St. Louis, a city in Missouri known for its Gateway Arch, Blues Heritage, and passionate sports culture, offers a surprising array of free attractions for visitors and residents alike. Many assume exploring the Gateway City involves costly activities, but numerous fantastic free things to do in St. Louis reveal its unique character, beautiful parks, and vibrant culture without straining your budget. This guide highlights specific activities and attractions that can be enjoyed completely free of charge, allowing you to experience the spirit of the city, discover hidden gems, and create lasting memories while keeping spending in check.
Forest Park Free Treasures
Forest Park, a vast urban park, is home to several of the city's top free attractions, making it an ideal destination for families, art lovers, and wildlife enthusiasts.
Saint Louis Zoo Located in Forest Park, the Saint Louis Zoo is one of the top free zoos in the country and one of the best free things to do in St. Louis. Home to over 16,000 animals representing 600 species, visitors can explore exhibits like River’s Edge, the Primate House, and the Penguin & Puffin Coast. The Zoo is dedicated to saving species and bringing people together, making it perfect for families and wildlife enthusiasts. There are various areas of the zoo, grouping the animals accordingly, and, within each area, are some paid attractions such as the Sea Lion Show or a Giraffe Feeding experience. Admission is always free, making it an outstanding value for families and animal lovers.
Saint Louis Art Museum This museum, also situated in Forest Park, features an extensive collection of art spanning cultures and time periods. It is another one of the free things to do in St. Louis and a popular place for art lovers. From ancient artifacts to contemporary masterpieces, there’s something for everyone; the collection includes Van Gogh and Matisse works. The building itself is also impressive, set inside a beautiful, grand Beaux-Arts building. General admission is always free, offering access to impressive permanent collections.
Missouri History Museum Another one of the free things to do in St. Louis is the Missouri History Museum. Here, you can dive into the rich history of the city and state, with exhibits sharing the history of the 1904 World’s Fair to the civil rights movement. It’s an engaging way to learn about the region’s past while exploring beautifully curated displays. Admission is always free to explore the region’s fascinating past. Plan to spend at least 2 hours at the museum, as it is extensive.
Saint Louis Science Center Explore hundreds of interactive exhibits covering science, space, dinosaurs, and technology. Admission is always free, making it a great educational outing.
Cultural and Historical Sites
St. Louis boasts a rich history and vibrant art scene, with several institutions offering free admission to their collections and exhibits.
Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis This breathtaking cathedral is famous for its collection of mosaics, and is one of the largest in the world. This is one of the free things to do in St. Louis, though there is a donation request of $2 to enter the Mosaic Museum. Visitors can admire over 41 million glass tiles creating intricate religious artwork adorning the walls and ceilings. Visitors are welcome to tour the basilica and admire its architectural beauty and serene atmosphere. The cathedral is open from 7am – 5pm but can close for weddings and special events.
Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis For those who appreciate modern art, this museum offers free admission to cutting-edge exhibits featuring local, national, and international artists. The Contemporary Art Museum is another one of the best free things to do in St. Louis, but art enthusiasts should consider signing up for the monthly memberships for year-round perks. Rotating exhibits ensure that there’s always something new to discover, and the sleek design of the building itself adds to the experience.
The Old Courthouse Another one of the free things to do in St. Louis is the Old Courthouse. This is a significant site in St. Louis’ history; in 1847, Dred Scott and his wife Harriet, sued for their freedom and were granted it. The Supreme Court later ruled that slaves were property, which quickened the start of the Civil War. Admission is free and the Courthouse is open daily, although closed on select public holidays.
Cahokia Mounds The Cahokia Mounds is at the centre of prehistoric Mississippian culture, and a fascinating place to visit. Home to four trails, more than 100 mounds and plenty of history, this is a historic free thing to do in St. Louis. Visitors can climb to the top of Monks Mound; a 154-step climb to the largest earthen mound in North America.
Daniel Boone Home The historic Daniel Boone Home does charge a fee for guided tours but offers free admission to the park itself. The park features a historic reconstructed 19th century village and gift shop, where you can learn about the Boone Family.
