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Saint Louis Zoo

Recognized as one of the top five zoos in the nation. The zoo has both indoor and outdoor exhibits. There are several centers for in depth exploration and learning.

Address: 1 Government Dr
Hours: 9AM-5PM daily
Price: Free; fees charged for certain attractions
Website: stlzoo.org (opens in a new tab)

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Listing from Wikivoyage: St. Louis, CC BY-SA 4.0.

Updated 28 Sept 2026. Something wrong? Tell us.

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The Shakespeare Festival
Each year, the Shakespeare Festival St. Louis produces professional Shakespeare theater, outdoors in Forest Park, free and for a diverse audience. Free shows are usually put on in the late spring and early summer. An excellent way to spend a summer evening in St. Louis. In addition it provides education through schools and community outreach.
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Saint Louis Art Museum
SLAM
It's one of the leading comprehensive art museums in the nation. It hosts visiting displays which in the past have included such exhibits as the Angels of the Vatican and the Royal Tombs of Ur. Admission to main ticketed exhibits are free on Fridays.
Tue–Thu, Sat-Sun 10AM–5PM, Fri 10AM-9PM; Closed Mondays, Thanksgiving, and ChristmasFree
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Forest Park
One of the nation's largest city parks, with 1,293 acres, is open to the public for golf, tennis, baseball, bicycling, boating, fishing, handball, ice skating, in-line skating, jogging, cricket, rugby and more. The park is also home to the St. Louis Science Center, the art museum, the zoo, and a history museum, all with free admission. Forest Park is really at the heart of St. Louis. It was also the site of the 1904 Louisiana Purchase World's Fair, which lays claim to serving the first hot dogs, hamburgers, and ice cream cones. You cannot visit St. Louis without hearing about, driving by, or exploring Forest Park.
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The Muny
America's oldest and largest outdoor musical theater. A popular summer attraction show casing a variety of musicals throughout June, July and August. Tickets range from $6 to $50 or so, but the top several rows are always free. Come early (and bring binoculars) to the top entrance if you want to see a show for free.