FTF's guide to the many popular attractions this entertaining city has to offer.

Many of the most family-friendly attractions in St. Louis are located in Forest Park, one of the largest (over 1,200 acres) and loveliest urban parks in America. And, best for the vacation budget, most of them are free of charge! Please click Animal Magnetism, to access Family Travel Forum's story about all the great animal attractions in St. Louis. For information on lodging and dining and other attractions, visit www.explorestlouis.com or call 800/916-0092.

The Saint Louis Art Museum
One Fine Arts Drive – Forest Park
St. Louis, MO 63110
314/721-0072
With the slogan “Dedicated to Art and Free to All,” America’s first publicly-funded art museum is housed in the Fine Arts Palace of the 1904 World’s Fair, and offers an extensive collection of 30,000 objects from the ancient world through contemporary times.

Saint Louis Science Center
5050 Oakland Avenue – Forest Park
St. Louis, MO 63110
800/456-7572, 314/289-4400
Explore all aspects of science from aviation to ecology, dinosaurs to technology, in this exciting hands-on museum/playground. Visit a space station at the James S. McDonnell Planetarium, watch an Omnimax movie and take a ride on the human transporter, the Segway, a really fun way to get around that even grandparents can enjoy.

Union Station Shops
1820 Market St
Market Street between 18th and 20th Streets
St. Louis, MO 63103
314/421-6655
For a period of time during its first life (1894 to 1978), the St. Louis Union Station boasted the reputation of being the largest and busiest railroad station in the world. Restored and re-opened in 1985, it is enjoying its new life as a shopping, dining and entertainment complex, while maintaining its grand architecture. Shop and dine in national chains and local specialty stores and restaurants. The station also houses the Hyatt Regency St. Louis Hotel (314 231-1234).

Six Flags St Louis
Exit 261 of I-44 (SW of St. Louis in Eureka)
636/938-4800
Thrill and chills await families every summer at this combination theme and water park where the whole family will have fun and excitement. Looney Tunes Town is geared towards the littlest visitors.

City Cycling Tours
314/616-5724
Get in some exercise while sightseeing in Forest Park and throughout the city. Bikes and helmets are provided and the guided tours are informative and fun. Reservations strongly suggested.

Raging Rivers WaterPark
100 Palisades Pkwy.
Grafton, IL 62037
Phone: (618) 786-2345
Forty Minutes from St. Louis along the scenic Great River lies a slippery sensation of great fun for the kids. Whirl around in the giant wave pool or twist and turn in a double body flume encircling the natural hills and contours of the endless river that’s more than 500 feet. Or, if you opt for a less thrilling ride splash around in the itty bitty surf city pool, where they can enjoy pint sized water slides, kid friendly waves and a fountain mountain family interactive area. Open Memorial Day - Labor Day. All Day Splash: guest fees, $14.95-$17.95, children under 2, free; PM Splash (after 3 p.m.): guest fees, $10.95-$13.95.

Steinberg Rink
Forest Park
400 Jefferson Dr.
St. Louis, MO 63110
Phone: (314) 367-7465
The Steinberg skating rink has been a St. Louis tradition for more than 52 years. Every holiday season from Nov. 13 to Feb. 28, 2010 families are welcome to glide around the circular arena and experience the enchantment of this inviting ambiance. Also, after you and your family tire from the skating experience, you can relax at the Steinberg café which has a full menu and also serves beer and wine. Skating fees are $6.50 for adults and $5.50 for children 12 and under. The fee is for the entire day. Skate rental is $3.