St. Louis in 2 Days for Families - St. Louis Zoo (free, stroller-friendly paths)
A practical, gently paced 2-day plan for families visiting St. Louis in May. Focused on hands-on, stroller-friendly attractions with regular snack/nap breaks and short transfers. Age ranges and family facilities noted for each stop.
Highlights
- St. Louis Zoo (free, stroller-friendly paths)
- Saint Louis Science Center (interactive exhibits & planetarium)
- The Magic House (children's museum)
- Grant's Farm (animal encounters & tram)
- Missouri Botanical Garden (paved paths & Climatron)
- The Loop: Fitz's Root Beer & Blueberry Hill (kid-friendly dining)
Itinerary
Day 1
Forest Park + The Loop: easy, stroller-friendly morning in the park with a hands-on science afternoon and an early family dinner in The Loop.
St. Louis Zoo — morning visit
Enjoy the kid-favorite exhibits (little ones: family farm & sea lions; older kids: Big Cat and Penguin areas). Wide paved paths are stroller-friendly and admission is free — great for a relaxed morning.
Tips from local experts:
- Ages: ideal for toddlers through elementary (0–10). There are stroller-friendly paved loops — bring a lightweight stroller you can fold quickly for indoor exhibits.
- Facilities: family restrooms and changing tables near the kid farm and the north restrooms; nursing rooms available in the main complex—ask at guest services on arrival.
- Timing tip: arrive at opening or mid-morning (we set 09:00) to avoid the busiest midday feeding shows; pack a small snack to avoid long concession lines.
Short transfer: walk through Forest Park to the Boathouse
Paved stroll across the park to reach the lakeside Boathouse — gives kids time to run a short stretch and parents time for a bathroom/nappy check.
Tips from local experts:
- Route: use the paved park paths — stroller-friendly and shaded in May; keep sunscreen and a hat handy for kids.
- Safety: cross at marked crosswalks near the park roads; use stroller brakes on slight slopes.
- Buffer: use this 15-minute window to change diapers, refill water bottles, or let a toddler nap in the stroller while you walk.
Lunch — The Boathouse at Forest Park (kid-friendly patio)
Casual lakeside lunch with kids' menu options and shaded outdoor seating — good for a relaxed meal with stroller access.
Tips from local experts:
- Family facilities: high chairs available; ask staff about allergy-friendly substitutions (they're used to families).
- Seating: request a patio/ground-level table if you have a large stroller — staff will often seat families where there's space.
- Timing: aim for the earlier lunch slot we scheduled (11:45) to avoid the noon rush and shorter waits for kid-favorites.
Short break: stroller nap / bathroom & snack check
A quiet 15-minute pause after lunch so little ones can nap or get a snack; parents can regroup and refill water bottles.
Tips from local experts:
- Quiet spots: sit on a shaded bench near the boathouse shoreline — good for a quick stroller nap.
- Facilities: use nearby restrooms and changing tables so everyone leaves refreshed for the science center.
- Snack kit: keep a small kit (wipes, safe snacks, spare shirt) in the stroller for quick changes between exhibits.
Transfer to Saint Louis Science Center (short drive or park shuttle)
Short transfer inside Forest Park to the Science Center entrance; roads and drop-off areas are stroller-friendly.
Tips from local experts:
- Parking/pick-up: use the designated drop-off area at the Science Center entrance to avoid long walks with a sleeping child.
- Stroller tip: foldable strollers are easiest to manage in indoor exhibit spaces—keep a small bag for quick storing.
- Grab a map at arrival to pick 2–3 must-see exhibits so the visit stays fun and not overwhelming for younger kids.
Saint Louis Science Center — hands-on exhibits & planetarium
Interactive galleries perfect for curious kids — energy, space, and science labs; consider a short planetarium show if seat availability matches your nap schedule.
Tips from local experts:
- Ages: best for preschoolers through middle-school (3–12); many tactile displays for younger kids and deeper exhibits for older ones.
- Accessibility: the center is stroller-friendly with elevators and family restrooms; check the schedule for any noisy demos if you prefer a quieter route.
- Planetarium: shows fill quickly—if interested, book the tickets on arrival; choose shorter shows for younger attention spans.
Art Hill lawn & short playtime (downtime)
Open lawn space for kids to run, roll out a blanket for a short rest, or watch the ducks — a low-key downtime after indoor exhibits.
Tips from local experts:
- Nap possibility: a stroller nap on the shaded slope of Art Hill is a good mid-afternoon option in May's mild weather.
- Facilities nearby: restrooms at the Art Museum are close by if you need changing tables or a quiet spot.
- Pack a light blanket: helpful for toddlers who want to lie down and for parents to sit comfortably while supervising.
Fitz's Root Beer — afternoon treat in The Loop
Kid-favorite soda shop with floats and burgers; kids often love watching the bottling window. Good quick stop before dinner.
Tips from local experts:
- Kid-friendly: high chairs and simple kids' menu options; ask staff about allergy-friendly ice cream choices.
- Watching bottling: the bottling window is fun for kids but can be noisy — step outside if your child needs quiet.
- Seating tip: arrive mid-afternoon (we recommend the 15:45 slot) to avoid dinner crowds and secure a family table.
Transfer / wind-down to dinner at Blueberry Hill (The Loop)
Short neighborhood transfer inside The Loop with time to change clothes, use restrooms, and arrive for a relaxed early dinner.
Tips from local experts:
- Buffer time: 30 minutes gives time for restroom breaks and stroller folding if needed before dinner.
