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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to Downtown St. Louis

Kid-friendly spots

Made for those who refuse to leave their children behind but still want to navigate the city with ease.

Based on 788 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Top Notch Axe Throwing St. Louis image 1
Top Notch Axe Throwing St. Louis image 2
Top Notch Axe Throwing St. Louis image 3
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Indoor amusement center offers axe throwing and ninja stars with expert guidance for safety. Kids 10+ enjoy smaller axes and birthday perks. Fun vibe with great music keeps energy high for all ages.

Kids 10 and up can throw smaller axes with help from patient coaches. Birthdays often include free axe throwing for the birthday kid, making it a popular spot for celebrations.

People are saying

"Kenny's axe throwing instruction made it safe and lots of fun."

"Kenny was a great host, DJ, and photographer for our Date Spots."

"Kenny was awesome with our kids and very instructive."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required for visits during weekdays.

2

Axe throwing sessions are available in 30-minute and 90-minute increments.

3

You can bring your own beverages to enjoy while throwing.

02
J's Studio image 1
Barber shop

Barber shop blends black and Spanish influences with a relaxed, professional vibe. Staff handle kids with patience and skill, making haircuts fresh and neat. A friendly French Bulldog roams freely, adding to the chill, welcoming atmosphere.

Staff show patience and skill with fidgety kids and handle requests well. Haircuts come out fresh and well done, and a friendly French Bulldog adds to the atmosphere during cuts.

People are saying

"This barbershop gives great cuts and fades."

"It's a great Kid Friendly place with amazing attention to detail."

Good to know

1

Appointments are recommended to ensure timely service.

2

Walk-ins are accepted, but expect potential wait times.

3

Prices are competitive for high-quality haircuts.

03
Fielder's Choice (Ballpark Village) image 1

Colorful space with a strong baseball theme creates a playful vibe for families. Kids love the baseball iced donuts, often called the best ever. Enjoy excellent ice cream and fresh bagels near the ballpark in a casual, upbeat spot.

Baseball iced donuts and Fielder's Choice stand out as favorites among kids. The donuts often get described as the best kids have ever had.

People are saying

"I loved the creamy, tasty ice cream here."

"I found the coffee here to be delicious and awesome."

"It's a kid favorite every time."

Good to know

1

Expect long wait times, especially on game days.

2

The ice cream is not cheap, with some items priced at $16.

3

Fielder's Choice offers a large menu with a variety of options.

04
Mastermind Room Escape - St. Louis image 1

Escape room center features interactive puzzles with varied difficulty and themed rooms like Home Alone that engage kids and adults alike. Quirky atmosphere suits families and team-building. Lobby offers board and mind games for group fun before play.

Groups with kids aged 4 to 15 find puzzles suited for all ages that keep everyone engaged. Rooms like Home Alone offer a fun way for kids to connect and participate alongside adults.

People are saying

"The escape rooms here are super fun and engaging for the whole group."

"This escape room is so fun and engaging for the whole family."

"I highly recommend the escape room for a fun experience."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for larger groups to ensure availability.

2

Parking is limited; consider arriving early to find a spot.

3

Entry requires calling the front desk for access; be prepared for this.

05
Citygarden Sculpture Park image 1

Urban park blends unique sculptures with interactive water features like splash pads that kids love. Families enjoy the fun splash pools while others relax by the cool waterfall in a peaceful downtown setting.

Water fountains and splash pools provide a fun spot for kids to play and cool off. Children run around and enjoy the interactive water features throughout the park.

People are saying

"It's really kid friendly, especially the splash pad and fountains."

"I thought the sculptures and art pieces here were really cool."

"It's a beautiful, peaceful place for a stroll."

Good to know

1

Citygarden Sculpture Park is free to visit.

2

The park is clean and well-maintained.

3

Parking was hard to find at Citygarden Sculpture Park.

06
Sports & Social St. Louis image 1

Bar and grill buzzes with live music and interactive games like Skee-Ball. Kids love the huge milk shake and friendly staff Mikky and Madison. Cozy patio with fire-pits invites relaxed chats after fun-filled moments.

