5 Fun Free Arts Activities to Do in St. Louis with Toddlers
When I shifted to becoming a #WAHM (Work at Home Mom) I quickly realized that I had vastly overestimated the amount of productive time I would have while also watching two toddlers. I naively assumed the boys would play together quietly while I worked beside them on the computer. Ha!
I quickly began researching free activities to partake in around town so I could exhaust them and maybe, just maybe, get an hour of work done during naptime. Can you relate?
Whether you’re looking for some free time, or just a few fun local activities to enjoy with your sweet babes, here’s a quick list that won’t break the bank.
St. Louis Shakespeare Festival
Your kids may be too young to truly appreciate the work of the Bard. But, this beloved St. Louis festival held in Forest Park each year is free to the public and open to all. Even if your little ones won’t make it through the whole play, it’s worth it to spread out a blanket and let them enjoy the “Green Show.” This 90 minute pre-show includes family-friendly activities like crafts, jugglers and a 20-minute mini version of the full play.
Contemporary Art Museum
CAM’s admission is always free and if you check the calendar they often have kid-friendly days. For a small $5 fee you can also check out their stroller tours that include a morning playdate with artist-led activities.
Pulitzer Art Museum
Like CAM, the admission at The Pulitzer is free. Parking is also free in the lot adjacent to the museum. Since The Pulitzer sits right next door to CAM in the Grand Center Arts District, they are a couple spots that are great to visit at the same time. Strollers are welcome.
CityGarden
The CityGarden is a sculpture park located in the heart of Downtown St. Louis. The plaza includes a splash pad with 100 jets and fountains. While a friend watches the kids play, you can grab a coffee at Kaldi’s, also located at the garden.
Laumeier Sculpture Park and Museum
This expansive outdoor arts haven is great for outdoorsy kids who like to run. Some of the artwork is enormous and there are big open fields perfect for a picnic. Admission is free and there is plenty of room to roam.
There are so many fun things to do in St. Louis, we are sure we left some things out! Let us know where you like to go in the comments. Let’s share these fun tips with other moms!