Visiting fun and fascinating attractions can be expensive, especially with children. But, if you’re on a tight budget, many of the best attractions in St. Louis, Missouri, are well priced or even free to enter. Here are some of the city’s low-cost locations to visit.
Gateway Arch National Park
For a whole day’s entertainment, the Gateway Arch National Park is an oasis in downtown St. Louis. At its center is the city’s most prominent landmark, the Gateway Arch, which at 630 feet, is America’s tallest man-made monument. The park, set along the banks of the Mississippi, features 5 miles of tree-lined walking and biking trails. You can have picnics among the diverse plant life, enjoy stunning views of the Mississippi River and two reflecting ponds, and marvel at the majestic Arch.
In the park’s interactive museum, you can trace the history of the Native Americans, explorers, and pioneers who helped make America’s Western expansion possible. Admission to the park and museum is free. If you want to take the tram ride to the top of the arch to enjoy the spectacular views, you should buy tickets in advance that start at $12 for adults.
Forest Park
The 1,300-acre Forest Park is considered to be one of America’s greatest public urban parks. It features beautiful forest-sprinkled landscapes, streams, lakes, and nature reserves that will take you many hours to explore. Within the park are the Missouri History Museum, the Saint Louis Art Museum, the Saint Louis Science Center, and the Saint Louis Zoo, all of which offer free admission.
Saint Louis Zoo
The Saint Louis Zoo in Forest Park is the region’s most-visited attraction and one of the few free zoos in the country. It is globally recognized for innovative approaches to animal care, wildlife conservation, research, and education. The zoo is home to more than 13,000 animals and has six zones that highlight unique animal habitats. Visit the River’s Edge, The Wild, Discovery Corner, Historic Hill, Red Rocks, and Lakeside Crossing. Reserve your free tickets in advance.
Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House
Located in Faust Park in nearby Chesterfield, Missouri, the Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House is set in a towering 8,000 square foot glass-domed conservatory. Kept at 80 to 85 degrees, the Butterfly House is home to almost 2,000 tropical butterflies representing around 80 species.
The beautiful creatures are free to fly around and settle on the 150 species of tropical plants. Seeing a butterfly emerge from its chrysalis is a rare and magical moment, but it can be seen every day in this fascinating environment. Admission is just $8 for adults and $5 for children aged 3 to 12 years of age, and advance tickets are required.
Faust Historic Village
Also within Faust Park is the Faust Historic Village, a collection of preserved 19th and early 20th century buildings and gives you a taste of village and farm life from that period. Admission to the village is free, but you can choose to enjoy a guided tour for $4.
At most of these attractions, you could while away whole days. With entry that costs little or nothing, you can return as often as you want.
Image via Pixabay.
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