Visiting STL, need ideas for 3yr old

[JB2K]

A St. Louisan, here...

Most have you have nailed it down -- the Magic House is our local version of a children's museum while the Science Center is geared-towards bigger kids (as is downtown's "City Museum").

And, of course, there's our crown jewel, The St. Louis Zoo. As city zoos go, there is nothing else quite like it -- and a super-popular attraction that is FREE.

Also, for those of you who prefer not to drive in our city, you can always use the MetroLink (light rail service) to most major attractions.

 

[tink fan]

At that time of year, the zoo will open at 9 a.m. The carousel and the children's zoo will be free for the first hour. I don't believe the train is also free the first hour, unless they have changed it. The cost for the train is $5/person. Parking for the zoo is costly, but try to find a place on the street. Sometimes it is closer than the lot and it is safe. We have also parked in the Art Museum lot and walked to the zoo entrance. (and then stopped in the Art Museum to look at the mummies and Monets).

The Science Center is probably a little old for your daughter, but it is also free and near the zoo so you can always stop in a look. Park at the Planitarium side in Forest Park to get free parking, not the main entrance on Oakland Ave. What is age appropriate for a three year old at the Science Center is a play room called the Discovery Room. It costs about $3 per person and you stay in the room for an hour. It is very fun and hands on. You will need to buy tickets for it at the ticket counter.

Another place I love for all ages is the Missouri Botanical Garden. My children love to go there--at any age. I started going with my son when he was about one. They do have a children's area (I don't think it opens until April though), but the whole garden is just a delight. Bring your stroller there, though.

The Transportation Museum is great too and not too far away from the Magic House. They also have a hands-on play room for a nominal fee which would be great for a 3 year old. My boys were train fanatics so we were there alot when they were your child's age.

I don't believe that Grant's Farm opens until sometime in April.

Also, check your dates when you go to the Magic House. It is usually closed on Mondays, but will be open everyday during the spring break period. It is also free the third Friday evening of the month.

We also like to go to Powder Valley in Kirkwood, which is a conservation area operated by the Missouri Dept of Conservation. They have a small, but well done conservation museum and paved walking trails through the woods. It is also free. (this is the budget board )

PM me with your address and I'll send you coupons for the Magic House (never pay full price there--there are always discounts). How many people will be with you?

 

[ICF]

You can find some good coupons here...including free kids admission to the Magic House.

http://www.familyattractionscard.com/pdfs/FAC_Coupons.pdf

If that link doesnt work directly, then go to....

http://www.familyattractionscard.com/attractions.php and click on coupons and sign up in order to print.

 

[FoundMyPrince]

I'd skip the Science Center for a 3 yr old. We took our children there last summer and many of the items were broken/not working. I understand they have probably been repaired since then, but the condition of the Center was not as it was a couple years ago.

The zoo is wonderful (love the penguin exhibit)! We are zoo members and it's well worth it. Free parking, discount on petting stingrays, free entrance to children's area, etc. And they are part of the reciprocal zoo program so they honor other zoo's programs and visa versa. Take your own snacks/sack lunch and enjoy!

I'd also second (or third?) the idea of going to the arch. Our children all loved it at 3.

 

[disneygal29]

All those suggestions are great!!! We visit every year and my kids (17 & 14) LOVE the City Museum and zoo. We also try to make it over to Cahokia Mounds. It's right off 55/70 in Illinois. They kids can climb the biggest mound and see a whole different view of St. Louis. hey also have a museum dedicated to the Native Americans who lived there. It was the biggest settlement north of the Incas and Mayans. It's really cool to take the guided tour and they explain what all the different mounds were used for. There are lots of items on display that were found in the region. Just another idea!! Enjoy your time down there...STL has lots to offer

 

[ICF]

We also try to make it over to Cahokia Mounds. It's right off 55/70 in Illinois. They kids can climb the biggest mound and see a whole different view of St. Louis. hey also have a museum dedicated to the Native Americans who lived there. It was the biggest settlement north of the Incas and Mayans.

We did that too the trip we took last fall. It was our 1st visit there and it was pretty cool. We saw the movie and walked around the museum and then went out and explored a bit. We walked to the top of the main mound and thankfully it was a clear day and we had an incredible view of the downtown St Louis from there and took a couple of really cool pics.

Between the free kids stuff and the Cardinals we try to make it there most years and always seem to find something new to do.

 

[KAYLI'S DAD]

I just wanted to thank everyone for their suggestions. We went to the zoo. Weather was perfect about 65 or 70, no rain. After that we went to the magic house and used the coupon from the link. Both places were great.

I was not impressed with the hotel by the way. They nickel and dime you on everything. $14 day for parking, $19 for valet. $13 a day for internet. Breakfast at hotel was $14 per person.

anyway thanks for the great info.

 

[SarahKate]

I just wanted to thank everyone for their suggestions. We went to the zoo. Weather was perfect about 65 or 70, no rain. After that we went to the magic house and used the coupon from the link. Both places were great.

I was not impressed with the hotel by the way. They nickel and dime you on everything. $14 day for parking, $19 for valet. $13 a day for internet. Breakfast at hotel was $14 per person.

anyway thanks for the great info.

I'm glad that you had a nice time with your family!! The Magic House is such a great place for your daughter's age. We have been taking our DD7 since she was about 8 months old and there's always plenty for the different age groups to do.

That's too bad about the hotel. I'm going to assume that it was downtown? I may put something on the SpringfieldMoms post re: downtown hotels because I'm guessing it's probably a normal thing for them to charge for parking and not have all the freebies that "outlying" hotels might have.

Thanks for posting how things went!!!