Itinerary question

Question

We are coming to St. Louis for 3 nights at the end of June. It will be my husband and I with our 15 and 13 year old kids. Here is our itinerary:

Day 1- Arrive in town around 1:00- stop by Budweiser for a tour. After, head to the Hill to walk around and get an early dinner/late lunch. Check into hotel (we're staying at the Fairfield Inn Downtown). Walk to Union Station.

Day 2- Drive to see the Cathedral Basilica. Return car to hotel and walk through downtown towards the Arch. We plan on stopping at the city garden and sculpture park on the way. Visit the Arch and eat somewhere on our path. That night we are going to the Reds/Cardinals game so we will probably hang out at Ballpark village until gametime.

Day 3- This is where I need some advice. In the morning, we are thinking of either the City Museum or the Zoo. The city museum looks like a great time but it is not cheap. Not sure about the zoo. In the afternoon we are going to head to the Delmar loop. I have down Fitz's and maybe Magic Golf. And we plan on eating either lunch or dinner at Corner 17. Any other suggestions?

Day 4- Get up and drive to Elk Park before driving back home to Cincy.

Does this sound like too much? Not enough? Any other ideas that we haven't hit on. Thanks so much!

Answer

Your St. Louis itinerary looks well-balanced and doable for a family with kids aged 13 and 15. You’ve included a mix of cultural sites, entertainment, and sports, which is great. Here’s some feedback and additional suggestions:

Day 1 – Arrival and evening activities:

Your plan to visit the Budweiser tour after arriving around 1:00 is doable, but keep in mind the tour takes about 1–1.5 hours. Factor in travel time from the airport if needed.
The Hill is a fantastic neighborhood for Italian cuisine and walking around. A late lunch/early dinner here is perfect.
Checking into the Fairfield Inn Downtown and walking to Union Station afterward is reasonable. Union Station has attractions like the St. Louis Aquarium and a historic ambiance, which can be fun even for a short visit.

Day 2 – Cathedral, downtown, Arch, and game:

Driving to the Cathedral Basilica in the morning is straightforward. It’s a beautiful site, and a short visit is usually enough unless you plan to attend a service.
Returning the car and exploring downtown on foot is smart. The Citygarden and Sculpture Park are kid-friendly and photogenic.
The Arch is a must-see. If you plan to go up, consider buying tickets in advance to avoid lines.
Ballpark Village before the game is a lively pre-game spot with restaurants and entertainment. Make sure to allow enough time to get to the stadium, especially on game nights.

Day 3 – Morning options and Delmar Loop:

City Museum: It’s an iconic St. Louis experience, very interactive, and both teens and adults usually love it. Admission is on the pricier side, but it can occupy a large part of the morning or even the day.
St. Louis Zoo: Free admission, and it’s one of the top zoos in the country. If your kids enjoy animals, it’s a great alternative, though it can take a few hours to see everything.

Delmar Loop afternoon plans:

Fitz’s is a fun stop for root beer floats or lunch, especially for teens.
Magic Mini Golf is a fun, light activity, and fits the casual vibe of the Loop.
Corner 17 is a great option for dinner. You might also consider exploring other eateries or casual spots in the Loop depending on timing and hunger levels.
Optional: The Loop has some cool record stores, small boutiques, and music-related attractions if you want extra sightseeing without adding too much time.

Day 4 – Departure:

Driving to Elephant Rocks State Park (I assume “Elk Park” refers to this or a similar natural site) is a nice scenic end to your trip. Factor in time for driving back to Cincinnati.

General tips:

Overall, your itinerary is busy but manageable, especially with teens who generally enjoy interactive or sports-related activities.
Consider the pace on Day 3—choose either City Museum or Zoo in the morning to avoid feeling rushed before heading to the Loop.
Use mobile apps or tickets in advance for popular attractions to save waiting time.
Pack comfortable walking shoes, as downtown and the Loop involve a fair amount of walking.

In summary, your plan is balanced, with a good mix of culture, food, and entertainment. Adjust Day 3’s morning activity based on whether you want more hands-on fun (City Museum) or a slightly more relaxed, budget-friendly morning (Zoo).

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