Fun Things To Do & Events in St Louis for Adults

If you can’t tell, we really enjoyed our quick trip to St. Louis. I couldn’t believe how much we could do in a short amount of time (less than 48 hours), and we felt so content with our getaway. If you want an idea of how we spent 36 hours in St Louis, check out this post. We were able to accomplish so much, but we definitely have a long list of things we want to do if we make it back to the city in the future. 

Even though we only had 1.5 days in the city, you could easily fill a long weekend or even a week in with things to do in Downtown St Louis and the surrounding area. In order for you to decide on your ideal itinerary, I will provide all of the fun options you should consider before outlining our specific itinerary. 

History of St Louis

St. Louis, often called the Gateway to the West, has a rich and fascinating history. Founded in 1764 by Pierre Laclède and Auguste Chouteau, St. Louis has played a significant role in the westward expansion of the United States. The city served as a vital port on the Mississippi River, attracting traders and settlers heading westward. In the 19th century, it became a booming center for fur trading, and later developed into a hub for manufacturing, industry, and commerce.

St. Louis hosted the 1904 World’s Fair, also known as the Louisiana Purchase Exposition, which showcased remarkable technological and cultural achievements of the time. Many of the attractions within Forest Park were originally built for this historic event and still stand today. The city also holds a prominent place in African American history, being the birthplace of iconic blues and jazz music. Notable figures such as Chuck Berry, Miles Davis, and Tina Turner have roots in St. Louis.

Today, it is known for its rich cultural fabric, diverse neighborhoods, and iconic landmarks such as the Gateway Arch, which symbolizes the spirit of westward expansion.

Exploring the history of St. Louis provides a captivating glimpse into the past and helps visitors understand the city’s enduring significance in American history.

Things to Do in St Louis for Adults

All of these things are open almost all of the time, meaning you can visit them at any time of year. Thankfully the Gateway Arch had just reopened from months of restorations, so we were still able to enjoy it, but this is a good reminder to check in on times and schedules before you leave for your trip. We always find something is under construction when we are traveling, and it’s good to know this before hand rather than be disappointed when you arrive.

1- The Gateway Arch. I will be totally honest, the ride to the top of the arch is tiny. 5 adult passengers are allowed in a gondola for the 4-minute ride to the top of the arch, and it is very tight. It’s mainly enclosed, except for the window on the side, but even then you only see the inside of the arch. I’m not normally very claustrophobic, but I was very nervous getting into the gondola. Thankfully, the ride seemed to pass quickly. The view from the top of the Gateway arch was very cool, but again tiny. It was crazy to look out of the window and literally be hovering above nothing besides the ground, because of the way the arch is shaped. General admission was about $14 and if you can handle tiny spaces, it was well worth it for a unique experience. 

The property is also home to Gateway Arch National Park, so get out your National Park passports when visiting! 

2- Forest Park. This park is a beast. Forest Park is about 2 square miles and Central Park is about 1.3 square miles, so you can only imagine how gigantic it is. The park is owned and operated by the city of St. Louis and it is a gem. With so many various areas to explore, we could have spent the entire day here. Many of the attractions within the park were built for the Worlds Fair in 1904, and still stand today. You can go for a boat ride in one of the lakes, ride your bike among many trails, or enjoy a picnic by the Worlds Fair Pavillon. Almost everything within the park is free.

3- The Anheuser Busch Tour. I went into full detail about this tour in this post about the Budweiser Experience, and I needed to mention it again. We really enjoyed this tour, especially since it was free. Update: in 2024, this is now a paid experience with varying costs between $15-$40 depending on which tour you book. You will be able to tour the property, learn about the history, sample beer along the way and enjoy another at the end of the tour. 

4- Saint Louis Zoo. The zoo is actually within Forest Park, but it deserves it’s own context. For another free admission activity, I was amazed by how large this zoo was. Unfortunately, it was still a bit chilly while we were in town, so some of the animals weren’t in their outdoor habitats, but we were thankful to see some great exhibits. The giraffes were Dave’s favorite since he had never been able to see one in person, and I really enjoyed the Lions den. This was another place we could have spent a longer amount of time. While admission is free, there are several paid attractions within the property, such as the train, 4d theatre, and sea lion show. 

