St. Louis in 3 Days for Families - St. Louis Zoo (Forest Park) — free, stroller-friendly animal exhibits
A practical, paced 3-day itinerary for families visiting St. Louis in May (Spring). Focused on stroller-friendly routes, interactive museums, outdoor play, short transfers, nap/snack buffers, and kid-friendly meals. Age guidance and accessibility notes included for each stop.
Highlights
- St. Louis Zoo (Forest Park) — free, stroller-friendly animal exhibits
- Saint Louis Science Center — hands-on exhibits and planetarium
- Gateway Arch National Park — museum and riverfront lawns
- City Museum — memorable climbing and exploration for older kids (best 5+)
- The Magic House — an ideal children’s museum for toddlers and early school-age kids
- Missouri Botanical Garden & Laumeier Sculpture Park — calm outdoor play and seasonal blooms
Itinerary
Day 1
Forest Park morning, hands-on science afternoon, easy family meals and a gentle evening stroll in the Central West End.
Morning visit: Saint Louis Zoo — animals and stroller-friendly trails
Start the day at the Saint Louis Zoo in Forest Park. Wide paved paths, many shaded viewing spots, and indoor climate-controlled exhibits if the morning gets warm. Best visited early for active animals and cooler temperatures.
Tips from local experts:
- Facilities & strollers: Most main trails are paved and stroller-friendly; use the East and South lots for closer access to the Primate House and Penguin & Puffin Coast (less walking with little ones).
- Nap/snack strategy: There are covered picnic areas and benches near the River’s Edge; bring a light blanket for an impromptu stroller nap after the reptile house (quiet indoor spots are available in the exhibits).
- Practical: Admission is free but parking at certain Forest Park lots may have a fee—arrive by 9:00 to avoid crowds and to use nearby restrooms with changing tables at major exhibit buildings.
Lunch: The Boathouse at Forest Park — kid-friendly menu & patio
Relaxed lunch right inside Forest Park with a simple kids' menu, high chairs, and outdoor seating overlooking the park.
Tips from local experts:
- Seating & allergy notes: The Boathouse offers high chairs and can accommodate common allergies — tell staff about allergies when ordering; meals are generally simple (sandwiches, salads, kid pasta).
- Stroller access: Patio and indoor dining are both stroller-friendly; request a corner table for more space to park a stroller and diaper bag.
- Timing hack: Aim for a 12:15 arrival to avoid the noon rush after zoo arrivals and have a calm transition for toddlers who need a post-lunch nap.
Afternoon: Saint Louis Science Center — hands-on exhibits for kids
Interactive galleries, touch exhibits, and a family-friendly planetarium (shows may have separate fees). Ideal for ages ~3–12. Quiet seating areas for a brief nap or low-sensory time.
Tips from local experts:
- Age & exhibits: Exhibits are excellent for ages 3–12; toddlers enjoy the Discovery Room while older kids will love the interactive engineering and space displays.
- Planetarium & shows: Book planetarium or IMAX-style shows in advance for a guaranteed seat; some younger children find the dome intense — sit near an aisle for an easy exit if needed.
- Stroller/nursing: Building is wheelchair/stroller accessible; family restrooms and quiet nooks are available near the main atrium for nursing or calming a fussy child.
Early dinner and treat: Crown Candy Kitchen — historic diner & sweets
A family-favorite for classic sandwiches and old-fashioned malted shakes. Small space — arriving before peak dinner time helps with seating.
Tips from local experts:
- Kid favorites: Order a small sandwich and a shareable malt or sundae; staff are used to kids and can split portions easily for younger appetites.
- Crowd & seating tip: The shop is compact—go around 17:00 to avoid longer evening lines; high chairs are limited so bring a travel booster if needed.
- Allergy & pace: If someone has a dairy allergy, consider a light meal elsewhere first (Crown Candy is best for a treat); use this stop as a fun reward after a big day.
