12 Rainy Day Activities in St. Louis
St. Louis has a lot going for it in terms of activities and attractions — but how many of them have to be cast aside when a storm cloud rolls in? Fortunately, this city, which regularly deals with the pitfalls of unpredictable Midwest weather, has come up with plenty of options for indoor fun. The indoor attractions in St. Louis include activities for the whole family, ranging from physical activity and sports to museums and educational opportunities. We've compiled a list of some of our favorite indoor things to do in St. Louis, so the next time you feel raindrops on your face as you're heading to the park, you know just where to go no matter what the forecast looks like.
1. City Museum
There's a reason you'll find the City Museum at the top of any list of things to do on a rainy day in St. Louis. It's a winding world of exploration and fun for kids and parents alike. This 600,000-square-foot building houses art, industrial sculptures, installations and live animals. Nearly everything – except the animals, of course – is climbable or interactive in some way. It even has a 10-story slide! While you won't be able to visit the rooftop on a rainy day, the other four floors are yours for the exploring!
2. Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis
For those looking for a dose of culture, art and history, the Cathedral Basilica is a breathtaking display of architecture and religion in the heart of St. Louis. It's been around since 1914 when the main structure was built. Rain or shine, you can visit the basilica and take in the experience.
3. Saint Louis Science Center
This exciting facility boasts over 700 interactive experiences, including a planetarium, theater and rotating exhibits. The main part of the Science Center is full of hands-on installations that cover topics like a mission to Mars, the period when dinosaurs roamed the Earth, the processes behind energy, life science, architecture and much more. The Science Center is a fun indoor place in St. Louis that people of all ages can enjoy and learn from. Plus, general admission is totally free.
4. St. Louis Escape Rooms
If a mental challenge seems more your speed, try an escape room. In these fun facilities, you and your team get locked in a room, usually with a theme, and have to figure out how to escape. You may have to decipher codes, use special tools like UV lights and solve clues. It is an excellent way to get everyone thinking and working together. While this isn't a good activity for particularly young kids, it's great for older ones, especially if they're interested in games or mysteries. There are many different escape rooms in the city, but some popular ones include St. Louis Escape, Escape the Room and Escape STL.
5. Anheuser-Busch Brewery
St. Louis has become a bit of a hotspot for craft and microbrews lately, but the Anheuser-Busch Brewery is still a giant among them. If you want an indoor activity for adults in St. Louis, brewery tours are a perfect choice. Explore the facility, get a taste for their famous beers and learn about the process.
6. Soulard Farmers Market
Here's another one that's great for the grown-ups, but kids can enjoy it too. In Soulard, this indoor farmers market was established back in 1779! It's been helping St. Louis residents get fresh, locally grown and shipped-in goods ever since. It is open Wednesday through Saturday, but Saturdays are typically the best day to go, as the entire market is open at this time.
7. Sky Zone
Though you'll have to expand your reach to the Greater St. Louis area, Chesterfield has a unique opportunity that will keep you and the whole family bouncing all day long. Sky Zone is a large indoor trampoline park with obstacle courses, bouldering walls, sports areas, free jump spaces and more.
8. St. Louis Art Museum
The St. Louis Art Museum has been around since the end of the 1800s, housing art from Matisse, Van Gogh, Monet and more. It covers artwork from many major styles and periods. The building itself is a work of art, too, right in the middle of Forest Park. Best of all? It's free to enter and park your car.
9. History Museums
St. Louis has no shortage of history museums. Some of the more wide-reaching ones include:
- The Missouri History Museum
- The Missouri Civil War Museum
- The Museum at the Gateway Arch
- The Holocaust Museum and Learning Center
- The National Museum of Transportation
Of course, St. Louis also has a variety of more specialized museums, too, like the Cardinals Hall of Fame and Museum, the Economy Museum at the Federal Reserve Bank and the National Blues Museum.
10. Kitchen Conservatory
Though you could stay in your kitchen and cook on a rainy day, wouldn't it be more fun to have a professional chef teach you the ins and outs of culinary magic? At the Kitchen Conservatory, you can sign up for hands-on classes or demonstrations of recipes and dishes by the experts. Many classes are designed for a parent and child to learn a recipe together.
11. Upper Limits Rock Climbing
Want to get rid of some energy? A day of rock climbing will definitely wipe you and the kids out. Upper Limits is an indoor climbing facility with areas for any skill type. Kids under the age of 13 will need to have an adult with them, but there are plenty of kid-friendly spaces in the building.
12. A Day at the Y
With a YMCA membership, there's a little something for everyone, no matter what the weather looks like. As the thermometer drops in the cold winter months, the YMCA will be nice and warm, with activities for the whole family. The little ones can hang out in a child care environment, filled with age-appropriate games and activities, while older kids can tackle the pool or sports courts. You can take this opportunity to join them, or even set off on your own with a workout or yoga class. The YMCA has plenty of locations through the St. Louis area.
Enjoy the Indoor Fun St. Louis Has to Offer
Now that you've got a solid list of all the things you can do in St. Louis, those storm clouds can be a little less scary the next time they show up. With all the indoor activities in St. Louis for kids and adults, you'll never need to sit at home on a rainy day again. At the Gateway Region YMCA, we aim to strengthen our community and get members involved in everything their city has to offer. The YMCA reaches St. Louis and southwestern Illinois residents each day by helping them hit their health goals and take part in youth development programs. We also offer a variety of events to keep everyone busy in the winter months. Check with a branch near you for more information. Your membership doesn't care if it's raining or snowing outside — there's always plenty of indoor fun in a St. Louis YMCA.