As a twenty year old student paying for college tuition, free things are my best friend. You can bet that if there’s free food, free goodies, free you-name-it, I’ll be there.
However, as someone who likes to collect experiences, this often can be an issue. Most things in this world cost money, and that is something I currently don’t have a whole lot of to spare.
Thankfully, St. Louis has several activities that are free - you just have to bring along an open mind, and maybe a little bit of sunscreen!
Laumeier Sculpture Park
Laumeier Sculpture Park is not only free, but it is very easy to socially distance here! The park is one of the largest sculpture parks in the country - spread over a span of 105 acres of land within the heart of St. Louis County. There are over 70 works of outdoor large-scale sculptures to see. Although most of the sculptures are present within large, open, grassy areas, others are tucked away into the surrounding woods along trails, making them fun to discover upon getting closer. Each of the sculptures are abstract and unique, making for entertaining guesses and interpretations if you bring a friend along. You are allowed to touch the sculptures as long as you are gentle, although it is not encouraged during this time of pandemic.
Soulard Farmers Market
Soulard, a vibrant downtown neighborhood known for its diverse culture and lively community, has a year-round farmer’s market which occurs every week Wednesday-Sunday. Traditionally, the market was only open Wednesday - Saturday, but this past week, it was announced that the market will be open on Sundays going forward! However, most vendors are present on Saturdays. Soulard Farmers Market has been a neighborhood tradition since 1779. A variety of local vendors bring their best flowers, produce, cheese, meat, and crafts for visitors to browse and buy. Although the market includes vendors to purchase items from, the ambiance and buzz while exploring the booths at the event is fulfilling enough - and you can usually score a few free samples. The market is hosting free music, entertainment and horse drawn carriage rides on Easter from 1-3pm to all who stop by!
Turtle Playground
Located on the southwest edge of Forest Park, Turtle Playground is an atypical playground for kids and adults alike to play at. Instead of slides and swings, visitors can find seven giant concrete turtles (up to 40 feet long), seven concrete turtle eggs, (three of which are hatching) and a concrete snake to climb on! Open from 6am to 10pm daily, visitors are welcome to use their imagination at this site, or bring their camera to snap a few photos with the reptiles that are guaranteed not to bite.
Jefferson Barracks
Jefferson Barracks is a historical site located just off the banks of the Mississippi river 15 miles south of downtown St. Louis. Previously a 19th century army installation, it now is part of the National Register of Historic Places. The park has refurbished several historical buildings to serve as museums documenting the history of the land, most of which, such as the Powder Magazine Museum and Laborers House and Ordinance Stable are free to explore. The park also has locations for archery, disc golf, a skate park, and multiple trails. There are also several pavilions for picnic lunches or gatherings! Be on the lookout for deer - the ones in the area are pretty tame and will let you get close to them if you are gentle and quiet!
Do you have a favorite free activity to do in St. Louis that I missed? Let me know through the contact form on the site or by tweeting @livininthelou1! I’d love to visit your spot and highlight it in a future blog post.
And as always, keep exploring!
~Mary
Comentários