Sure, it’s cold outside. But that doesn’t mean that you have to wait for signs of spring to have some fun in St. Louis! We’ve got plenty of things to captivate people of all ages and ilk – from romantic couple activities to family fun days, there’s always something new to discover, right here in St. Louis.
1. The City Museum. Located in a 600,000 square-foot warehouse that was formerly the International Shoe Company, the City Museum is a fascinating and surreal wonderland that is fun for the whole family. Part funhouse, part theme park, and 100 percent unique, there’s always something new to see and discover. The World Aquarium is on the second floor, you’ll find a circus on the third floor, and there’s a 10-story slide that you get to through the subterranean caves.
2. Third Friday at Third Degree Glass Factory. Ever want to try your hand (okay, your mouth) at glass blowing? Here’s your chance! Plus, those flames will keep you warm when old man winter is doing his thing outside. Even if you just want to watch, you can do that too. Third Fridays feature catered eats, live music, and fiery entertainment too. Starts at 6 pm and all ages are welcome. Admission is free unless you want to partake of a glass project, then it’s $35 per person – and you get to take home something you made.
3. Missouri History Museum. If you’ve ever wondered about the history of our city and state, the Missouri History Museum is the place to find out. Founded in 1866, it features 175,000 artifacts and exhibits—photos, documents, media, and objects that tell the story of St. Louis, its people, and what makes it so unique.
4. Star Shows and Star Parties at the Saint Louis Science Center. Star shows at the Planetarium happen on the half hour, every hour they are open, every day of the week. Enjoy a show about the moon and the Apollo mission, the constellations, or a mission to Mars. Shows are 30 minutes long, after which you will be invited to explore the Boeing Space Station. The first Friday of every month, you can check out a Star Party hosted by the St. Louis Astronomical Society. Depending on the weather, Star Parties can be held inside or outside and will feature everything you can currently see in the night sky.
5. Explore the Loop. The Delmar Loop is a happening little district: six blocks that feature the St. Louis Walk of Fame, live music venues, boutique shopping, theaters, galleries, café’s, and restaurants serving up everything from fine dining delicacies to pizza and down-home comfort food. Take a walk or take a ride on the trolley, drink in the classic architecture, and discover something old, something new, or something you’ve never even considered before.
6. Eagle Watching at Old Chain of Rocks Bridge. St. Louis hosts the second largest Bald Eagle population in America and every January, they come to fish in icy waters of the Mississippi. When it’s cold enough to freeze parts of the river, the birds come to hunt at the rapids south of Rocks Bridge. The annual Eagle Days event features demonstrations, reenactments, an Audubon Society display, and more, offering a unique opportunity to get up-close and personal with these magnificent birds. Eagle Days takes place in January, but if you miss it, there are plenty of other areas along the river that are great for Eagle watching.
7. Free Family Nights at the Magic House. The Magic House at the St. Louis Children’s Museum offers Free Family Nights on the third Friday of each month from five to eight in the evening. Two adults plus four children can enjoy a wide variety of hands-on experiences designed to spark the imagination and stimulate the senses. Insider tips? Come early because it fills up fast and there are no advance reservations.
So, you see? St. Louis is chock full of exciting winter activities for the whole family. And if that’s not enough, there are dozens of one-of-a-kind events and festivals to look forward to. Whether it’s blues music in one of our famous clubs or going tubing at Hidden Valley, taking in the Orchid Show at the Missouri Botanical Garden, or having a visit to the World Chess Hall of Fame, we’d wager there are at least one or two uniquely St. Louis things you haven’t yet experienced.
Do you have a favorite winter activity in St. Louis? We’d love to hear about it. Drop us a line and let’s talk – it’s always great to swap ideas with people who love St. Louis as much as we do.
