Missouri is the crossroads of the American heartland, where the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers converge and eastern woodlands give way to western plains. From the gleaming Gateway Arch in St. Louis to the Ozark Mountains' ancient caves and the world-class barbecue pits of Kansas City, Missouri packs an extraordinary range of landscapes, history, and culture into a single state.
Family activities
Engaging experiences for travellers of every age.
Saint Louis Zoo
Free admission to one of the world's finest zoos — 14,000+ animals across 90 acres of Forest Park. The Children's Zoo area has hands-on experiences for ages 2–10. Sea lion shows daily at 10am and 3pm. Free parking in the zoo lot on Tuesday mornings.
City Museum, St. Louis
A mind-bending repurposed industrial building transformed into the world's most creative children's activity space — hidden caves, multi-story slides, outdoor rooftop Ferris wheel, and 10-story spiral slide. Adults enjoy it as much as kids.
Silver Dollar City, Branson
A family theme park built around an 1880s mining town theme with 40+ rides, live craftsmen demonstrations, 40+ food options, and spectacular holiday events. The fire-in-the-hole mine ride is a 35-year family tradition.
Missouri Botanical Garden Children's Garden
12,000-square-foot interactive outdoor garden with a 150-foot river, vegetable garden for tasting, and water play areas. Educational programs run year-round. Best on Wednesday mornings (free for MO residents).
Worlds of Fun, Kansas City
Family theme park and Oceans of Fun waterpark with 70+ rides across a 235-acre complex. Young family rides in Camp Snoopy area; teen and adult thrill rides throughout. Oceans of Fun waterpark is included in admission.
Meramec Caverns Tour
A 90-minute guided cave tour through Missouri's most famous show cave — lit illuminations of cave formations, Jesse James hideout, and a natural underground stage. Children are engaged by the storytelling and cave mysteries.
Family-friendly hotels
Accommodation designed with families in mind.
Big Cedar Lodge
Doubletree by Hilton Springfield
Drury Inn & Suites St. Louis Westport
Dining with kids
Eating out as a family.
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Family travel tips
Practical advice for stress-free family trips.
Build downtime into every day — over-scheduled kids melt down faster than tired adults.
Carry snacks, water, and a small first-aid kit at all times.
Many attractions offer discounted family tickets — ask at the ticket window.