One of the best aspects of St. Louis is that many of the attractions are free. The Saint Louis Zoo continues to rank one of the best zoos in the country and is one of those free attractions. The Saint Louis Zoo is located in Forest Park, along the southwestern end of the park. It is located off of the highway and is central in the city, making it easily accessible for visitors. There are also a couple entry points into the zoo, again ensuring there is easy access. As noted, the zoo is free, but there are some additional attractions, such as the children zoo that have an entry fee; however, several of the attractions with costs are free the first hour.

The St. Louis Zoo has a wide assortment of animals and attractions with exhibits focused on birds, reptiles, big cats, bears, insects, hoofed animals, primates, and more.  There are both indoor and outdoor exhibits, providing a nice reprieve from whatever weather conditions. Our favorite exhibits are the big cats – because we love kitties and the river’s edge because it provides a more natural looking habitat. The zoo is large enough that visitors can spend a whole day there, or since it is free you can visit different exhibits throughout the year. Besides the exhibits, the zoo also has attractions – such as a carousel and train, restaurants, and events throughout the year. Events vary based on the year, providing an assortment of activities for visitors.