Forest Park covers over 1,300 acres and it holds the Saint Louis Art Museum and the Saint Louis Zoo inside it. The Gateway Arch stands 630 feet tall and the park and grounds around it are open to walk. Ha Ha Tonka State Park runs over 3,700 acres, with the castle ruins on it. Missouri runs over 80 state parks in all, and the swimming and the camping come with them. Start there.
Looking for fun and exciting things to do in Missouri without breaking the bank? You’re in luck! Missouri is a state that offers plenty of free activities and attractions for you to enjoy. From exploring the bustling city of St. Louis to discovering the rich history of Jefferson City, Missouri has something for everyone.
If you are looking for some outdoor escapades, Missouri runs numerous state parks that offer admission free, the Ozark National Scenic Riverways and the Katy Trail State Park among them. And if you came to eat, do not miss some of Missouri’s local cuisine, toasted ravioli and gooey butter cake among it.
A local or a visitor, there is always something new to turn up in Missouri. In this article, we will work through the best free things to do in Missouri, family-friendly activities through to the quieter ones. So grab your friends and family and get ready to work through all that Missouri has to offer without spending a dime.
Key Takeaways
- Missouri offers plenty of free activities and attractions for everyone.
- From outdoor escapades to local cuisine, there’s something for everyone in Missouri.
- Explore St. Louis, discover Kansas City, unearth history in Jefferson City, and find Missouri’s hidden gems.
Exploring St. Louis
If you are looking for free things to do in Missouri, St. Louis is a good place to start. With attractions and landmarks across the range, there is a version for each. These are the top free things to do in St. Louis:
Forest Park
Forest Park is a massive urban park in the heart of St. Louis. It covers over 1,300 acres and holds many of the city’s most popular attractions, the Saint Louis Art Museum, the Missouri History Museum and the Saint Louis Zoo among them. A slow stroll or a full outdoor day, Forest Park runs a version of each.
Gateway Arch
The Gateway Arch is one of the landmarks people know St. Louis by. It stands at 630 feet tall and opens out on the city and the Mississippi River. While there is a fee to take a tram to the top of the arch, you can still take the surrounding park and grounds for free.
St. Louis Zoo
The Saint Louis Zoo is a zoo of world standing located in Forest Park. With over 16,000 animals and 600 species, it lands with animal lovers of all ages. Best of all, admission to the zoo is completely free.
Saint Louis Art Museum
The Saint Louis Art Museum belongs on the list for art enthusiasts. The museum holds a collection of over 34,000 works of art from around the world, ancient artifacts, contemporary art and everything in between. Admission to the museum is free, although some special exhibits may require a fee.
Citygarden
Citygarden is an urban park located in downtown St. Louis. The park features sculptures and art installations, as well as walking paths and water features. It is a good place to sit and take the sights and sounds of the city.
Old Courthouse
The Old Courthouse is a historic building located in downtown St. Louis. It played a significant role in the history of the United States. It was the site of important trials, the Dred Scott case among them. Today the courthouse is open to the public and offers free tours.
St. Louis is a city with a long history and a culture of its own. Art, history, or just the great outdoors, there is a version for each. So why not plan a trip to St. Louis and see what this city has to offer?
Discovering Kansas City
If you are looking for free things to do in Missouri, a visit to Kansas City belongs on the list. The city is full of attractions that will not cost you a dime. The history of World War I through to local beer, there is a version for each.
Nelson-Atkins Museum
The Nelson-Atkins Museum is one of the most popular attractions in Kansas City. With admission free, you can work through the museum’s collection of art and artifacts from around the world. Ancient Greek pottery through to contemporary photography, the Nelson-Atkins Museum runs a version of each.
Liberty Memorial and World War I Museum
The Liberty Memorial and World War I Museum covers the story of World War I. The exhibits and artifacts include a life-size trench and a replica of a French village. The Liberty Memorial also has an observation deck that opens out on the city skyline.
Boulevard Brewing Company
If you are a beer lover, a visit to Boulevard Brewing Company belongs on the list. The brewery runs free tours of its facility, where you can pick up the brewing process and sample some of their award-winning beers. And check out the tasting room, where you can sit over a cold one with friends.
History, art or beer, Kansas City runs a version of each. Also check out the Federal Reserve Bank, the Power & Light District, the River Market, City Market, and Kaleidoscope for more free things to do in the city.
Unearthing History in Jefferson City
If you came for the history, Jefferson City runs plenty of free attractions to fill the day. These are the destinations that will carry you back in time.
Missouri State Capitol
The Missouri State Capitol is neoclassical architecture done properly. Completed in 1917, it houses the offices of the governor, lieutenant governor and other state officials. The building is open to the public and runs free guided tours that carry Missouri’s political history.
Take a stroll around the grounds and you will find monuments and memorials that mark the state’s veterans and historical figures. Do not miss the bronze statue of Thomas Jefferson, the third president of the United States and the city’s namesake.
Missouri State Capitol Building
The Missouri State Capitol Building belongs on the list for anyone interested in the state’s history. Built in 1826, it served as the state capitol until 1911. Today the building houses the Missouri State Museum, which runs admission free and features exhibits on the state’s natural resources, Native American history and Civil War-era artifacts.
