22 Free Things to Do In St. Louis, MO

There are plenty of attractions in St. Louis to keep your family's joy of discovery and exploration alive without even having to open your wallet. The Gateway to the West is well known for providing an endless variety of entertainment for families that won't break the bank. Enjoy this robust list of 22 free destinations that the whole family can enjoy.

1. Get face to face with the animals at the St. Louis Zoo. View over 19,000 wild animals whose habitats span across 90 acres at one of the only free zoos in the country. Spend the day exploring the different Zoo Zones, enjoy the daily sea lion performance, visit children’s zoo and don't miss the variety of fun and interactive feedings throughout the day. Make a few return trips so that you can be sure to view all of the animals who make their home at this great zoo.
2. Enjoy the magnificent building and the architecture of the Historic Old Courthouse. Travel back in time and explore this historic building of significance, where many legal challenges against slavery were made in the 19th century. Take a free guided tour of the building, the lovely grounds and a museum of historical exhibits. Learn about the major 19th century trials that led to prominent changes in the American lifestyle and culture.
3. Take a quiet stroll through history at the The Missouri History Museum. Located in beautiful Forest Park, the stately museum traditionally features two special exhibits and a permanent collection of incredible artifacts. Visit the library and research center, where you can search the collections, explore Missouri and St. Louis history, and research on your own genealogy. This museum is informative and fun for the entire family. The exhibits are incredibly well done and the destination is a treasure not to be missed.
4. Celebrate the cultural contributions of some of St. Louis' most famous sons and daughters while you and your family enjoy a leisurely walk through the St. Louis Walk of Fame. The walk of fame is part of the Delmar loop and is located only a mile from the famous and well visited Forest park which is home to lots of St. Louis' best attractions. Make a day of it and include the Walk of Fame in your travels. There are lots of local restaurants and shops to stop at along your way right in the heart of St. Louis.
5. Immerse yourself in our Nation's economy at the Inside the Economy Museum at the Federal Reserve Bank. Learn how every decision that we make effects the economy via the interactive displays throughout the museum. Find out about the role of the Federal Reserve Bank an understand the power of money and specifically the dynamics to save vs. spend.
6. Visit Citygarden, the urban oasis in the heart of downtown St. Louis. Cool off in the spray features in the summertime, take a walk, or have a picnic among the more than 25 unique art sculptures, and musical art throughout the park. Grab a map and learn about each of the magnificent and unique sculptures that are on display.
7. Visit the oldest Catholic cathedral west of the Mississippi, The Cathedral Basilica. Call ahead and get the tour schedule and take a guided tour of this stunning architectural masterpiece. Gaze at the beautiful artwork on the ceilings and arches throughout the building. The cathedral is built in the Byzantine tradition, with domes, soffits, arches, pendentives and lunettes paved with mosaics, and over 80,000 square feet of mosaic art covers the cathedral's grande interior.
8. Get your cultural fix with a visit or quick tour of the Pulitzer Arts Foundation. Enjoy the quiet, serene atmosphere while you meditate on art. Enjoy a wide range of exhibitions, including those of Old Masters, Buddhist art, important modern and contemporary artists and group exhibitions that explore a wide array of themes.
9. Head over to St. Louis Art Museum and explore one of the most comprehensive art museums in the United States. Discover over 33,000 works of art from all over the world that are on display. Take a Sunday afternoon Family Tour at 2:30pm on Sundays and explore a different highlighted area of the museum each week.
10. Dive into a hands on learning experience of science and technology at the St. Louis Science Center. Enjoy free general admission access to the Life Science Lab, Human Adventure, Structures, Ecology and Environment, Dana Brown Paleo Lab and Dig Site, CybervilleTM, Ira and Judy Gall Amazing Science Demonstrations at CenterStage and the new Experience Energy attraction. Enjoy a visit to this magnificent Science Museum for an enjoyable educational adventure for the entire family.
11. Embark on the Chocolate Chocolate Chocolate Factory Tour and make all your childhood dreams come true. Awaken all of your senses and immerse yourself on the sweet treat making factory floor. Guests will be able to see the whole process of candy making first hand. These mouth watering tours begin every half hour and are offered 6 days a week.
