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Explore St. Louis Summer Fun!

May 16, 2023May 16, 2023 Richie Leave a comment

Welcome to St. Louis! If you’re here for the summer you might as well enjoy the humidity and find something cool to do. Living here all of my life I find that there are still things that I have never done in my own neighborhood. St. Louis and its surrounding areas offer a variety of exciting summer activities.

Things to Do in The Lou

Here are some of the best options that are always at the top of every recommendation list:

Gateway Arch: Begin your summer adventure by visiting the iconic Gateway Arch. Take a tram ride to the top for stunning views of the city and the Mississippi River.

Forest Park: Explore Forest Park, one of the largest urban parks in the United States. Enjoy a leisurely walk or bike ride through the park’s trails, visit the St. Louis Zoo, or rent a paddleboat on the park’s Grand Basin.

City Museum: Experience the City Museum, a unique attraction that combines an interactive art installation, playground, and architectural marvel. Climb through tunnels, slide down slides, and explore hidden passageways—it’s fun for all ages.

Missouri Botanical Garden: Escape the city’s hustle and bustle at the Missouri Botanical Garden. Wander through beautifully landscaped gardens, visit the Climatron tropical rainforest conservatory, and admire the stunning Japanese Garden.

Grant’s Farm: Take a trip to Grant’s Farm, a family-friendly attraction featuring animal encounters, tram rides, and a petting zoo. Don’t forget to sample the Anheuser-Busch beer brewed on-site.

The Muny: Catch a show at The Muny, an outdoor amphitheater in Forest Park. The Muny is known for its Broadway-quality productions and offers a unique open-air theater experience.

Anheuser-Busch Brewery Tour: Learn about the brewing process and the history of Anheuser-Busch on a brewery tour. Discover the famous Budweiser Clydesdales and enjoy a complimentary tasting at the end.

St. Louis Cardinals Baseball Game: Cheer on the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium. Catching a baseball game is a quintessential summer activity in St. Louis, and the atmosphere at the stadium is electric.

The Magic House: If you’re traveling with kids, make sure to visit The Magic House. This interactive children’s museum offers hands-on exhibits and activities that are both educational and entertaining.

Day trip to the Ozarks: Take a day trip to the nearby Ozark Mountains, where you can enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and boating. There are several scenic spots, including the Lake of the Ozarks and Elephant Rocks State Park.

These are just a few of the many fantastic summer activities you can enjoy in St. Louis and its surrounding areas. Whether you’re interested in history, nature, or family-friendly attractions, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in the Gateway City.

More Things to Do This Summer in St. Louis

If that’s not enough, here are 10 more ideas of things to do in the lou!

Laumeier Sculpture Park: Explore the outdoor sculpture park, featuring large-scale contemporary artworks amidst nature trails and picturesque landscapes.

St. Louis Science Center: Engage in interactive exhibits, planetarium shows, and educational programs at the Science Center. It’s a great place for kids and adults alike.

Six Flags St. Louis: Enjoy a thrilling day of roller coasters, water rides, and live entertainment at Six Flags St. Louis amusement park.

Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site: Step back in time at Cahokia Mounds, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that preserves the remains of an ancient Native American city. Take a guided tour and learn about the fascinating history of the Mississippian culture.

The Delmar Loop: Explore the vibrant Delmar Loop neighborhood, known for its eclectic shops, unique boutiques, art galleries, and delicious restaurants. Catch a live music performance at The Pageant or Blueberry Hill.

Missouri History Museum: Discover the rich history of Missouri at the Missouri History Museum. Explore engaging exhibits that cover topics ranging from Lewis and Clark’s expedition to the Civil Rights movement.

Grant’s Trail: Go for a bike ride or a leisurely walk along Grant’s Trail, a 9-mile paved path that winds through scenic parks, neighborhoods, and wooded areas.

Meramec Caverns: Venture into the depths of Meramec Caverns, a fascinating underground cave system located near St. Louis. Take a guided tour to see stunning rock formations and learn about the cave’s history.

The Butterfly House: Visit the Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House in Chesterfield. Walk through a tropical conservatory filled with beautiful butterflies and learn about their life cycle and conservation efforts.

