After many months, it’s good for the mind, body, and spirit to explore and enjoy our city’s gems. Luckily, there are plenty of amazing St. Louis attractions for seniors to visit this summer.
You will find there is an emphasis on adherence to COVID-19 safety guidelines reflected in visitor policies. There are also special provisions and discounts for seniors. Please check out the current information before you visit these places, and follow the guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
A variety of interests and activities await you in the St. Louis area:
- Nature
- History
- The Arts
- Sports
- Science
- Entertainment
- Parks
- Events
Nature
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 1850 estate home, and one of the world’s largest collections of rare and endangered orchids.
The Botanical Garden offers classes, tours and workshops – and a Master Gardener program.
Hours of Operation
Open Tuesdays—Sundays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Last entry at 4:30 p.m.
Website
https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/
Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House
The Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House is a not-for-profit organization which was established in 1995 to increase awareness of the natural habitat in which butterflies thrive. The Butterfly House has many volunteer opportunities for people to share their love of gardening and butterflies – making it one of St. Louis’ best attractions for seniors.
Hours of Operation
Wednesday—Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Private tours Monday and Tuesday. Call to book (314) 577-0888.
Website
https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/plan-your-visit/family-of-attractions/butterfly-house
Saint Louis Zoo
The Saint Louis Zoo is home to over 12,000 animals representing 500 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 remaining in the nation, the Saint Louis Zoo attracts approximately 3 million visitors annually and is the most-visited attraction in the region.
Hours of Operation
The Zoo is open Sunday—Wednesday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Friday & Saturday 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Note: All guests, including Zoo members, must now reserve free, timed tickets prior to visiting.
Website
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 8 p.m. Last admission 1 hour prior to closing.
Note: Tickets for the Aquarium frequently sell out, as it has limited tickets available for every 15-minute time slot. Advanced purchase is required.
Website
https://www.stlouisaquarium.com/
History
Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis
Consecrated in 1926, the mosaics depicting the life of Saint Louis were completed in 1930 in the Cathedral’s narthex. 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.
Daily Mass is celebrated 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 4:00 p.m., pending other scheduled events. Please contact the tour office at (314) 373-8241 for reservations and to confirm availability.
Website
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 St. Louis’ great attractions for seniors with a love of history. Prepare for your trip by learning more about exhibits as well as shopping and dining options at the Missouri History Museum.
Admission to the Missouri History Museum and its exhibits are free. Advance reservations are required as the Museum is open at 25 percent visitor capacity.
The Museum lists a complete set of health and safety visitor policies.
Hours of Operation
Closed Monday and Tuesdays. Wednesday—Sunday open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Website
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. Advance reservations are required as the Museum is open at 25 percent visitor capacity.
The Museum lists a complete set of health and safety visitor policies.
Hours of Operation
Closed Monday and Tuesdays. Wednesday—Sunday open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Website
https://mohistory.org/memorial
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 in the museum in 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. Go to gatewayarch.com/riverboats
Hours of Operation
Daily summer hours are 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 pm. The last tram leaves one hour prior to closing.
The Gateway Arch has modified its operations and enacted a number of new health protocols to meet the recommended guidelines for public gatherings.
The tram ride to the top of the Arch is currently open with limited capacity due to COVID-19 safety measures. Guests are encouraged to plan in advance as the rides sell out early and often.
Plan your visit and activity prices, driving instructions, and public transit information is available.
Allow plenty of time to go through security screening. During busier times, the wait can be up to 30-45 minutes.
Hearing-impaired visitors may request assisted listening and captioning devices for the documentary movie and the museum from the Information Desk inside the Gateway Arch.
Sight-impaired visitors may request audio description devices for the documentary movie from the Information Desk inside the Gateway Arch.
For additional information or assistance, please contact their Call Center at 877-982-1410.
Website
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
Wednesday—Sunday 12 p.m. to 5 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, and public transportation options, and wheelchair accessibility information are listed on the website. https://nationalbluesmuseum.org/visit
Website
https://nationalbluesmuseum.org/
The Arts
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, 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. These include the Current series, which features contemporary artists, as well as regular exhibitions of new media art and works on paper.
Hours of Operation
Visitor policies includes current protocols based on guidelines from the city’s Department of Health, the CDC and other state and regional authorities. The Museum asks that visitors please make note of this prior to visiting.
Website
St. Louis Symphony Orchestra
The Grammy Award-winning St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, led by Music Director Stéphane Denève, is one of the world’s preeminent orchestras. 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
The Symphony is evaluating procedures for future concerts based on the updated guidance from the City and CDC. See the What to Expect for planning your visit.
Website
Sports
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.
2021 Schedule
https://www.mlb.com/cardinals/schedule/2021-05
Ticket Information
https://www.mlb.com/cardinals/tickets
Website
Science
St. Louis Science Center
The Science Center is one of the only free nonprofit science museums in the country. It serves more than one million people each year, making it one of the largest science centers in the U.S. and abroad – and one of St. Louis’ best attractions for seniors.
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 four-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
For reservations, tickets and what exhibits, attractions and spaces may be closed visit here.
You can call for more information at (314) 289-4400.
Website
Entertainment
The Fabulous Fox Theatre
The Fabulous Fox Theatre presents the ‘Best of Broadway’ in St. Louis. More than 15 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 St. Louis audiences with something for everyone.
Events and Tickets
https://www.fabulousfox.com/events
Note: Please see health and safety features at the Fox for limited capacity shows, and ticket protocols.
Website
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 St. Louis’ most precious attractions for seniors with a love of live performance.
Audience Guidelines
Working with the City Health Department, The Muny has developed a plan that allows for 60% of the outdoor theatre’s capacity along with these audience guidelines.
Prior to your night at the theatre, please take a moment to familiarize yourself with their new protocols.
Shows for the Muny’s 104th Season
Ticket Iinformation
Website
Parks
From Forest Park to the Gateway Arch National 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 City Garden’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.
Explore St. Louis
https://explorestlouis.com/discover/outdoor-adventures-st-louis/parks/
Park events
https://explorestlouis.com/events
Visitor Information
For more information, call (800) 916-8938
Disabled assistance
https://explorestlouis.com/travel-tools/disabled-assistance/
Events
The St. Louis area has a wide variety of events and attractions for seniors that are happening every day of the week. Cultural events, sporting events, concerts, plays, special exhibits, children and family friendly events, festivals, parades, and celebrations.
St. Louis-Area Calendar of Events
Looking for more senior-friendly activities and hobbies? Visit Bethesda’s blog.
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