It doesn’t have to cost a lot of money to have a good time. I went to St. Louis this week to see my sister and her family who were visiting from Austin, Texas. She and her husband had recently adopted 2 young boys and we were meeting them for the first time. Went to the Cards game on Tuesday, then to the zoo Wednesday, and it got me thinking. With gas prices the way they are, a couple of days, or just one day, in St. Louis can be a fairly inexpensive getaway for a family. Okay, I know tickets to a Cardinals game can run a few bucks, but the St. Louis Zoo is free. Yes, there are some events inside the zoo that do charge for admission, but you don’t have to go to them, plus there’s so much to do and see that doesn’t cost a dime. And…you never know what you’ll end up experiencing. We saw a baby giraffe that was only 4 days old. The little guy already weighs 143 pounds and is over 6 feet tall! Check out video of him courtesy of St. Louis’ KSDK-TV. We also got water splashed on us by a beautiful King Penguin at Penguin Cove - I think he had happy feet. Then, we took a relaxing ride on an old-fashioned carousel – okay, this one does cost $2 (kids 2 & under free) but the money goes to help the animals.
It’s tough for families these days, but there are a lot of fun things to do within a 2-hour drive of
Clear Country that really doesn’t cost that much and is well worth the drive.
Here’s my MasterCard commercial after my day at the zoo…
Gas to St. Louis & back…$70.
Riding the carousel with my two new nephews…$6.
Seeing a 4-day old giraffe experience a new world…priceless!
Got any tips for families wanting to explore Missouri without it costing an arm and a leg?
Post them here.
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Lori Trusty
You are right there are some inexpensive things to do in St. Louis or just about anywhere in Missouri. I know it sounds funny for a family trip, but the Budweiser plant also gives free tours and offer a (small) sample at the end of the tour. There are soft drinks or beers to try. They limit the size and number you can get (used to be two small cups of beer) but you would be surprised at the history, not to mention the architecture around the Budweiser campus. If you are lucky you might even see a Clydsdale or two or even a dalmation!
Teresa Davis
Great suggestion Lori. The Budweiser tour is very cool and it’s a way to see the Clydesdales up close – might even see a colt. Another place is Grants Farm also owned by A-B (or should I say InBev – no!!!). It’s free too. Here’s a link http://www.grantsfarm.com/
Wendy
I recently took my son on a weekend at the Lake of the Ozarks. We camped at Bull Run Bluffs, just West of Camdenton. They had a swimming pool, lake access, and really nice people. Then we explored Ha Ha Tonka State park, which was lovely. It is only about 10 minutes from the campground. Lots of hiking on easy, paved trails. There are the ruins of an old castle overlooking the lake. Lots of cool stuff. Park rangers were friendly and helpful. And it is free! On our way home we visited Bridal Cave, just North of Camdenton. It was an excellent time. The total cost of food, camp, cave, and gas was less than $100. And we had a half tank of gas when we got home. Can’t beat that!
kim
We recently went with family to Rudolph Bennett State Park. We took the horses, campers, and tents. We live in Moberly, so it was just 15 minutes from home, ( which is handy if you forgot something or needed something). They have some rocky trails that are really nice for the horses or for walking. Just watch where you step…:) They have an awesome lake for fishing and a firing range too. There is no fee for camping. There is a tavern/restaurant just up the road from the campsite and I think a live bank every Saturday night. I think there is a cover to go and listen to the band, but they ususally play so loud, you can hear the band all throughout the campground. Just sit around the campfire with a brewsky and friends and your horses…oh, I hear a Toby Keith song there….lol Check it out some weekend. Very cool place to go. You can’t go wrong with FREE. Rudolph Bennett is located off of highway 63. Take 22 junction to centrailia, but turn left at top of exit and follow road til you see signs. I think it’s on Route T. You might google to double check.
deb
i wish i knew someone with a time share at like branson, that’d be awesome.