Community Corner

Kid-Friendly (And Cheap!) Weekend Adventures in Missouri

Pack up the kids and get ready for an awesome, affordable adventure.

Written by Christopher Reilly

Sometimes all it takes is a little planning to have a great family outing. When routine exploits just aren’t cutting it anymore, shake things up by exploring new terrain, taking in an exhibition, or visiting a landmark and learning a little something about our local history. Here are awesome events to attend and places to visit around town before fall ends. Best part? All of them can be done on the cheap and on one tank of gas—or less!

The Magic House

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Kirkwood, MO

314-822-8900

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Why Go? Also known as the St. Louis Children's Museum, The Magic House is a one-of-a-kind wonderland for children that makes kids suddenly forget there are any other words besides “wow.” Popular permanent exhibits include A Little Bit of Magic, Math Path, and Children's Village, which Magic House President Beth Fitzgerald calls a perennial favorite. “The hands-on exhibit has activities for visitors of all ages and interests,” Fitzgerald says. “The storefronts are always evolving to suit the growing 21st century learner.” Plus, the renovated Farm Fresh Pizza Parlor exhibit with a new focus on local farmers and produce's journey from the farm to the table is set to be unveiled in late September. The sprawling 50,000-square-foot estate features a new adventure around every corner, so it's easy to spend an entire day exploring all that the magical museum has to offer, making the cost a certifiable bargain.

Insider Tip: Start with the electrostatic generator on the third floor. It's extremely popular and gets more crowded as the day wears on. Every kid — and adult — wants to see his or her hair stand on end.

Must Do! Adults in the know head to the Hidden Forensic Lab to get their Sherlock on, then put their crime-fighting abilities to the test in the “Can You Solve the Mystery” rooms.

The Fine Print: Be aware that only kids 1 year old and under get in free. Also, the museum hours can change depending on the time of year, so check the website for that week's hours. Admission is $9.50. Currently, the museum's hours are Tuesday and Wednesday from noon to 5:30 p.m., Friday from noon to 9 p.m., Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m to 5:30 p.m. Closed Mondays.

Eckert’s Pick-Your-Own Orchards

Belleville Farm

951 S. Green Mount Road, Belleville, Ill.

618-233-0513

Why Go? There’s more to pick than just apples at Eckert’s Farms, the largest pick-your-own orchard operation in the United States. Just 25 minutes outside of St. Louis, visitors have the opportunity to pick their own strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, peaches, apples, pumpkins, as well as cut their own Christmas trees, from May through December. When fruit is available for picking depends on Mother Nature, so check the website for up-to-date fruit and picking schedules. “There's something for everyone here to enjoy — animals you can pet, pony and camel rides, and, of course, apple picking,” Marketing Manager Amanda Morgan says.

Insider Tip: Plan on getting a little dirty, and check the website for valuable Eckert's coupons before you go.

Must Do! Visit when you will have the opportunity to pick fruit. It's all fun, but picking fruit is the real Eckert's experience.

The Fine Print: There is no admission charge. You pay for what you purchase from the retail stores and from what you pick. Eckert’s is open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.

Meramec Caverns
1135 State Highway W Sullivan, MO

573-468-2283

Why Go? Meremac Caverns is the largest commercial cave in Missouri and was once used as a hideout by Jesse James. See natural formations named “Stage Curtain” and the “Wine Table” during the tour. There also are riverboat rides, canoe floats, panning for gold, lantern tours, and the ever-popular Zip Line Adventure that keep families coming back year after year. Adventurous types can also go camping. “We're rich in Missouri History and very family friendly, and we have two of the rarest cave formations in the world,” says Meramec Caverns Director Lester Turilli Jr.

Insider Tip: The cave tour lasts about an hour and 20 minutes, which leaves plenty of time to take in the incredible natural scenery and enjoy some outdoor activities. Bring a light jacket or sweater and wear non-slip shoes. It gets chilly in the cave, and the ground inside the cave is a little slick.

Must Do! While you're there, visit the Jesse James Wax Museum down the street, which is dedicated to the theory that James didn't die when history says he did, but in fact lived under the name of Dalton until 1951.

The Fine Print: Meramec Caverns is open every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas, generally from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. or later, depending on the month. Tickets are $24 for adults, $12 for kids 5 to 11 years old, and children 4 and under are admitted free. These prices are for the cave tour only. Some other activities have additional fees.

Abraham Lincoln Library and Museum
112 No. Sixth St., Springfield, Ill.

217-557-6250

Why Go? Since opening in 2005, the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library has been one of the most-attended presidential libraries in the country. Why? As the first Experience Museum, this 200,000-square-foot complex — housing an archive, library and museum — enthralls adults and kids alike with hands-on exhibits, you-are-there interactive experiences, galleries, and theater presentations. The two theaters utilize spectacular effects and holographic images to bring you into the Lincoln story. It's the most prestigious presidential library in the world," says Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau Executive Director Fred Puglia. "It's like Disney made it." If you’re looking for even more Lincoln history, check out his home and pay your respects at his tomb.

Insider Tip: The museum cafe is a Subway shop. Bring lunch if you prefer other options.

Must Do! Head over to the Dana Thomas House, considered one of Frank Lloyd Wright's best, designed when Wright was a rising architect from Chicago. Most people aren't even aware it's there.

The Fine Print: The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum is open daily from 9 a.m to 5 p.m. On Saturday and Sunday, the library is open for exhibit viewing only. Admission is $12 with discounts for seniors, children from 5 to 15, members of the military, and students. Children under 5 are admitted free. Almost all of the other museums and historic sites in Springfield offer free admission.

City Museum

701 N. 15th St., St. Louis

314-231-2489

Why Go? The City Museum in St. Louis is unlike any other place in the world. Rather than call it a museum, it should be called the world's greatest playground for kids and adults. Explore the cement cave system, visit the urban aquarium, or go down the 10-story slide — to name just a few of the seemingly endless attractions inside what the Project for Public Spaces called one of the world’s “great public spaces.” Endless nooks and crannies reveal hidden treasures, slides, ladders, and portals into unknown experiences. The singular vision of the late artist Bob Cassilly, the City Museum is a wild adventure into a fertile imagination. This is not your father's Disneyland.

Insider Tip: Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes and sneakers. You may think you're not going to climb through tunnels or go down a slide, but you will find yourself compelled. And take kneepads. If you forget, they sell them in the gift shop. And while many activities are included in the general admission price, access to the roof costs an additional $5, among other added costs.

Must Do! If the Ferris Wheel is operating, you should pay the extra $5 to go on the roof. The view of the city from the top of the Ferris Wheel is stunning.

The Fine Print: Museum hours are Wednesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to midnight, and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.


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