Staff like Mikky and Madison interact well with kids, creating a welcoming atmosphere. Kids enjoy treats like the huge milk shake and find the experience fun and engaging.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was amazing."

"The bartenders here are so friendly and make amazing drinks."

"The food here is on point and the portions are huge!"

Good to know

1

Karaoke competition takes place on Thursday nights with public entry.

2

Bingo nights are hosted on select days; check the schedule for details.

3

Food options are limited, with about nine items available on the menu.

07
Economy Museum at the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis image 1

Historic Federal Reserve building blends marble architecture with interactive exhibits that explain money and economy. Kids enjoy hands-on games like spotting fake dollars and commodity trading. Visitors can lift a real gold bar and take home shredded money souvenirs.

Hands-on games like spotting counterfeit dollars and a buy and sell commodity exhibit keep kids engaged and laughing. Interactive displays introduce economics concepts in a way that suits children and teenagers well.

People are saying

"It's so interactive and informative, definitely Kid Friendly for learning."

"It's interesting how many facts about cash you can learn here."

"I learned so much about money and history at this museum."

Good to know

1

Admission to the museum is free with no payment required.

2

Visitors must bring a valid ID for entry due to security checks.

3

The museum offers interactive exhibits suitable for all ages.

08
Drury Plaza Hotel St. Louis At The Arch image 1

Spacious rooms offer views of the Arch and a historic vibe. Kids love the family-friendly menu with mac and cheese and hot dogs. Relax in the pool and hot tubs or enjoy free breakfast and evening snacks for a relaxed atmosphere.

Extremely family friendly with menus that include mac and cheese, hot dogs, and queso. Kids enjoy a variety of simple, familiar food options like salad, soup, and chips.

People are saying

"The breakfast spread here is well executed and full of options."

"The rooms felt clean and super comfortable."

"The staff here is so friendly and genuinely greets my family with kindness."

Good to know

1

The hotel offers complimentary adult beverages and snacks from 5:30 to 7:00 PM every night.

2

Parking at the hotel costs $26 per day.

3

Breakfast is included with your stay and features a buffet-style setup.

09
Pharaohs Donuts image 1
Donut shop

Small shop serves freshly made donuts in a friendly atmosphere that welcomes families. Kids find the treats tasty and fun, though birthday options are limited. Despite a run down interior, crowds come for the highly praised donuts.

Kids enjoy the donuts here, with many finding them tasty and fun. Staff and customers show a friendly attitude toward families, though birthday orders may lack variety and customization for children.

People are saying

"These donuts are amazing, truly the best I've ever had."

"I found the cinnamon rolls to be light, fluffy, and not too sweet."

"The donuts here are delicious and the kids loved them."

Good to know

1

Fridays are the busiest days, and they often sell out of twists and glazed donuts.

2

There are two locations of Pharaohs Donuts in St. Louis.

3

The wait time is brief even during peak times.

10
Kiener Plaza Park image 1

Open green space features an interactive water fountain and views of the Gateway Arch. Kids enjoy a unique playground with climbing areas and water play. Seasonal ice rink adds festive energy, making it cozy and family-friendly.

A kids playground with unique play structures and a clean climbing area for ages 4 and up keeps children entertained. Water spurts from the ground and a small slide add fun, while ice skating offers activity for all ages.

People are saying

"The view of the Arch and courthouse is gorgeous."

"It's a great place to let the kids play at the playground."

"This urban space blends historical charm with modern amenities."

Good to know

1

Free ice skating requires a reserved time slot.

2

Sunrise Yoga sessions are free every Tuesday at 7am from May through October.

3

Kiener Plaza hosts numerous events throughout the year, including concerts and festivals.

11
Ballpark Village image 1

Outdoor area features a preserved baseball infield and a giant screen showing games. Kids enjoy open spaces to run and play safely. Lively atmosphere with live music and multiple bars makes it fun for all ages.

Open areas offer plenty of space for kids to run and play. The outdoor seating and former stadium infield provide great spots for kid-friendly fun and letting off steam.

People are saying

"It's a cool spot with huge screens to watch any game."

"The outdoor seating here is spacious and comfortable, perfect for relaxing."