I love finding free zoos in our travels and there are at least 10 within the United States. You can find more options on Travel Awaits. 

5- Fitz’s Bottling Company. In our house, we are big fans of beer and soda, although we really try and limit the amount of soda we consume. When I heard about Fitz’s, a microbrewery of all types of soda, we knew we had to stop by. The restaurant actually still functions as a bottling company, and you can see the entire process while you eat. We arrived just in time for dinner…with about 100 other people. We planned on grabbing a drink and watching the bottling as we waited for our table, but we able to snag two seats at the bar right away. We each sampled various flavors of the custom soda, enjoyed a burger, and watched the bottling in action. It was a very cool experience.

6- Tour the Old Courthouse. If I listed my favorite courthouses, I know for a fact that this St. Louis Old Courthouse would be at the top of the list. From the colors to the architecture, it was absolutely beautiful. I had no idea a courthouse could be so beautiful. It’s right by the Gateway Arch, and free to explore, so I highly recommend it.

7 – The Missouri Botanical Garden is a beautiful and renowned botanical garden. Founded in 1859, it is one of the oldest botanical institutions in the United States and is a center for botanical research and science education. The garden features stunning landscapes, conservatories, and a vast array of plant collections, making it a popular destination for visitors and plant enthusiasts from around the world.

8- The Grand Hall at Union Station is a breathtaking architectural marvel that never fails to leave a lasting impression. As you step into the grandeur of the hall, you are immediately immersed in its timeless beauty and grand scale. The soaring ceilings, ornate detailing, and majestic columns evoke a sense of awe and nostalgia, harking back to a bygone era of opulence and elegance. Sunlight streaming in through the expansive windows bathes the space in a warm, inviting glow, casting a mesmerizing play of light and shadows. Whether bustling with activity or peacefully tranquil, the Grand Hall at Union Station stands as a testament to the enduring allure of magnificent design and craftsmanship.

9- City Museum may seem like a kids activity, and while some parts are designed with the younger crowd in mind, we still enjoyed exploring. It’s a very unique and interesting museum. A guided tour may be a great option for adults in order to learn a bit about the history and additional context behind this “weirdly wonderful” museum. 

10 – The Missouri History Museum is another activity located within Forrest Park. A museum dedicated to preserving and presenting the history of the region. Established in 1866, the museum holds a vast collection of artifacts, documents, and exhibits that showcase the cultural, social, and economic development of Missouri. Visitors can explore various displays covering topics such as indigenous peoples, the Mississippi River, the Civil War, and the growth of St. Louis as a major city. The museum also offers education programs, special events, and engaging activities for visitors of all ages. Whether you’re a history buff or simply curious about the past, the Missouri History Museum provides a fascinating glimpse into the rich heritage of the state and its people.

11- The Saint Louis Art Museum, also located within Forrest Park, features an impressive collection of more than 30,000 works of art, spanning 5,000 years of history. The museum’s collection includes works from virtually every time period and culture, including ancient Egyptian artifacts, European paintings, contemporary art, and more. One of the museum’s highlights is the collection of 20th-century German paintings, which is considered to be one of the finest outside of Europe. The museum itself is an architectural masterpiece, and its expansive galleries provide a wonderful space to appreciate and contemplate the world of art.

12- St Louis Aquarium, within Union Station, is a place where visitors of all ages can explore and learn about aquatic life from around the world. The aquarium features a wide variety of exhibits showcasing diverse marine ecosystems, from freshwater rivers to the depths of the ocean. It’s a perfect blend of entertainment and education, making it an ideal attraction for families, school groups, and anyone with an interest in marine life. With interactive displays, touch pools, and incredible marine animals, the St. Louis Aquarium offers a memorable and enriching experience for all who visit.