12. Get in touch with your inner art connoisseur at the Contemporary Art Museum of St. Louis. Albeit on the smaller side, the museum's Main Gallery features six exhibitions each year and the artwork on display in the Front Room changes every few weeks, so you'll always find something new and interesting to explore. Take part in the free arts education programs, hands-on workshops, summer camps, and family events that the museum offers to help bring art into the community.
13. View the vast collection of over 200 birds of prey and various other animals at the World Bird Sanctuary. The World Bird Sanctuary is one of the largest facilities for the conservation of birds in North America and provides a unique wildlife experience to its guests. The sanctuary features free seasonal shows, nature trails, educational programs and pavilions perfect for picnics. There is a large aviary which provides a home for a variety of World Bird Sanctuary’s non-releasable birds.
14. Change things up a bit and explore the intriguing archaeological site of the Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site. Explore the exhibits on display in the Interpretive Center where you can learn all about Missouri traditions, life in Cahokia, and have to opportunity to explore the beautiful recreated village. Watch the orientation film which provides visitors with a great introduction to the site and its historical importance. Grab a map and experience the mounds up close by walking along the site's various trails and enjoy the scenic views from the tops of the historic mounds.
15. Reconnect with wildlife in the 546 acres of nature at Lone Elk County Park. Encounter bison, turkeys, waterfowl, elk and deer, rabbits and more as you take a walk on the nature trails or relax, enjoy a picnic lunch or take in some fishing. Staff feed the animals first thing in the morning, so the best time to view the animals is before 8 a.m. so get an early start.
16. Spend an entertaining evening under the stars at the The Muny Outdoor Theater. Located in Forest Park, The Muny is one of the oldest and largest outdoor musical amphitheater still in operation. If you arrive on the early side, one tenth of the 11,000 seats are available for absolutely free on a first come, first served basis. The Muny has staged a wide variety of productions from operas, musicals, comedies, and dramas.
17. Embark on a visual artistic delight with a walk and a picnic at Laumeier Sculpture Park. Magnificent Art sculptures and artistic structures are sprinkled throughout the park and throughout the hiking trails which provide a cultural surprise around every corner. Become inspired as your walk along the massive art pieces as you get your fitness on or stop and relax and peacefully ponder the works of the artists that tower over you.
18. Take a trip through St. Louis history and enjoy a zoo like experience at Grant’s Farm. Originally home to the 18th President of the United States, Ulysses S. Grant, Grant’s Farm was later bought by the Busch Family. The farm has been turned into an 80 acre animal reserve which features over 1,000 exotic animals from six continents. Ulysses Grant's home still stands as the only home built by a president's own hands. Admission, tram rides and all shows are free with special hands-on exhibits available. Visitors can ride camels, feed goats, and take a general or private tour of the barns that house the world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales. Note that admission is free, but there is a 12 dollar parking fee and certain attractions may carry different fees throughout the Farm.
19. Experience the magic of childhood at The Magic House - St Louis Children's Museum on special Emerson free nights (every third Friday of the month from 5:30pm to 9:00pm) when adults and their children can enjoy free admission. Enjoy hundreds of hands on interactive exhibits that the whole family to enjoy. Get handy and pitch in in the Children's Village, climb a three story beanstalk, be a mystery detective for the day, experience the bubble room and climb in the giant treehouse. Light up your imaginations and spend the day at the Magic House.
20. Take a complimentary tour of the Anheuser-Busch Brewery. Observe the entire 7-Step Brewing Process and also see the world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales at the Brewery's historic stables that were built in 1885. Tours are offered daily and are approximately 45 minutes long. Check in at the reception desk for tour times.
21. Animal lovers of all ages should flock to Purina Farms . The attraction consists of a Visitor Center with its Incredible Dog Arena, a barn area full of little baby animals like chicks, rabbits and more, and the Pet Center which is the home of adorable cats and dogs. Take an enjoyable family wagon ride, watch a milking demonstration, view outstanding performances of the Pro Plan Performance Team, watch videos and view all of the kitties at the multistory cat house.
22. Stroll through the breathtaking Missouri Botanical Garden and take in a free walking tour. Bring along your camera for great photo opportunities, enjoy the children's area, the magnificent Japanese Gardens, endless plant houses, and well manicured gardens and grounds that are all well worth exploring. Be sure to bring long a quarter or two to buy some food to feed the stunning coy fish in the Japanese Gardens. A tranquil spot in the middle in the urban area, this Botanical Garden in one of the most beautiful destinations in St. Louis.