The St. Louis Mills mall is debatable on whether it is worth the time or not... it really depends on why you plan on going or what you plan on doing. If you are going to bargain shop for kids or babies, it's probably not a bad option, with an Old Navy Outlet, Gymboree, Carters Outlet, The Children's Place, Burlington (Baby Depot) and many more, it seems as though the children's clothing stores don't have a problem staying open there. Also, there is a nice ice skating rink in the mall as well. It is good for a dual purpose, if your family enjoys ice skating, it's a great place to go ice skating as a family, if your family enjoys hockey, check on their website for the St. Louis Blues' practice schedule, as the Blues practice at this facility a couple of times each month, making it a cheap (free) place to watch professional hockey players get ready for their game.
Also appealing to children, there is a nice play area for kids, and a train that goes throughout the mall that my two year old loves! It makes shopping with the kids enjoyable!
There are a few other stores worth mentioning for adults / teens, but there are also several open stores in the mall that makes you feel like there isn't much in it. If you are going for the whole effect and plan to eat a good lunch or dinner (their food court is great as far as options of sit down restaurants and food court options), ice skate or watch ice skating some, and shop a little. If you are going just to shop for anything besides kids, another mall is probably a better option.

We couldn't be more impressed with this "museum". The typical 'hands off, be quiet' idea of a museum does not exist here, and it is enjoyable by people young and old alike. The museum is constructed completely of 'stuff' from the city's past: an old bus, steel, you name it. The best part, the museum is constructed very well aesthetically and is also meant to be climbed all over and explored in depth. There are nooks and crannies everywhere that ask for exploring, there are tunnels in the ceiling, a large climbing feature outside with an adult sized ball pit, an aquarium at the top of the museum (extra charge), and a ferris wheel on the roof. (The bus is also on the roof and hangs off the edge, very interesting!) There is a huge slide that goes from one floor of the museum to another, as well as a lot of attractions like arts and crafts, etc, for smaller kids. (Kids cannot be dropped off at this museum, parents have to be with their children as it is considered an 'adult' playland.) It's a great family outing! It's worth every penny you spend on admission!

That's basically the extent of it. If I had intentions of being downtown with my family, the City Garden may be a good place to enjoy a packed or purchased lunch and to allow my kids to burn off some energy. True, the garden in and of itself is very 'neat,' with a lot of things for kids to climb on, or in, and even a nice little wading pool that is very architecturally attractive. It's pleasing on the eyes of the adult and is fun for the kids to play. I know during hot days in the summer, the pool and the garden are packed, making the experience not near as enjoyable. I'd advise finding an off peak time to go enjoy the place.
The City Garden is fairly new so it currently seems quite clean, etc, but I question how clean they'll actually be able to keep such an area during high traffic times of the year, etc. (Summer).

We've been to Branson several times and really enjoy going to the Dixie Stampede! For the mass of people that takes in each show, it's amazing how quickly the food is brought to you and that it's still hot when it gets to the table. The food is delicious, and worth going in and of itself! Be prepared to use your fingers with all of your food (and to slurp your soup) because part of the dixie stampede experience is no utensils!
The show is also very well done, with a plot with tricks and comedy intertwined! I highly suggest going during Christmas time to get a festive Christmas feel in decoration and in a show. You always play "north vs south' at your Dixie Stampede show, but during the Christmas show you play the "north pole vs. the south pole". The show in and of itself is different and a good substitute if you've seen the other several times!

That's right! You don't have to be a baseball fan to enjoy baseball at Busch stadium! The stadium, though new, resembles an old time baseball stadium. The nostalgia of it is amazing! Go to enjoy the game, eat some nachos, hot dogs, or giant pretzels, and take in an amazing view of the arch! Enjoy yourself as you are surrounded by what has been called the greatest fans in baseball! There is great sportsmanship and an all around good time!
Make sure you check out the kids play area (very clean), and walk to the stadium to see all of the neat places they offer. Build a bear workshop is located inside where you can build your own fredbird, and there's also another shop on the other side of the stadium to buy game used, and some autographed memorabilia!
Enjoy!