Evening stroll & downtime: Central West End — quiet streets and gelato
After dinner, a short, stroller-friendly walk around the Central West End offers shaded sidewalks, small parks, and family-friendly cafes for a gentle unwind.
Tips from local experts:
- Nap logistics: The Central West End has many benches and small parks (e.g., Schlafly Branch area) where a toddler can finish a stroller nap before bedtime.
- Snack/essentials: Plenty of walk-up coffee shops carry bottled water, wipes, and extra snacks if you need a quick refill for an evening stroller outing.
- Safety & distance: Streets are well-lit and stroller-friendly; keep the walk short (15–30 minutes) if kids are already tired—most spots are a short drive back to central hotels.
Day 2
Arch and downtown in the morning when it’s calm, City Museum afternoon (best for older kids), and family-style Italian dinner on The Hill.
Morning: Gateway Arch National Park — museum & riverfront lawns
Explore the Museum at the Gateway Arch and the riverfront grounds. Great for brief, stroller-friendly exploration; consider skipping the tram to the top for very small children.
Tips from local experts:
- Tram booking: If you plan to ride the tram to the top, reserve timed tickets in advance — tram cars are tight and can be uncomfortable for toddlers; the museum and grounds are excellent alternatives.
- Stroller note: The museum and park grounds are paved and stroller-friendly; there are accessible restrooms and family facilities in the visitor center building.
- Calm spots: The Arch grounds (especially the lawn along the river) are perfect for a picnic blanket and quiet downtime if kids need a mid-morning rest.
Lunch: The Old Spaghetti Factory — family-friendly Italian in downtown St. Louis
Classic family dining with a kids' menu and big booths that fit families and strollers. Comfortable, predictable meals for picky eaters.
Tips from local experts:
- Kids' options: The kids' menu includes pasta and smaller portions; staff are accustomed to allergies — ask how dishes can be adapted for allergies or gluten sensitivities.
- Seating & strollers: Request a booth with extra space for a stroller or a ground-floor table; early lunch times (around 11:15–11:45) reduce wait times with kids.
- Portion planning: Meals are generous — consider sharing mains and ordering a side to avoid overfilling younger children before an active afternoon.
Afternoon: City Museum — adventurous play (best for ages 5+)
An unforgettable kid-centric attraction built from reclaimed architectural and industrial objects. Ideal for older children who can climb; plan for lockers and water/snack breaks.
Tips from local experts:
- Age & gear: Best for kids 5 and up due to climbing and tight spaces; closed-toe shoes are recommended for everyone and socks for certain play areas.
- Stroller & storage: Much of City Museum is not stroller-friendly — use on-site lockers (bring small bills) and plan a parent swap if you have a toddler who can't climb yet.
- Crowd & quiet breaks: City Museum is lively and can be loud; schedule 20–30 minute quiet breaks in the café or on nearby benches to avoid overstimulation for sensitive kids.
Early evening: Family dinner on The Hill — Charlie Gitto's On The Hill
Classic family-style Italian dining in St. Louis’s famed Italian neighborhood. Large portions and a kid-friendly atmosphere make this an easy dinner choice.
Tips from local experts:
- High chairs & menu: The restaurant has high chairs and toddler-appropriate menu options; many dishes are tolerant of common dietary swaps if you mention allergies.
- Timing to avoid waits: Go early (17:00–17:30) to avoid peak dinner crowds; The Hill can get busy, especially on weekends.
- Quiet table request: Ask for a corner or side table away from the main dining room to give kids a little buffer if they get restless.
Evening: Low-key return — short park stop at Kiener Plaza if needed
If kids need a last burst of energy before bedtime, Kiener Plaza near downtown offers open grassy space and benches for a calm wind-down.
Tips from local experts:
- Quick play: Kiener Plaza is an easy 10–15 minute stop for toddlers to run and for families to stretch legs before a hotel bedtime routine.
- Facilities & strollers: Paths are paved for easy stroller rolls; several nearby benches make it simple to sit while kids play within sight.
