St Louis budget things to do

[ICF]

How do you get $5 Cardinal tickets?

not sure how they did it, but the Cards had a promo going for $5 off per win on a homstand a week or two ago.

They won 6 games (I think) so they took $30 off a regularly priced $35 ticket.

You can also find cheap (although not very good most likely) seats on stub hub.

http://www.stubhub.com/search/doSea...1;St Louis Cardinals Tickets&searchMode=event

 

[deerhart]

not sure how they did it, but the Cards had a promo going for $5 off per win on a homstand a week or two ago.

They won 6 games (I think) so they took $30 off a regularly priced $35 ticket.

You can also find cheap (although not very good most likely) seats on stub hub.

http://www.stubhub.com/search/doSea...1;St Louis Cardinals Tickets&searchMode=event

yup that is the promo we used. All seats outfield lodge or higher were $5 each.

The cards are also running a ton of half priced nights that you find out from their weekly emails. This will be our third game of the year and I have only paid full price once (for my son's b-day game). I have purchased twelve tickets to the games (3 games for 4 of us) for less then $250. We have sat in outfield lodge twice (regularly $35-$42) and this game we are sitting in outfield reserve (way high up).

I still have two free tickets to a game as well (we went kids weekend and the kids get free tickets to use later).

There is no Busch Gardens in St. Louis. The place your thinking about is Grant's Farm and it is free to get into but parking is like $12-$15 and you have to park there (there is no other parking around). It generally closes at 5:00 pm. It's better for little kids with the petting zoo and such. The zoo is much better. Grant's farm does do a safari type ride, but beyond that, you will have a better experience at the zoo.

The cards half priced nights are great because you can buy 4 seats, albet way up high, for as low as $33 for a family of 4. With Busch Stadium there really isn't a bad seat in the entire park (we have sat just about everywhere except dugout areas). When we sit up high, I prefer the pavillion seats (the one right above big mac land)

 

[packofjedis]

Thanks for all the replies! We're actually heading straight down I-70 to go to Kansas City, so I'd like a hotel off I-70 probably on the west side of St Louis, so the next morning we're ready to head that way.

The Cardinal info was very interesting, but we're actually heading to St Louis for a soccer game (Manchester United vs KC Wizards). So I think that's enough sports for one weekend.

I'm going to look more into the City Museum. It does look really interesting. Are there ever any coupons out for that?

We also heard good things about Grant's farm. It does seemed geared for a bit smaller kids, but I can show it to my kids and see what they say.

Oh...and what is the Muny?

 

[eatatmidnight]

not sure how they did it, but the Cards had a promo going for $5 off per win on a homstand a week or two ago.

They won 6 games (I think) so they took $30 off a regularly priced $35 ticket.

You can also find cheap (although not very good most likely) seats on stub hub.

http://www.stubhub.com/search/doSea...1;St Louis Cardinals Tickets&searchMode=event

Not to hijack, but thanks for the stub hub link. I got infield terrace box seats for tonight's game for $12 each (after fees). I hope the seats are good!

 

[eatatmidnight]

Oh...and what is the Muny?

The Muny is the largest outdoor theater in the country. They show Broadway type shows. It is truly an experience. If you get there a couple of hours early, you can get free seats. We have done that on a number of occaisions and always sat one row behind paying ticketholders. We pick up Subway or something and eat while we wait. However, I won't go again if the heat index is over 100. IDK how you feel about heat and humidity.

Here is a link to their website. All the shows are good this year.
http://www.muny.org/content/view/355/264/

 

[Leajess99]

Thanks for all the replies! We're actually heading straight down I-70 to go to Kansas City, so I'd like a hotel off I-70 probably on the west side of St Louis, so the next morning we're ready to head that way.

The Cardinal info was very interesting, but we're actually heading to St Louis for a soccer game (Manchester United vs KC Wizards). So I think that's enough sports for one weekend.

I'm going to look more into the City Museum. It does look really interesting. Are there ever any coupons out for that?

We also heard good things about Grant's farm. It does seemed geared for a bit smaller kids, but I can show it to my kids and see what they say.

Oh...and what is the Muny?

I am so jealous as we love going to watch the KC Wizards when we are out in Kansas. They have some players that are so down to Earth with the fans especially with the kid fans.

