Bonne Terre Mines
Labeled by National Geographic as one of the "Top 10 Greatest Adventures," the Bonne Terre Mines present five subterranean levels of rare experiences. Tour the underground, illuminated "Billion Gallon Lake," the world's largest freshwater dive resort. Walk the other levels of the mine along the "old mule trails" to see where miners worked in the 1800s. Learn about the past and be amazed by stepping into a new, visually stunning world.
Bonne Terre Mines
Highway 47 and Allen Street
Bonne Terre, MO 63628
(314) 209-7200
2dive.com
Grant's Farm
A country retreat a few minutes south of downtown St. Louis, the 281-acre park is the ancestral home of the Busch family (of Anheuser-Busch beer fame). The park's name stems from former American Civil War general and U.S. president, Ulysses S. Grant, who lived on a portion of the park in the 1850s. Rated by Zagat Survey (in association with Parenting magazine) as one of the "Top Ten Best Family Attractions" in the nation, Grant's Farm combines education with entertainment. Park highlights include a petting zoo, elephant facility, animal shows, carousel, deer park (with free-roaming bison, antelope, zebra and more) and the famous Anheuser-Busch Clydesdale stables. There's also a bonus for parents: The park operates a Bavarian courtyard with complimentary Anheuser-Busch products for sampling. Admission is free, but there is a parking fee.
Grant's Farm
10501 Gravois Road
St. Louis, MO 63123
(314) 843-1700
grantsfarm.com
Johnson's Shut-Ins Natural Area
The product of volcanic eruptions billions of years ago, Johnson's Shut-Ins Natural Area is a 180-acre playground of natural water slides, pools and gorges. The area is surrounded by the larger (8,549 acres) Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park, which features a boulder field, wetlands, a seep forest and two rivers. Hike along three trails to access different areas. Swim in the park's swirling waters, climb unusual rock formations, and slip and splash in nature's water-park.
Johnson's Shut-Ins Natural Area
148 Taum Sauk Trail
Middlebrook, MO 63656
(573) 546-2450
missouristateparks.net/johnson's-shutins-state-park
St. Louis Zoo
St. Louis Zoo earned the distinction as the top zoo in the U.S., by Zagat Survey's "U.S. Family Travel Guide" (in association with Parenting magazine). Located in historic Forest Park (home to the 1904 World's Fair), St. Louis Zoo provides free admission to the approximately 3 million people who visit each year. View and interact with more than 18,000 animals, representing all of the major continents.
Saint Louis Zoo
One Government Drive
St. Louis, MO 63110
(314) 781-0900
stlzoo.org
Silver Dollar City
Nestled in the rolling Ozark hills outside of Branson, Mo., is a theme park where 1880s culture collides with modern roller-coasters. Silver Dollar City takes visitors on an adventure back into the past with an American heritage theme. The park features folk craftsmen and artisans, daily live shows, more than 60 themed shops, hospitable restaurants and numerous attractions and rides (including the thrilling, yet family-friendly "Powder Keg" roller-coaster that launches riders from 0 to 53 mph in 2.8 seconds). The park also hosts numerous festivals during the year, including the National Kids Fest.
Silver Dollar City
399 Silver Dollar City Parkway
Branson, MO 65616
(800) 475-9370
silverdollarcity.com
