Many are Free, and We'll Tell You What's Worth the Splurge to Make Your Summer Sensational
by Amy De La Hunt
This year I'm faced with three mostly blank
calendar pages to fill before first grade starts, and the summer camp
budget isn't big enough to fill them all. But at the first echo of the
word "bored," we'll be out the door to explore - the St. Louis region
offers both educational and blissfully mindless forms of entertainment
diverse enough to please everyone from preschoolers to teenagers.
1) When Mother Nature dims the lights, Frontyard Features fires
up its outdoor movies. Last year, the company gave metro neighborhoods
200 opportunities to gather for family-friendly films under the stars. 314-664-4330, www.fyfstl.com
2)
Natural treasures abound in St. Louis County's 39 parks, but scavenger
hunting at the 10 locations participating in the county's Junior Ranger
program is financially rewarding as well. 314-615-7275, www.stlouisco.com/parks/jranger/JrRangerIntro.htm
3)
Enjoy a carefree Saturday morning in Tower Grove Park. Splash in the
bubble jets and pools, then grab a snack at the farmers' market and
munch in the pavilion's shade with live music setting the mood. Center Cross Drive, 314-772-3899, www.tgmarket.org
4) The
pastoral Purina Farms Pet Center houses dogs and cats, and its barn is
full of domesticated farm animals and their babies. While you're there,
catch a working dog demonstration or learn pet-care tips. County Road MM, Gray Summit, 314-982-3232, www.purina.com/purina-farms
5)
There are more fun things at the Saint Louis Zoo than stripes on a
zebra, but topping the list are the Zoomagination exhibits, Jungle
Boogie Friday concerts and the perpetually cool penguins. One Government Drive, St. Louis, 314-781-0900, www.stlzoo.org
6)
It's a rush standing atop Monk's Mound, the highest earthen structure
at Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site in Illinois. The interpretive
center hosts frequent educational events, including tours and
excavation viewings June 19–21. Cahokia Mounds, 30 Ramey St., Collinsville, 618-346-5160, www.cahokiamounds.com
7) Travel to Shakespeare’s England with "The Merry Wives of Windsor" in St. Louis' Forest Park May 20-June 14 or "The Tempest" in St. Charles' Frontier Park June 19-21 and 26-28. Fine Arts Drive, Forest Park, 314-531-9800, www.shakespearefestivalstlouis.org Katy Depot, Frontier Park, 636-627-8787
8) Powder Valley Nature Center's three miles of paved trails offer some of the region's most kid-friendly forest hiking. Also, enjoy indoor interactive exhibits, including a treehouse. 11715 Cragwold Road, Kirkwood, 314-301-1500, www.mdc.mo.gov/areas/cnc/powder
10) These three carnivals with a small-town feel don't generate much fanfare outside their own municipal boundaries, but they're worth a visit. Olivette's Summerfest, www.olivettemo.com, June 25 to 27 Heritage and Freedom Fest in O’Fallon, Mo., July 3-4, heritageandfreedomfest.com
11) The city's hometown carnival, Live on the Levee and Fair St. Louis, starts July 3-4, then continues weekends July 17-Aug. 1. This year the nationally known bands and world-class fireworks return to the Arch grounds. 314-434-3434, www.celebratestlouis.org
12) Twilight Tuesdays is a beloved outdoor concert series at the Missouri History Museum, a quintessential picnic venue. The spring session runs until June 9; the fall session resumes in September. During summer months, families can participate in drop-in, make-and-take craft workshops, storytelling with hands-on activities, and family tours. 5700 Lindell Blvd., St. Louis, 314-454-3150, www.mohistory.org
13) One of the reasons Forbes Traveler placed Missouri's Katy Trail among its Ten Great American Bike Trails is its flat surface, perfect for novice bike riders and hikers. But surely the Missouri River scenery didn't hurt. Machens to Clinton, Mo., 800-334-6946, www.bikekatytrail.com
14) The Saint Louis Art Museum's Family Sundays continue all summer, offering themed art activities in a variety of media. And don't forget Free Fridays, when exhibitions waive admission. One Fine Arts Drive, St. Louis, 314.721.0072, www.slam.org
15) Take a Midwestern hiking safari to see elk, bison, deer, turkeys and more at Lone Elk County Park, a 524-acre wildlife management area. 1 Lone Elk Park Road (Interstate 44 and Highway 141), St. Louis County, 314-615-0900, www.stlouisco.com/PARKS/LoneElk.html
16) The World Bird Sanctuary (next door to Lone Elk) is a favorite with budding ornithologists for its many species of winged creatures. A summer highlight is the Thursday evening concert series in August. 125 Bald Eagle Ridge Road, Valley Park, 636-861-3225, www.worldbirdsanctuary.org
17) True, kids can't sample the beer, but they love the Anheuser-Busch InBev brewery tour for its other qualities, especially the Clydesdale stable, the massive beechwood aging tanks and the bird's-eye view of the bottling line. 12th and Lynch streets, St. Louis, 314-577-2626, www.budweisertours.com
