Are you from the Midwest? Do you have a 3 day weekend and you don't know where to go or what to do with your kids? Think no more! Pack your bags, get in the car and drive!
I'm from Chicago and St. Louis Missouri is only 5 hours drive from us. And yes, I used the word ONLY because this is a short drive compare to all our other trips in the US. We've been to this place several times. It's a beautiful city and there's tons of inexpensive activities for my kids.
Where to stay? I recommend staying in DRURY PLAZA HOTEL AT THE ARCH (2 South 4th Street, St. Louis, MO 63102). Let me talk to you more why I choose this hotel here all the time.
1. It is walking distance to the Gateway Arch and other attractions
2. Free hot breakfast (sausage, biscuits and gravy, scrambled eggs, pancakes) - 6am-9:30am
3. Free soda,coffee and popcorn in the lobby
4. Free Kickback hot foods and cold drinks (macaroni and cheese, hotdog, baked potato, salad, soup) 5:30pm-7pm
5. Each adult gets 2 Free alcoholic beverage (beer, wine, mixed drinks) during Kickback 5:30
6. Covered parking $16/day. No need to pay multiple parking fees because of reason #1.
7. Other amenities includes swimming pool, hot tub and fitness center
DAY 1
When you arrive at the hotel, most likely after lunch, just check in and relax. Then go out, get a popcorn for snack and head to the Gateway Arch and just walk around the trail and riverfront. You can also stop by the Old Cathedral Museum in the same area.
Then go back to the hotel to eat dinner and have a nice drink (tequila sunrise is my fave!). After you digest, change to your swimming clothes and splash in the pool.
DAY 2
Make sure to wear comfortable clothing and shoes. Start your day by going to the Old Courthouse. Check http://www.gatewayarch.com/experience/old-courthouse/ for hours. Admission is free and the kids can earn their badge for the ranger program.
Start walking behind the courthouse (either on Market or Chestnut Street) and just enjoy the Kiener Plaza and City Garden.
Walk until you reach 14th St. then turn right until you hit Washington St. This is your final destination: CITY MUSEUM (citymuseum.org). Admission fee $12, Hours: M-Th 9am-5pm, F-Sat 9am-midnight, Sun 11am-5pm. This museum is good for all ages (kids or adults) and you can spend pretty much the rest of the day here. There are lots of educational activities, slides and tunnels, it's just so awesome! My favorite here is the 10 story slides. I sure had a workout climbing up those stairs! Goodluck to parents on convincing your kids to go home because they never want to leave this place!!!
DAY 3
Everybody had fun for the past 2 days and now you're ready to go home. Take a short break driving by visiting the Home of Abraham Lincoln in Springfield, IL(426 S 7th St, Springfield, IL 62701). Admission is free but you have to get your free tour ticket guide at the visitor center. Parking is also available at the visitor's center for $2/hour.
Have fun on your St. Louis trip!
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