12 Best Family-Friendly Attractions in Missouri [for 2023]
Missouri is home to many natural wonders and captivating attractions, making it the perfect destination for families seeking an unforgettable adventure. Whether you have energetic kids or teens who are difficult to please, this state is filled with tons of exciting activities to create memorable memories.
From discovering the breathtaking beauty of national parks to immersing yourself in the vibrant culture of cities like St. Louis and Kansas City, Missouri has it all. Enjoy thrilling amusement parks, visit world-class museums, hike scenic hiking trails, or take a memorable riverboat cruise.
With a wide range of family-friendly options, Missouri guarantees an engaging and gratifying vacation for everyone. You can make your vacation one to remember with our list of the best family-friendly attractions in Missouri.
1. Branson’s Titanic Museum Attraction
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The Titanic Museum in Branson, Missouri is undoubtedly one of the best family-friendly attractions in Missouri. Unlike any other museum in Mississippi, this unique attraction will captivate you from the moment you arrive.
The exterior of the museum is designed to resemble the majestic Titanic, making it an impressive sight to behold. Step inside, and a host of fascinating exhibits will greet you. With over 400 authentic artifacts from Titanic, the museum provides a truly immersive experience.
Tourists can even touch actual icebergs and walk the sloping deck, allowing them to feel a part of the ship’s history. Interactive activities engage kids and make learning fun.
The museum’s close proximity to Missouri’s top family hotels ensures convenience for you. Suitable for children ages 3 to 12, the Titanic Museum in Branson promises an informative and entertaining visit the whole family will enjoy.
2. Middlebrook’s Johnson Shut-ins State Park
Johnson Shut-Ins State Park is a great destination for families with children of all ages who are looking for an unforgettable nature vacation in Missouri. The park offers a range of affordable and enjoyable outdoor activities for teens, children, and adults alike.
From swimming facilities perfect for cooling off on hot summer days to beautiful hiking trails to explore, the park offers a wide variety of experiences. Your kids will not only have fun, but they will also have the opportunity to learn about geography through the park’s educational programs.
With tons of kid-friendly activities, Johnson Shut-Ins State Park is the perfect summer destination for families who want both a fun and educational experience in nature.
3. Saint Louis Zoo, located in Saint Louis
The St. Louis Zoo in Missouri is a great destination for kids of all ages. With over 19,000 species under observation, it offers an unforgettable experience. Renowned as one of the best zoos in America, it houses impressive exhibits such as River’s Edge, where you can encounter a wide variety of animals.
From majestic lions to charming zebras and giant apes, there is something to captivate every child’s imagination. Best of all, admission to the zoo is completely free, making it an affordable and exciting option for families looking for fun activities to do in Missouri.
4. Kansas City’s LEGOLAND Discovery Center
One of the best family-friendly attractions to plan a visit to when it’s raining in Missouri is the Legoland Discovery Center. This indoor wonderland is home to a range of exciting activities for children aged 3 to 12 years. Upon entering the Discovery Center, families can be immersed in awe-inspiring and colorful LEGO masterpieces.
It’s a great opportunity for kids to explore their creativity and build their own Lego structures. And they can also head out on the exciting Kingdom Quest laser ride to stun the trolls or enjoy one of the many captivating 4D movies available. Legoland Discovery Center is the best destination in Missouri for families looking for rainy-day fun.
5. Macon’s Long Branch Beach State Park
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When it comes to visiting a family-friendly beach, Long Branch Beach is one of the best destinations in Missouri. Although Missouri isn’t the first place that comes to mind for a beach vacation, this island state surprises you with its diverse array of beaches that are perfect for swimming and relaxing.
Long Branch Beach, in particular, offers a paradise for sun-seekers with its stunning sandy beach. Families of all ages can enjoy a variety of activities such as kayaking or hiking along the park’s scenic trails. With an abundance of fun and family-friendly attractions, Long Branch Beach is one of the best family-friendly attractions in Missouri.
