Missouri Botanical Gardens
add photos7 Reviews for Missouri Botanical Gardens
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120 families found this helpful
"Photographer's dream. Don't miss Japanese Festival!"
I've been to the Botanical Gardens MANY times. My family usually goes about three times a year: for the Japanese Festival in September, for the Christmas display in December, and once more during the Spring/Summer time just to explore the beauty of the Gardens. There's so much to see! A gigantic kid playground area, a Chinese Garden, a Japanese Garden, a koi pond, a rose garden, a water fountain, and SO much more.
The Japanese Festival is the most popular time for the Botanical Gardens. It is absolutely fascinating for people of all ages. The Candy Man does magic tricks to entertain kids. The kiosks sell unique Japanese cultural items. The Japanese food is to die for!! It's secretly my favorite feature. There is a huge indoor bonsai display. There is also PLENTY of entertainment: taiko drummers, sumo wrestlers, tea ceremony, martial arts, ice sculptures, geisha ceremony, and much more.
Our favorite thing: the koi pond (which is really a huge lake) where you can feed the koi! Don't forget your quarters!
Tip: Definitely bring a camera and a stroller!
Con: The only food available is in a cafe, and it's pretty pricey. I wish there was some sort of snack stand to just get a quick hot dog or pretzel for kids.
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0 families found this helpful
"Fun for Everyone"
We are residents of St. Louis County, so get in for free on Saturday and Wednesday mornings - and go all the time this way. We love the Children's Garden, which also has a spray park area, love feeding the HUGE koi fish, and also love the Whitaker Music Festival every Wednesday evening (also free) in the summers - pack a picnic and swim suits for the kids. One of our favorite places in St. Louis.
0 families found this helpful
"A lot for kids to enjoy!"
The Botanical Gardens is the perfect place to spend a spring day with your kids. Beautiful, colorful gardens for all to enjoy. Kids and adults will enjoy feed the Koi. The childrens garden is awesome but the Japanese garden is a must see. There is a nominal admission fee but discount promotions are typically available.
'10, '11
1 family found this helpful
"You might not think it is a great family place, but it is!"
If you have small children, a botanical garden might not be the first place you think of for family fun, but you definitely should. The gardens are all amazing. There is a huge koi pond in the Japanese garden and there are fish food dispensers nearby. The kids will have lots of fun feeding these oversized fish. The real draw for families is the Children's Garden. It is only open in warmer seasons generally April- September. There is an additional admission fee, but it is well worth it. There are slides, things to climb, a splash pad, and tons more activities. Bring a towel or a change of clothing. If you'd like to know more, check out my article here http://www.examiner.com/x-5567-St-Louis-Parenting-Examiner~y2009m6d5-The-Botanical-Garden-is-totally-awesome. If you live in the area, there are days when admission is free. If you are just visiting the area, check out local grocery chains Schnuck's or Dierbergs because they sometimes have discount coupons by the customer service desks.
2 families found this helpful
"Must visit these amazing Gardens"
The Botanical Gardens are Beautiful and very Extensive compared to most Gardens I have seen. You can easily spend all day in the gardens and still not see every thing there is to see. Bring a picnic lunch and you are set. For $8 a ticket for a day trip you really can't beat it :-)
0 families found this helpful
"The Children's Garden is great!"
The Botanical Gardens are a great afternoon retreat for all ages to stroll through the acres of beautiful landscaping and flowers. The Children's Garden is a highlight for kids 2-12 with interactive exhibits (prepare to get dirty), water play and climbing area. You'll pay a few bucks per child to get in, but it's worth it!
1 family found this helpful
"Beautiful and Huge"
Tons of area for children!! Wednesday and Saturday mornings are free for Missouri residents! And admission otherwise is 3 - 4 dollars. The children's area costs extra normally (but still free on Wed. and Sat) and is amazing. A huge playground of trails and bridges set in pioneer times and is great for older kids. Younger kids will spend hours (if you let them) in the childproofed-sprinkler area! But there is a whole other children's garden and many sprinkler/fountain areas all over the gardens. Our toddler just loves roaming the flower, paths and grassy pastures. It is unbelievably gorgeous for any age and one could spend the whole day there! We like to go at least once a week! There is also a decent restaurant and a tram that will take you around the entire garden
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