Activities

There are many activities and much sight-seeing to be had within minutes of West St. Louis County. Take a moment to look over the following to see what interests you!

Parks

St. Louis County Parks 30/30 HIKES Program
(30 Trails/30 Minute Hikes)

“According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 33 percent of U.S. adults are now obese, and the National Center for Health Statistics says 16 % of children aged 6 to 19 are considered overweight. “

St. Louis County Parks is offering their new 30/30 HIKES Program to help fight obesity and encourage parents and leaders to instill a lifestyle of exercise and good health in our children. It gives individuals, families, groups and co-workers the opportunity to enjoy nature, visit new parks and most importantly, get those 30 minutes of exercise that is critical to good health. There are 30 trails designated throughout St. Louis County with a suggested hike that takes around 30 minutes to complete. Maps for the 30/30 HIKES highlight the suggested route, give information about the natural features in the park and the mileage of the designated walk. St. Louis County Parks has over 124 miles of trails and this will give participants a chance to experience many of them. If they find a park they particularly like, they can return often and hike other trails in that park.

To add some fun and adventure to the program, the County Parks Department has installed 30/30 HIKES signs and punches at the trail heads of each designated site. The master map showing all 30 locations and the 30 individual trail site maps can be downloaded below or purchased for $10 at the any of the 5 Recreation Complexes and Centers where the punch cards are also available for pick-up. This exploring and hiking adventure would be perfect for a family project, a scout merit badge or a group challenge. If all 30 sites are punched, participants will be able to turn in their card and receive a 30/30 HIKES patch. At the completion of all 30 hikes the participants will have 15 hours of exercise under their belt and will have hiked 55 miles. Whether before or after work, at lunch, or on the weekend, these hikes will give the participants a chance to be fit, explore new parks, enjoy nature and have fun with friends and family. For more information call 314-615--8822.

30-30 Hikes Program

Trails
North Area

West Area

South Area

Babler State Park

152 Kiefer Creek Rd.
Ballwin, MO 63011
636-227-443

Castlewood State Park

152 Kiefer Creek Rd.
Ballwin, MO 63011
636-227-4433

Faust Park

15185 Olive Blvd.
Chesterfield, MO 63017
636-532-7298

Queeny Park

550 Weidman Rd.
Ballwin, MO 63011
636-391-0922

Natural Wonders

Want to find that quiet place to get away from it all? A place to recharge your battery and enjoy the great beauty and the natural surroundings that abound in the County Parks. North, South, Central or West, St. Louis County has a park just for you. Birding, botanizing, or just plain enjoying a walk in one of the many natural communities are all opportunities that await you. So download a park map and head for one of these great natural get-a-ways. Historically, St. Louis County originated with a wealth of natural diversity. From the tall bluffs towering over the Missouri, the Mississippi and the Meramec Rivers, to the rolling prairies of Central and North County, to the steep oak woodlands and savannas covering the Ozark Hills of West County to the rich forest and wetlands of South County. St. Louis County was a crossroads of national biomes, creating a mosaic of natural landscapes with a richness of fauna and flora.

Today, St. Louis County is the most populated County in Missouri with nearly 1 million residents. Most of the natural landscapes have been altered to accommodate the development of the metropolitan area. Saint Louis County Parks administers nearly 13,000 acres of parkland with nearly 7,000 acres in some form of native vegetation. Over the past few years the Parks Department has been active in restoring or creating some of the historic natural communities that once occurred in St. Louis County.

So come out and take a pathway that may lead you to an adventure on one of the prairies, savannas, wetlands, or woodlands of the Saint Louis County Parks.

Listed below are some of the Park Departments' natural features and the parks where these beautiful natural resources can be found.

Prairie

Savanna

Wetlands

Oak Woodlands

Meramec River

St. Louis Zoo

Saint Louis Zoo
One Government Drive
St. Louis, MO 63110

(314) 781-0900
Toll free: (800) 966-8877

The Saint Louis Zoo

Enjoying an adventure every time you visit. Knowing a discovery will be made around each corner. You're at the Saint Louis Zoo, a get-away destination that brings together more than 19,000 wild animals and 3,000,000 visitors each year.

Located on 90 acres in beautiful Forest Park, the Zoo is home to 655 species of animals, many of them rare and endangered. It is one of the few free zoos in the nation.

Animals Always

Since its inception in 1910, the Zoo has been renowned for its beautiful naturalistic exhibits and for its diverse collection of animals from the major continents and biomes of the world. It is widely recognized for its innovative approaches to animal management, wildlife conservation, research and education.

Through the Zoo's WildCare Institute , the Zoo focuses on wildlife management and recovery, conservation science, and support of the human populations that coexist with wildlife in eleven conservation hotspots around the globe, including three in Missouri. Coming Soon

In 2012, the Zoo will open Sea Lion Sound , combining a spacious new sea lion habitat with the Zoo's popular Sea Lion Show. For the first time in North America, visitors can walk through an underwater tunnel with sea lions swimming around them.

Your Visit

No visit to St. Louis is complete without a trip to the world-famous Saint Louis Zoo. Small wonder, with more than 800 species represented on 90 beautifully landscaped acres in historic Forest Park. Treat your family to year-round fun as you enjoy our animals and entertainment in every season! Can You Come Out and Play?

