Summary

St. Louis provides a plethora of free attractions for budget-conscious travelers, ranging from historic sites and museums to parks and science centers. This guide highlights 16 incredible free activities to ensure a memorable visit without straining your wallet.

Saint Louis Art Museum

Home to over 34,000 art pieces spanning 5,000 years of human history, housed in the historic Palace of Fine Arts.

Tips

Admission is free, with special exhibits also free on Fridays. Don't miss the 22 new art pieces, including works by Picasso.

<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "Tamara Johnson at the Saint Louis Art Museum", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mZI-qp65Aj0", "channel": { "name": ""}, "published_date": "Apr 12, 2024", "length": "" }</div>

Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum

One of the oldest teaching museums packed with remarkable American and European art.

Tips

Perfect for art lovers; provides advice for involving less enthusiastic companions.

Missouri History Museum

Shares St. Louis's history from 1764 to the present, including key events like the Louisiana Purchase.

Tips

Free entrance, but parking costs about $10–$15. Free street parking available if you're willing to walk.

<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "World\u2019s Fair Exhibit opens soon at the Missouri History Museum", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gdE1oJ8PC0s", "channel": { "name": ""}, "published_date": "1 month ago", "length": "" }</div>

<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "Missouri History Museum: Sold on Saint Louis", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MqbfeCFhLMI", "channel": { "name": ""}, "published_date": "Feb 12, 2024", "length": "" }</div>

<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "Missouri History Museum closes St. Louis 1904 World Fair ...", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LskX36IZx6c", "channel": { "name": ""}, "published_date": "Apr 28, 2023", "length": "" }</div>

Saint Louis Science Center

One of the largest free science museums in the USA, offering a diverse array of exhibits.

Tips

Free entrance, though some attractions, like planetarium shows, have a fee.

<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "Saint Louis Science Center - A FREE ADVENTURE!", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4iyZEr8Yf0A", "channel": { "name": ""}, "published_date": "Jan 15, 2023", "length": "" }</div>

<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "Saint Louis Science Center Full Tour", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ImKFS-5T5zw", "channel": { "name": ""}, "published_date": "Oct 26, 2022", "length": "" }</div>

<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "St. Louis Science Center", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hj3Y5bF-M0o", "channel": { "name": ""}, "published_date": "Feb 26, 2020", "length": "" }</div>

Saint Louis Zoo

Features 500 species in natural habitats, regarded as one of the top zoos in the Midwest.

Tips

Free admission but requires payment for certain attractions like the carousel and Wild Lights event.

<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "Saint Louis Zoo Full Tour - Saint Louis, Missouri", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uH0v-u7aXU8", "channel": { "name": ""}, "published_date": "Jun 17, 2019", "length": "" }</div>

<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "Saint Louis Zoo Tour & Review with The Legend", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ih8RKxe0IfQ", "channel": { "name": ""}, "published_date": "Jun 10, 2021", "length": "" }</div>

World Chess Hall Of Fame

Honors the world's oldest game with unique chess boards and historical pieces.

Tips

No entrance fee, but donations are appreciated to support the museum.

<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "WORLD CHESS HALL OF FAME | St. Louis MO", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9TWH6bHntrY", "channel": { "name": ""}, "published_date": "Nov 11, 2021", "length": "7:19" }</div>

<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "World Chess Hall of Fame in St. Louis, MO", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RUN9T_WtB3o", "channel": { "name": ""}, "published_date": "Dec 26, 2011", "length": "1:30" }</div>

Gateway Arch National Park

A 90-acre park symbolizing the conduit to the western USA, featuring the soaring Gateway Arch.

Tips

No charge to explore the park, unlike other national parks.

<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "Gateway Arch National Park | Pod Ride to the Top!", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=InEtw-3F62M", "channel": { "name": ""}, "published_date": "Dec 12, 2019", "length": "" }</div>

<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "Riding To The Top Of The Gateway Arch In The Tram Car ...", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kCJYaMMBUOk", "channel": { "name": ""}, "published_date": "Feb 2, 2020", "length": "" }</div>

<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "Gateway Arch National Park in St Louis & Taking the Elevator ...", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vypL3nh3_m8", "channel": { "name": ""}, "published_date": "Dec 19, 2021", "length": "" }</div>

Museum At The Gateway Arch

Interactive displays guide visitors through 200 years of American history and westward expansion.

Tips

Free admission, with a nominal fee for the tram ride that offers city views.

<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "St. Louis Gateway Arch Museum Tour", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dCGmubtqTlY", "channel": { "name": ""}, "published_date": "May 26, 2022", "length": "" }</div>

<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "Exploring Gateway Arch National Park- St. Louis Arch ...", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aKneImqpURo", "channel": { "name": ""}, "published_date": "Oct 20, 2021", "length": "" }</div>