6. Eureka at Six Flags St. Louis
Six Flags in St. Louis is a remarkable destination packed with activities and attractions suitable for both kids and adults. With its thrilling, long, wild, and serene beaches, it promises a thrilling experience for adventure enthusiasts.
However, the park also caters to younger guests with plenty of children’s rides, ensuring that kids who aren’t ready for high-speed thrills can still have a great time. From the classic Ferris wheel and foghorn to the Leghorn National Park Railway to kid-friendly carousels, there are plenty of options for family fun.
This along with the proximity of the park to various family resorts makes it a convenient option for a memorable holiday. Offering something for guests of all ages, Six Flags over St. Louis is undoubtedly one of Missouri’s most exciting and family-friendly attractions.
7. Kansas City’s Science Center at Union Station
One of the best family-friendly attractions in Missouri is the Science Center, which offers a variety of entertaining and educational activities for babies and toddlers. This indoor attraction provides an immersive experience where children can engage in hands-on exploration, sparking their curiosity and fostering a love of science.
With interactive exhibits, educational programs, and exciting exhibits, the science center caters to the needs of children ages 3 to 12. It is the perfect place for the whole family to enjoy a day of learning, discovery, and entertainment. Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity to inspire young minds and create lasting memories.
8. Saint Louis Grant’s Farm
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Grant’s Farm, a beloved attraction since 1954, boasts a wide range of family-friendly activities that are appropriate for children of all ages. One of the main attractions is Grant’s Cabin and Deer Park, which is home to several animal species. You can see and interact with the animals here, making for a memorable experience.
The Tiergarten is another must-visit area where families can enjoy animal shows, feed goats and parrots, take a camel ride, and experience the thrill of a carousel ride. And kids will be delighted to see zebras, antelope, camels, lemurs, bison, and other animals roaming freely in the park. Grant’s Farm promises an exciting and educational adventure for kids of all ages.
9. Hannibal’s Mark Twain Cave
Mark Twain Cavern is one of the best family-friendly attractions in Missouri. This unique subterranean escape is a fascinating experience for children aged six and above. Unlike other caves, the Mark Twain cave has smooth walkways that are perfect for kids to explore.
Accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, your family can marvel at the breathtaking beauty of the cave formations and gleaming diamonds. As you go deeper into the cave, the guide will entertain you with amusing anecdotes about Mark Twain Cave and the surrounding area. This fun and educational adventure is sure to appeal to both kids and adults alike.
10. Linn Creek’s Big Surf Waterpark
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Big Surf Waterpark in Missouri is a great destination for the whole family, offering plenty of fun. This exciting waterpark has meandering rivers, thrilling water features, and thrilling rapid waterslides, ensuring that there is something for everyone to enjoy.
With a wide range of activities and attractions, Big Surf Waterpark caters to the needs of children of all ages, making it an ideal choice for families with young children or adventurous teenagers.
From little kids to adventurous teenagers, everyone will have a blast and create lasting memories at this action-packed waterpark.
11. State Park Ha Ha Tonka
Ha Ha Tonka State Park is truly one of the best family-friendly attractions in Missouri. Located along the picturesque Lake of the Ozarks, this park brings together a unique experience for children ages six and up. The highlight of the park is the remains of the charming stone castle, which is sure to capture the imagination of young guests.
In addition to the castle, the park has a plethora of natural wonders, including sinkholes, caves, mountain peaks, and a breathtaking natural rock bridge.
Families can go on adventure hikes, explore the park’s diverse ora and fauna, and enjoy picnics surrounded by the park’s stunning views. Ha Ha Tonka State Park is the ideal destination for a memorable and educational family outing.
12. Branson’s Silver Dollar City
Silver Dollar City in Missouri is a great place for kids of all ages. This theme park offers thrilling rides and traditional amusement park entertainment that will delight everyone in your group. The park has a unique 19th-century atmosphere, which makes you feel like you have stepped back in time.
Whether you are scrambling on a thrilling roller coaster or exploring the handmade sweets sold by various vendors and shops, there is constant entertainment and excitement for all ages. From young children to teenagers and adults, Silver Dollar City guarantees a fun-filled experience for the whole family.