Things To Do With Kids in St. Charles

St. Charles isn’t just history lessons — although we do have plenty! This riverside city is packed with parks, play places, and delicious, kid-friendly restaurants that make us as kid-friendly as they come. Plus, if you’re looking for things to do with kids in St. Charles, the area is home to plenty of fun events for the entire family.

Dining and Restaurants

Looking for kid-friendly restaurants? On Main Street, you'll find barbecues, cafes, and bakeries that believe the way to a kid’s heart is through their taste buds. Classic STL Barbecue can be found at Salt & Smoke, located in the heart of South Main Street. Salt & Smoke has some of the fastest restaurant service on the street! Crayons and coloring sheets are also provided…just in case fast isn’t fast enough. 

Bike Stop Café, located adjacent to Main Street & Frontier Park, serves sandwiches, salads, and other healthy eats. Check out their Katy Trail Bike rental service for a popular, family-fun excursion.

After an exciting day of exploring, the kiddos will love a sweet treat to top off the festivities. Grandma’s Cookies is just as good as an actual visit to your own Grandma’s kitchen. The small shop on Main Street sells delicious cookies in a variety of flavors, from traditional warm and gooey chocolate chip to seasonal delights like ginger spice. Stop by SugarBot Creamery for an old-time soda fountain with a modern twist. Find scratch-made ice cream, baked goods, and novelties, including freeze-dried candy. If you want a treat to share, be sure to try a monthly Main Street Monster!  

Or grab a cone at one of our other local ice cream shops — Main Street has no less than FIVE! We also have plenty of additional bakeries and sweet shops throughout the city that will no doubt satisfy even the sweetest of teeth.

Parks and Trails

Missouri is known for its intricate parks system, and there are more than 40 parks in St. Charles, MO, between the City and County combined. Let your kids run & play to their hearts’ content at St. Charles Playgrounds (like Vogt Brothers Park or Fox Hill Park), or try a family bonding hike at a local trail.

Katy Trail State Park is a favorite outdoor attraction in the St. Charles area. The Katy Trail spans nearly 240 miles across the state, offering trail-goers picturesque views along the way. Open to cycling, hiking, walking, and beyond, the trail is the perfect place for a casual ride or stroll. Keep your camera or smartphone handy because there’s plenty of wildlife for kids to spot and discover as you make your way down a section of the Katy Trail.

Musical Events

St. Charles is a vibrant hub for live music. From outdoor family-friendly festivals to seasonal concert series, the entire family will love singing and grooving to the sounds of the city (and its top local talent).

The Music on Main concert series takes place from May to September on the third Wednesday of the month. Bring a lawn chair to this free outdoor concert on Main Street, which also offers food and beverages available for purchase. Or catch the local municipal band playing along the scenic Missouri riverfront.

The Beale Street Concert Series is another family favorite that promises a great time for all ages. This popular summer concert series offers everything from rock to blues to jazz — and best of all — the concerts are free to attend. Nearby, you’ll also find top local food vendors selling their best dishes for the entire family to try.

Indoor Activities

Looking for something hands-on and indoors? At Play Street Museum on Beale Street, parents can feel at ease letting their little ones loose to grocery shop, fight fires (in full gear, of course), and even open up their own veterinary clinic at this immersive play space. Always-creative crafts are constantly refreshed and pre-set for easy assemblage. The best part? You don’t have to clean up afterward!

If you have an adventurous little one, treat them to a day at Climb so iLL! This indoor climbing gym is home to the Gravity Lab: a climbing space that features 20-foot tall towers, tall walls full of obstacles, and even a giant boulder that you can slide down once conquered. Unique challenges keep kids moving as they reach new heights and build confidence with every climb.

Whatever your little ones’ interests may be, St. Charles has something for the entire family to enjoy. Complete your visit with one (or several) of these kid-friendly activities for the perfect weekend in the St. Charles area.