Take a guided tour of the building and you will pick up the Missouri State Guard, a group of Confederate soldiers who occupied the building during the Civil War. You will also see the “Whispering Gallery,” an architectural feature that carries whispers across the room.
A history person or somebody just looking for a fun and educational way to spend an afternoon, the Missouri State Capitol and Missouri State Capitol Building are not to be missed.
Adventures in Branson
If you are looking for some free adventures in Branson, Missouri, you are in the right town. There are plenty of things to do that will not cost you a dime. These are the top free attractions in Branson for your next visit.
Silver Dollar City
Silver Dollar City is a theme park that runs rides and attractions with real push in them. While admission to the park can be costly, there are still plenty of free things to do at Silver Dollar City. You can take a stroll through the park and take the scenery, watch live performances by musicians and entertainers, or work through the shops and restaurants in the park. And do not miss the famous Marvel Cave, which sits just outside the park and runs free guided tours.
Branson Landing
Branson Landing is a popular shopping and dining destination that opens out on Lake Taneycomo. Take a slow stroll along the boardwalk and take the scenery, or catch one of the free concerts or events held at the Landing. If you are looking for some family-friendly fun, check out the free fountain show, which runs a display of water, fire and light.
Lake Taneycomo
Lake Taneycomo is a lake that runs outdoor activities across the range, fishing, kayaking and hiking among them. Take a scenic walk along the lake’s shore and sit in the quiet, or rent a kayak and work the lake’s many coves and inlets. If you are an avid angler, the lake’s trout and other fish will hold you.
Whatever your interests, there is plenty to see and do in Branson without spending a dime. So pack your bags, grab your camera, and get ready for a run at this Missouri town.
Animals, and the Saint Louis Zoo holds over 16,000 of them across 600 species. Art, and the Saint Louis Art Museum keeps over 34,000 works from around the world. Water, and Lake of the Ozarks covers over 54,000 acres with over 1,000 miles of shoreline. Rock, and Elephant Rocks holds granite boulders over a billion years old.
Outdoor Escapades
Missouri is a good place to take the outdoors without spending a dime. A slow stroll or a hard hike, there are plenty of options to choose from. These are the best outdoor escapades in Missouri:
Ha Ha Tonka State Park
Ha Ha Tonka State Park belongs on the list for nature lovers. With over 3,700 acres of land, the park runs outdoor activities across the range, hiking, fishing and picnicking among them. The park is also home to the ruins of a 20th-century castle, which is a popular spot for photography enthusiasts.
Elephant Rocks
If you are looking for an outdoor day with a shape of its own, Elephant Rocks is where to go. This natural landmark features giant granite boulders that are over a billion years old. Visitors can hike through the rocks and work the surrounding forest. The park also runs picnic areas and a playground for children.
Missouri State Parks
Missouri runs over 80 state parks, each with its own features and attractions. Swimming and boating through to hiking and camping, there is a version for each. The most popular state parks include Katy Trail State Park, Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park, and Meramec State Park.
Lake of the Ozarks
Lake of the Ozarks is a popular destination for boating, fishing and swimming. The lake covers over 54,000 acres and runs over 1,000 miles of shoreline. Visitors can also take hiking, camping and picnicking in the surrounding state parks.
Hiking Trails
Missouri runs hiking trails across the range, easy nature walks through to hard backcountry treks. The most popular trails include the Ozark Trail, the Katy Trail, and the Lewis and Clark Trail. A seasoned hiker or a beginner, there is a trail for you.
So grab your hiking boots and get ready to work the great outdoors in Missouri. With this many free activities to choose from, the trip will stay with you.
Family Fun Activities
Are you looking for some free family fun activities in Missouri? You are in the right state. Missouri runs free family-friendly attractions across the range that will hold both kids and adults. These are the best free family fun activities in Missouri.
Amusement Parks
Missouri is home to some of the best amusement parks in the country. Six Flags St. Louis belongs on the list for families who love thrill rides and roller coasters. The park runs admission free for children under 2 and free parking for all guests. The other one is Silver Dollar City, which runs admission free for children under 4 and free parking for all guests. The park runs rides and attractions for all ages, roller coasters, water rides and live entertainment among them.
Picasso’s Playground
Picasso’s Playground is an interactive art exhibit located in St. Louis. The exhibit features hands-on activities and art projects for kids of all ages. Kids can make their own art pieces using materials across the range, paint, clay and recycled materials among them. Admission to Picasso’s Playground is free, and the exhibit is open year-round.
Grant’s Farm
Grant’s Farm is a historic park located in St. Louis that runs free family fun activities across the range. The park is home to animals across the range, bison, deer and goats among them, and runs free tram rides throughout the park. Kids can also take hands-on activities, feeding the animals and playing on the playground among them. Admission to Grant’s Farm is free, but parking costs 15 for the car.
Amusement parks, interactive art exhibits, or historic parks, Missouri runs a version of each. These free family fun activities are a good way to spend time with your loved ones without breaking the bank.