When we go through there we usually stay on I-64 (avoids a ton of traffic you get on I-70 through St Louis) and stay in O'fallon, Missouri. The last trip we stayed at the Residence Inn O'Fallon for $74 a night due to finding the rate on travelocity for $99 but on Marriott site for $185. Booked it with Marriott and filed the low price guarantee which knocks it down to the low price plus takes an additional 25% off. We had a 2 bedroom suite for that price. It has an indoor pool too.

As for things to do, Grant's farm is free (aside from parking) and very nice. The zoo and Science center are close to each other and are also free.

 

[LizinSTL]

We're going to be in St Louis for most of 1 day this summer. Everything I'm looking at to do closes at 4 or 5. So what is there for the evening? We're not looking to spend a lot of money, just staying occupied while on our way farther west.

Also, where is a good part of town to get a hotel? I'd prefer it be on the Kansas City side since that's where we'll be heading the next day.

(My kids are 11 & 13 boys if that helps at all!)

Thanks!!

Oh so many things to choose from....

11 and 13 yo boys? I'd look at the Science Center 1st (park on the Forest Park/Planetarium side for free parking) It may close early but you can do dinner out before going to the hotel... Look at Drury Inn locations along 270 for easy access to KC Most, if not all, will have pools for your Sat. evening entertainment.

I'm not a fan of the City Museum but my opinion isn't popular

Lots of fun choices for dining around town- post back after you make your hotel reservation for suggestions near your hotel.

Grants Farm, the Zoo and the Magic House are great but a bit young for your kids.

 

[ICF]

Not to hijack, but thanks for the stub hub link. I got infield terrace box seats for tonight's game for $12 each (after fees). I hope the seats are good!

Im a big Cards fan, so hopefully you see a victory

 

[SarahKate]

Are you going to KC by way of I-64? Just did a Google map and it looks like that would be the route.

You'll be passing thru Chesterfield which is on the far west side of St. Louis. Right on the interstate is a Drury Plaza which we've stayed at a number of times. You won't find a place better, cleaner, and at a mid price level. We can usually stay there for $70-90 a nite. Wonderful indoor pool area, free hot food/drinks, etc. There's a couple codes you might try on their site, "stlfun" or just "fun".

As far as activities, there's Chesterfield Mall if you enjoy shopping. There's the butterfly house, but that wouldn't take that much time. Science Center isn't TOO far from that area and would be a cheap way to spend a few hours (unless you do shows/exhibits which can get costly!).

 

[gardengalB4]

Check out (St. Louis) Family Attractions Card site-for discounts on restaurants,hotels,attractions & events.
You can print the coupons right off the site.HTH.

 

[sunshine74]

Since your kids are a little older, and may get into the "high speed automated manufacturing" thing, you may consider a tour of the Anheuser-Busch brewery. I will apologize in advance if I offend with a beer suggestion.... but, it is a free tour and is amazing to see the process - whether you drink or not...

St. Louis is a wonderful place for free and cheap family things to do. many have been mentioned.... Zoo, Science Center, Muny, Grants Farm, History Museum, Cardinals games, minor league games.

One that I don't think has been mentioned, but may interest your teenage kids is the NASCAR speedpark at St. Louis Mills. I'm not sure how "budget" it is, I haven't acutally been there. But, my DH keeps trying to talk me into it (we're local)!

 

[deerhart]

Forest Park is about a 15 minute tdrive (with no rush hour traffic) from Clarkson Rd (which is where Chesterfield Mall and that Drury Inn is) right down Highway 40. To head out to KC from there, you would head west on highway 40, cross the Boon Bridge and just follow 40 out until it crosses I 70 near Wentzville. Though I would avoid the Hampton exit to Forest Park and the Zoo if you go early Saturday morning. With the new round about they put in, the last time we went that way it was a disaster. So we are avoiding it and heading into the Park from Skinker.

Its actually MUCH faster to get out that way then taking 70 usually.

Oh and the Cards won tonight.. here's to NO RAIN for tomorrow while we are there!

