St Louis cityscape with gateway arch
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12 Things to Do in St Louis (That Are Actually Free)

ByNichole Hours
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We always get excited when we have an opportunity to go across the state to one of the most recognizable cities in Missouri. That would be St. Louis – The Gateway to the West. It’s a city located entirely within the borders of Missouri but it does share a metro area with several smaller towns sitting directly across the Mississippi River, in the state of Illinois. When you talk to people who live in either state, they predominantly claim to be “from St. Louis”. It does feel like one big city with an incredibly large river down the middle.

Is St. Louis A Fun Place To Visit?

We have several reasons why St. Louis is so much fun to visit. The main reason is summed up by the word FREE! I really can’t think of another large city in the Midwest that offers so many free things to do to avoid breaking the bank. When you’re looking for an affordable vacation for a couple, St. Louis is top of the list for places we go to have fun on a literal dime.

Today, I’ll save you the trouble of researching as I drop our handy list below of the free stuff to do in St Louis that you don’t want to miss. These are in no particular order, so enjoy them however you wish.

As a season bonus, check out the completely free Soulard Mardi Gras Festival and Grand Parade if you are visiting in January or February.

Best Free Things to Do In St Louis

Saint Louis Zoo

I had to list the Saint Louis Zoo first. While the entrance fee is FREE…their world-class exhibits and impressive variety of animals leave you wondering how this place doesn’t charge a pricey admission.

Witness everything from lions and tigers in their jungle exhibits to reptile cages and my favorite, the penguin house. It’s so cold but so refreshing on a hot summer day.

All-in-all, this place brings you the best zoo fun in a beautiful, family-friendly setting. Get there in the first hour for an opportunity to get free parking.

Address:
1 Government Drive
St. Louis, MO 63110

5Gen Adventures - St. Louis Zoo
St Louis Zoo – Support the Zoo


Grant’s Farm

This was one of the first places my husband and I went on a date. The ancestral home of the famous beer-pioneering Busch family is now a family-friendly attraction on hundreds of acres of land that’s right inside the city.

Parking and entry to Grant’s Farm are free, and it’s an excellent spot for animal encounters, tram rides, stable tours, seeing Clydesdale horses up close, and many historical exhibits including the actual home of former U.S. President and Union Army commander, General Ulysses S. Grant.

Address:
10501 Gravois Road
St. Louis, MO 63123

5Gen Adventures - Grant's Farm St. Louis
Grant’s Farm – ©5Gen Adventures


City Museum

I’m kinda slipping this one in here for a reason. While the City Museum typically charges to enter, it offers free admission on the first Friday of every month from 5 to 9 PM. This quirky museum is a haven of imaginative, hands-on exploration, featuring caves, slides, and interactive art installations both inside and outside the building.

Words truly cannot describe the place even if you’ve been there many times. This was always a favorite place for our boys growing up and honestly, we’re anxious to go back!

Address:
750 N. 15th St.
St. Louis, MO 63103

5Gen Adventures - City Museum St Louis
City Museum in St Louis – flickr / Thomas Hawk


The Old Courthouse

Explore the Old Courthouse, a significant historic site in the heart of downtown St. Louis. It was here that the famous Dred Scott case was heard in the 19th century, contributing to the fight against slavery.

Once you know the story of Dred Scott and how he and the case impacted our nation’s history, you can pause for a moment and just listen. It’s like you can still hear the trial going on inside the courtroom today.

Address:
11 N. Fourth St.
St. Louis, MO 63102

5Gen Adventures - The Old Courthouse in St Louis
The Old Courthouse – St Louis, Mo. flickr / Warren LeMay


Anheuser-Busch Brewery Tour

St. Louis has a rich brewing history, and you can experience it firsthand with a free tour of the Anheuser-Busch Brewery. This is the largest brewery of its kind in the world.

Listen to the brewmaster explain the beer-making process and the history of this iconic brand, concluding with complimentary samples for those of legal drinking age. The bar crews do not skimp on the samples, either! Kids and other non-drinkers get to enjoy some great alcohol-free beverages as well.