18) In April, downtown St. Louis added Old Post Office Plaza (at Ninth and St. Charles streets), an open-air performing arts venue. In July, City Garden, a two-block array of fountains, greenery and sculptures, opens for frolicking. Eighth to 10th and Chestnut to Market streets, St. Louis, 314-289-5300
19) Dining destination extraordinaire Westport Plaza shows its support for local musicians and street entertainers by hiring them four or five days a week all summer. Interstate 270 and Page Avenue, 314-576-7100, www.westportstl.com
20) Crowds gather for this magical opportunity to view hot-air balloon burners at night. The next day, watch your favorites in the race. The Great Forest Park Balloon Race and associated events are Sept. 18-19. Forest Park's Central Field, St. Louis, www.greatforestparkballoonrace.com
21) For a true-blue Fourth of July experience, head to Webster Groves' Community Days Festival, July 1-4. Saturday's parade is a giant dose of small-town patriotism. Memorial Park, Webster Groves, 314-963-5600, www.webstergroves.org
22) Marvel at the Mississippi River’s majestic power from two important feats of engineering: the 1874 Eads Bridge (entered from Washington Avenue in St. Louis) and the world’s longest pedestrian-and-bike span, the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge. 10950 Riverview Drive, St. Louis, 314-436-1324, www.trailnet.org/p_ocorb.php
23) Dip a spoon into the melting pot at the Festival of Nations, Aug. 29-30, where our neighbors from around the world show off their cuisine and performing arts. Tower Grove Park, St. Louis, 314-773-9090, www.iistl.org/festival.php
24) Daniel Boone still fascinates kids, and Pioneer Days at the home where he died in 1820 is a good place to introduce them to the frontier era, Sept. 19-20. 1868 Highway F, Defiance, 636-798-2005, www.lindenwood.edu/boone
25) Missouri's largest spectator event, the Tour of Missouri pro bike race, begins with an exciting circuit through St. Louis, then crisscrosses the state en route to Kansas City. Sept. 7–13, www.tourofmissouri.com
Under $25 for the Entire Family
26) It's simply not summer without a visit to beloved local icon Ted Drewes frozen custard. Fox Treat, anyone? 4224 S. Grand Blvd. and 6726 Chippewa St., St. Louis, 314-352-7376 and 314-481-2652, www.teddrewes.com, prices vary
27) Conduct your own experiment at the Saint Louis Science Center. More than 700 hands-on experiments, from a giant kaleidoscope to a life-sized Tyrannosaurus rex will keep your family mesmerized. 5050 Oakland Ave., St. Louis, 314-289-4400, www.slsc.org, $8 for parking, free admission, some attractions have fees
28) All aboard! The Museum of Transportation's miniature train rides are a perfect three-fer: One price includes train, trolley and tram. 2967 Barrett Station Road, St. Louis County, 314-965-6885, www.transportmuseumassociation.org, $6 adults, $4 children 5–12
29) The root beer floats rock anytime, but it's a bonus to see Fitz's bottling line in action. 6605 Delmar Blvd., University City, 314-726-9555, www.fitzsrootbeer.com, $4.29 floats
30) Experience a variety of ecosystems on a kid-sized scale at the Doris I. Schnuck Children's Garden in the Missouri Botanical Garden. Bring a swimsuit for the fountains! 4344 Shaw Blvd., St. Louis 314-577-9400, www.mobot.org/finn, $8 adults, $3 ages 3–12
31) The pastoral setting at Grant's Farm is a perfect backdrop for up-close elephant education shows and animal encounters, offered daily except Monday all summer. 10501 Gravois Road, St. Louis County, 314-843-1700, www.grantsfarm.com, $11 per vehicle
32) To beat the midday heat, head downtown to the Flamingo Bowl, where the bright vibe and clean air will perk up your wilted spirits. 1117 Washington Ave., St. Louis, 314-436-6666, www.flamingobowl.net, kids 12 and under: $3 lane rental, $1.50 shoe rental
33) To see the Missouri River's fall colors from a new perspective, take to the water. The Grafton Ferry Boat Company, one of several independent lines, crosses to Jersey County in Illinois. 6171 Highway V, St. Charles County, 636-250-3103, www.graftonferry.com, $15 round trip
34) The Griot Museum of Black History and Culture's thought-provoking exhibits on the slave trade, life in 19th-century Missouri and the modern civil rights era can spark family dialogues. 2505 St. Louis Ave., St. Louis, 314-241-7057, www.myspace.com/thegriotmuseum, $5 adults, $4 ages 13–17, $2.50 ages 12 and under
35) Like things that go vroom? Speed over to The Moto Museum for a look at historic motorcycles from 17 countries. The museum hosts special events, so call ahead to confirm its open to the public before visiting. 3441 Olive Blvd., St. Louis, 314-446-1805, www.themotomuseum.com, $8 adults, free for kids 12 and under
