Ten “Free” Things to do in St. Louis

By Jeni Hinds

So its summertime and you are looking for things to do with either your friends or the kids. But let’s face it, with the economy the way it is at the moment entertainment is probably is the last thing on your mind. Or you could just be a college student like me who always seems strapped for cash no matter how many jobs you may have. Fortunately for us, St. Louis has many free attractions to offer that are fun as well as easy on your wallet. Of course to make it a truly free trip you might want to consider packing a lunch since food and drinks will definitely add $ onto the cost of your day.

 1.   The St. Louis Zoo – This is one of my personal favorites and is always fun and interesting whether you are two    or twenty! General admission is free, however some of the extras within the zoo do cost money, such as the train and special exhibits, but it is usually under $5.00 per person. There is no better place to watch the polar bears play, see giant elephants or interact with all different kinds of wildlife. Sure it might be a little hot outside but you can cool off while you chill out with the penguins. The St. Louis Zoo is currently featuring a Stingray Expo at Caribbean Cove and the cost is $3.00 for non-zoo members but it is completely free for everyone the first hour that the Zoo is open! A large group rate of 15 or more can also get you a discount. For more info you can visit their website at http://www.stlzoo.org

2.  Grant’s Farm – This is a great place to take the family; it has a variety of free animal shows which feature elephants, parrots and various mammals and reptiles. The Tier Garten is the home of the always cute pygmy goats which guests can pet and even hand feed. You can ride on the trolley through Deer Park where you will pass Grant’s Cabin which was once the home of Ulysses S. Grant the 18^th President of the United States of America. Be sure to visit the Clydesdale Stables which has become a breeding facility for the famous Budweiser Clydesdales . Grant’s Farm isn’t just for kids and families, guests who are 21 and older are welcomed to the Hospitality Room at The Bauernhof where they can relax with complimentary samples of AB InBev products. http://www.grantsfarm.com/default.htm

3.  St. Louis Science Center – This was always one of my favorite places to go in St. Louis when I was growing up and I still enjoy it today. Like the St. Louis Zoo the Science Center does charge for parking and extra exhibits but the general admission is free. There are more than 700 hands on exhibits to visit including one of my personal favorites The Mission Control Flight Simulator . This is a free exhibit that will give you a virtual experience of what it is like to fly an airplane. You can also check out the free Center Stage area where you will see Amazing Science Demonstrations that will last roughly 10 minutes and there are many different shows so don’t worry about getting bored. The St. Louis Science Center has a lot to offer so plan to make this visit an all day trip! http://www.slsc.org/index.aspx

4.  St. Louis Art Museum – This is a great place to visit for those looking to get out of the summer heat. The Art Museum is free everyday with the exception of exhibits, although the exhibits are free for everyone on Friday’s only. Not only does the museum have several different historical and cultural collections and exhibits but dining and shopping are also available. Located at Forest Park the Art Museum is a great place for leisure or learning experience. http://www.slam.org/ 

5.  Anheuser-Busch Brewery – St. Louis offers two different tours of the brewery, the original tour which is complimentary and a new Beermasters tour which is more in depth and costs $25 per person, $10 for those who are 13-20 years old. The complimentary tour takes you behind the scenes of the Bevo Packaging Facility, Budweiser Clydesdale Stable, Brew House and Beechwood Lager Cellars. Kids are definitely welcome on the tour but only those 21 and over will be able to sample products in the Hospitality Room . For more information on the brewery tours you can call 314-577-2626 or visit http://www.budweisertours.com/home.htm

6.  The Missouri History Museum – Like the Art Museum the Missouri History Museum is a great learning experience as well as fun for adults. Admission is free but special exhibits do have extra costs. The History Museum is home to not only history but a great deal of theatrical events as well as The Library and Research Center . http://www.mohistory.org/home/

7. St. Louis Union Station – A St. Louis favorite that is packed full of fun shopping and dining options. Of course these are not free but Union Station offers free guided tours and free movies and concerts at the station. Twilight Under the Train Shed features a free movie on the first Friday of every month, and there are a wide variety of movies some of which will be kid friendly. The Sounds at the Station is a free concert series that takes place on the third Thursday of every month through September. http://www.stlouisunionstation.com/

     Forest Park – Is one of the most beautiful places to be in St. Louis. It is home to the World’s Fair Pavilion, St. Louis Muny, Art Museum and the Zoo . As well as being a giant park for picnicking, bicycling and rollerblading it is the perfect place for multiple sports leagues such as football and sand volleyball at the Steinberg Skating Rink in the summer. The landscaping of this park is exceptional and the Jewel Box shows off some of its finer flowers and plants at no charge to the viewer. The architecture of its buildings, the multiple fountains and the Grand Basin make it a popular place for weddings. http://stlouis.missouri.org/citygov/parks/forestpark/

     Museum of Westward Expansion – This museum is located at the bottom of the St. Louis Arch and features the history of the Lewis and Clark expedition as well as many original Indian artifacts. The general admission is free but if you wish to make a trip into the Arch itself then adult admission is $10.00 and children $5.00. http://www.gatewayarch.com/Arch/info/act.museum.aspx

     Laumeier Sculpture Park – Combines nature and art for a wonderful experience. General admission is free but some exhibits and guided tours can cost money. Galleries, Exhibitions and events make this an educational atmosphere as well as fun for both adults and children. Laumeier also holds art classes and an Art Camp in the summer months for the little ones. http://www.laumeiersculpturepark.org/welcome

       Who knew that St. Louis had so many interesting places to visit and the best part is that is can be as inexpensive as you wish. So get out and enjoy the rest of summer while you can and don’t forget to check out the Urban Garden in downtown St. Louis which will open soon!

 

 

Posted by Jhinds on Jun 24 2009. Filed under Entertainment. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.