Missouri state parks charge no admission (as printed by Missouri State Parks), 26 of the parks and sites we cover list swimming, and the Gateway Arch has a free Junior Ranger program.
Start here when you are planning with children. Every list below links to a page that names each place and its official page. We do not rate places by age; check the official page for what fits your kids.
Water Days
See state parks for swimming, fishing and boating and paddling. Swimming areas have their own rules; read the beach rule on our dog page and the park’s official page.
Caves and Tours
Ten parks list caves and 21 list tours. Admission is free at state parks, but cave tours have fees (as printed by Missouri State Parks). See state parks with caves, tours and our cave guide.
Junior Ranger at Gateway Arch
The National Park Service says the Arch and the Old Courthouse each have a free Junior Ranger activity book and a unique badge. Pick one up at the Arch visitor center or in the Old Courthouse rotunda. The page says books cannot be mailed, and it sets no age limit: programs are “designed for kids and their families,” and people of all ages are welcome. Questions: Education Department, 314-655-1658. Official page: Junior Ranger, Gateway Arch National Park.
Zoos, Gardens and Family Attractions
Rainy Days and Holidays
See rainy day things to do and Missouri holiday events, including the light shows and train rides on our calendar.
Staying Overnight
Sixteen state parks offer cabins, yurts or motel rooms: see where to stay.
What We Could Not Verify
- Ages, heights and stroller access for each place: not on the pages we read.
- A Missouri State Parks Junior Ranger program: we did not find one on the official pages we searched; the Arch program is the National Park Service’s.
- Prices change. Confirm each on the official page before you go.
More Ways to Plan
Questions People Ask
Are Missouri state parks free?
Admission is free; camping, cabins, boat rentals and cave tours have fees (as printed by Missouri State Parks).
Is the Junior Ranger program free?
The Arch activity books are free, according to the National Park Service page.
Sources
- Gateway Arch National Park: Junior Ranger
- Missouri State Parks: find a park
- Missouri State Parks: Lodging
Checked November 1, 2026 by It’s Missouri. Cite this page: It’s Missouri (https://itsmissouri.com/visit/with-kids/), checked November 1, 2026. Free to quote with a link.