WHERE TO STAY
ST. LOUIS UNION STATION: In addition to shops, restaurants and a food court, you'll find several family-friendly hotels in this convenient locale. Rates at the Drury Inn Union Station are around $125 for a family of four. Call 800-325-8300. Rates at the Hampton Inn Union Station are around $104. Call 314-241-3200.
WHAT TO SEE
GATEWAY ARCH JEFFERSON NATIONAL EXPANSION MEMORIAL: This engineering marvel soars 630 feet into the sky. Admission to the grounds and museum is free; tram tickets to the top are $10 for adults, $7 for kids ages 13 to 16 and $5 for kids ages 3 to 12. Call 314-982-1410 or click here.FOREST PARK: The site of the 1904 World's Fair (you'll see several buildings still in use today), this urban oasis is home to some of the city's top attractions, including the zoo, Art Museum, Science Center, Muny Theatre and the History Museum. Admission to the park and most attractions is free. Call 314-289-5300.
CITY MUSEUM: At this ever-changing arena showcasing local artists, you never know what you're going to see, and that's part of the fun. The other part is the caves, slides and other kid-friendly interactive play areas created by artists. There's even a miniature train, plus a circus for kids to clown around in. Admission is $12 per person. Call 314-231-2489 or click here.
MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN: Families love the Climatron, a geodesic dome housing tropical plants, and the children's garden, where kids can scratch and sniff herbs and play in a fountain. Admission is $7 for adults and free for kids ages 12 and under. Call 314-577-9400.
THE MAGIC HOUSE, ST. LOUIS CHILDREN'S MUSEUM: This mansion filled with science experiments and hands-on activities for all ages is our favorite spot to visit on rainy days. There's a special area just for kids ages 2 and under, plus a whole "town" where kids rule. Admission is $6 for visitors ages 2 and up. Call 314-822-8900.
GRANT'S FARM: Ulysses S. Grant once lived on this estate now owned by Anheuser-Busch. My youngest son loves feeding the goats with baby bottles, another likes the animal shows, but all the boys think that seeing the world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales is the best. Admission is free. Call 314-843-1700.
FAUST COUNTY PARK: Take in the historical village and the new Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House and Education Center, then take a ride on the 1920s St. Louis Carousel. Butterfly House admission is $6 for adults and $4 for kids under age 12; carousel rides are $1. Call 636-532-7298 or click here.
SIX FLAGS ST. LOUIS: This park has rides for visitors of all ages, including Looney Tunes Town, a special area for younger children. Admission (including Hurricane Harbor Water Park) is $39 for adults and $25 for kids 48 inches tall and under. Call 636-938-4800.
MUSEUM OF TRANSPORTATION: Trains, trains and more trains are on display here, plus historic cars and other 
vintage vehicles. Admission is $4 for adults and $1.50 for kids ages 5 to 12. Call 314-965-7998 or click here.
MAJOR LEAGUE SPORTS: We love sports and, depending on the season, catch the Cardinals at bat at Busch Stadium (314-421-3060), the Rams scoring touchdowns at the TWA Dome (800-246-7267) or the Blues on the ice at the Kiel Center. Call 314-622-KIEL.
WHERE TO EAT
FITZ'S: Here they make and bottle root beer while you watch, and the menu of burgers, sandwiches and eclectic American fare will please all palates. Call 314-726-9555.TED DREWES FROZEN CUSTARD: St. Louisans have been flocking to this historic Old Route 66 institution for decades to enjoy a "concrete"--a shake so thick you can turn it upside down. Call 314-481-2652 or click here.
Jeanie Franz Ransom is a freelance writer in St. Louis.
Please keep in mind that phone numbers, addresses, and prices are subject to change. Updated July 2005.
