Free & Affordable Family-Friendly Events in St. Louis This Spring

Spring is finally here, and St. Louis is bursting with fresh blooms, outdoor festivals, and exciting family-friendly activities. With so much to do, why spend your weekends scrubbing floors and dusting shelves? Get a free quote from Better Life Home Cleaning today and let us handle the cleaning so you can spend more time exploring, adventuring, and making memories with your family!

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From free museums and nature trails to festivals and animal encounters, here’s your ultimate guide to fun (and budget-friendly) activities this spring in St. Louis!

1. Explore the Great Outdoors: Parks, Gardens & Trails

Spring is the perfect time to get outside, soak up the sunshine, and watch the city come back to life. St. Louis has some of the most beautiful parks and trails, many of them free to enjoy!

Forest Park in Bloom for Spring

One of the largest urban parks in the U.S., Forest Park is home to gorgeous walking trails, ponds, and gardens. You can have a picnic, rent a paddleboat, or visit one of the free attractions inside the park!

Missouri Botanical Garden (Free on Wednesday & Saturday Mornings for St. Louis City & County Residents)

Spring at the Missouri Botanical Garden is pure magic. Stroll through the cherry blossoms, tulips, and vibrant Japanese Garden. The Children’s Garden is a must-visit, and it’s free on select mornings!

Laumeier Sculpture Park

This unique outdoor art museum is a fantastic free spot for kids to explore large-scale sculptures and nature trails while burning off energy! Click the link to see the events happening this month!

Lone Elk Park

Take a scenic drive through Lone Elk Park to see bison, elk, deer, and wild turkeys up close! It’s free, fun, and a hit with animal-loving kids.

The Butterfly House (Free on the First Tuesday of the Month, After 4 PM)

Step into a tropical paradise and watch butterflies emerge and fly around you. It’s completely free on select Tuesdays!

2. Celebrate Spring with Festivals & Events

Spring in St. Louis is full of vibrant festivals, and many of them are free to attend!

St. Louis Earth Day Festival (April 20-21, 2024, Forest Park)

One of the largest Earth Day celebrations in the Midwest with live music, hands-on eco-friendly activities, and delicious food!

Valley of Flowers Festival (May 3-5, 2024, Florissant, MO)

Enjoy parades, live entertainment, and carnival rides at this family-friendly spring celebration!

Shakespeare in the Park (Late May – June, Forest Park)

Watch a professional outdoor theater production for free while enjoying a picnic under the stars.

Farmers’ Markets Opening for the Season

Spring means farmers’ market season is back! Visit Tower Grove Farmers’ Market or Kirkwood Farmers’ Market for live music, local vendors, and family activities.

3. Spring Animal Encounters & Family-Friendly Zoos

Love animals? Spring is the best time to visit St. Louis’ incredible (and affordable) zoos and wildlife centers.

Saint Louis Zoo (Always Free!)

One of the top-ranked zoos in the country and it’s completely free to visit! Spring is the perfect time to go before the summer crowds roll in. Don’t miss their special spring event, Animals Aglow, a dazzling after-dark experience! (Tickets are required so check their site to grab yours!)

Grant’s Farm (Opening April 2024, Free Admission – Parking Fee Applies)

Bottle-feed baby goats, see Clydesdale horses, and ride a tram through this historic family-friendly farm.

World Bird Sanctuary (Always Free!)

Discover a hidden gem where rescued eagles, owls, and hawks soar. This spring don’t miss World Eagle Day, a special event where you can see majestic eagles in action! Enjoy photo ops with these incredible birds, play themed games, and get creative with hands-on crafts.

Suson Park Farm (Always Free!)

Perfect for little ones who love farm animals! Meet cows, pigs, chickens, and more.

4. Free & Low-Cost Museums for Rainy Spring Days

Spring weather can be unpredictable, but St. Louis has some amazing free indoor activities for those rainy days!

Saint Louis Art Museum (Always Free!)

Explore world-class paintings, sculptures, and historical artifacts which are completely free! Don’t forget to check their calendar for current exhibits and special events happening this spring.

Missouri History Museum (Always Free!)

Take a step back in time and learn about St. Louis’ rich history with interactive exhibits for kids.

Saint Louis Science Center (Always Free!)

A hands-on science museum featuring dinosaurs, a planetarium, and interactive exhibits!

World Chess Hall of Fame (Always Free!)

A unique museum filled with giant chess pieces, interactive displays, and rotating exhibits.

5. Best Spring Hikes & Nature Walks for Families

pring is a fantastic time to explore nature trails, see blooming wildflowers, and breathe in fresh air!

The Nature Institute (Godfrey, IL – 40 Minutes from STL)

A wildflower-filled hiking spot perfect for little explorers! This spring, The Nature Institute is bursting with fun family events like Tiny Trekkers: Prehistoric Pals, Forest Playdate, Kids Night Out, and even a Telescope Night!

Rockwoods Reservation

You won’t regret visiting this peaceful escape with easy hiking trails and gorgeous spring scenery.

Castlewood State Park

Stunning bluff views, riverside trails, and picnic spots for the perfect spring family outing.

Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center

A kid-friendly nature center and walking trails where you can spot wildlife and learn about conservation.

Make the Most of Spring – Let Us Handle the Cleaning!