Experience · St. Louis

Morning Family Fun at St. Louis Zoo

Start your family's day with an exciting visit to the Saint Louis Zoo, where you can explore diverse animal habitats. Afterward, enjoy a casual and delicious lunch nearby. Finish your outing with a fun treat to keep the kids happy.

A 4.5-hour St. Louis morning plan for families — Saint Louis Zoo, Living Room Coffee & Kitchen, Tilles Park.

Duration: 4h 30m
Cost: $15–$40
Stops: 3 stops
Walking: Light walking · Total 4.8-mile driving route
Best time: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Ideal for: Families · Kids · Friends

Start Plan

Customize

The plan

1Saint Louis Zoo(2 hr 30 min)→
2Living Room Coffee & Kitchen(1 hr)→
3Tilles Park(1 hr)

Why this plan works

The 3 stops cover about 4.8 miles total, which keeps you in one pocket of St. Louis instead of crossing town between them. Saint Louis Zoo is the main event and takes the biggest block of time; the other stops are built around it. It finishes at Tilles Park — a short, low-effort stop you can skip if you're ready to call it. Best suited to families, families with kids, and friends who want a planned St. Louis outing without improvising between stops.

The story

The itinerary

3 stops, one great day

1
2h 30m
Saint Louis Zoo
Family
Free 90-acre zoo featuring animals such as penguins, bears & elephants, plus a train ride (fee).
What to do — Arrive early to beat the crowds and explore the various zones, including Penguin & Puffin Coast and the Emerson Children's Zoo.
Scout Side Quest
Spot an animal that looks most like a sleepy family member waking up on a Monday morning.
Book it · Saint Louis Zoo
Forest Park E-Bike Tour with Optional Saint Louis Zoo Visit
5.0 (3)2.5 hrFrom $105
Check availability
2.3 mi · 8 min drive
Then Head west towards Maplewood for a quick, family-friendly lunch.
2
1 hr
Living Room Coffee & Kitchen
Food & Drink
Hip shop serving Arthouse coffee, baked goods, breakfast, brunch & lunch eats in basic surrounds.
What to do — Enjoy a delicious and hearty breakfast or lunch with Arthouse coffee and baked goods in a relaxed setting.
2.5 mi · 9 min drive
Then Take a short drive to a nearby park for some playtime.
3
Optional 1 hr
Tilles Park
Outdoors
Popular park with playgrounds, tennis courts & a spray fountain play area plus a fishing pond.
What to do — Let the kids burn off some energy on the playground or enjoy a leisurely walk through the gardens and along the fishing pond.
Scout Side Quest
Find the most unusual tree trunk and make up a story about what mythical creature lives inside it.

Scout Stories

People who did this

Be the first to leave a Moment.

Did this outing? Hit "We Did This" up top and share a photo.

The route

On the map

Open route in Google Maps

Common questions

Planning this outing

Is this a good St. Louis itinerary for families?: Yes. It's built for families, families with kids, and friends and runs about 4 hr 30 min across 3 stops, starting at Saint Louis Zoo.
How long does this outing take?: Plan on 4 hr 30 min door to door, including time between stops.
How much does this St. Louis itinerary cost?: Roughly $15–$40 per person, before parking and tips. Free and low-cost stops are marked on each card.
Is this itinerary walkable?: Not entirely. The stops cover about 4.8 miles, so you'll drive or rideshare between at least one pair.
Do I need reservations?: No. Every stop on this plan takes walk-ins, though weekends move faster if you arrive early.

Keep exploring

Different moods, same city.

See all things to do in St. Louis →

Arts & Culture
St. Louis
Art, Park, and Ice Cream in Forest Park
Spend a delightful afternoon exploring the cultural heart of St. Louis. Begin with a casual lunch near Forest Park, then wander through the grand Saint Louis Art Museum. Conclude your outing with a classic ice cream treat, enjoying the scenic surroundings.
Duration
4 hrs
Cost
$15–$35
Ideal for
Solo · Friends
View the plan
Date Night
St. Louis
Afternoon Art and Lunch in Central West End
Spend a delightful afternoon immersing yourself in art and enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of the Central West End. Begin with a modern American meal, then explore a world-class art collection, and finish with a refreshing ice cream treat.
Duration
4 hrs
Cost
$25–$75
Ideal for
Solo · Couples
View the plan
Arts & Culture
St. Louis
Budget Art & Forest Park Morning
Enjoy a culturally enriching morning exploring the vast collections of the free Saint Louis Art Museum. Afterward, grab an affordable and delicious breakfast or brunch before a refreshing stroll through the nearby Art Hill area of Forest Park.
Duration
3 hrs
Cost
$10–$20
Ideal for
Solo · Friends
View the plan
Date Night
St. Louis
Afternoon Stroll at Missouri Botanical Garden
Spend a delightful afternoon exploring the expansive and diverse collections at the Missouri Botanical Garden. After soaking in the beauty of nature, indulge in a sweet treat before a peaceful stroll through a nearby park.
Duration
4 hrs
Cost
$15–$30
Ideal for
Couples · Friends
View the plan
Arts & Culture
St. Louis
Budget Art & Breakfast Downtown
Kick off your morning with an inspiring and free stroll through Citygarden Sculpture Park, where art meets nature in a beautiful setting. Afterward, grab an affordable and tasty breakfast at a nearby cafe, then explore a vibrant downtown area perfect for a casual browse or a moment of reflection by the river.
Duration
3 hrs
Cost
$10–$25
Ideal for
Solo · Friends
View the plan
Date Night
St. Louis
Budget Sunset & Bites in Forest Park
Enjoy a stunning, free sunset view from Art Hill, offering a picturesque backdrop for a relaxed evening. Afterwards, grab a delicious yet affordable meal, keeping your budget in check, and conclude with a leisurely walk through a historic neighborhood.
Duration
3 hrs
Cost
$15–$40
Ideal for
Friends · Couples
View the plan