- Quiet evenings: The plaza is usually calmer in early evening—keep this stop short (10–20 minutes) to maintain bedtime rhythms.
Day 3
Magic House for younger kids, open-air art and play at Laumeier, and a peaceful visit to Missouri Botanical Garden. Finish with a local frozen custard treat.
Morning: The Magic House, St. Louis Children's Museum — perfect for ages 1–10
A hands-on children’s museum with exhibits designed for toddlers through elementary ages. Stroller-friendly entry, family restrooms, and quiet rooms make this ideal for families.
Tips from local experts:
- Age fit & galleries: Excellent for ages 1–8, with safe tactile exhibits for toddlers and more complex play for early school-age kids—plan 2–3 hours for multiple galleries.
- Timed entry & weekdays: Weekends can be busier—if visiting on a weekend, get the earliest time slot available; arrive right at opening for calmer galleries and easier stroller navigation.
- Family facilities: Elevators, changing tables, and designated nursing areas make transitions (feeding, diapering) easier—check with front desk for the quiet room if a child needs downtime.
Late morning picnic/snack: Laumeier Sculpture Park — open-air running & exploration
Outdoor sculpture park with wide lawns and paths—great for a picnic and letting kids run free in a safe, shady environment (especially pleasant in May).
Tips from local experts:
- Shade & surfaces: Trails are a mix of paved and packed-gravel—bring a stroller with good wheels for easier rolling on paths and a picnic blanket for grassy spots under mature trees.
- Play & energy-burn: Laumeier is perfect for older toddlers and school-age kids to burn energy; bring hand wipes and a small first-aid kit for scrapes after active play.
- Restrooms & timing: Main restrooms are at the visitor center—plan snack/nap windows near those facilities to keep transitions smooth.
Afternoon: Missouri Botanical Garden — stroller-friendly gardens and the Climatron
Calm, scenic gardens with paved paths ideal for strollers. The Climatron conservatory is especially fun for kids who like plants and warm, gentle humidity.
Tips from local experts:
- Seasonal highlights: May is prime for many blooms—visit the Children’s Garden area for interactive plant-based play (check seasonal hours for special activities).
- Stroller & accessibility: Paths are paved and mostly flat—there are family restrooms and nursing rooms near the garden center for comfortable breaks.
- Allergy-aware planning: Spring can be high-pollen season—bring allergy meds if kids are sensitive and choose shaded, less-flowery paths for a calmer walk.
Late afternoon treat: Ted Drewes Frozen Custard — iconic local dessert
Finish the trip with a classic St. Louis frozen custard stop. Quick service and large shareable portions — beloved by kids and grown-ups alike.
Tips from local experts:
- Kid portions: Order a kiddie size for smaller children, or share a single dish between two kids to avoid over-sweetening before bed.
- Timing & lines: Ted Drewes can have lines, but service moves quickly — go mid-afternoon (around 15:45) after the Botanical Garden to avoid evening rush.
- Allergy & options: They can accommodate some dietary requests; if a child has a dairy allergy, consider an alternative snack or ask staff about ingredients before ordering.
Evening: Relaxed final stroll or quick souvenir shopping in Central West End
A calm end to the trip—pick up any souvenirs, let kids look at window displays, and head back for early family packing and bedtime.
Tips from local experts:
- Souvenir picks: Small, lightweight souvenirs (postcards, local picture books) are easiest to pack for families with carry-on luggage.
- Stroller-friendly shops: The Central West End has wide sidewalks and several small shops with stroller access—avoid cramped boutiques with multiple stair steps.
- Wind-down routine: Keep this stop short (20–40 minutes) to maintain the evening routine; consider a final calm drink or snack before heading to bed.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 3 |
| Highlights | 6 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Families |
| Transfers | - |
| Restaurants | 5 |
| Total Activities | 15 |
| Total Places | 15 |
| Activities Types | Attraction, Restaurant, Neighborhood, Outdoor, Shopping |
