Union Station

Union Station in downtown St. Louis isn't really a train station anymore — it's a full entertainment complex built inside one of the most impressive buildings in the city. The Grand Hall alone is worth the trip. It's this massive arched ceiling from the 1890s that now hosts a projected light show every hour, and honestly, kids of all ages just stand there staring at it.

The big draw for families is the collection of paid attractions. The St. Louis Wheel is a 200-foot observation wheel that gives you panoramic views of downtown and the Gateway Arch. Tickets run about $15 per person, with discounts for kids under 3 (free). There's also a ropes course (~$20/person), a mirror maze, and a mini golf course — each sold separately or in combo packages.

The St. Louis Aquarium opened inside Union Station in 2019 and it's solid for younger kids. It's not huge — you can get through it in about 90 minutes — but the touch tanks and otter exhibit keep little kids entertained. Adult tickets are around $25, kids $18. That said, if you're budget-conscious, the St. Louis Zoo is world-class and completely free.

Outside, there's a lake with a nightly fire and light show that's free for anyone. It runs every 30 minutes after dark and it's genuinely impressive — jets of fire shooting out of the water set to music. Families spread out on the surrounding steps and lawn.

The Train Shed food hall inside has a decent variety — burgers, tacos, ice cream, the usual. Prices are typical tourist-area markup, so $12-18 per entree. For a family of 4, plan on $50-60 for a casual lunch inside.

Parking can be tricky. The Union Station garage is convenient but can get expensive ($15-25). If you're visiting during non-event times, you can usually find free street parking a block or two south. The MetroLink light rail stops right at Union Station too, which is handy if you're coming from the airport or other parts of downtown.

Bottom line: Union Station works great as a half-day activity. You don't have to spend a dime if you just want to see the Grand Hall and catch the fire show. Or you can drop $100-150 on the paid attractions and make a full afternoon of it. It's one of those rare spots that scales to whatever your family wants.