Forest Park Tours

Forest Park showing flowers, a garden and modern architecture
Forest Park featuring a park and interior views
Forest Park which includes heritage architecture and a house
Forest Park which includes a garden, a river or creek and a bridge
Pagoda Circle featuring a pond, a bridge and a garden


Nature, history and cultural institutions come together in one of the United States’ largest urban parks, which buzzes with St. Louis’ dynamic community spirit. 

Get to the heart of St. Louis life by setting aside at least a day to explore Forest Park. Across about 1,300 acres (530 hectares), this vast green space incorporates a wide range of environments, including forests, creeks and lakes. Use the great sports facilities by coming ready to fish, golf, play tennis or play baseball. Reserve time to see the many famous St. Louis cultural attractions here too, some of which are housed in beautiful historic buildings.  

Look for history everywhere you go as you wander the park. It opened its gates in 1876 and attracted over 20 million people in 1904 when it hosted the St. Louis World’s Fair. Since then, its significance has only increased, as several important buildings have sprung up within its boundaries. 

Travel the world through art as you explore the many galleries of the sprawling St. Louis Art Museum. The collections within this grand turn-of-the-century building span the continents. Afterward, learn about Missouri’s fascinating past at the Missouri History Museum. See exhibits on topics such as the state’s civil rights struggle, St. Louis’ changing neighborhoods and the 1904 St Louis World’s Fair. 

Bring your children face-to-face with nature at the St. Louis Zoo, which contains hundreds of different species and has a dedicated insectarium, a penguin and puffin area, and much more. Kids will also enjoy the Science Center, which is full of engaging, child-friendly exhibits, including a captivating planetarium.

In the evening, head to the Muny Opera, the largest outdoor musical theater in the U.S. Admire the beautiful setting, which offers the most magical way of seeing live music. 

Reach Forest Park easily by car. The surrounding streets are also well served by public transportation. On a sunny day, the appeal of the park’s beautiful expanses of green is obvious. Come here in any weather and you will have a huge array of interesting indoor activities to choose from.

Browse tours and tickets to explore Forest Park

Tours & day trips

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Private & custom tours

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Cruises & boat tours

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Reviews of Forest Park

4.6
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
724
5 - Excellent 69%
4 - Good
283
4 - Good 27%
3 - Okay
36
3 - Okay 3%
2 - Disappointing
3
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
4
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

I thought they were talking about the Forest Park Parkway Hotel... not the actual park. We didn't go to the park Once I clicked the face I couldn't unclick it.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Very close to St. Louis zoo less than a five minute drive

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

St Louis Zoo and Busch Stadium

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

We drove around Forest Park to get to the zoo. Parking is free on hte side streets if you get there early enough, you won't have to walk far. The park is very beautiful, but we did not see much other than the zoo. I would have dedicated more time, but a local advised me there is not too much else for kids and more enjoyable for adults. We opted to spend more time at the City Museum instead.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Parking can be tough. Plan accordingly on weekends

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Enjoyed eating at the boathouse. Would recommend the kayaks or canoes if you want to head over to the grand basin on water - we did the paddle boats and they were too much work/effort. But our whole five person family fit into one and now we can say we did it. The kids had fun.

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Forest Park

DoubleTree by Hilton St. Louis Forest Park

DoubleTree by Hilton St. Louis Forest Park

4 out of 5
4550 Forest Park Ave, St. Louis, MO
DoubleTree by Hilton St. Louis Forest Park
 The Royal Sonesta Chase Park Plaza St. Louis

The Royal Sonesta Chase Park Plaza St. Louis

4.5 out of 5
212 N Kingshighway, St. Louis, MO
The Royal Sonesta Chase Park Plaza St. Louis
Hampton Inn & Suites St. Louis at Forest Park

Hampton Inn & Suites St. Louis at Forest Park

2.5 out of 5
5650 Oakland Avenue, St. Louis, MO
Hampton Inn & Suites St. Louis at Forest Park
Forest Park Hotel by MDR

Forest Park Hotel by MDR

3 out of 5
5915 Wilson Ave, St. Louis, MO
Forest Park Hotel by MDR
AC Hotel St. Louis Central West End

AC Hotel St. Louis Central West End

4 out of 5
215 YORK AVENUE, St. Louis, MO
AC Hotel St. Louis Central West End
Aloft St. Louis Cortex