Katy Trail State Park: Embark on a biking or hiking adventure along the Katy Trail, a 240-mile long trail that follows the path of the Missouri River. Enjoy scenic views, historic landmarks, and charming small towns along the way.

These additional ideas should provide you with a diverse range of options to enjoy during your summer in St. Louis. Any questions, post a comment or message me on social media and I can provide even more recommendations based on budget or interest!

CITY MUSEUM SPRINGS TO LIFE IN MAY

May 5, 2023May 5, 2023 Richie Leave a comment

Mother’s Day & Memorial Day Events City Nights Summer Events Kickoff

St. Louis — Celebrate the beautiful month of May with fun events at City Museum.

MOTHER’S DAY AT CITY MUSEUM — MOMS VISIT FREE

Play the day away with mom at City Museum on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 14. Moms get a free ticket to City Museum when another family member purchases a ticket. Kids can make an artistic handmade gift for mom in Art City. Moms also get a free wine tasting certificate from City Winery at City Foundry. Mini bouquets will be available for purchase from Sophia’s Crowns Flowers. Beatnik Bob’s is a great spot for a drink or moms can try out the Cabin Inn, featuring wine slushies, while the kids play.

MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND FUN

This Memorial Day weekend, May 26 through May 29, military service members and veterans get into City Museum for free with a purchased admission. The Air Force band Midwest Winds performs on Saturday, May 27 from 2 to 3 p.m. Themed craft projects will be available all weekend in Art City. The grills will be fired up on the patio with delicious summer barbecue options.

CITY NIGHTS KICKOFF

Sunday, May 28, 7:00 to 11:00 p.m.

It’s time for the first City Nights event of the season. This is the absolute best way to experience summer in downtown St. Louis by sliding, climbing, listening to music by DJ Arty and more. The best views of the City are guaranteed from the City Museum rooftop. This will also be a great opportunity to try out 4Hands brand-new canned cocktails.

Tickets are $30 and include access to tie-dye activities. Food and 4Hands canned cocktails are available for purchase. City Nights is strictly 21+ and a valid ID is required. A series pass is available for $125 which gives entry to all seven City Nights events continuing in June, July, August and September plus access to the VIP lounge from 9 to 11p.m. at each event, a savings of up to $50.

ABOUT CITY MUSEUM

Explore the unexpected. City Museum is a hundred-year-old warehouse in downtown St. Louis in which artists have repurposed the pieces of old cities to build miles of tunnels, slides, climbers, bridges, and castles. There are secret passages and grand galleries. Playgrounds and ball pits. A circus and a train. A rooftop school bus and a Ferris wheel. City Museum is an ever-evolving, always-thrilling, artist-built playground.

WHEN YOU VISIT

City Museum is located at 750 N. 16th St., St. Louis, MO 63103. City Museum is open seven days a week, Mondays through Thursdays from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m., and Sundays from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. www.citymuseum.org; 314-231-2489; @citymuseum

Tunnel of Love Valentine’s Events at City Museum

January 11, 2023January 11, 2023 Richie Leave a comment

St. Louis — City Museum has Valentine’s celebrations ready for families and sweethearts. Bring the kids or bring your boo on a City Museum date for amazing photo ops in the Tunnel of Love and many other heart-related activities, free with admission. Valentine’s activities take place from February 1 through February 19.

The historic cabin inside City Museum is transformed into Cupid’s Cuddle Cabin for the celebrations. Valentine décor, themed cocktails, and a love songs playlist are just some of the cabin’s highlights. The Tunnel of Love light exhibit will brighten up the Vault during the entire month of February. Don’t miss the live Elvis show and an extravagant Gal-entine’s Day.

Fierce and fun love month activities include:

February 3-5 and Friday, February 10:

Valentine craft in Art City from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Cupid’s Cuddle Cabin with specialty cocktails
Tunnel of Love light exhibit in the Vault

Saturday, February 11:

Valentine craft in Art City from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Pinatas in the Vault Room (kids only) from 2 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Cupid’s Cuddle Cabin with specialty cocktails
Tunnel of Love light exhibit in the Vault from 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Special 21+ Event: Live Elvis Presley Show from 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. (Separate ticket required; all day entrance to the museum included.)

