Family-Friendly Things to Do in St. Charles, MO
Whether you’re visiting St. Charles with an energetic toddler eager to run around a park or a sports-savvy teen looking for competitive fun, planning a family vacation is easy. With a variety of family-friendly attractions and kid-friendly restaurants, there are plenty of things to do with kids in St. Charles. Our guide breaks down the best hotels for families, kid-friendly parks in St. Charles, and seasonal events for toddlers and teens alike.
Best Hotels for Families
Many hotels in St. Charles have spacious accommodations for families. Country Inn & Suites features comfortable accommodations for young travelers and is within convenient walking distance of St. Charles Historic District, where you’ll find more than 120 shops and restaurants.
Local guest houses offer a home-away-from-home, while campsites, RV parks, and cabins have quiet surroundings and scenery perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and families who love camping.
Best Restaurants for Kids
If you’re on a mission to find the best restaurants for kids, St. Charles has a diverse array of dining options that even the pickiest eaters will enjoy. At Salt + Smoke Barbecue, enjoy award-winning barbecue and an ample kids’ menu with sandwiches, meals, and desserts. There’s even a gluten-free and allergen menu for families accommodating allergies.
Lewis and Clark’s Restaurant is housed in a historic building on Main Street with indoor and outdoor patio dining. You’ll find a variety of kid- and teen-approved meals, such as burgers, pasta, quesadillas, and of course, house-made desserts and towering ice cream sundaes.
Bakeries and Sweet Shops
A family vacation isn’t complete without a visit to a bakery or sweet shop to satisfy a sweet tooth. At Grandma’s Cookies, stock up on a few (or a few dozen) cookies ranging in flavor from snickerdoodle to M&M, or enjoy classic mouthwatering soft chocolate chip cookies.
SugarBot Sweet Shop neatly displays jars of candies full of childhood classics and twists on old favorites. Riverside Sweets is a must for chocolate lovers, where you can watch fudge made in real time. At Kilwins, grab an ice cream cone with sprinkles, or pop in to Sugar & Slice Bakery for a delectable array of colorful baked goods, desserts, and grab-and-go sweet treats.
Museums and Indoor Fun
One of the best family-friendly things to do in St. Charles, MO, in any season is to visit one of the many historical museums in the area. Kids and teens who love airplanes can see World War II-era planes in real life at Commemorative Air Force - Missouri Wing Museum, while car enthusiasts of all ages can take Instagram-worthy photos at Fast Lane Classic Cars.
At Climb So iLL, find an indoor climbing gym with a dedicated climbing space for younger kids. Of course, you can never go wrong with a movie day in theaters, especially on a rainy day.
Fun Outdoor Activities for Families
No matter what time of year you visit St. Charles, a diverse array of fun outdoor activities for families awaits. Katy Trail State Park is a favorite family-friendly outdoor attraction with 240 miles of picturesque trails for cycling, hiking, and walking adventures. (You can rent bikes at Bike Stop Cafe or Juiced Wheels!) Kids can also run and play to their hearts’ content at St. Charles Playgrounds.
Does your family love pickleball? Be sure to add Chicken N Pickle to your itinerary, an indoor and outdoor entertainment complex with pickleball courts, yard games, and lounge chairs.
Family-Friendly Festivals and Events
One of the best times for a family getaway to St. Charles is during a holiday. Get into the Halloween spirit at the kid-friendly Legends & Lanterns® in October, or soak up Christmas magic at St. Charles Christmas Traditions® in December. Book your stay early and enjoy an idyllic holiday experience, or visit St. Charles year-round for family fun in any season.