On occasion, they’ll have some of their majestic Clydesdale horses on site so you might just happen to see one during the stable portion of the tour.

Address:
12th and Lynch streets
St. Louis, MO 63118


Forest Park

Now this one is truly a bundle deal for families. Forest Park hosts an entire collection of free attractions! Spanning over 1,300 acres, the park is one of the largest urban parks in the United States and once hosted portions of the World’s Fair.

It’s home to the following free attractions: The Saint Louis Art Museum, The St. Louis Science Center, The Missouri History Museum, and the previously mentioned, Saint Louis Zoo. A family can easily spend a whole day exploring the park’s beauty, culture, and educational attractions without needing to go off-site.

5Gen Adventures - St Louis Art Museum
St Louis Art Museum in Forest Park – flickr/Liza Sperl


Soulard Farmer’s Market

Experience the vibrancy of St. Louis at the Soulard Farmer’s Market, the oldest public market west of the Mississippi. In 1779, a Frenchman named Antoine Soulard started the market out in his meadow for farmers to gather and sell their produce.

Now you can stroll through the stalls of the Grand Hall still filled with fresh produce, local delicacies, and flowers. and artisanal crafts. It’s a fantastic place to soak in the city’s cultural diversity. Once you’ve shopped all morning, don’t pass up the opportunity to drive or walk around the Soulard neighborhood.

This once-steelyard village that later became an eyesore has gone through some remarkable renovations to become one of the neatest places to live in St. Louis.

Address:
730 Carroll St.
St. Louis, MO 63104


Missouri Botanical Garden

Although there’s an admission fee for the Butterfly House and some special exhibits, the Missouri Botanical Garden offers free access to its stunning outdoor gardens on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 7 AM to 9 AM.

Marvel at the lush flora, scenic landscapes, and peaceful ambiance at just about any time of the year. The pictures do not do it justice. Go see it in person.

Address:
4344 Shaw Blvd.
St. Louis, MO 63110

5Gen Adventures - Lantern Festival at Missouri Botanical Garden - St Louis
Missouri Botanical Garden’s Lantern Festival – flickr / Bill Streeter


Laumeier Sculpture Park

For an artistic and outdoor experience, head to Laumeier Sculpture Park. This open-air museum features more than 70 contemporary sculptures scattered across 105 acres of lush greenery.

Address:
12580 Rott Road
St. Louis, MO 63127

Laumeier Scupture Park - Knots by Cosimo Cavallaro
© Laumeier Scupture Park – Knots by Cosimo Cavallaro


Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis

Admire the stunning architecture and intricate mosaic work at the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis. The basilica is renowned for having one of the largest mosaic collections in the Western Hemisphere and they are truly stunning. This might be in the Top 10 cathedrals we’ve ever visited and we have seen many.

Address:
4431 Lindell Blvd.
St. Louis, MO 63108

Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis
© Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis


The Hill Neighborhood

Stroll through The Hill, a historic Italian neighborhood famous for its delicious food and rich culture. Once our bellies are full, we make sure we walk it off while window-shopping the many specialty grocery stores and bakeries, and soaking in the charming atmosphere of this local gem.


Gateway Arch

No trip to St. Louis is complete without a visit to one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world, the Gateway Arch. Yes, you will need to pay an admission fee to enter the museum at the base or take a tram to the top, however, you should still come and admire this magnificent structure from the outside while capturing stunning photos along the riverfront and downtown.

It’s fun to stroll around the grounds of the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial Park and see people picnicking and trying to get creative photos with the arch in the background.

Address:
11 N. Fourth St.
St. Louis, MO 63102


In Conclusion

That wraps up our list of 12 free places to visit in St. Louis. By taking advantage of these free attractions and activities, you can make the most of your visit without emptying your wallet.

Enjoy the city’s diverse cultural offerings, natural beauty, and historical landmarks while staying within your budget.

St. Louis truly has something to offer every type of traveler. We’re already planning our next visit where we will be collecting photos and details about our favorite places to stay.

If you’re ready to head out on the town for some evening entertainment, we have you covered. Here is our Guide To Nightlife in St Louis.

Distance to St. Louis, Mo. – Chart

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