It’s good for the mind, body, and spirit to explore and enjoy local culture and hidden gems. Fortunately, the best attractions in St. Louis are perfect for seniors to visit all year-round!
You can find activities to please a variety of interests in the St. Louis area, including:
- Nature
- History
- The Arts
- Sports
- Science
- Entertainment
- Parks
- Events
For Nature Admirers:
Missouri Botanical Garden
The Missouri Botanical Garden is a center for botanical research and science education, as well as an oasis in the city of St. Louis. It offers 79 acres of beautiful horticultural display, including a 14-acre Japanese strolling garden, Henry Shaw’s original 1849 estate home, and one of the world’s largest collections of rare and endangered flora.
The Botanical Garden offers classes, tours and workshops—and don’t forget their biggest events of the year—the Japanese Festival and holiday Garden Glow.
Hours of Operation
Open daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Last entry at 4:30 p.m.
Website: https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/
Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House
Located at the Faust Park in Chesterfield, the Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House was established in 1995 to increase awareness of the natural habitat in which butterflies thrive. The Butterfly House, which is affiliated with the Missouri Botanical Garden, has many volunteer opportunities for people to share their love of gardening and butterflies—making it one of the best attractions in St. Louis for seniors.
Hours of Operation
Open Tuesday—Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. from September through February and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. from March through August. Call (314) 577-0888 for more information.
Website: https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/plan-your-visit/family-of-attractions/butterfly-house
Saint Louis Zoo
The Saint Louis Zoo is home to more than 12,000 animals representing 450 species. It is recognized worldwide for its innovative approaches to animal care and management, wildlife conservation, research and education. One of the few free zoos in the nation, the Saint Louis Zoo attracts approximately 3 million visitors annually and is one of the most-visited and best attractions in St. Louis.
Hours of Operation
The Zoo is open every day, with hours varying based on the season. View the current hours of operation on the Zoo’s website.
Website: https://stlzoo.org/
St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station
The St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station will take you on an aquatic journey like no other. Learn about the geography and history of Missouri’s local freshwater rivers and the aquatic animals that inhabit them. See a 250,000-gallon marine habitat, and discover what lives in the deep ocean.
Hours of Operation
Sunday—Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday and Saturday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Last admission 45 minutes prior to closing.
Website: https://www.stlouisaquarium.com/
For History Buffs:
Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis
Consecrated in 1926, the mosaics depicting the life of Saint Louis were completed in 1930 in the Cathedral’s west entrance. Work on mosaics elsewhere in the Cathedral was not completed until 1988. In 1997, the Cathedral was designated as a Cathedral Basilica by Pope John Paul II, who visited it in 1999.
Hours of Operation
The Cathedral Basilica is open from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. seven days a week.
Daily Mass is offered at 7:00 a.m., 8:00 a.m., and 12:05 p.m. All persons of faith are welcome to attend Mass. However, visitors who are not participating in Mass are asked to wait until Mass is completed before touring the Cathedral Basilica.
Guided tours are available weekdays between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., pending other scheduled events. Please contact the tour office at (314) 373-8241 for reservations and to confirm availability.
Website: https://cathedralstl.org/
Missouri History Museum
The Missouri History Museum is a nationally acclaimed institution serving the St. Louis region and beyond. Whether you’re visiting from out of town or down the road, this museum is one of the best attractions in St. Louis for seniors with a love of history. Prepare for your trip by learning more about the featured exhibits, as well as shopping and dining options at the museum.
Admission to the Missouri History Museum and its exhibits are free.
Hours of Operation
Closed Monday. Open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Website: https://mohistory.org/museum
Soldiers Memorial Military Museum
Soldiers Memorial Military Museum is a state-of-the-art facility honoring local military service members, veterans and their families.
Admission to the Soldiers Memorial Military Museum is free. Entrances and exits are fully accessible with automatic doors and ramps.
Hours of Operation
Closed Monday and Tuesdays. Open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Website: https://mohistory.org/memorial
Gateway Arch Grounds and Museum
A tram can lift you 630 feet in the air to the top of the tallest monument in the U.S. You can also trace the story of Native Americans, explorers, pioneers and rebels who made America possible among the six themed exhibit areas.
Docked on the grounds of the Arch, river boat cruises provide sightseeing opportunities along the Mississippi River. Cruise times and hours vary. Book a riverboat cruise online.
Hours of Operation
Daily hours are 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 pm. The last tram to the top of the Arch leaves one hour prior to closing. The National Park Grounds are open 5:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. year-round.
Guests are encouraged to plan in advance as the rides sell out early and often.
Plan your visit, get driving instructions, and see public transit information on the Gateway Arch website.
Allow plenty of time to go through security screening. During busier times, the wait can be up to 15 minutes. While the tram ride to the top of the Arch is not wheelchair accessible, the museum experience is and offers live video views from the top of the Arch.