- Kid prep: this is a good time for a quick snack or to switch out a tired child for a second caregiver to lead dinner entry.
- Crowd timing: arriving earlier (we set dinner at 17:00) reduces noise and wait time for family seating.
Dinner — Blueberry Hill (family-friendly, early seating)
Casual, iconic restaurant with booths and a kids' menu — comfortable for families and a relaxed way to end day one.
Tips from local experts:
- Seating: request a booth for easier supervision of little ones and room for strollers at the table edge.
- Allergies/requests: staff are used to families—ask for simple modifications to kids' plates (plain pasta, grilled chicken).
- After-dinner: short walk around The Loop if kids have energy; many storefronts are stroller-friendly and well-lit in May evenings.
Day 2
Kirkwood & south St. Louis loop: hands-on children's museum, animal farm experience at Grant's Farm, then a calm stroll through Missouri Botanical Garden with playground time and an early family dinner.
The Magic House — morning at the children's museum
Interactive exhibits designed for creative play across many age groups; excellent for hands-on learning, imaginative play, and sensory areas for toddlers.
Tips from local experts:
- Ages: best for ages 1–10. Toddlers can enjoy sensory rooms while older kids explore hands-on engineering and pretend-play spaces.
- Facilities: family restrooms and changing tables are available; there is often a designated stroller drop area near the entrance.
- Timing: arrive just after opening (we set 09:30) to use quieter galleries before midday crowds; bring socks for kids (required in some play areas).
Transfer to Grant's Farm (short drive)
Drive from the museum area to Grant's Farm — a short transfer with stroller-friendly loading/unloading at the entrance.
Tips from local experts:
- Timing: plan for a 15-minute transfer window and bring sun protection — May can be sunny and warm by midday.
- Stroller/gear: leave bulky strollers in the car if you plan to use the tram and petting areas; bring a baby carrier for hands-free ease.
- Tickets/logistics: Grant's Farm can have regulated entry—use this transfer time to confirm ticket/tram times at the gate.
Grant's Farm — tram & animal encounters
Family-friendly farm with a tram ride, easily accessible walkways, and a chance for younger kids to meet farm animals. Great for mid-day energy release.
Tips from local experts:
- Ages: especially good for toddlers and early-elementary kids (2–8) who enjoy petting animals and short rides.
- Facilities: shaded benches and picnic areas — bring a small picnic blanket; changing tables and family restrooms are available in main areas.
- Plan for lines: tram rides are popular; use the early-lunch window we scheduled to minimize waits and pack snacks for short queue times.
Transfer to Missouri Botanical Garden (drive and short walk)
Transfer across south St. Louis to the garden — a good window for a quiet car nap; arrive with stroller to use paved garden routes.
Tips from local experts:
- Quiet time: this transfer is a good window for a post-lunch nap in the car if your child needs it.
- Stroller access: the garden has paved routes and is very stroller-friendly — bring a compact stroller for walkways through the Climatron.
- Arrival prep: pick up a garden map at the gate to plan the shortest route to the Climatron and children's areas to avoid extra walking.
Missouri Botanical Garden — Climatron & family paths
Calm, stroller-friendly exploration through themed gardens and the Climatron greenhouse — a sensory-rich, shaded environment good for kids and caregivers.
Tips from local experts:
- Ages: enjoyable for all ages, particularly preschoolers who like plants and enclosed greenhouses (Climatron) and elementary kids who enjoy themed gardens.
- Facilities: family restrooms and changing tables across the site; paved paths are stroller-friendly — avoid muddy side paths after rain.
- Quiet respite: the indoor Climatron is a calm, warm microclimate that can be a nice break if kids are chilly or overstimulated outdoors.
Tower Grove Park playground & short play
Nearby park playground for a final burst of playtime before dinner — picnic tables and shaded areas let caregivers relax while kids play safely.
Tips from local experts:
- Playground: plenty of shaded benches for adults and a nearby restroom — great for a 20–30 minute energetic play session.
- Stroller parking: park your stroller at the edge of the playground (visible from benches) and keep a small water bottle and hat for kids.
- Transition time: this short play helps kids burn energy before an early dinner and can ease a fussy car ride home afterwards.
Transfer to Pi Pizzeria — family-style dinner
Short drive to a family-friendly pizzeria with flexible menu choices, easy ordering for kids, and booths comfortable for families with strollers.
Tips from local experts:
- Buffer: 30 minutes transfer gives time to change diapers and make a restroom stop so dinner is relaxed.
- Seating: request a booth for easier supervision; pizza share plates are useful for picky eaters and allergy substitutions.
- Order tip: order a simple plain pizza for picky kids first while you prep salads or sides for parents with dietary needs.
Dinner — Pi Pizzeria (family-friendly, flexible menu)
Casual pizza dinner with kid-pleasing options and staff accustomed to families — a low-stress end to day two.
Tips from local experts:
- Kids' options: ask for half-slices or build-a-pizza options for younger children; crusts can be customized for allergy needs.
- High chairs & space: most locations offer high chairs and roomy booths; request space for a stroller at your table edge.
- Timing: early seating (we set 17:15) keeps the meal calm and avoids the late dinner rush; plan for a relaxed exit for bedtime routines.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 2 |
| Highlights | 6 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Families |
| Transfers | 6 |
| Restaurants | 4 |
| Total Activities | 12 |
| Total Places | 12 |
| Activities Types | Attraction, Transfer, Restaurant, Break, Outdoor |
