St. Louis Union Station

St. Louis Union Station is one of the most impressive architectural spaces in Missouri — a stunning Romanesque Revival train terminal built in 1894 that has been brilliantly transformed into a family entertainment complex without sacrificing any of its original grandeur. Walking into the main Grand Hall, with its 65-foot barrel-vaulted ceilings and original stonework, is genuinely awe-inspiring even for kids who don't yet appreciate architecture.

The attraction lineup at Union Station has grown substantially and now includes the St. Louis Aquarium, a 200-foot Ferris wheel, miniature golf, a mirror maze, laser tag, escape rooms, a paddleboat lake, a bowling alley, and multiple dining options — all within or immediately adjacent to the historic structure. It's one of the few places in St.

Louis where a family can spend a full day without moving the car.

The strategic question for families is budget management. Individual attractions each carry their own admission, and the costs accumulate quickly. The smart approach is to decide before you arrive which 2–3 attractions you're prioritizing and buy those tickets online (often with a small discount).

The aquarium and Ferris wheel are consistently the top picks for families with kids; the mirror maze and escape rooms appeal more to tweens and teens.

Several things at Union Station are free or very low cost: walking through the Grand Hall, viewing the historic Train Room (a large model train display that train-loving kids find mesmerizing), and exploring the retail and dining areas. These free elements make it easy to have an enjoyable visit even if you limit the paid attractions.

For stroller-pushing parents: Union Station is fully accessible, with wide paths and elevators throughout. Nursing rooms are available. The scale of the complex means you'll do significant walking, so wear comfortable shoes.