Things to See and Do

map, attractions and areas

Hours, Prices

Attraction Fees

Admission to the Zoo is FREE, although there are fees for some attractions. Attractions are weather dependent and subject to change.

Children's Zoo is $4 per person. Free admission the first hour the Zoo is open. Children under 2 are free.
Conservation Carousel is $3 per person. Free admission during first hour of operation. Children under 2 are free. All other persons require admission. All proceeds support the Saint Louis Zoo's conservation programs.
Zooline Railroad is $5 per person, per round trip ticket. You may leave the train, visit exhibits and re-board. Children under 2 are free.
3-D Movie is $3 per person.

Safari Pass

Make the most of your day at the Zoo with a Safari Pass. This one-day pass is $10/person and includes one admission to the Children's Zoo, Zooline Railroad, Conservation Carousel and 3-D Movie. Parking

All-day parking is available on the Zoo's North Lot on Government Drive and South Lot on Wells Drive. Limited street parking is available in Forest Park.

Parking is $10 per vehicle through spring 2012. (In spring 2012, parking will be $15 per vehicle.)

Parking for buses, motor homes and R.V.s is $20 through spring 2012 and is available on the South Lot only. (In spring 2012, the rate for buses will be $30.)

Only cash and charge are accepted for parking payment.

Daily Schedules

Sea Lion Show, Children's Zoo Show, and animal feedings

Zoo Services

Strollers and Wheelchair Rentals

Wheelchairs, strollers and motorized vehicles are available to rent at The Living World and South Gate. All are available on a first come, first serve basis. An I.D. is required for rental. A driver's license is the only I.D. accepted for motorized vehicles.

Wheelchairs: $7 per day. $25.00 refundable deposit is required.
Guest operated single passenger scooters (one seat): Available to those 18 years or older in limited quantities at $25.00 per day. A $25.00 refundable deposit is required. Other restrictions may apply.
Single strollers: $8 per day
Double strollers: $10 per day
Infant strollers: $10 per day. Intended for infants not exceeding 25 pounds. Limited quantity available.

Special Needs

The Saint Louis Zoo's programs and facilities are available for people of all abilities. Please let us know (preferably 24 hours in advance) if there is anything that would make a program or facility more accessible to you or your group.

Main telephone number: (314) 781-0900, (800) 966-8877

All major facilities are wheelchair accessible, as are most restrooms. A map of the Zoo, including ramps, accessible entrances and grades of pathways, is available as you enter the Zoo. A TDD phone is available at The Living World.

Coolers, Picnic Baskets

Coolers and picnic baskets are permitted on the Zoo grounds. There are picnic tables located in central areas at the Zoo. Lockers

There are lockers outside The Living World available to rent for two quarters. Items left in lockers after the Zoo closes will be taken to the Ranger Base. A locker key must be presented to claim abandoned property and there is a $10 fee for lost keys.

Hospital paramedics, EMTs and Zoo volunteers staff the new facility located near the Conservation Carousel at the northeast corner of the Zoo. The building includes curtained-off exam areas and cots for patients. The First Aid Station is also lactation site for nursing mothers and a place for lost children to reunite with their families.

A first aid vehicle equipped with first aid supplies and a stretcher will also reach people needing assistance at locations around the Zoo.

Visit St. Louis Children's Hospital for more information.

Zoo Policies

For the safety and welfare of our animals and visitors, the following are prohibited:

Smoking is prohibited, except in designated smoking areas
Dogs or other pets (service pets are permitted)
Feeding the animals
Entering non-public areas
Balloons
Bicycles (racks are available at entrances)
Skates, skateboards, roller blades or scooters
Loud radios
Lasers
Distribution of any advertisement, circular or handbill, or solicitation of funds or pledges of contributions within Zoo property
Personal video and photography are permitted, provided they don't interrupt the visitor experience for others
Student/commercial filming must be approved by the Zoo's Public Relations Department in advance
Wearing a costume or mask if over the age of 13

Your cooperation with these rules is appreciated.

Group Visits

The Zoo is a perfect fit for groups of all sizes and age ranges. From youth group and summer camp field trips to reunions, corporate family days and team-building exercises, we can help organize and enhance your group's next visit. Our packages include special discounted rates on food and attractions, behind-the-scenes tours, guided walking tours and more.

Plan Your Next Trip

Guided Tours : Get the full meaning of the Saint Louis Zoo with guided walking tours and botanical tours
Group and School Group Discounts : Field trips and groups of 15 or more can save with attraction and food discounts

Extra! Extra!

Motorcoach Greeters
Let us welcome your group in style. Our motorcoach greeter will meet your group, explain what's new at the Zoo, hand out maps and answer any questions your group may have.

Plan Your Group Visit

Our Group Sales staff can help organize your day while personalizing it for your group, leaving you free to enjoy the day along with them!

Please contact the Group Sales office at (314) 646-4709 for group discounts on tickets, tours and food.

Attention Teachers and Group Leaders!

