By Kelly Maue
It’s summertime in St. Louis. While that can mean stifling heat and sizzling temps, the season still has a lot to offer. Consider these indoor activities, outdoor adventures, and time-honored local traditions in the metro area. And they’re all free!
The award-winning Saint Louis Zoo, located in Forest Park, tops the list with over 12,000 animals. New and adorable additions include the baby Asian elephant named Jet, along with five cheetah cubs. Certain areas require a ticket, but general admission to the park is free of charge.
Find more free offerings in Forest Park, including the Saint Louis Art Museum and The Muny. While some special SLAM exhibits charge a fee, general admission to the museum is always complimentary. And making live theatre accessible to all, The Muny continues to offer nearly 1,500 seats nightly at no cost on a first-come, first-served basis. It’s a tradition as old as The Muny itself.
Find another free ticket to fun at Grant’s Farm. A family favorite for decades, Grant’s Farm is home to animals of all sizes, from baby goats to the world-famous Clydesdales. And visitors of age can enjoy a cold beer or two – on the house.
Another free option for families is Citygarden Sculpture Park, where kids are encouraged to touch the interactive art at. Water features, including a pool, fountains, and a 6-foot waterfall, make it an ideal place to cool off. Find it in the heart of downtown St. Louis in the Gateway Mall.
Beat the heat indoors with dinosaurs, the Discovery Center and much more at the Saint Louis Science Center. While the OMNIMAX theater and special exhibits, like POMPEII, are ticketed events, general admission to the Science Center is always free.
Another outing idea is both indoors and underground. The Museum under the Gateway Arch features six interactive galleries that explore the history of westward expansion and the iconic landmark itself. While a tram ride to the top of the Arch requires a ticket, the museum is free.
Just a short distance away, the Old Courthouse has recently opened after lengthy renovations. The site is associated with the Underground Railroad, as well as instances where enslaved people filed suits for freedom – the most famous being Dred Scott and his wife, Harriet.
Visit Soulard Market, the oldest farmers market west of the Mississippi. Dating back to 1779, the market is open year-round and offers flowers, produce, meat, spices, and more. Browsing and the enjoying wonderful smells are, of course, free.
Near the confluence of the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers, sunflowers welcome visitors at the Columbia Bottom Conservation Area. Blooming through August, be sure to bring a camera for a “sunflower selfie.” Admission to the park is free.
Calling all baseball fans! Get your hands on the latest Rawlings bats and peruse memorabilia and artifacts from America’s Pastime. With the company’s local history spanning over 130 years, the Rawlings Experience is a free attraction in Westport Plaza.
Additional free ideas include playgrounds, picnics, splash pads, and parks. Laumeier Sculpture Park in Sunset Hills offers walking pathways and trail hikes in addition to awe-inspiring art. Or take a drive through Lone Elk Park to view elk, bison, deer and other wildlife. While there are no fees to enter, donations are accepted.
Other fun and free offerings include Blues at the Arch Festival, celebrating its 10th year. It’s the only free festival of its kind to take place on national park grounds. Another beloved tradition is the Whitaker Music Festival. This open-air event takes place on Wednesday evenings at the Missouri Botanical Garden.
Explore a new neighborhood! The St. Louis area has many pockets of interesting places. Stroll the Central West End, soak in the sights and sounds of the Loop, or take in the charm of The Hill. From St. Charles to Ste. Genevieve, find a destination that’s new to you and sightsee.
Whether it’s pre-planned excursions or making fun on the fly, summer activities don’t have to be expensive. Sometimes the best outings – and memories – don’t cost a thing.