Aloft St. Louis Cortex

3 out of 5
4245 Duncan Avenue, St. Louis, MO
Aloft St. Louis Cortex
Moonrise Hotel

Moonrise Hotel

4 out of 5
6177 Delmar Blvd, St. Louis, MO
Moonrise Hotel
Clayton Plaza Hotel & Extended Stay

Clayton Plaza Hotel & Extended Stay

3.5 out of 5
7750 Carondelet Avenue, St. Louis, MO
Clayton Plaza Hotel & Extended Stay
Hotel Indigo St Louis - Central West End by IHG

Hotel Indigo St Louis - Central West End by IHG

3.5 out of 5
4630 Lindell, St. Louis, MO
Hotel Indigo St Louis - Central West End by IHG
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Forest Park

Forest Park in St. Louis offers a wealth of activities, including wildlife spotting and birdwatching, making it a nature lover's paradise. Visitors can explore the beautiful botanical gardens, enjoy outdoor fun such as hiking and picnicking, and indulge in shopping options nearby. With its vibrant art scene and lush landscapes, Forest Park provides a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure for all tourists.

Shopping

The nearest shopping spot is the Saint Louis Galleria Mall, just 6.4km from Forest Park, offering a vibrant mix of entertainment and family-friendly shops. Additionally, the Soulard Farmer's Market, located 8.0km away, features local goods in a lively city atmosphere. If you're up for a drive, check out Woodbine Center, 12.9km away, for more shopping options.

Recreation

At Busch Stadium, enjoy the energetic atmosphere of live sports events, fostering excitement and camaraderie. Sheldon Concert Hall offers a cultural retreat with captivating performances in an intimate setting. For family-friendly fun, Turtle Playground features outdoor activities that encourage play and connection with nature.

Adventure

Experience thrilling tennis at the Dwight Davis Tennis Center, located 805m from Forest Park, where the adventurous atmosphere energizes your game. For a round of golf or more tennis, head to the Highlands Golf & Tennis Center, only 644m away, or visit the Tower Grove Tennis Center, 3.2km from the park.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near Forest Park with a visit to the Fox Theater for a romantic show or the Tivoli Theatre for family-friendly films. For an adventurous twist, take a ride on The St. Louis Wheel, offering stunning views and a fun atmosphere for all.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Forest Park

Forest Park in St. Louis offers a variety of attractions including entertainment facilities, urban parks, and museums, making it a fantastic destination for culture seekers and families alike. Visitors can explore the beautiful park and enjoy a rich city experience while discovering the local points of interest. Whether you're interested in outdoor activities or cultural sites, Forest Park provides plenty of options for an enjoyable vacation.

  • Washington University in St. Louis: Experience the vibrant atmosphere of this modern university, known for its stunning architecture and lush green spaces. Explore the campus and engage with its dynamic student life, offering a taste of city vibes.
  • Enterprise Center: Enjoy thrilling events at this premier arena, perfect for family outings. From exciting sports games to live concerts, the lively environment ensures a memorable experience filled with entertainment.
  • St. Louis University: Immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of this historic institution. The beautiful campus showcases classic architecture and provides insights into the educational legacy, making it a unique cultural destination.

Best time to go to Forest Park

The best time to visit Forest Park is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are moderately low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January31.6°F (-0.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowSlightly Low
February34.9°F (1.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
March46.4°F (8.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April56.1°F (13.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighAverage
May66.6°F (19.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
June76.1°F (24.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
July78.6°F (25.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
August77.0°F (25.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
September70.9°F (21.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October58.6°F (14.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November46.2°F (7.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowAverage
December37.8°F (3.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Forest Park

To save money during your visit to Forest Park, consider traveling between December and February, when hotel prices are lower. Stay on a Monday to secure the best rates, avoiding the pricier Saturday. Use Expedia to compare prices and find budget-friendly accommodations, and take advantage of package deals that combine hotels, flights, and activities for additional savings. Explore free attractions in the park and utilize the public transport system for affordable travel around the area. Look for exclusive discounts and last-minute deals to maximize your budget further.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Forest Park are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to July, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Forest Park is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Forest Park is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool makes it easy for you to set your budget, choose your desired location, and more. You can arrange your results to display prices from lowest to highest, ensuring you find the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you have the option to refine your choices by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Forest Park with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

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