Schools and groups are now required to register before visiting the Zoo. Please take a moment to let us know when you are coming, by completing the school/group registration form . When you arrive at the Zoo, please check in at one of the Welcome Desks located at both Zoo entrances. Whether you are scheduled for an educational program or tour, or just planning to tour the Zoo on your own, completing this information provides us with the necessary information to better serve your group, particularly in the event of an emergency. Please call the Education Department at (314) 646-4544 for more information about registering your group. Please note: the school / group registration form is required only for group tracking purposes. To order group tickets and meals, please contact the Group Sales office at (314) 646-4709 or mandel@stlzoo.org

Behind the Scenes Tours

Have you ever met a penguin, fed a giant tortoise, scratched a legless lizard? Your group can share an experience like none other: behind the scenes at the Saint Louis Zoo. Get a peek at what it's like to be a zookeeper. See the animals up close and personal. Each tour provides the enthralling, breathtaking experience of seeing the world's dramatic wildlife up close. This is a great opportunity for groups of all sizes and interests.

Choose your tour here

See penguins up close, touch a python, meet sea lion superstars, feed a giraffe, create enrichment for primates and more!

Book Your Tour : Don't wait - book your tour today!

Behind the Scenes Tours can be combined with extra amenities, such as tickets to the Zooline Railroad, Children's Zoo, Safari Passes and more!

Rules and regulations:

Tours need to be scheduled 3 weeks in advance due to various animal considerations and availability.
For safety reasons, children must be accompanied by an adult. For most tours, children should be at least 8 years old.
The Saint Louis Zoo reserves the right to cancel any tour due to unforeseen circumstances. The Zoo will contact you to reschedule your tour.
Behind the Scenes Tours are non-refundable; however, if it becomes necessary to reschedule your tour for another date, you may do so by calling at least 48 hours before the tour without incurring any additional charges.
Payment must be received at least 10 business days prior to the tour date.
Due to the unpredictability of animals, tour experiences may vary. All participants must abide by staff instructions at all times.

Contact Meg White at white@stlzoo.org or (314) 781-0900 ext. 4840 to give your group a truly unique experience.

Driving directions

Entrances to Forest Park
There are nine entrances to Forest Park, including Hampton & Wells, Tamm Avenue bridge, Skinker & Wells, Skinker & Forsyth, Lindell at DeBaliviere, Lindell at Forest Park Parkway, Lindell at West Pine, Kingshighway at West Pine, Kingshighway at Oakland to Tamm. Forest Park map

From US 40/I-64 eastbound and westbound
Take the Hampton exit (34-B) and follow signs to Forest Park. At the first roundabout, turn left (west) on Wells Drive and arrive at the Zoo's South Entrance. Alternate: From the Hampton exit, turn south on Hampton, right on Oakland, right on Tamm and arrive at South Entrance.

To North Entrance, go straight through first roundabout, left at second roundabout on Washington Blvd., turn left on Government Drive.

Westbound Alternate Route: Take Clayton Road exit, turn right on Skinker, right on Wells Drive. Veer left to Zoo's North Entrance. Veer right to South Entrance.

Eastbound Alternate Route: Take McCausland exit, turn left on McCausland/Skinker, right on Wells Drive. Veer left to Zoo's North Entrance. Veer right to South Entrance.

From I-44 eastbound and westbound
Take the Hampton Ave. exit. Drive north about one mile and cross the Hampton Ave. bridge. At the first roundabout, turn left on Wells Drive and arrive at the Zoo's South Entrance.

To North Entrance, go straight through first roundabout, left at second roundabout on Washington Blvd., turn left on Government Drive.

Eastbound Alternate Route: Take Vandeventer Ave. exit and follow signs to Kingshighway north. Turn left onto Oakland Avenue. Drive west to the Tamm Avenue bridge, turn right over the bridge and arrive at the Zoo's South Entrance.

Westbound Alternate Route: Take Vandeventer Ave/Kingshighway exit 287B-A and follow signs to Kingshighway north. Turn right on Kingshighway. Turn left onto Oakland Avenue. Drive west to the Tamm Avenue bridge, turn right over the bridge and arrive at the Zoo's South Entrance.

From I-270 North
If you're coming from north or northwest, take I-70 or I-270 to I-170 south. Merge onto I-64/40 east. Take the Hampton exit (34-B) and follow signs to Forest Park. At the first roundabout, turn left (west) on Wells Drive and arrive at the Zoo's South Entrance. Alternate: From the Hampton exit, turn south on Hampton, right on Oakland, right on Tamm and arrive at South Entrance.

Alternate Route: Exit I-170 at Forest Park Parkway and go east approx. 2 miles. Turn right on Skinker Boulevard. Turn left on Lagoon Drive into Forest Park. Veer right on Fine Arts Drive, past the Art Museum to Government Drive. Turn right to the Zoo's North Entrance. By MetroLink

Ride MetroLink to Forest Park/DeBaliviere station, then take MetroBus route #9 Hampton south. For detailed transit schedules, pricing and to purchase tickets, visit the Metro web site.

By MetroBus

The #90 Hampton bus stops within a short walking distance from the Zoo's North Entrance on Government Drive.