A St. Louis Adventure: Exploring the City with My Kids
From Advisory Board Member: Josh Carson
St. Louis has always been one of my favorite destinations for a quick getaway, so when the opportunity arose to take my three children on a short trip, we packed our bags and headed for an adventure. With a mix of delicious food, fascinating history, and incredible entertainment, our two-day itinerary was filled with excitement from start to finish.
Day One: Sweet Beginnings and Theatrical Wonders
Our journey started with a treat that would set the tone for the rest of the trip—donuts from Pharaoh’s Donuts. Nestled in downtown St. Louis, this little gem offers some of the fluffiest, most delicious donuts I’ve ever tasted. My kids loved picking out their own flavors, and we savored each bite as we fueled up for the day ahead.
Next on our list was a tour of the Fabulous Fox Theatre. This historic venue is a masterpiece of architecture, and stepping inside felt like being transported to another era. Our guide led us through the stunning lobby, with its grand chandeliers and intricate designs, and then into the massive auditorium, where we got a behind-the-scenes look at the stage. The kids were mesmerized by the opulence, and I enjoyed seeing their imaginations sparked by the stories of the theater’s rich history. We also got to hear the pipe organ being played and hearing the Star Wars and Harry Potter themes played on a beautiful instrument.
Lunchtime took us to Fitz’s on Delmar, a favorite stop whenever we visit St. Louis. Known for its house-brewed root beer and oversized entrees, this restaurant was a hit with the whole family. My kids were fascinated watching the vintage bottling line in action, and of course, we couldn’t leave without sharing the flavors of soda with each other!
After lunch, we made our way to the Missouri History Museum in Forest Park. This museum offers a wonderful mix of interactive exhibits and engaging storytelling, making history come alive for visitors of all ages. My kids were particularly intrigued by the exhibits on St. Louis’ role in the 1904 World’s Fair and the Charles Lindbergh Spirit of St. Louis display. The museum’s layout allowed for hands-on learning, making it both educational and fun. There is no cost to enter this fantastic museum.
The highlight of the evening was a trip to The Muny, the country’s largest and oldest outdoor musical theater. That night’s show was Rent, a musical that holds a special place in my heart. Though the themes of the show are mature, my children, being theater lovers themselves, appreciated the incredible performances and the sheer magic of live theater under the stars. There’s something so special about The Muny’s setting—the cool evening breeze, the twinkling stage lights, and the collective excitement of the audience. It was a perfect way to end our first day in St. Louis. The Muny does offer 1500 of its seats free of charge each performance, which we took advantage of!
Day Two: Splashing into Fun
After a restful night at the Drury Inn, we indulged in their signature breakfast. The kids enjoyed waffles and eggs, while I appreciated the convenience of having a hearty meal before heading out for another day of adventure. A thing I appreciated about our stay at the Drury Inn was that both our supper and breakfast was included in our cost of spending the night, not to mention the convenience.
Our final stop was the Manchester Aquatic Center. A trip to a water park is always a hit with my kids, and this one did not disappoint. With its water slides, lazy river, and splash zones, the park provided the perfect mix of relaxation and excitement. The kids raced down slides, floated through the lazy river, and splashed in the play areas, making the most of our last hours in St. Louis.
As we packed up to head home, I reflected on how much we had packed into just two days. From delicious food and breathtaking theater to engaging history and refreshing water fun, our St. Louis trip was a perfect balance of learning and leisure. Most importantly, it was time well spent together, creating memories that will last a lifetime.