The best family hikes in Missouri state parks are short, have something to look at along the way, and end before anyone gets cranky. Every trail below has a kid-sized payoff: giant boulders, a cave entrance, castle ruins or the highest point in the state. Lengths come from Missouri State Parks trail maps, so you…
Missouri works well for a family vacation because its big destinations are spread along two interstates, I-70 and I-44, so you can pick one city or link several. Below are four sample itineraries (a Kansas City weekend, three days in St. Louis, four days in Branson and a Hannibal-to-Route 66 road trip), followed by a…
Missouri has a festival or fair for nearly every month of the year, from winter eagle watching to the State Fair in August and Christmas on historic Main Streets. This month-by-month guide covers the best family festivals and fairs across the state, with what kids will like at each and tips for a good festival…
Missouri state parks are free to enter, and many of them are built for kids: boulders to climb, caves to peek into, springs full of trout and nature centers with live animals. Here are nine of the best state parks for families, plus where to watch wildlife, go birding and ride horses. Bring our printable…
A Missouri family trip can cost a lot less than you’d think. Some of the state’s best stops charge nothing at the door, and a few national and local programs knock admission down to zero for the right family. Below are the free places and discount programs worth knowing about, with the fine print on…
Missouri weather can swing a lot in a single weekend, and a family trip here might include a cave tour, a float trip and a city museum all in one go. This checklist starts with the basics every family needs, then adds what to pack for each season and each type of trip. Print it,…