Hearing- and sight-impaired visitors may request assisted listening and captioning devices and audio description devices for the documentary movie and the museum from the Information Desk inside the Gateway Arch. Learn more about the 2018 renovation project to improve overall accessibility of the Arch museum and park’s landscape.
For additional information or assistance, please contact their Call Center at 877-982-1410.
Website: https://www.gatewayarch.com/
National Blues Museum
The National Blues Museum celebrates the genre that serves as the foundation of all modern American music. The facility educates guests in an entertaining environment that includes high-impact technology-driven experiences, a state-of-the-art theater, artifact-driven exhibits, and robust public programming.
Hours of Operation
Open Wednesday—Sunday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Seniors, veterans and active military personnel receive a discounted ticket price of $12. The museum is located in downtown St. Louis. Directions, parking availability, public transportation options, and wheelchair accessibility information are listed on the website.
Website: https://nationalbluesmuseum.org/
For Art Aficionados:
St. Louis Art Museum
The Saint Louis Art Museum collects, presents, interprets and conserves works of art of the highest quality across time and cultures; educates and inspires discovery; elevates the human spirit; and preserves a legacy of artistic achievement for the people of St. Louis and the world. In addition to the featured exhibitions, the museum offers rotating exhibitions so there is always something new to see at one of the best attractions in St. Louis.
Hours of Operation
Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Fridays 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Admission is free. View full details of accessibility features on the museum’s website.
Website: https://www.slam.org/
St. Louis Symphony Orchestra
The Grammy Award-winning St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, led by Music Director Stéphane Denève, is the second oldest in the country. It is celebrated for its warm and engaging sound, prolific and acclaimed recording history, national and international touring activities, and distinctive commitment to educational and community outreach efforts.
Concert Schedule: https://shop.slso.org/events?view=list
Website: https://www.slso.org/
For Sports Fans:
St. Louis Cardinals
Watch the St. Louis Cardinals in action at Busch Stadium in downtown St. Louis. The stadium, which opened in 2006, offers a view of the St. Louis skyline, including the Gateway Arch. There are dozens of concession stands offering a variety of food and drink.
Ticket Information: https://www.mlb.com/cardinals/tickets
Website: https://www.mlb.com/cardinals
For Science Enthusiasts:
St. Louis Science Center
The St. Louis Science Center is one of the only free nonprofit science museums in the country. It serves more than 630,000 people each year, making it one of the largest science centers in the U.S. and abroad—and one of the best attractions in St. Louis for people of all ages.
The campus features more than 700 interactive experiences in 10 galleries, as well as an indoor-outdoor GROW agricultural pavilion and gallery, its famous McDonnell Planetarium, and a five-story OMNIMAX® Theater.
Hours of Operation
Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday: 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Sunday: 11:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Tuesday—Wednesday: CLOSED
You can call for more information at (314) 289-4400.
Website: https://www.slsc.org/
For Entertainment Lovers:
The Fabulous Fox Theatre
The Fabulous Fox Theatre presents the ‘Best of Broadway’ in St. Louis. More than 22 million people have passed through the brass doors of “the Fox” to see Broadway shows; Vegas performers; top pop, rock and comedy concert acts; and classic movies. The Fabulous Fox continues to provide audiences with something for everyone, making it a beloved escape from everyday life and one of the best attractions in St. Louis.
Events and Tickets: https://www.fabulousfox.com/events
Website: https://www.fabulousfox.com/
The Muny
Musical theatre returns to Forest Park this summer. The Muny is a cultural treasure that has brought Broadway-style theatre to St. Louis for decades. Plan a trip to one of the best attractions in St. Louis for seniors with a love of live performance.
Current Season Shows: https://muny.org/shows/
Ticket Information: https://muny.org/tickets/
Website: https://muny.org/
For Park Goers:
From Forest Park to Tower Grove Park, St. Louis provides miles and miles of green spaces and parks ready to enjoy with family and friends. Explore the great outdoors during your workout and recreation time. From Citygarden’s outdoor sculpture park and Kiener Plaza downtown, to the sandy beach of Creve Coeur Park and the caves of our state parks—trails, events, nature and wildlife are calling.
Find locations for all of your outdoor adventures with Explore St. Louis’ Outdoor Recreation guide. Find more information on accessibility features at St. Louis’ popular destinations at Visit Accessible St. Louis.
Want Even More Fun?
The best attractions in St. Louis for seniors offer fun and excitement every day of the week. Cultural events, sports, concerts, plays, special exhibits, children and family-friendly activities, festivals, parades, and celebrations—there’s no shortage of fun to be had right here in your own city!
View a calendar of upcoming local events at Explore St. Louis.
Looking for more senior-friendly activities and hobbies? Visit Bethesda’s blog.
