The city of St. Louis offers so many fun ways to spend an afternoon or weekend. Whatever your interests, from nature to history to thrill rides, you’ll find something you love doing here. Whether you’re a long-time resident or moving to the St. Louis area, check out the following ways to spend any upcoming weekend.

1. Enjoy the Outdoors

Getting outdoors is easy in St. Louis. Whether you like to stroll, bike ride, or zip through the trees, there’s a place waiting for you. Here are two of the local favorites:

• Missouri Botanical Garden: Set your sights on the Missouri Botanical Garden and take your time exploring 79 acres of gardens, conservatories, greenhouses, and incredible landscape architecture. During your stroll, you’ll also come across fountains and statues to admire. In the Climatron exhibit, you can immerse yourself in a rainforest experience complete with waterfalls, exotic birds, and plants. If you prefer a more serene place to wander, check out the Japanese Garden.
• Forest Park: Bordering the Washington University in St. Louis campus, this massive public park spans some 1326 acres. Forest Park is the 6th most-visited urban park in the country, and for a good reason. In addition to hiking trails, walking paths, golf courses, tennis courts, lakes, and forests, the park is also home to the Missouri History Museum, The Muny (a theatre association), the Saint Louis Art Museum, the Saint Louis Science Center, and the Saint Louis Zoo.

Missouri Botanical Gardens (Photo by GPA Photo Archive | Flickr)

2. Enjoy a View of the City from the Gateway Arch

Let’s face it, St. Louis is known for its Gateway Arch, but how many of us have taken a ride to the top lately, or ever? Start your weekend off with a 630-foot ride to the top of the Arch for a view of the Gateway City like no other. Afterward, hop aboard a riverboat for a sightseeing or dinner cruise on the Mighty Mississippi.

The Gateway Arch (Photo by Sam valadi | Flickr)

3. Appreciate the Arts

Louis provides world-class art museums for roaming this weekend. Choose one each day to explore.

• St. Louis Art Museum: Here you will find a variety of arts, from oil paintings to photography to sculptures. You may even see a few pieces by legendary artists such as Van Gogh and Picasso.
• Contemporary Art Museum of St. Louis: View art from locals as well as artists the world over.
• Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum: This fine arts center, found on the campus of Washington University, contains paintings dating back to the 19th century as well as ancient antiquities.

Another option is to enjoy the outdoor artwork found in Citygarden, Laumeier Sculpture Park, and Chesterfield.

St. Louis Art Museum (Photo by Reading Tom | Flickr)

4. Experience Thrills at Six Flags St. Louis

For thrilling fun with family and friends, venture to Six Flags St. Louis. Having an amusement park so close by allows you to spend many weekends here, so you don’t have to try to do everything in just one visit. Ride the Screaming Eagle roller coaster or take on the rapids of Thunder River. You can also enjoy live concerts and various shows in the park. Bring your bathing suit and spend the afternoon in Hurricane Harbor Water Park for another fun adventure.

Six Flags St. Louis (Photo by Chris Hagerman | Flickr)

5. Explore Union Station

A former rail terminal, St. Louis Union Station, now offers fun for the entire family. Delight in seeing over 13,000 animals while exploring the St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station. Play a competitive game of mini-golf, tackle the ropes course, or make your way through the mirror maze. For a relaxing time, climb aboard the St. Louis Wheel, a 200-foot carousel.

St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station (Photo by Retrodells | Wikimedia)

6. Discover Relics of the Past in New Ways

For a truly unique experience this weekend, head over to City Museum in downtown St. Louis. Housed in an old warehouse, you’ll find industrial and architectural items repurposed in unique and surprising ways. You’ll easily spot the museum as it has a bus hanging from the rooftop.

Inside, you will fund numerous unexpected items to ponder before swishing down the museum’s 10-story, spiral slide. Who knows, after your visit, you may be inspired to turn your old relics into fun and useful objects as well.

St. Louis City Museum (Photo by PunkToad | Flickr)

7. Venture to the St. Charles Historic District

If you’re feeling up for a little day trip, take a short drive over to historic St. Charles. Full of history and charm, this will feel like an escape from the city. Along South Main Street, you’ll encounter several quaint shops and boutiques to explore. Historical sites abound as well, such as Missouri’s first capitol building and the Lewis & Cark Boat House and accompanying museum.

St. Charles Historic District (Photo by Smallbones | Wikimedia)

It’s easy to see how you can fill your weekends with beauty and adventure in and around St. Louis. With so many fun choices available, you’ll want to get started soon. The only question is, which one will you do first?