Local Cuisine
Missouri is known for its local cuisine, and you do not have to spend a lot of money to take it. These are the free or low-cost options to try out during your visit.
Barbecue Restaurants
Missouri is famous for its barbecue, and there are plenty of restaurants where you can try it out. One popular spot is Arthur Bryant’s Barbeque in Kansas City, which has been serving up delicious smoked meats since 1930. Another great option is Pappy’s Smokehouse in St. Louis, which has won numerous awards for its ribs and pulled pork.
City Market
If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, head to one of Missouri’s many city markets. The City Market in Kansas City is a great place to start. Here, you’ll find a wide variety of fresh produce, meats, and baked goods, as well as food vendors selling everything from tacos to barbecue. In St. Louis, check out the Soulard Farmers Market, which has been operating since 1779 and offers a similar selection of fresh food and drinks.
Wherever you go in Missouri, you will find local cuisine worth trying. Do not be afraid to ask locals for recommendations or try something new, because you might turn up your new favorite dish.
Missouri’s Hidden Gems
Missouri is full of quieter attractions waiting to be worked through. These are the ones that are completely free and carry the state’s history and culture.
Historic Route 66
Take a drive down Historic Route 66 and take the nostalgia of a bygone era. This iconic highway stretches across the states, Missouri among them, and is known for its quirky roadside attractions, diners and motels. In Missouri, you can stop by the Route 66 State Park, which features a museum dedicated to the history of the highway. You can also work through the Meramec Caverns, a series of underground caves that were once used as a hideout by infamous outlaw Jesse James.
Jesse James’ Hideout
Speaking of Jesse James, you can also visit his former hideout in Missouri. The James Farm and Museum sits in Kearney and carries the life of one of America’s most notorious outlaws. The museum features artifacts, exhibits and interactive displays that tell the story of James and his gang. You can also take a tour of the James family home, which has been preserved to look as it did in the 19th century.
Diamond Mines
Did you know that Missouri is home to diamond mines? The Crater of Diamonds State Park in Arkansas may be better known, but Missouri has its own diamond mine that is open to the public. The Herkimer Diamond Mines in the Ozarks let visitors search for quartz crystals and other gemstones for free. The mines sit on private property, so get permission before you start digging.
A history person, an adventure seeker, or somebody just looking for something fun to do, Missouri’s quieter attractions run a version for each. So pack your bags, hit the road, and work through all that this state has to offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some free attractions in St. Louis?
St. Louis is home to many free attractions, the iconic Gateway Arch among them, which opens out on the city from the observation deck. You can also visit the St. Louis Art Museum, which houses a collection of art from around the world, or work through the Missouri History Museum, which runs exhibits on the state’s history.
What are some unique and free things to do in Missouri?
Missouri runs many free activities with a shape of their own. You can visit the Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum in Hannibal, which carries the life and works of the famous author. You can also work through the Ozark National Scenic Riverways, which runs hiking trails and views to go with them.
What are some family-friendly free activities in Missouri?
Missouri runs plenty of family-friendly free activities, the Citygarden in St. Louis among them, which is a fun and interactive outdoor sculpture garden. You can also visit the Katy Trail State Park, which runs over 200 miles of hiking and biking trails, or work through the Missouri Botanical Garden, which runs gardens and exhibits.
What are some of the weirdest places to visit in Missouri?
If you are looking for something a little offbeat, you can visit the World’s Largest Catsup Bottle in Collinsville, Illinois, just across the Mississippi River from St. Louis. You can also work through the Ha Ha Tonka State Park, which features a castle ruins and natural bridge.
What are the most popular free things to do in Branson?
Branson runs many free activities, the Table Rock Lake State Park among them, which opens out on the lake and runs hiking trails. You can also visit the Shepherd of the Hills Fish Hatchery, which runs a fun and educational visit for the whole family.
What are some fun and free activities near Kansas City?
Kansas City runs many free activities, the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art among them, which holds a collection of art from around the world. You can also visit the Kauffman Memorial Garden, which runs gardens and walking paths, or work through the Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens, which runs over 300 acres of gardens and trails.
Frequently asked questions about Free Things To Do in Missouri
What is there for a family to do at Forest Park over in Missouri?
Forest Park covers over 1,300 acres, and the Saint Louis Art Museum and the Saint Louis Zoo both sit inside the grounds. The zoo holds over 16,000 animals across 600 species, which is a long morning. The Missouri History Museum is in there as well, so choose before you go. Wear shoes.
What is there to see at Ha Ha Tonka State Park in Missouri?
Ha Ha Tonka State Park runs over 3,700 acres, and the ruins of a castle stand up on the land out there. You get the hiking, the fishing and the picnicking all on the same ground. The ruins are the spot that the photographers all head for out there. Pack lunch.
What is there for the kids to do at Grant’s Farm over in Missouri?
Grant’s Farm is a historic park, and the bison and the deer and the goats all live out on the land there. The tram rides carry you through the park, and the kids can feed the animals. There is a playground on the site as well for them to use. Go early.
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