Top 12 Free Things to Do in St. Louis

• The St. Louis Zoo is located in Forest Park, St. Louis, Missouri.

History and Significance:

• Established in 1904, it has grown into one of the city’s major attractions, known for its commitment to conservation and animal research.

What to Expect:

• The zoo houses a diverse range of animals from around the world. Key exhibits include the River’s Edge, the Wild, and the Penguin & Puffin Coast.

Visitor Information:

• Admission is generally free. It’s open year-round, though hours vary by season.

The St. Louis Zoo is one of the top free attractions in St. Louis. As one of the few free zoos in the country, it features over 16,000 animals across a variety of exhibits. Visitors can see species from around the world, including penguins, polar bears, elephants, and more. The 90-acre zoo has something for visitors of all ages, like the Sea Lion Sound pool where you can watch trainers work with sea lions. For a unique perspective, check out Big Cat Country, a recreated Indian forest habitat for tigers, lions, jaguars, and other large cats. Don’t miss the reptile and amphibian house to see ancient-looking komodo dragons and giant tortoises. With free admission and affordable parking, the St. Louis Zoo is a must-do activity when visiting the Gateway City.

Take a Cruise on the Gateway Arch Riverboats

Name and Location:

• Located along the Mississippi River at the base of the Gateway Arch in St. Louis.

History and Significance:

• These riverboats offer a nod to the historical significance of river travel in the development of St. Louis.

What to Expect:

• Enjoy scenic cruises, dinner cruises, and special event cruises with stunning views of the Gateway Arch and city skyline.

Visitor Information:

• Cruises are seasonal and tickets can be purchased in advance. Various cruise options are available.

For a fun family outing that won’t break the bank, take a riverboat cruise along the Mississippi River. Gateway Arch Riverboats offers free daily cruises, with frequent departures from the base of the iconic Gateway Arch. Knowledgeable guides provide commentary about St. Louis landmarks visible from the river. Highlights include views of the St. Louis skyline, the Poplar Street Bridge, and the grounds of the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial. Upgrades are available for dining and specialty cruises, or stick with the free options for an hour-long, relaxing ride on old man river. Don’t forget to gaze up at the towering Gateway Arch as you pass by!

Wander Through the Missouri Botanical Garden

Name and Location:

• Located at 4344 Shaw Blvd, St. Louis, Missouri.

History and Significance:

• Founded in 1859, it is one of the oldest botanical institutions in the U.S and a National Historic Landmark.

What to Expect:

• The garden features beautiful landscapes, a Japanese strolling garden, the Climatron conservatory, and various themed gardens.

Visitor Information:

• Open daily, with a small admission fee. Free hours and days are available.

For a tranquil natural oasis in the middle of the city, meander through the beautiful Missouri Botanical Garden. Also known as Shaw Nature Reserve, this National Historic Landmark spans 79 acres with thematic gardens showcasing roses, Japanese designs, water lily ponds, and more. The 14-acre Japanese Garden is one of the largest in North America, featuring Pagoda Circle with signature torii gates, as well as traditional teahouse architecture. Seasonal blooms delight visitors in the Victorian-style Ottoman Garden, while the English Woodland Garden transports you to a quaint countryside landscape. The Missouri Botanical Garden offers free general garden admission on Wednesdays and Saturdays until noon. Check their website for free tram tours and events.

Take in the Views from Art Hill in Forest Park

Name and Location:

• Art Hill is centrally located in Forest Park, St. Louis, Missouri.

History and Significance:

• Known for its iconic statue of Saint Louis and its role in the 1904 World’s Fair.

What to Expect:

• A popular spot for picnics, sledding in winter, and enjoying panoramic views of the Grand Basin.

Visitor Information:

• Accessible year-round with no admission fee. Parking can be found nearby.

Forest Park is one of the biggest city parks in the United States at 1,300 acres. While there are many awesome free things to do in Forest Park, one activity not to miss is admiring the expansive views from Art Hill. Overlooking the Grand Basin lake and famed St. Louis institutions, Art Hill is especially spectacular when the blooming flowers create a multi-colored landscape in spring. Have a picnic, fly a kite, or just relax on the grassy hill that gave Forest Park its name. On weekend evenings in summer, catch a free concert or movie during the Festival of the Arts. Art Hill provides the perfect backdrop for snapping scenic photos to remember your time in St. Louis.

