Much Ado About St. Louis?

I'm guess I'm biased because I'm from St. Louis but yes there is a lot to do! I don't know how much you could see in 1 day but I'd recommend Grants Farm if the weather is nice. It's really beautiful and the tram ride is fantastic. Also, the Science Center is a lot of fun for children and very hands on. Then there is the Arch. The Arch may not be worth the trip because a toddler probably wouldn't enjoy the museum or movie very much but definitely the ride to the top is fun. And finally there is Purina Farms, the Magic House and the McDonald's River Boat. I'm sure you can find more info about all of these activities if you search the net for St. Louis tourism :)

I went to college in St. Louis (so I was kid-free while there). As other posters mentioned, the science center is *great* (and free). as is the zoo. going up the arch is really cool too, I think. A toddler will love seeing the river boats downtown. Grant's Farm (maybe it's Purina Farm now) is great. If your son/daughter likes trains the National Museum of Transportation is great (and very near to Grant's Farm). If you can stand 5 hours in the car each way it would be a fun trip.

I am from St.Louis and there are many things to do with kids.

Science Center
Zoo
Purina Farms
Botanical Gardens
Grant's Farm (you get free beer)(owned by Anheuser)
City Museum
Magic House
Lone Elk Park

The majority of things are free. If you have any other questions I may be able to help you. It isn't Chicago but it is a nice small city.

http://www.igougo.com/travelcontent/JournalDestination.as...

The Zoo is fantastic. Also check out the Butterfly Museum, The Arch, The Magic House and Forest Park.

I agree with others that it might not be worth the 5 hr drive with a toddler for a one day trip, but have you considered the train? It takes the same amount of time and we can usually get tickets pretty cheap (kids under 2 ride free). Plus, your toddler wouldn't be strapped into a carseat for such a long period and might get a kick out of being on the train.

We take the train to St. Louis a couple of times a year and love it -- I hate making the trip in a car now. Everybody usually arrives well rested (since we all tend to get a nap on the train) and we don't lose any time to potty breaks.

If you go, I hope you have a great time!

A few years ago I had to be there on business and my husband brought our then-toddler to visit for a couple of days. They had a great time! They really liked the zoo and parks. We went to a great little restaurant/gallery district to eat. I liked St. Louis a lot.

The amount of driving required (its a 5 hour drive each way) make it not reasonable to do as a day trip even for adults much less with a toddler.

If you spend more time in St Louis- you can take a paddle wheeler boat on the Mississippi River and a visit to the Clysdale horses at the Anheuser Busch brewery that would be fun. Otherwise toddler activities are like anywhere else. Go for your own interests and your toddler will be happy playing with sticks and rocks and water nearby.

L

St. Louis is a lot of fun--going up to the top of the arch is great--the elevators are like little space capsules to a kid--but get there early to try to avoid lines. Plus there's a great museum in the base of the arch. There's the St. Louis science center, and if the weather is nice, the zoo in St. Louis is a lot of fun.