Destination
Missouri, Family-Friendly Adventures
Missouri is a great family travel destination for exploring big cities, iconic landmarks, history, culture, and road-trip adventures.
From the iconic Gateway Arch in St. Louis to the energy of Kansas City and the college-town charm of Columbia, Missouri offers several very different experiences for families traveling with kids.
This page is where I am collecting our favorite Missouri destinations, attractions, scenic stops, photo spots and family-friendly adventures, with more added as we keep exploring.
Destinations
The Map
Tap a pin to jump to that stop. The Arch sits inside St. Louis, so those two pins step out to the side of their shared spot on the river.
Best Time to Visit
April through early June and September through October are the comfortable months. Missouri summers are genuinely hot and humid — both cities regularly sit in the 90s with the humidity to match — which is worth planning around when most of what you are doing is outdoors or on foot.
Spring is also severe-weather season across the state, so keep an eye on the forecast in April and May. Winters are cold but mild enough that the city attractions stay open and the crowds thin right out.
If the Arch is on your list, book the tram ahead. The park grounds and the museum underneath the Arch are free, but the tram ride to the top is a timed, ticketed experience and it regularly sells out — especially in summer, when extended hours run from the Friday before Memorial Day through Labor Day.
One practical note for families: the tram involves at least 96 steps across the route, plus 45 to 60 minutes of standing and waiting, and strollers, wheelchairs, scooters and walkers are not allowed in the tram or on the observation deck. With small children, the free museum and the riverfront may be the better version of that visit.
What to Expect
Getting there: St. Louis Lambert and Kansas City International sit at opposite ends of the state. In St. Louis the MetroLink train runs from the airport straight into downtown, which makes a car optional if you are staying in the city.
Distances: I-70 connects the two cities in about three and a half to four hours, with Columbia almost exactly halfway — which is why it works so well as a break on a cross-country drive.
Getting around: a car for the state, though both cities are walkable in their downtown cores.
The Katy Trail runs 240 miles across Missouri on an old rail bed, passing close to Columbia. It is flat, crushed limestone, and well suited to kids on bikes — you can do an hour of it or a week.
Weather: pack for humidity in summer and layers in spring and fall. Afternoon thunderstorms are common and usually pass quickly.
Budget: Missouri is one of the friendlier states on this front — city hotels, food and attractions all run well below coastal prices.
Things to Do in Missouri With Kids
Two very different cities at opposite ends of the state, a landmark you can see from miles away, and a lot of good road between them. Here is what I am covering so far, with full guides on the way.
Columbia
The middle of the stateLocated in the heart of Missouri, Columbia makes a great stop for families exploring the central part of the state.
With its college-town atmosphere, parks, local attractions, restaurants, and access to outdoor adventures, Columbia offers a different experience from Missouri's larger cities.
It's also a convenient stop when you're building a Missouri road trip between St. Louis and Kansas City. We took a break in this area for about an hour during a cross-country road trip in 2021 & we rode our bikes along the Katy Trail.
Missouri Family Travel Guide: Coming soon!
St. Louis
On the MississippiSt. Louis is one of Missouri's best-known destinations and offers plenty of opportunities for a family city adventure.
From iconic landmarks and museums to parks, attractions, zoos, restaurants, and the Mississippi Riverfront, families can easily spend several days exploring the city.
St. Louis is also an excellent destination for families interested in combining history with kid-friendly attractions.
Missouri Family Travel Guide: Coming soon!
Gateway Arch National Park
The St. Louis riverfrontGateway Arch National Park is home to one of America's most recognizable landmarks — the Gateway Arch.
The park offers families an opportunity to experience an important part of American history while exploring the St. Louis riverfront and surrounding attractions.
For families visiting St. Louis, the Gateway Arch is an obvious bucket-list stop and a great centerpiece for a Missouri itinerary.
Missouri Family Travel Guide: Coming soon!
Kansas City
The western edgeKansas City brings a completely different personality to a Missouri family vacation.
Known for its barbecue, sports, music, fountains, museums, and vibrant neighborhoods, Kansas City offers plenty of opportunities for families to explore, eat, and experience something new together.
It's also a fantastic destination to include on a larger Midwest road trip. We made a pit stop here to explore a super fun children's museum that'll be included in the guide.
Missouri Family Travel Guide: Coming soon!
Missouri Family Travel Guide — Coming Soon
