Open all year-round, the St. Louis Zoo offers free admission to the main zoo exhibits with several special attractions like the carousel, railroad and sea lion show costing extra. The St. Louis Zoo breaks down into six zones that include a wide variety of animals and ecosystems. Several special events that guests can take part in throughout the day for free include penguin, tree kangaroo and bear feedings. Kids can pet bunnies and goats in Discovery Corner, or view a 3-D movie in The Living World zone, both of which are also free.
Formerly the home and farm of the Busch family of Anheuser-Busch fame, Grant's Farm is free for visitors. Children can enjoy a tram tour of Deer Park full of deer, bison and buffalo, visit the Tier Garten to view kangaroos, tortoises, goats and other animals and check out the world-famous Clydesdale horses at the Clydesdale Stables. Visitors to Grant's Farm can enjoy authentic German cuisine at the Brat Haus or get a quick snack at two park snack shops.
Offering free general admission, the St. Louis Science Center invites children to enjoy 10 science-related galleries and special exhibits. The St. Louis Science Center features a life-size Tyrannosaurus Rex and Triceratops, planetarium, flight simulators and the Life Sciences Lab where kids can take part in their own science experiments. Throughout the year, the St. Louis Science Center offers science camps and other special events for kids. Every day, kids can view 10-minute science demonstrations that take place every half hour, or check out the 30-minute space show in the planetarium.
Part of the St. Louis county park system, Lone Elk Park sits on 546 acres near Interstate 44 in St. Louis. Visitors to the park can drive through and view elk, bison, deer and turkeys without leaving their cars. Other activities in the park include two hiking trails, picnic areas and the World Bird Sanctuary with bird and reptile exhibits. Both the driving tour and the World Bird Sanctuary are free and open to the public year-round.
Located just outside St. Louis in Gray Summit and also part of the headquarters of the Purina pet food company, Purina Farms offers a variety of free activities and events for kids. Kids can check out a real working farm and pet baby animals in the barn and play area. The Pet Center features a 20-foot-tall cat house where visitors can view the cats and dogs of Purina Farms play and interact. Special events throughout the year include dog and cat shows.