Unique and Interactive Experiences
Beyond traditional museums and parks, St. Louis offers distinctive free activities that cater to various interests, from chocolate lovers to motorcycle enthusiasts.
Chocolate Chocolate Chocolate Company Tour This is a free factory tour, running 5 days a week (Monday to Friday). The Abel Family opened their new factory in 2012 and offer tours of the factory floor, where you can see, hear, smell and even taste the chocolates. This is a popular free attraction in St. Louis, so reserve your ticket in advance! Tickets are free and tours run every 30 minutes from 9am to 2.30pm, but they can fill up fast. You can book your tour online.
Moto Museum Another one of the best free things to do in St. Louis is the Moto Museum. This tourist attraction features a collection of vintage motorcycles from over 20 countries. This is a private collection, so although admission is free, there is an optional donation box.
Grand Hall Light Show For a 3D Light show, head to the St Louis Union Station Hotel. Each night, on the hour from 5pm to 10pm, is a daily light show. With images of flowers and fireworks dancing around the 65 foot ceiling of the Grand Hall Lobby, this is a popular place for people to stop by and watch. There are also plenty of great restaurants in the area, if you want to enjoy a meal or drink after watching the light show.
Citygarden Another free green space in the city is Citygarden. Located downtown, this is an urban park that combines art and nature. The park features contemporary sculptures, fountains, and lush gardens, making it a great spot for relaxation or a casual stroll. Kids especially love the interactive water features during the summer months and when the sun sets, the water features light up, creating a romantic setting for date nights.
Family-Friendly and Outdoor Activities
St. Louis is a fantastic city for families and outdoor enthusiasts, with several free attractions designed for all ages.
Grant’s Farm Next on our free things to do in St. Louis list is Grant’s Farm, the ideal day out for families. The farm includes a tram ride through a deer park, and a visit to Tiergarten, a petting zoo area. In this area, there are also some rides and concessions that are an additional price. This is a fun day out and can be visited throughout the year to experience the different seasons at the farm.
Purina Farms Another popular free thing to do in St. Louis with children is Purina Farms. This is a stroller-friendly spot with plenty of parking and some fun attractions for the family. You can enjoy cow-milking, dog shows, adoptable pets and lots of open space to run around and have fun. Note: This farm is open during the Spring – Fall months and closes for the Winter.
Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center Another great day trip, just outside of the city, is Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center. This is a nature oasis, offering kid-friendly hiking trails, making for the perfect family outing (complete with picnic benches). This is a 112 acre forest, and includes a gift shop, nature center, educational exhibits and even a 3000 gallon aquarium. Visitors can also enjoy walking trails, boating, and stunning landscape, all for free.
Markets and Local Gems
Exploring local markets and lesser-known spots can provide a authentic taste of St. Louis culture without any cost.
Soulard Farmers Market We love visiting a market when we travel, and the Soulard Farmers Market is a great choice when in St. Louis. This free market is the oldest operating public market in the city and one of the oldest in the US. Open Wednesday to Saturday, this is the place to get fresh fruit, veg, bakery items and tasty treats!
Special Free Days and Resident Offers
Some attractions in the city are free on select days and/or only free for residents of the city. These offers allow visitors to see the best of the city without spending too much.
Missouri Botanical Garden One of the most popular sights in the city, this becomes a free thing to do in St. Louis every Wednesday and Saturday morning, from 7am – noon for St. Louis City and County residents. The garden is magical, featuring a 14-acre Japanese Garden, Victorian District and the George Washington Carver Garden.
Conclusion
St. Louis proves to be a budget-friendly destination with a wealth of free attractions that cater to diverse interests. From world-class zoos and museums in Forest Park to unique experiences like chocolate factory tours and vintage motorcycle exhibits, the city offers countless opportunities for exploration without financial strain. Family-friendly outings at Purina Farms and Grant’s Farm, combined with cultural and historical sites such as the Cathedral Basilica and the Old Courthouse, ensure that every visitor can find something engaging. By taking advantage of free admission days at places like the Missouri Botanical Garden, residents and tourists alike can fully experience the rich history, vibrant culture, and natural beauty of St. Louis. This guide highlights that memorable experiences need not come with a price tag, making St. Louis an accessible and rewarding city to discover.