36) Chesterfield's Faust Park features three distinctive attractions: The Butterfly House, a free-flight conservatory; a restored 1920s carousel; and the historic village, which re-enactors bring to life the last two weekends of May, June and July. 15185 Olive Street Road, Chesterfield, 636-532-7298, www.co.st-louis.mo.us/parks/Faust_home.html, admission prices vary
37) Take everyone out to the ballgame on the local minor league teams' lawns. Gateway Grizzlies, 2301 Grizzlie Bear Road, Sauget, Ill., 618-337-3000, www.gatewaygrizzlies.com River City Rascals, 900 T.R. Hughes Blvd., O’Fallon, Mo., 636-240-2287, www.rivercityrascals.com, $5 per ticket
Worth the splurge 38) Ice grass sledding at Sioux Passage Park is a unique rite of summertime. To test your mettle Aug. 15 on the giant hill, make a reservation and grab your towel. 17930 Old Jamestown Road, St. Louis County, 314-615-8840, $8 per person, ages 8 and above only
39)Circus Flora charms, excites, delights and always surprises audiences with its fast-moving acrobatics and cleverly cute themes. This year, Medrano runs June 4–21. Big-top tent behind 718 N. Grand Blvd., St. Louis, 314-289-4040, www.circusflora.org, tickets start at $8 per person
40) The simple joys of prize steers and midway rides, beauty queens and blue-ribbon tomatoes are all on display at the St. Charles County Fair, July 28-Aug. 1. Rotary Park, Wentzville, 636-327-6949, www.stcharlescofair.org, $10 adults ($15 weekends), $5 ages 6-12, free 5 and under
41) It's impossible to list all the changes lately at City Museum, but some favorites include the rooftop activities, Wurlitzer pipe organ, fourth-floor store and seven-day schedule. 701 N. 15th St., St. Louis, 314-231-2489, www.citymuseum.org, $12 ages 3 and over
42) There are new role models in town for soccer-loving girls: the St. Louis Athletica, a women's pro team that plays in St. Louis and Edwardsville. 888-785-4625, www.saintlouisathletica.com, tickets start at $12
43) Your parents may have taken you to see Bob Kramer's Marionettes during the puppets' 45-year run; now it's your turn to treat your own kids to the 30-minute musical review. 4143 Laclede Ave., St. Louis, 314-531-3313, www.kramersmarionnettes.com, $12 adults, $10 ages 1-12
44) The Magic House's spacious expansion targets 'tweens without neglecting the tots who made its original nooks and crannies one of the country's top children's museums. 516 S. Kirkwood Road, Kirkwood, 314-822-8900, www.magichouse.org, $8.50 ages 1 and over
45) The scenic Ozark trails at Greensfelder Park host equestrians, hikers, cyclists and also hayriders. In the late summer and fall, one-hour tractor-drawn journeys end with a bonfire for cooking hotdogs or roasting marshmallows. 4515 Hencken Road, St. Louis County, 314-615-4386, $125 for 20 people
46) Six Flags' newest rollercoaster is the wooden Evel Knievel, but you’ll want to visit old favorites too - and plan to stay out for the concerts. 4900 Six Flags Road, Eureka, 636-938-4800, www.sixflags.com/stlouis, $39.99 adult, $31 under 48 inches, free age 2 and under, parking $15
47) Weekends from May 16-June 7, the Greater St. Louis Renaissance Faire turns Rotary Park into a neverland of medieval royalty, forest pixies, pirates and armored knights. 2577 W. Meyer Road, Wentzville, 636-928-4141, www.stlrenfaire.com, $13 adults, $8 ages 6-12, free age 5 and under
48) There are many wonderful ways to get wet at Raging Rivers Water Park, from 500-foot-long flumes to a lazy river. 100 Palisades Parkway, Grafton, Ill., 618-786-2345, www.ragingrivers.com, $18.95 over 48 inches, $15.95 under 48 inches, free age 2 and under, parking $5
49) You don't need to travel far to float one of Missouri’s scenic rivers: Blue Springs Ranch on the Meramec is only an hour away. 1246 Blue Springs Road, Bourbon, 800-333-8007, www.bluespringsranchresort.com, tube, canoe, kayak and raft rates vary
50) Yes, it screams tourist, but cruising the Mississippi on a replica 19th-century steamboat is one tour even locals will enjoy. Riverfront levee, St. Louis, 877-982-1410, www.gatewayarch.com, one-hour cruises $14 adults, $8 ages 3–15, free age 2 and under
51) Children's sense of awe when they enter the Fox Theatre's lobby is a fantastic prelude to the fun they'll have watching Mary Poppins, running Aug. 13–30. 527 N. Grand Blvd., St. Louis, 314-534-1111, www.fabulousfox.com, tickets start at $28
Warm weather means writer Amy De La Hunt and her sons, ages 5
and 2, can be found outdoors: walking to school, growing veggies,
playing bocce at the neighborhood community garden or attending free
concerts in city parks. When she moved to St. Louis eight years ago,
she didn't realize how child-friendly the urban core would be - nor did
she imagine that her labor of love would be STL Free For All, a blog about inexpensive family activities (http://mom22kids.wordpress.com). When she’s not working on her blog or writing for St. Louis Kids Magazine, she writes about food, restaurants, nightlife and wine for a variety of publications.