Check Out Citygarden Sculpture Park

Name and Location:

• Located in downtown St. Louis, between 8th & 10th and Chestnut & Market streets.

History and Significance:

• Opened in 2009, this urban park blends art, architecture, and nature.

What to Expect:

• It features an array of sculptures by internationally renowned artists, water features, and a lush landscape.

Visitor Information:

• Open year-round, free of charge. Guided tours are available.

Citygarden is a quirky downtown oasis, with whimsical sculptures scattered across lush landscaping. This urban park spans three blocks and features 24 pieces of art from renowned modern sculptors. Works incorporate water features, stone and bronze structures, mosaics, and vibrant plantings that transform as the seasons change. Interactive sculptures that spout water surprises are a hit with kids. Download the free app to access details on each work of art at Citygarden. Take time to snap some pictures with fan favorites like The Great Harvester by Juan Hamilton, Ring of Time by Charlotte Morgan, or one of the two massive head sculptures. Entry to explore Citygarden is completely free, making it an affordable choice for arts and culture.

Tour the Anheuser-Busch Brewery

Name and Location:

• Located at 1200 Lynch St, St. Louis, Missouri.

History and Significance:

• Established in 1852, it’s one of the oldest and largest breweries in the nation.

What to Expect:

• Tours offer a behind-the-scenes look at the brewing process, historic buildings, and the famous Clydesdale horses.

Visitor Information:

• Different types of tours are available, some of which are free. Check ahead for hours and tour options.

Discover the storied history and heritage of the iconic American brewery by taking a complimentary tour at Anheuser-Busch. Lasting about 90 minutes, tours give guests behind-the-scenes access of the historic Brewhouse, built in the late 1800s. Learn about the brewing process that crafts their signature beers like Budweiser, Bud Light, and Michelob Ultra. At the end, visitors 21 and over receive a free beer sampling in the hospitality room. Don’t miss snapping selfies with the famous Budweiser Clydesdales in their stable home. Tours run daily every 30 minutes. Be sure to explore the rest for the sprawling 150-acre campus. With free admission and tours, Anheuser-Busch is a quintessential St. Louis experience.

Visit the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis

Name and Location:

• Located at 4431 Lindell Blvd, St. Louis, Missouri.

History and Significance:

• Consecrated in 1914, it is renowned for its stunning mosaics, one of the largest collections in the world.

What to Expect:

• Visitors can admire the intricate mosaics, architecture, and peaceful ambiance of this active place of worship.

Visitor Information:

• Open to visitors except during services. Guided tours are available, and donations are appreciated.

Known for its exquisite Byzantine and Romanesque architecture, the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis is a beautiful Roman Catholic church that welcomes visitors. Completed in 1914, intricate details gild the walls and domed ceilings, which contain 41.5 million pieces of mosaic tile. The church offers free guided tours providing insight about the symbolic details throughout the building. Don’t miss the spectacular north and south transcept mosaic installations depicting significant religious figures. Of course, no tour is complete without seeing the expansive vaulted ceiling in the sanctuary, accented with mosaics of important saints and a floral border. Guests are welcome to attend a Catholic mass service or simply explore the church on their own.

Take a Stroll Down the Delmar Loop

Name and Location:

• A vibrant 6-block area in University City, just west of Forest Park in St. Louis.

History and Significance:

• Named for the streetcar turnaround, the Delmar Loop is a cultural and entertainment hub.

What to Expect:

• Eclectic shops, restaurants, art galleries, and live music venues. The Walk of Fame honors notable St. Louisans.

Visitor Information:

• Easily accessible and great for walking. Parking is available on the street and in lots.

Get a taste of quintessential St. Louis by taking a stroll down the vibrant six-block stretch of independent shops, restaurants and galleries known as The Loop. This energetic district located in the hip University City neighborhood provides hours of free entertainment that’s perfect for the whole family. Browse an eclectic mix of locally-owned boutiques, concert venues, comic bookstores, vinyl shops and artisan eateries. Snap some selfies with the Walk of Fame displaying brass stars honoring famous St. Louisans like Miles Davis, Josephine Baker and Chuck Berry. Sit outside on a patio to soak up the youthful atmosphere or catch an impromptu street performer. Don’t forget to indulge in gooey butter cake or frozen custard!

