15 Missouri Attractions That Are Surprisingly Free

I don't know about you, but I am a big fan of the word "free". It feels like every enjoyable thing in life has a cost, but that's really not true in Missouri as the state has more than a dozen destinations that won't cost you a thing.

My family's favorite destination for years has been the St. Louis Zoo. While the admission to the zoo is free which is incredible, some of the parking adjacent to the zoo will cost you. There are many pro tips that have been shared on Reddit about how you can park for free near the zoo without a huge walking distance. I will say that the $20 parking fee close to the zoo feels like a bargain when your family can easily lose a day enjoying all of the animals. Really one of the best family entertainment bargains in the state.

Many of the parks on this list are also highly recommended. If you pack a lunch, you can just get up close and personal with nature and let the worries of regular everyday life just go away. The beauty of these options is they're located all across the state so no matter where you live in Missouri, you're easily within a day trip of doing something fun that won't break your budget.