13- The Saint Louis Science Center is a fantastic destination for science enthusiasts of all ages. The center offers a wide range of interactive exhibits, educational programs, and live demonstrations. It’s a place where visitors can learn about various scientific concepts in fun and engaging ways. The center also features an OMNIMAX theater, planetarium, and various special events throughout the year. It’s a great place to explore the wonders of science and technology.

14- Take a ride on The Wheel. What started in a few cities around the country has now taken over- and it’s a great way to see amazing views from above! It is a 200-foot tall observation wheel that offers breathtaking views of the city. The 42 fully enclosed gondolas provide a comfortable and enjoyable experience for visitors as they take in the stunning panoramas of St. Louis and its surroundings.Riding The Wheel is a fantastic way to see the city from a different perspective, especially during sunset or at night when the city lights create a mesmerizing display. The experience is often described as serene and awe-inspiring, making it a must-visit for anyone exploring St. Louis.

15- See a Cardinals Game. If checking off every MLB stadium is on your bucket list, this is a must-do! The views from the stadium are great. 

16 – See live entertainment! You have a wide variety of options for this activity, you could buy tickets for the St Louis Symphony Orchestra, 1860’s Saloon offers live music every single day, look up events at Jazz St Louis, more music venues can be found here. From rock concerts to line dancing, dancing clubs and jazz music, There is truly something for everyone! 

17- Spend the afternoon at the Armory STL. The largest bar in St Louis, home to a huge hall of interactive activities, bars, food options, and more. You just have to see it for yourself! Get your competitive edge and taste buds ready. 

18- Take a hike on the over 600 miles of trails around the St Louis Region. You can find short hikes to stretch your legs, longer hikes to amazing views, or even just a walk through a park. 

19- Find a happy hour! I could never cover all of the great Happy Hour options in St. Louis, so I’ll leave it to Feast Magazine. I am drooling over some of these cocktails! 

20- Go To Six Flags St Louis. Just outside of St Louis in Eureka, you will find a Six Flags! If you are the theme park type, this is the perfect way to spend a day!

Tour Options in St Louis

If you want to see as much of the St Louis area as possible during your vacation, I highly recommend booking one of the below tour options. Each one offers a variety of views, history, and exciting activities. 

1. 75-minute Trolley Tour to see the Gateway Arch, Busch Stadium, Mississippi River views, see the historic houses on Millionaire Row, and more during the narrated tour. 
2. Riverboat Cruise & Land tour. Start by being picked up from your hotel and starting the land portion of your tour with local and knowledgeable tour guides, you will then head to Gateway Boat Cruises to view the city from the river. 
3. Haunted Neighborhood Walking Tour. If ghost tours are more your vibe, this haunted tour will be perfect! You will walk through neighborhoods as well as through the haunted Lemp Brewery Bottle works. 
4. Gastronomy Tour (BBQ & Breweries) includes a tour in multiple locations with a great tour guide who will give you the behind-the-scenes information about BBQ restaurants in the area and breweries.

Getting Around St Louis

St. Louis offers several public transportation options that make it convenient and easy to get around the city. The MetroLink light rail system is a popular choice for both residents and visitors. It provides access to key areas such as downtown, the Central West End, and the Delmar Loop, making it a great way to explore the city’s attractions and neighborhoods.

Additionally, the MetroBus system covers a wide network of routes, providing extensive coverage throughout the city and surrounding areas. It’s an affordable and reliable option for getting to specific destinations not directly served by the MetroLink.

For those who prefer biking, St. Louis also has a bike-share program called “limebike” and offers many bike-friendly paths and lanes throughout the city. This provides a fun and eco-friendly way to explore St. Louis at your own pace. Overall, St. Louis provides a variety of public transportation options that cater to different preferences, making it convenient for everyone to navigate the city without a personal vehicle.

Whether you are looking for group activities, a unique date idea, picnic areas, want to visit a national historic landmark, craft beer, or green spaces, St Louis has something for everyone! I hope you found what you were looking for with this guide and have a great time in St Louis! 

Have you ever been to St. Louis? What do you recommend doing?