Free Summer Activities for Kids in the St. Louis Area

With the economy down in the dumps, people are trying to cut back any way they can. One of the first things to go is entertainment. Luckily, there are several free activities out there that you can still enjoy with your kids this summer. This guide covers several free activities available in the St. Louis, Missouri area.

The Saint Louis Zoo is located in beautiful Forest Park and is one of the last zoos left with free admission. You can park in their lot for $10.00 or on the street parking is available if you're willing to make the hike. They are open every day. You can pack your own lunch or buy food there at several places. Kids will absolutely love visiting the Saint Louis Zoo as there's even a special "children's zoo" for $4.00 where they can brush goats, play on slides, and pet various animals. There's also a carousel and train ride along with all of the animal exhibits.

The Magic House is located on Kirkwood Rd in Saint Louis. Although it's normally $8.50 per person, they are now having Target Free Family Nights every third Friday of the month through December from 5:30-9:00. Kids absolutely love the magic house and there are over 100 hands on exhibits for them to experience. They also have a brand new addition that you should check out. Parking is free and they have a small cafe where food can be purchased.

Grants Farm is located on Gravois Rd in Saint Louis. Admission is free, but parking will cost you $11.00 per vehicle. Grants Farm is open Tuesday through Saturday and is the perfect place to take your animal lover. They have a wide variety of animals available for viewing and petting. Kids will especially enjoy feeding the goats and riding the tram.

Purina Farms is located about 30 minutes outside of Saint Louis in Gray Summit, Missouri. They are open Tuesday through Sunday and parking and admission are free. At Purina Farms there are a variety of activities for you and your children to enjoy. These include a dog show, wagon rides, and cow milking. There are several animals for your kids to visit and pet. They do serve food there, but feel free to pack your own lunch and eat at one of their picnic tables. My daughter loves Purina Farms and I usually take her a few times a year.

Just because the economy is suffering, it doesn't mean that your kids will have to this summer. If you live in the Saint Louis area, it looks like you're in luck. Just pick one of the free activities I've mentioned here and let the fun begin.

Sources

http://www.magichouse.org/ffn.htm

http://www.grantsfarm.com/

http://www.explorestlouis.com/media/factSheets/fact_purinaFarms.asp

http://www.stlzoo.org/