Quick Guide to the Top 3 Family Destinations in Missouri

I was raised in Kansas City, and now I’m raising my young kids here. Over the years I’ve seen a LOT of the state of Missouri. I can confidently say (from both the perspective of a child AND a parent) that Missouri has some fantastic destinations for families.

I’ve highlighted below the three BEST areas for families in Missouri. I’ve listed attractions you DON’T want to miss, others to add to your itinerary if time allows, and of course where you should EAT!

Through Place & Thyme is not sponsored by or affiliated with any of these organizations; I’m just sharing our personal recommendations to help plan your next family trip!

When to visit Missouri?

Generally, I’d steer clear of vacationing during the brutal winter months of January and February. Everything looks dead and those bitter winter winds can STING (although you do get mild weeks here and there).

Most of the spring months, though, are warm enough! These cities lend themselves to a mix of indoor/outdoor activities. April, May and June are IDEAL because the weather is warm but not miserable — yet. Missouri is a great spring break destination!

In July and August it can be brutal to be outdoors for too long (don’t get me started on the mosquitos). However, September and October provide beautiful foliage and temperatures while still offering the benefit of attending baseball games. November is hit or miss temperature wise, so less recommended.

Missouri goes all out for Christmas (especially Kansas City and Silver Dollar City) so December could actually be another great time to visit Missouri, depending on what you’re wanting to do and see.

1. Branson & Springfield (Southern Missouri)

Branson and Springfield are both way down in southern Missouri, aaaaalmost down to Arkansas. The two cities are 45 minutes apart from each other, but in my mind they are grouped together because we often visit both on the same week or weekend. I’ve written before all about Silver Dollar City (in my mind, the crowning jewel of Branson– especially for families). Read our Silver Dollar City guide for young families and all about the best foods inside the theme park.

Don’t Miss:

1. Silver Dollar City Theme Park– so much fun!! (Branson)
2. Wonders of Wildlife Aquarium– pricy, but very well done! (Springfield)
3. Table Rock Lake State Park (boating/hiking/cabins)
4. family-friendly entertainment (ie: Dolly Parton Stampede dinner show or the Hughes Brothers Concert)

If You Have Time:

1. Branson Landing Shopping District
2. Butterfly Palace (our young kids enjoyed this)
3. go-karts
4. Titanic Museum (educational and memorable replica for the exterior!)

You MUST eat this:

1. Lambert’s Home of the Throwed Rolls
2. Skillets (Silver Dollar City)
3. Clarabelle’s Cinnamon Bread (Silver Dollar City)

I was really tempted not to include Lambert’s Home of the Throwed Rolls on this list for fear of making long wait times EVEN longer! However, it would be deceitful NOT to include it as one of the most unique (and fun!) family friendly dining experiences in all of Missouri. They really do throw rolls to you. The best.

Kansas City

This midwest city is a great weekend destination for a family! It’s my hometown, so perhaps I’m a bit biased…but Kansas City has a rich history, tons of museums, train-related everything, high-ranking professional sports teams, barbecue restaurants, and some excellent children’s destinations… what’s not to love?

Don’t Miss:

1. Crown Center (SEALIFE & Legoland Discover Center & Kaleidescope; The entire area is very magical at Christmastime; shop at the Crayola store & eat ice cream @ Sheridan’s Frozen Custard)
2. Union Station lobby & model trains/ View from WW1 Memorial & tour Science City + hop on the streetcar down to the City Market
3. A KC sporting event (Go KC Chiefs & Go Royals!)
4. Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead (best for children 8 & under)

If You Have Time:

1. Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium
2. Worlds of Fun Theme Park (+ Oceans of Fun Water Park if visiting in summer)
3. Country Club Plaza (the City of Fountains shopping district with Spanish architecture; unique but not especially kid-friendly)
4. Meadowbrook Park (Prairie Village- park website here)

You MUST Eat This:

1. Kansas City BBQ (Joe’s Kansas City BBQ, Jack Stack Barbecue, and Q39 are our personal favorites)
2. Fritz’s Railroad Restaurant (all about the theming here- my kids love this one; trains bring your food)
3. Meddy’s (a DELICIOUS casual Mediterranean place with hummus that you’ll still be talking about weeks later)
4. BRGR (feeling burgers? Here you’ll find trendy delicious twists on traditional American dishes. Get the “totchos”)
5. Need something sweet? Read my guide to the best Kansas City Ice Cream HERE.

St. Louis

Ah, the Gateway to the West! St. Louis is a historic and beloved city. I have so many memories of coming here while growing up, and my own family recently enjoyed it as well! Whether you want to see the Cardinals play, hit up the kid-favorite City Museum, or go up in the iconic Arch, you can’t really go wrong here. St. Louis is bursting with high-quality (yet FREE of charge!) activities for families. Check it out!

Don’t Miss:

1. The St. Louis Gateway Arch National Park & Museum (This is a national monument and a must-see in my opinion; the museum is very well done as well).
2. City Museum (This has won all sorts of awards; get ready to chase your children through a MASSIVE indoor/outdoor playground for all ages)
3. St. Louis Zoo (free admission! And often ranked highly amongst national zoos; emphasis on conservation)

If You Have Time:

1. Saint Louis Science Center (Also free! Closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays)
2. Grant’s Farm (Free! but parking is $16; President Grant’s historic farm, famous for the Clydesdale horses but there’s a LOT offered here)
3. Busch Stadium to watch the St. Louis Cardinals play baseball (if it’s the right season)

Eat This:

1. Imo’s Pizza– St. Louis-style pizza and toasted ravioli. (SO GOOD)
2. Ted Drewes Custard– a favorite amongst visitors AND locals
3. Old Spaghetti Factory (national chain but a family favorite, and these 2 St.Louis locations are only ones you’ll find in all of Missouri)

Honorable mentions for other Missouri Family Destinations:

• Hannibal, MO (Mark Twain hometown; ride a riverboat on the Mississippi & tour his home!)
• Marceline, MO (boyhood hometown of Walt Disney; fun for big Disney fans to see the inspiration for Main Street U.S.A. + a nice museum)

That wraps up our Top 3 Missouri Family Destinations!

What would you add to this list?? Have you been to any of these great family destinations in Missouri??

Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!

And check out these related articles:

Cover Photo of the Swings at Grand Exposition (my favorite Silver Dollar City ride!) by David Ballew on Unsplash