 

[NotUrsula]

Actually, I was going to suggest a sports activity for the boys to do, if you're OK with it. (You can do it, too, if you like; it's not a kids-only thing.) It's my 13yo DS' favorite local special activity, and has been for a couple of years now. There is a SkyZone jump gym in Chesterfield, and it is open in the evenings. There are not too many of these gyms in the US; they are kind of unique. A short session (30 minutes) is $8/pp. Longer sessions cost a bit more. http://www.skyzonesports.com/default.aspx

There are 4 interactive things that you can do up at St. Louis Mills Mall: there is an indoor glow-in-the-dark mini-golf course, the aforementioned NASCAR speed park, an ice rink, and the Plan Nine Skate Park -- also a large multiplex cinema, and of course, outlet shopping. (If you decide to spend the evening up there, I'd suggest staying in Earth City or St. Charles rather than Chesterfield; there is no point in looping down and back up again.)

 

[packofjedis]

Since your kids are a little older, and may get into the "high speed automated manufacturing" thing, you may consider a tour of the Anheuser-Busch brewery. I will apologize in advance if I offend with a beer suggestion.... but, it is a free tour and is amazing to see the process - whether you drink or not...


Actually that is on our list. I didn't want to offend anyone either

I went as a kid to the one in Florida, so I thought my kids would enjoy seeing how they bottle it and make it.



"Actually, I was going to suggest a sports activity for the boys to do, if you're OK with it. (You can do it, too, if you like; it's not a kids-only thing.) It's my 13yo DS' favorite local special activity, and has been for a couple of years now. There is a SkyZone jump gym in Chesterfield, and it is open in the evenings. There are not too many of these gyms in the US; they are kind of unique. A short session (30 minutes) is $8/pp. Longer sessions cost a bit more. http://www.skyzonesports.com/default.aspx"

This looks like fun too! How busy do you think it would be on a Sat afternoon/evening?

Thanks for the advice about staying in Chesterfield. I couldn't figure out what everyone meant by I-64 and had to head back to the map. I just kept remembering that we would take I-70 straight thru IL & MO. I'll be looking up the Drury today.

 

[jgates]

The brewery tour is fascinating & we have taken my kids on it for years.

Love Grant's Farm - they have enjoyed at all ages since it became 'open' and you didn't have to get a pass to go. Make sure you visit the horse barn at the back of the parking lot to see all the Clydesdales up close. It is well worth the parking fee. It's fun to pay a bit & feed the baby goats bottles of milk.

Drive them up to Ted Drewes & get ice cream afterwards.

The Arch is a great ride up at night - the lights of the city are fascinating to view. However, you may need to either pre-order tix online or go early in day to get your tix, as popular summer evenings can sell out.

 

[NotUrsula]

DH and DS often go to SkyZone late on Saturday afternoon. Once or twice they have had to wait 30 minutes before there were slots available, but it isn't too common. I'm not sure about Saturday nights, but if you call I'm sure that they would be able to tell you what the average crowd level is.

I live quite close to Drewe's main store on Watson. It's good stuff, and pretty easy to find; also not very expensive. Watson Road is Route 66, and the store has a lot of interesting 66 memorabilia up on the windows. Their Kosher certification is also posted up, it's an interesting thing to read if you've never seen the details of one before.

Fun story: when you order "chocolate" anything at Drewe's, you get chocolate that has been mixed with marshmallow creme. This dates back to WW2 when chocolate was scarce, and after the war they just never changed it back. (If you're a purist, order Fudge flavor.)

One other free thing that visitors I have taken are just amazed by: the New Cathedral on Lindell (officially the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis.) If you have any interest in the art of glass, this is a must-do stop. It is one of the largest examples of glass mosaic art in the world; even the floors are mosaic in part of the sanctuary. (There is a vigil Mass at 5 pm on Saturdays; you would want to go before that, but if you are considering this you probably should call ahead and make sure you won't walk into the middle of a wedding. They don't do the guided tours on Saturdays, but you can walk in and just quietly look around, if the doors are open and nothing is going on.) http://cathedralstl.org/intro/ I know, touring a church isn't something that one would normally think of with teen boys, but as long as you don't do the long tour, even the least religious teens will often be impressed -- the art is literally on EVERY surface except the pews, and the entire interior of the church glows because of all the gold.