"It's a great spot for kids to run around and let off steam."

Good to know

1

Parking becomes limited quickly, so arrive early to secure a spot.

2

Expect large crowds during game days, especially before and after events.

3

Multiple restaurants offer a variety of food options for all tastes.

12
Five Ace's Smokestaq Lightning image 1

Old late 1800s building with hardwood floors sets a blues stage vibe. Kids love sloppy joes and burgers, with music that stays tasteful for families. Covered patio offers riverfront views and rich barbecue aromas fill the air.

Kids enjoy sloppy joes and burgers, with one calling the burger the best ever. Meals like rib tip dinner and brisket Philly suit younger tastes. The music stays tasteful even with little ones around.

People are saying

"I had the best BBQ I've ever experienced here."

"This lunch spot's smoked meats, like the ribs and brisket, are tender and flavorful."

"The brisket Philly is amazing and tender."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is family-run and veteran-owned, providing a personal touch.

2

The menu is small but offers a variety of BBQ options.

3

The location is easily accessible from the metro station.

13
Ruth's Chris Steak House image 1

Upscale restaurant offers stunning arch views and a romantic atmosphere with elegant booths and soft music. Kids enjoy free birthday meals and surprise gifts, making it a welcoming spot for families. Steaks and cocktails are highly praised for special dinners.

Kids get special treatment with free meals on birthdays and surprise gifts from the chef. Families enjoy meals together, making it a welcoming spot for children.

People are saying

"I found the food and drinks to be amazing."

"The steak here is expertly seasoned and perfectly cooked."

"The staff here are so attentive and welcoming, it's really Kid Friendly."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially for special events like Mother's Day brunch.

2

Expect a 20% automatic gratuity for parties of six or more.

3

Valet parking is available, but service can be slow.

14
Hampton Inn St. Louis-Downtown (At the Gateway Arch) image 1

Hotel offers amazing views of the Gateway Arch and Mississippi River with a family-friendly atmosphere. Rooms suit kids well but near elevators and streets can be noisy. Secure private parking garage adds convenience and safety for vehicles.

Rooms and amenities cater well to families, making it a comfortable stay for kids. The environment supports a family-friendly atmosphere throughout.

People are saying

"The hotel staff were so nice and helpful during my stay."

"The breakfast staff's kindness made my day start great."

"The staff here is so nice and professional, they really make it feel Kid Friendly."

Good to know

1

Breakfast is served every morning.

2

Parking costs $30 a night, which is not mentioned upfront.

3

The parking area is narrow and has low clearance.

15
Pear Tree Inn St. Louis Convention Center image 1

Building blends historic design with spacious rooms and a quiet atmosphere. Staff excels at making visits special for kids, with a fun pool and hot tub. Location offers easy walking to city landmarks and event centers.

Staff goes above and beyond for kids, making special occasions memorable. The pool and hot tub provide fun water activities that kids enjoy.

People are saying

"The breakfast staff here is phenomenal and happy to help."

"The parking here is convenient and secure."

"The staff here is incredibly helpful and amazing with kids."

Good to know

1

The location is very close to the Cardinal stadium and the Arch, making it safe and walkable.

2

Parking costs $20 per day, with an attached garage available for $19.

3

Breakfast is served weekdays from 6 to 9:30 am and weekends from 7 to 10 am.

16
Ramsay's Kitchen St. Louis image 1
American restaurant

Large indoor and outdoor spaces offer breathtaking views of the arch and hotel pool. Staff ensure kids feel comfortable with tasty dishes like fish and chips. Rooftop patio with a pool and stand-up bar creates a great vibe for all ages.

Staff make sure children feel comfortable and well cared for. Kids enjoy dishes like fish and chips and desserts that appeal to young tastes. Even picky eaters give high marks.

People are saying

"The Beef Wellington was so tender, like butter."

"The crab cakes were rich, flavorful, and generously packed with jumbo lump crab."

"It's so Kid Friendly; my picky son loved it."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended at least 24 hours in advance for dinner service.

2

The restaurant offers a late-night happy hour menu after 10pm.

3

There is free enclosed parking available with security near the hotel.

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