05 Sep 6 Fun Ways to Explore Gateway Arch National Park with Kids

If you’re looking for a family outing in St. Louis that’s both fun and educational, Gateway Arch National Park is a perfect pick. Whether it’s your child’s first time or you’re keeping up a long-standing family tradition, the Arch offers something for every generation. And with the park’s recent updates, there are now even more ways for kids to play, learn, and discover history.

Why Families Love the Arch

Generations of St. Louis families have made the Arch part of their story. Grandparents may recall watching the monument being built, parents remember their first tram ride to the top, and kids today are experiencing the park in new and interactive ways. With the Arch’s 60th anniversary right around the corner, there’s never been a better time to make new memories.

6 Must-Do Activities for Kids at Gateway Arch National Park

1. Ride the Tram to the Top
   Taking the tram 630 feet in the air is a bucket-list experience for every St. Louis kid. From the top, you’ll get unbeatable views of the city and Mississippi River.

2. Explore the Museum at the Gateway Arch
   Dive into more than 200 years of history through hands-on exhibits. Kids can learn about westward expansion, St. Louis’ role in U.S. history, and more.

3. Step Back in Time with Virtual Reality
   The 1850s St. Louis Riverfront comes alive in the park’s Virtual Reality Theater—perfect for kids who love technology and storytelling.

4. Check Out the Arch Store
   Souvenirs are always a hit! Let your child pick a keepsake to remember their visit, from books and puzzles to Arch-themed toys.

5. Visit the Old Courthouse
   Recently renovated, the Old Courthouse lets kids sit in recreated 1850s courtrooms and even hold a gavel. It’s a fun way to connect with local history.

6. Earn a Junior Ranger Badge – Through games and challenges, kids can become Junior Rangers—an engaging way to learn while exploring both the Arch and Old Courthouse.

30 Fascinating Facts About the Gateway Arch

Impress your kids with these fun tidbits about St. Louis’ most famous landmark:

• The Arch is 630 feet tall and 630 feet wide at its base.

• It’s the tallest man-made monument in the Western Hemisphere.

• The Arch can sway up to 18 inches in strong winds.

• Construction started in 1963 and finished in 1965.

• Despite the risks, no workers died during construction.

• Its stainless steel surface reflects the sky—making for stunning photos.

• The tram system was uniquely designed to fit the Arch’s curve.

• There may be a time capsule hidden inside the Arch!

• President Dwight D. Eisenhower was the only U.S. president to ride the tram to the top.

• The Arch was officially dedicated in 1968.

(And that’s just the beginning—there are dozens more fascinating details for your kids to discover during your visit.)

Family-Friendly Spots Near the Arch

One of the best things about visiting the Arch is its location in downtown St. Louis—close to tons of family-friendly attractions and restaurants. Here are a few local favorites to make your day complete:

• The Old Spaghetti Factory – Just minutes from the Arch, this whimsical restaurant is a hit with kids, thanks to its trolley car seating and kid-approved pasta dishes.

• Fitz’s Root Beer (Laclede’s Landing) – A St. Louis classic where kids can sip on house-made root beer floats while watching the bottling line in action.

• Kiener Plaza Splash Pad – Let the kids cool off and play in the fountains, only a short walk from the Arch grounds.

• Ballpark Village – If your family loves baseball, grab a bite here and enjoy the Cardinals-themed fun, located just a few blocks away.

• Sweet Treats – Head over to Clementine’s Naughty & Nice Creamery in Lafayette Square (a quick drive) for small-batch ice cream that kids (and parents) will love.

Make the Arch Part of Your Family Tradition

Whether it’s your child’s first tram ride or your tenth trip as a family, Gateway Arch National Park is a St. Louis experience that never gets old. Between its interactive museum, new renovations, and fascinating history, there’s always something new to explore.

So pack up the kids, grab a picnic blanket, and make a day of it—you’ll be creating memories that last a lifetime at one of St. Louis’ most iconic landmarks.

The Gateway Arch National Park is more than just an iconic St. Louis landmark—it’s a place where history, adventure, and family fun come together. From tram rides to the top, hands-on museum exhibits, and Junior Ranger challenges, there’s something to inspire every age. Whether you’re exploring the grounds, learning fun facts about its construction, or stepping back in time at the Old Courthouse, the Arch continues to be a must-visit destination for families in St. Louis.

And when you’re ready to make St. Louis not just a place to visit, but a place to call home, the team at Hermann London Real Estate Group is here to help you find the perfect fit.