St. Louis is home to World Chess Hall of Fame (and the world’s largest chess piece). No wonder so many come here to play.
But Missouri’s Gateway City isn’t just for aspiring grandmasters and fans of all things arched.
An easy three-hour flight from NYC, St. Louis has blossomed into a bustling activity hub for dinks and statistically average families of 3.15, alike — with interactive museums, kid-friendly adventures, swish hotels and a welcoming food scene.
To find out what this too-often-overlooked town is all about, we tapped local experts to help us plan the perfect visit.
Board silly
Stop being a pawn and start snagging blitz wins against the “grandmaster in residence” at the World Chess Hall of Fame. Or, just check out the HoF’s stunning collection of chess sets.
While you’re there, peep “Charles Houska: Master of Play,” on view through April 5, 2026. PS: Pay a visit to the Saint Louis Chess Club for a lesson whether your kid is new to the game or the next Magnus Carlsen.
Next up is the Magic House, St. Louis Children’s Museum. As director of marketing, it’s Marissa Lorance’s job to promote this educational playground. But she swears she’d be there every week, anyway. Her “two sweet and very busy” boys, ages 1 and 3, love it.
There’s an abundance of activities for kids of various ages and energy levels, Lorance says: “And, let’s be honest, watching their hair stand on end at the electrostatic generator never gets old!”
Come for the three-story slide and bubble room and stay for the children’s village and the art studio. The new “Super Why! Super Readers, Power Up!” exhibit is another big hit. It allows children to explore the PBS show’s storybook world. Best of all, everyone leaves happy and — blessedly — ready for naps.
But when it’s time for outdoor fun, David Weglarz, the owner of local distillery StilL 630, heads to Big Muddy Adventures. The local tour outfitter organizes paddling jaunts on the Mississippi and Missouri rivers that last from a few hours to several days — perfect for airing out his three boys, ages 12, 10 and 5.
“Getting out on the big rivers gives us a true sense of wilderness just a few miles from the city,” says Weglarz, whose favorite tour is the “full-moon float.” “You feel like you can commune with Lewis and Clark, and you’ll probably spot cool wildlife along the way. Not everyone can say that they’ve paddled on two of the biggest rivers in the world!”
Check, please!
For Lorance, any restaurant with a patio is a sunny-day-in-St. Louis win. In Kirkwood, her fave is Kaldi’s Coffee for a laid-back breakfast, and 4 Hands + Peacemaker for a casual bite. Or, if you’re planning a visit to the Missouri Botanical Garden, she’d steer visitors towards Sassafras, its “lovely” on-site café. “Katie’s in Rock Hill is another favorite haunt — if it’s not raining or snowing, and there’s a spot on the patio, we’re there!” she adds.
Walkable from 4 Hands, Andrew Jorgensen — general director of the Opera Theatre of Saint Louis — and his kids, ages 3 and 1, love to get ice cream at Clementine’s Creamery in Lafayette Square followed up with playtime in Lafayette Park.
“Nothing says St. Louis like a wagon ride at the ice cream shop, a big scoop of gooey butter cake ice cream and a playground immersed in nature,” he says.
Thirsty? Good, because St. Louie’s even got a sports bar kiddos will adore, too. Introducing, Lester’s.
It’s got “a ton of Cardinals’ memorabilia and TVs showing local teams — plus, the menu is loaded with great options no matter what you’re craving,” says Weglarz. “Even our picky guys can find something to eat here!”
Winslow’s Table is another local favorite serving up kid-classics like buttermilk pancakes as big as your head, hand-breaded chicken tenders and freshly baked chocolate chip cookies. Bonus: No reservations are necessary and kids eat free on Saturday nights, says owner Tara Gallina of Take Root Hospitality.
Spend the knight
Across the street from Forest Park, the four-star Royal Sonesta Chase Park Plaza hotel (from $295 per night) features recently renovated guest rooms, three onsite restaurants and a historic movie theater.
The outdoor Mediterranean-style swimming pool is where the whole fam can cool down — but there’s also an 18,000-square-foot fitness center where mom and dad can sneak away to blow off some steam.
For even more explicitly family-oriented fun, head to the St. Louis Union Station (part of Hilton’s Curio Collection; from $229 per night). It’s an attraction in itself with an in-house aquarium, mini golf, a ropes course and a slew of restaurants. It’s also home to the St. Louis Wheel.
Here to catch a ball game at Busch Stadium? Sports fans in town should check in to the Drury Plaza Hotel St. Louis at the Arch (from $140 per night).
It’s centrally located right by the city’s famed arch and is within walking distance of the stadium. Better still, the hotel offers packages that include city attractions.
Read the full article here
