest Park from an entirely new perspective. Stay up to date on special events like moonlight picnics and paddleboard yoga.”
6101 Government Drive, St. Louis, MO 63110
Forest Park
“Forest Park, which is owned and operated by the City of St. Louis, is considered one of the nation’s greatest urban public parks. The Park’s 1,300 acres feature beautiful landscapes sprinkled with forests, ecosystems, nature reserves, lakes and streams, as well as five of the region’s major cultural institutions and endless opportunities for recreation. Forest Park attracts 13 million visitors each year, making it the sixth most visited urban park in the United States.
Forest Park truly offers something for everyone — amazing destinations and institutions that challenge the mind, a Dual Path system that invites both leisurely walks and intense workouts, quiet places to picnic and read, and a variety of popular festivals and events — all set in the background of a city oasis, a place to escape it all.”
Within Forest Park, you will find the Missouri History Museum, The Muny, the St. Louis Art Museum, and the St. Louis Science Center. You will also find athletic fields, and a golf course.
Missouri Botanical Gardens
A greenhouse dome, a Victorian home & gardens, a butterfly house & more spread across 79 acres. There’s also a children’s garden open from April to October. Tickets are available online or when you arrive.
4344 Shaw Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63110
The Muny
“What began as a grassy spot between two oak trees has grown into the nation’s oldest and largest outdoor musical theatre. The Muny’s storied history is one of vision, perseverance and commitment to culture and community. Think of The Muny as a blank canvas to a memorable night out. You’ll always see a great show, but the rest of the experience is entirely up to you. Picnic in the grass or a cocktail in the pavilion? Suit and tie or Saturday shorts? Date night or group outing? At The Muny, the answer is always yes!”
1 Theater Drive, St. Louis, MO 63112
St. Louis Zoo
“Home to over 12,000 animals, representing 500 species, the St. Louis Zoo is recognized worldwide for its innovative approaches to animal care and management, wildlife conservation, research, and education. One of the few FREE zoos in the nation, the St. Louis Zoo attracts approximately 3 million visitors annually and is the most visited attraction in the region. And, as a free zoo, visitors are encouraged to come back again … and again!
1 Government Drive, St. Louis, MO 63110
Grant’s Farm
“Grant’s Farm celebrates America’s past with a commitment to the future. Honoring both the 18th president of the United States and the Busch family legacy, the Farm is a refuge for more than 900 animals, representing more than 100 different species.” A popular St. Louis destination since 1954, Grant’s Farm is the 281-acre ancestral home of the Busch family, named for Ulysses S. Grant who originally worked a portion of the land. Take a tram ride through the deer park, feed baby goats, ride a camel or a carousel and finish the day off with an ice cold Budweiser!
10501 Gravois Road, St. Louis, MO 63123
Creve Coeur Lake Memorial Park
“Creve Coeur Lake Memorial Park is 2,145 acres in size. Located in Maryland Heights, Missouri, it is the largest park in St. Louis County parks system. You will never run out of stuff to do while visiting the park because there is something for everyone. In the warmer seasons, guests can rent boats or bicycles to spend the day adventuring. Getting out on the water is a blast if you rent a canoe, kayak, or paddleboard. If you just want to take in the breathtaking view of the lake, try the 3.8 mile asphalt trail that surrounds the lake. This loop trail is ideal for walkers, runners, bikers, or other activities like rollerblading. Pets are also welcome as long as they are kept on a leash.”
13725 Marine Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63146
Endangered Wolf Center
“The Endangered Wolf Center is a non-profit wildlife facility in Eureka, Missouri, United States, near St. Louis that is dedicated to preserving and reintroducing to the wild critically endangered species of wolves. It is certified by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.”
6750 Tyson Valley Road, Eureka, MO 63025
Go Ape! Zipline
“Go Ape Zipline & Adventure Park takes scenic to new levels, literally, up to 45 feet in the trees. Our aerial adventure offers amazing views of the natural lake and surrounding woodlands. Our high-ropes course takes between 2-3 hours to complete.
So much more than a canopy tour, the Go Ape Treetop Adventure will have you navigating 31 crossings with suspended obstacles, jumping into our Tarzan swings and flying from the treetops to the ground on one of our five ziplines.”
13219 Streetcar Drive, Maryland Heights, MO 63043
Lone Elk Park
Drive through wildlife park, free to the public, however donations are encouraged. “Lone Elk Park is a wildlife management area, with bison, wild turkey, waterfowl, elk and deer. Motorcycles are prohibited. Domestic animals are not allowed, even if confined in a vehicle.”
1 Lone Elk Park Road, St. Louis, MO 63088
Six Flags St. Louis
Come experience Missouri’s largest, most thrilling theme park filled with over 45 exciting rides, shows, & attractions!
4900 Six Flags Road, Eureka, MO 63025
World Bird Sanctuary
“World Bird Sanctuary is both a unique St. Louis attraction and entertaining environmental education opportunity. With over 305 acres and over 200 animals in our care, we offer a one-of-a-kind wildlife experience. World Bird Sanctuary’s mission is to preserve, protect and inspire to safeguard bird species as part of the global community for future generations.” … “World Bird Sanctuary bustles with activity on 305 acres of Missouri hardwood forest, featuring our public buildings, avian exhibits and five hiking trails.”
125 Bald Eagle Ridge Road, Valley Park, MO 63088
The following attraction is outside of St. Louis County, but it’s worth the drive!
Meramec Caverns
“Beneath the fertile rolling hills of the Meramec Valley, lies a complex of mineral formations and color as rare and unique as they are beautiful. These jewels of nature which took thousands of years to grow, are preserved in the spectacular sights of Meramec Caverns.
Guided tours by trained rangers are conducted along well-lighted walkways. Learn how an ancient limestone “Wine Table” and an entire 7-story mansion were formed… all underground. On tour you will see both the rarest and largest cave formations in the world.”
1135 Highway W, Sullivan, MO 63080