Sunday, February 12:

Valentine craft in Art City from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Pinatas in the Vault Room (kids only) from 2 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Cupid’s Cuddle Cabin with specialty cocktails
Tunnel of Love light exhibit in Vault from 3 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Special 21+ Event: Galentine’s Day in the Vault Room from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Smooth jazz, waffle bar, mimosas, heart pinatas for smashing, Valentine box-making contest and Valentine exchange, Bestie Photo Booth. (Separate ticket required; all day entrance to the museum included.)

DETAILS

Admission to City Museum is $20. Children under 2 are free. Special rates are available for groups of 12 or more. City Museum is located at 750 N. 16th St., St. Louis, MO 63103. The attraction is open Thursdays through Sundays and select holidays. www.citymuseum.org; 314-231-2489; @citymuseum on social media.

ARE YOU READY FOR THE 2022 HAUNT SEASON?

September 27, 2022September 27, 2022 Richie Leave a comment

St. Louis — Scarefest.com is ready for the 2022 Haunt Season and new frights and experiences have been added at the event’s three attractions — The Darkness, Creepyworld and the Lemp Brewery.

THE DARKNESS

The area around St. Louis’ historic Soulard neighborhood might just be America’s scariest square mile with two of the nation’s top haunted houses and fright-themed escape rooms opening for the Halloween season.

The Darkness, called America’s Best and Scariest Haunted House, is now open on weekends through October 16 and then every night from October 20 – 31, ending the season reopening on the weekend of November 4 & 5.

The Darkness celebrates its 29th Year of Fear in 2022 with a renovation that has made the experience longer and scarier with 200 animated scenes. New in 2022 is the Horror Retail Store along with new scenes and screams, including a Killer Pumpkin Barn, Haunted Conservatory, a Horror Arcade with pinball games, a new five-minute Coffin Escape Room, Zombie Jam Basketball, Walking Dead Shooting Games, Horror Arcades, Ride the Electric Chair, and photo opportunities with the haunt’s living monsters.

CREEPYWORLD — AMERICA’S BIGGEST & LONGEST HAUNTED SCREAMPARK

All new at Creepyworld for 2022 is the Jack O’Lantern Spooktacular. Featuring more than 2,500 pumpkins carved with monsters and pop culture celebrities, the experience is fun for everyone in the family. Tickets to Creepyworld are not required to visit the Jack O’Lanterns except for Friday and Saturday nights.

Creepyworld is America’s longest & biggest haunted “screampark” with 13 attractions including a haunted hayride, a new Monster Midway, a Vampire Crypt Escape Room, graveyards, cornfields and a Christmas-themed haunted house.

Creepyworld in Fenton, MO, opens for the season on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays beginning September 30 and then every night from October 20 through October 31, and again the nights of November 4 & 5.

LEMP BREWERY HAUNTED HOUSE

The all-new Lemp Brewery Haunted House is located deep underground where operators promise, “no one can hear you scream” inside St. Louis’ only real haunted house.

Inside the historic brewery’s caverns — once used to lager beer and host parties — guests will come face to face with demons and navigate confusing mazes inside the House of Occult in the pitch black limestone cave.

The Lemp Brewery Haunted House is only open for 10 nights in 2022: October 7 & 8, 14 & 15, 21 & 22, 28 & 29 and 30 & 31.

JURASSIC ISLAND, PIRATE’S CURSE, FRANKENSTEIN & DRACULA — NEWEST ESCAPE ROOMS NOW OPEN

Jurassic island, the Pirate’s Curse,Frankenstein & Dracula-themed Escape Rooms are now open at St Louis Escape, located in the Soulard neighborhood south of downtown St. Louis next to historic Soulard Market and The Darkness Haunted House.

The Frankenstein room is filled with animations, high-tech special effects and amazing puzzles. Players must prove there is life after death to be released from the chamber. St. Louis Escape now features seven escape rooms. In addition to Frankenstein and Dracula, groups can play the new Jurassic Island with its fearsome dinosaurs, The Haunted Hotel, The Cellar, and The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.

Silly Putter, an elaborate black-light 1980’s-themed mini-golf course, and a retro pinball arcade round out a visit to the haunt complex.

Escape rooms can be booked at www.StLouisEscape.com. Follow the escapes on Instagram @stlouisescape. The escape rooms and mini golf course are open Wednesdays through Sundays.