Visit the World Chess Hall of Fame

Name and Location:

• Located at 4652 Maryland Ave, St. Louis, Missouri.

History and Significance:

• Established in 2011, St. Louis is known as the chess capital of the U.S.

What to Expect:

• Exhibits feature chess history, notable games, and chess-related art. The Hall of Fame honors key figures in chess history.

Visitor Information:

• Open to the public with free admission. Check opening hours before visiting.

Located in the vibrant Central West End neighborhood, The World Chess Hall of Fame offers free general admission into their galleries Wednesday through Sunday. The first museum in America dedicated to the game, it houses interactive exhibits sharing the cultural impact and history of chess around the world through artistic displays. Learn about world renowned Grandmasters and Champions as well as celebrity enthusiasts. Kids can enjoy hands-on activities in the Alice n’ Wonderland-themed Family Gallery. Take time to explore the beautiful outdoor garden paved with an oversized chess board and eye catching sculptures. With free general admission, the World Chess Hall of Fame is an underrated museum perfect for all interests.

Relax at the Jewel Box in Forest Park

Name and Location:

• Located in Forest Park, St. Louis, Missouri.

History and Significance:

• An Art Deco greenhouse built in 1936, listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

What to Expect:

• A floral display conservatory featuring exotic plants, seasonal floral shows, and picturesque views.

Visitor Information:

• Open year-round with a small entry fee. Popular for weddings and events.

For a quick floral pick-me-up, make a free visit to the Jewel Box greenhouse conservatory in Forest Park. Built in 1936, the art deco structure houses over 48,000 square feet of lush plants and flowers from around the world. Stroll through eight interconnected greenhouses displaying tropical palms, cacti, orchids, koi ponds and more. The Jewel Box also features seasonal flower shows and garden displays all year long. Popular annual events include the springtime orchid and chrysanthemum shows. It’s a peaceful spot to slow down and appreciate natural beauty. After exploring the greenhouse, relax just outside the entrance in Shakespeare Glen, home to a bronze statue of William Shakespeare.

Peruse the Saint Louis Art Museum

Name and Location:

• Located in Forest Park, St. Louis, Missouri.

History and Significance:

• One of the leading art museums in the country, originally built for the 1904 World’s Fair.

What to Expect:

• A diverse collection of art spanning centuries and cultures. Regularly hosts special exhibitions and events.

Visitor Information:

• Free admission to the permanent collection. Some special exhibitions may require tickets.

With free general admission, the Saint Louis Art Museum in Forest Park is one of the best deals in town. The encyclopedic museum boasts an extensive collection spanning 5,000 years of art from ancient to modern. Wander through galleries exhibiting pieces from renowned artists like Monet, Rembrandt, Picasso and Van Gogh. Don’t miss iconic works like The Old Plantation by Henry Tanner – the first major work by an African American artist to be added to a public collection in the U.S. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions ranging from traveling shows to local artists. In addition to art, you can explore the serene surrounding Sculpture Park or grab lunch at one of two eateries inside.

Tour Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site

Name and Location:

• Located at 7400 Grant Rd, St. Louis, Missouri.

History and Significance:

• The site, also known as White Haven, was the home of Ulysses S. Grant, the 18th President of the U.S.

What to Expect:

• The site includes the Grant family home, historical exhibits, and walking trails.

Visitor Information:

• Free admission. Guided tours are available, and it’s recommended to check for tour times in advance.

Located less than 10 miles south of downtown, the Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site preserves the historic White Haven farm where former President and Civil War General Ulysses S. Grant lived in the years before the Civil War. Tour the fully-restored room furnished with many of the Grant family’s original belongings showcasing what life was like for the future 18th President. Walk the grounds to see various outbuildings like the historic slave quarters and Grant’s Hardscrabble Farm given as a wedding present. Rangers are onsite offering free guided tours and exhibits detailing Grant’s early military and family history. With free admission and guided tours, it’s a hidden history gem.