My favorite time of the year, SUMMER, is right around the corner. The kids are counting down the days until the end of the school year, meanwhile I’m planning fun things to do while they’re on vacation. You know travel will be at the top of my list, right? Summer is the perfect time to explore a new place (or two or three) and I intend to make this summer of exploration a great one! Whether it’s a trip abroad or here in the states; we are always ready for our next travel adventure. 
Ever since I heard about their delicious bar-b-q, St. Louis has been on my bucket list. You guys know I’m a huge foodie, and bar-b-q is this Texas Girl’s weakness! But bar-b-q isn’t the only thing I wanna experience in St. Louis; I’ve put together a little list & want to share it with you.
St. Louis Top 5
- Go on a journey of scientific discovery at the St. Louis Science Center. Find out what it’s like to venture out into the wild, journey under the sea or fly high up in the air at the four-story Omnimax Theater, a film experience unlike any other. See a thrilling space show at the Planetarium, one of nation’s leading space education facilities. Younger children will enjoy the Discovery Room filled with interactive exhibits and experiments, and visitors of all ages can explore over 700 hands-on displays including a life-sized animatronic Tyrannosaurus Rex.
- Take a stroll through the Missouri Botanical Garden. This one is ALL me! Explore 79 acres of lush gardens, landscape architecture, greenhouses and conservatories at the oldest Botanical Garden in the United States. Wander through collections of botanical and horticultural plants among beautiful fountains and statuary. Visit the Climatron for a real rainforest experience featuring magnificent waterfalls, tropical birds and exotic plants like bananas, cacao, coffee trees and orchids. Other points of interest include the serene Japanese garden and the interactive and educational Children’s Garden.
- Experience art in the fresh air at Citygarden, a fusion of sculpture and landscape architecture. Another of my favorites, art! Citygarden is an urban oasis featuring works of modern and contemporary art, native plants, six rain gardens and a café overlooking the beautiful scene. Or discover the stunning Laumeier Sculpture Park with over 70 outdoor sculptures, a music amphitheater for special events and a traveling series of exhibitions. Chesterfield boasts an impressive collection of outdoor art including the recently added sculpture “The Awakening,” a 70-foot statue of a giant embedded in the earth.
- Embrace spirituality through creative expression by visiting Saint Louis University’s Museum of Contemporary Religious Art. (MOCRA), a venue committed to peaceful interfaith dialogue and understanding. Take in the beauty of one of the largest mosaic collections (I love mosaics!) in the western hemisphere inside the spectacular Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis or see the historic Old Cathedral and St. Ferdinand Shrine, both constructed in the early 19th century with ties to the oldest Catholic congregation in St. Louis. Across the river, attend mass, walk the grounds and have a delicious meal at the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows.
- The one you’ve all been waiting for: Eat All The Things! Don’t miss the opportunity to try some of the city’s tastiest (and unique) treats. Munch on a slice of delectable St. Louis-style thin crust pizza smothered in Provel cheese and then pick up a mouth-watering gooey butter cake (the most delicious accident ever created). Snack on scrumptious deep-fried toasted ravioli at one of the many dining establishments on The Hill, a quaint St. Louis neighborhood famous for Italian cuisine. And to top it all off, satisfy your sweet tooth at Ted Drewes with some signature frozen custard.
This is just a tiny smidgen of all the family-fun adventures that await you in St. Louis! Aren’t you ready to book your flight? I know I am. But wait! I know you guys LOVE a good GIVEAWAY, right?! Well, I’ve got a doozy for you!
It’s the #FunnestFamily Contest!
One Lucky Winner will receive:
- A two-night stay at a St. Louis area hotel
- Tickets to several St. Louis attractions for the whole family
- A $50 Visa gift card
Enter for a chance to win by sharing your family’s most fun (funnest!) picture or video with hashtag #FunnestFamily on Instagram, Twitter or on the Explore St. Louis Facebook page. Contest Ends 6/30/2016. One entry per person. (contest over.)
Oh, and here’s a little video showing you some of the other fun, family activities that St. Louis has to offer, enjoy!
photo credit: All St. Louis photos courtesy of ExploreStLouis.com
