You know you love to spend time with your grandkids. How could you not? They’re so darn cute! As it turns out, hanging out with your grandchildren is also good for you — and for them. Studies show that it supports your cognitive health and their emotional well-being. If you’re looking for ways to spend more time together, here are some fun things to do in St. Louis, Missouri:
1. Grant’s Farm
Owned by the Busch family and home to the world-renowned Budweiser Clydesdales, this 281-acre estate is a refuge for more than 900 animals. In addition to attending a variety of seasonal events, you can tour the estate in an open-air vehicle, hand-feed some of the resident animals, learn more about the care and training of Clydesdales, and explore the home of Ulysses S. Grant, the 18th president of the United States.
2. Gateway Arch National Park
After a visit to Gateway Arch, you and your grandchildren will have truly seen St. Louis — from 630 feet up in the air! A tram will take you to the top of the Arch, which at 63 stories high, is the tallest monument in the U.S. You can also explore the on-site museum or take a riverboat cruise along the Mississippi.
3. Saint Louis Zoo
With over 90 acres of animal exhibits to explore and 14,000 animals to see, you and your grandkids may want to make multiple visits to the zoo. And why not? It’s one of the few free zoos in the country. Visit a variety of habitats to learn about nature’s delicate balance in the Missouri wetlands, or hear hyenas laugh along the African Nile. Or view the zoo by train, taking a 1.5-mile ride past the most popular exhibits.
4. City Museum
A playground constructed by artists, this museum is an interactive wonderland with slides, bridges and tunnels for outdoor and indoor fun. There’s a rooftop praying mantis you can climb to, a 10-story spiral slide to glide down, a 76-foot-long pencil, a collection of items found in outhouses and other surprises at every turn.
5. Saint Louis Science Center
Budding astronauts, pilots, engineers and paleontologists can follow their curiosity past an animatronic Tyrannosaurus rex and through numerous exhibits, including flight simulators and the actual Mercury and Gemini spacecraft.
6. Crown Ridge Tiger Sanctuary
As a big cat rescue and education facility, Crown Ridge Tiger Sanctuary creates a safe, healthy environment for abused, neglected and unwanted big cats. Tour the sanctuary to meet the tigers who live there, hear their stories, and find out more about the captive wildlife crisis.
7. Professional Sporting Events
Take the grandkids out to a ballgame — or a hockey game! Put on a red shirt and join the Cardinal Nation for a baseball game at Busch Stadium. Or cheer on the St. Louis Blues at Enterprise Center. Eating hot dogs, peanuts and Cracker Jacks while rooting for the home team together can be a meaningful way to create lasting memories.
8. Saint Louis Art Museum
Inspire your grandkids’ creativity — and your own — with a trip to one of the country’s leading art museums. Among the museum’s 34,000 objects spanning 5,000 years of history, you’ll see works by Pablo Picasso, Mary Cassatt, Paul Gauguin and Jackson Pollock. In addition to touring the galleries, your grandkids can enjoy kids’ programs, such as Art Quest for kids ages 6 to 12.
9. The Muny
The largest outdoor musical theater in North America, The Muny produces Broadway-style musicals the whole family can enjoy. Bring a picnic to enjoy before the show, or opt for on-site dining. Then sit in the stadium-style amphitheater and enjoy theater under the stars.
10. The Magic House
Interactive exhibits at The Magic House encourage exploration and pique curiosity through a variety of hands-on educational experiences. Playing with water, mud, bubbles, or oversized musical instruments, your grandkids will have a blast while learning important skills like critical thinking and collaboration.
Friendship Village
With so many things to do in St. Louis, Missouri, wouldn’t it be nice to enjoy the maintenance-free lifestyle at Friendship Village? Here, without the hassles of home upkeep or lawn care, you’ll have more time to explore the city with your grandkids. So add one more thing to your list of things to do in St. Louis, Missouri: Discover senior living at its best at Friendship Village. Contact us to learn more or to schedule a tour of one of our Life Plan Communities.