46. Soulard Farmers Market
City: St. Louis, MO
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (314) 622-4180
Description: Established in 1779, the Soulard Market has more than 140 stalls filled with farm-fresh and imported produce, meats, herbs, flowers, spices, fresh seafood, and just about everything else you can imagine. Today’s Soulard Market is a lone survivor, but it was once one of many markets in the city. Open year-round Wednesday through Sunday. (See the Shopping chapter for more information.)
47. St. Louis Artists’ Guild
City: St. Louis, MO
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (314) 727-9599
Description: Located in a restored 1920s mansion, the St. Louis Artists’ Guild hosts exhibitions that highlight artistic excellence, cultural diversity, and social concerns. Exhibits range from national, regional, and local competitions to national traveling shows, curated shows, and collaborative and exchange exhibitions with other arts organizations. In addition to classes and art studios, the guild also offers resources that include the Messing Library and its extensive collection of books on art techniques, art history, and artists; a state-of-the-art printmaking studio, complete with an inking room and pressroom; and a photographic darkroom. Closed Monday and holidays.
City: St. Louis, MO
Category: Tours & Attractions
City: St. Louis, MO
Category: Tours & Attractions
Address: 6500 block of Delmar Boulevard
50. Turtle Playground
City: St. Louis, MO
Category: Tours & Attractions
Description: Giant turtle sculptures that were built with kids in mind are the highlight of this playground. These turtles were designed to be climbed on, and no kid can resist them. It’s a great way to use up some of that extra energy kids always seem to have! The playground is open year-round and overlooks Forest Park and I–64.
51. Center Of Creative Arts (Coca)
City: St. Louis, MO
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (314) 535-4660
Address: 3750 Washington Boulevard
Description: COCA’s Family Theatre Series offers a broad range of performances for kids and adults. Past performances have run the gamut from the juggling and wisecracking Flaming Idiots to the crazy costumes and dance moves of the Frogz dance troupe. The center features educational classes, camps, and workshops for all ages—including adults—as well as numerous contemporary art exhibits in the Millstone Gallery. Admission to the center is free on Thursday. Closed Sunday.
52. Dance St. Louis
City: St. Louis, MO
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (314) 534-6622
Address: 634 North Grand Boulevard, Suite 1102
Description: Dance St. Louis produces a variety of dance performances, including classical ballet, modern dance, and traditional dance, as well as a number of educational and outreach programs for local dancers and students. The organization also hosts Young People’s Performances, live professional dance performances that have been tailored to suit young audiences.
53. The Imaginary Theatre Company
City: St. Louis, MO
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (314) 968-4925
Address: 130 Edgar Road
Description: This kid-centric theater group sponsored by the St. Louis Repertory Theatre presents a variety of local touring productions, such as My Father’s Dragon, Puss ’n Boots, Robin Hood and The Velveteen Rabbit. The Rep produces a full season of main stage and studio theater performances, as well as educational programs at the Loretto-Hilton Theatre. The Imaginary Theatre Company also stages special public Mainstage performances during the winter holidays and in the spring.
54. Municipal Opera Association (The Muny)
City: St. Louis, MO
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (314) 361-1900
Description: The oldest and largest outdoor theater in the country, the Muny hosts a number of popular musicals each summer. In addition to live theatrical performances, the Muny Kids and Teens Performing Troupes serve as a community outreach program of the Muny Opera in Forest Park. The troupes perform year-round at special events held throughout the area and help serve as a training ground for talented youngsters.
55. Opera Theatre Of St. Louis
City: St. Louis, MO
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (314) 961-0644 (box office), (
Description: The Opera Theatre of St. Louis produces a mix of familiar and unconventional presentations, sung in English and accompanied by members of the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra. Opera Theatre also offers professionally staged opera productions performed by young people for audiences of all ages, usually during the fall term. A young cast from across the St. Louis area works in a professional setting with experienced conductors, directors, and designers.
56. Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra
City: St. Louis, MO
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (314) 533-2500 (general info),
Address: 718 North Grand Boulevard
Description: The Saint Louis Symphony is a world-renowned ensemble that performs a broad musical repertoire and offers a number of live performances geared to younger audiences. Hour-long Family Concerts take place on select Sunday afternoons and “come as you are” attire is encouraged. Kinder Konzerts are performances that incorporate instruction and music for kids in kindergarten to grade three, while the Young People’s Concerts target children in grades four through six. The Young Adults Concert Series is geared to older students. The critically acclaimed orchestra has received six Grammy Awards and more than 50 Grammy nominations. The orchestra features performances by such world-renowned musicians as Yo-Yo Ma, Itzhak Perlman, and Wynton Marsalis.
57. Saint Louis Symphony Youth Orchestra
City: St. Louis, MO
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (314) 534-1700
Address: 718 North Grand Avenue
Description: The Saint Louis Symphony Youth Orchestra consists of nearly 100 talented young performers, ranging in age from 12 to 22. The group rehearses weekly during the school year and presents three programs each season in Powell Symphony Hall under the leadership of Ward Stare, music director and resident conductor director of the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra.
58. South City Open Studio And Gallery For Children
City: St. Louis, MO
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (314) 865-0060
Address: 4255 Arsenal Street
Description: Located in a renovated gatehouse in Tower Grove Park, the studio welcomes drop-in visitors as well as students to the ongoing classes offered in drawing, painting, clay, bookbinding, and more. Kids are encouraged to explore art at their own pace and can choose from a variety of hands-on arts activities. An Open Studio Pass offers a one-hour exploration in the medium of their choice under the watchful eye of a qualified SCOSAG art instructor. All materials are included. Prices vary for registration in the ongoing classes held throughout the year. Daytime parent and child classes are also available. Closed Sunday.
City: St. Louis, MO
Category: Tours & Attractions
60. Steinberg Skating Rink
City: St. Louis, MO
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (314) 361-0613
Description: Steinberg Skating Rink has been a wintertime tradition in St. Louis since 1957. As soon as it got cold, everyone headed to the rink for some good old-fashioned ice-skating fun. Today locals and visitors can enjoy skating and entertainment at the rink, including sand volleyball games during the warm weather months, as well as outdoor dining and live music at the cafe on weekends. Summer diners can enjoy a great menu along with food served on a keepsake Frisbee for some warm weather fun. Ice skates are available to rent for a nominal charge.