10 Fun and Free Dates in St. Louis for this summer!
Here’s 10 Favorite Free Dates in St. Louis!
Having fun and free dates in St. Louis might sound like an oxymoron, but surprisingly it’s not THAT hard. We’ve got a lot of great things to do in St. Louis, many that are FREE!
Here’s a list of 10 favorite and free dates in St. Louis that can help keep you feeling close and connected to each other.
1) The Loop
Visiting U-City’s Loop is always an adventure. Between all the fun people watching, the Walk of Fame and great music, you can’t loose. But if you go, don’t forget to bring your dog! Businesses offer water bowls up and down Delmar for our four legged family. And if you’re up for some sweets, don’t miss the best creme puffs ever at Piccione Pastry. I think many locals would agree that this is one of the best free dates in St. Louis.
2) 2 for 1 Museum
Through August Drink In Art brings you a two-for-one Museum experience. Every Thursday and Friday Night through Aug 11th, you can visit both the CAM and Pulitzer’s Art Foundation exhibits, paired with two-for-one drinks and appetizer specials. The art exhibits are TOTALLY free, but the apps and drinks — not so much.
3) Castlewood
Hiking, playing or relaxing at Castlewood is a good option! And you may not know it, but there’s a free “beach” access point there. It’s a beautiful park for lounging and having fun throughout the year, but especially on those hot days. Hanging out at Castlewood really can be one of the best free dates in St. Louis.
4) St. Louis Zoo
Did you know that our very own St. Louis Zoo is considered one of the top 5 zoos in the country? Not only is it free but it’s actually world renowned! And in the summer the Free Jungle Boogie concert series can be fun. But my personal favorite thing to do at our Zoo is to see the Penguins. Especially on a hot day. Or you could go around lunch time and watch all of the monkeys fight over lettuce. It’s entertaining AND the House of Primates has AC. (You can now clearly tell where my priorities lie).
5) Road Trip
What about a road trip? They’re so all-American and fun that my phone always auto-corrects the word to all caps. That’s how excited I get about ROAD TRIPS! And it turns out that we have the infamous Route 66 right in our back yard. When was the last time that you just got in your car and drove? What about the two of you cruising the winding roads without a destination in mind? Sometimes just being together is absolutely enough.
6) St. Louis Art Fair
One of the country’s best Art Fair’s is totally free, and happens in Clayton every year. The St. Louis Art Fair in 2016 is scheduled for September 9, 10, and 11. In addition to the amazing art, there’s free music, and just a ton of local food and drink vendors. It’s a lot of fun and one event I try to make every year. I think many locals would agree that this is one of the best free dates in St. Louis.
7) Kirkwood Free Summer Concerts
Kirkwood is known for their close community and this summer they offer a Free Summer Concert Series. On Thursdays, from 6-9 pm, July through September they showcase local musicians. The concert series is in the Station Plaza, right in the center of Kirkwood. Plus even parking in downtown Kirkwood is free! It doesn’t get any better than that.
8) The Little Black Dress from Mourning to Night
It’s as classic as Audrey Hepburn herself: the little black dress. It’s a necessity for most of us. A really fun, free exhibit this year at the Missouri History Museum pays tribute to it. The Little Black Dress from Mourning to Night runs through September. It features over 60 dresses and shows the progression from the dress meaning a woman was grieving to the fun party styles of today. (Side note: guys, I know the vast majority of you will not be interested in this event but let’s be honest here. Sometimes sacrifices must be made in the name of love and fashion). Also to those of you who did not recognize the name Audrey Hepburn do some extra research and thank me later.
9) Des Peres Free Summer Concert Series
Des Peres Free Summer Concert Series happens the second Friday of June, July and August. All concerts are at Des Peres Park. Be sure and pack a cooler (alcohol is allowed), blankets, lawn chairs and some good snacks. Here’s where to find a complete schedule or you can call 314.835.6150 for more information.
10) The Great Forest Park Balloon Race
The Great Forest Park Balloon Race is more than just an incredibly descriptive event title. It’s an amazing weekend filled with tons of fun things. It’s right in the middle of, you guessed it, Forest Park and starts on Friday night with the Balloon Glow. If you’ve not been to it before, it’s a must! In the past, there’s been issues with parking and logistics but last year they seemed to have gotten it right. Saturday, the race begins when the lead “hare” balloon (no relation to a rabbit don’t be fooled) takes off ahead of the pack. 70 “hound” balloons (no connection to dogs here either) then launch in pursuit. Many locals would put this at the top of the best free dates in St. Louis list.
We’re really lucky, St. Louis is a great place to live.
St. Louis is one of the best places to live in my obviously unbiased opinion. We’re really lucky. So I invite you to go out and have some fun together! There really are some great free dates in St. Louis. And they can be a great way to get and stay feeling close and connected.
A little about me:
I’m a licensed therapist in St. Louis. My private practice focuses on relationships and how to make them better. We really are happiest when we know and feel loved by the most important people in our life. And there are ways based in science to help people create, nurture, and repair that love. For more info on the science behind my work, click here.
A little about me personally:
I’m a St. Louis native and have lived here most of my life. When I’m not working, I’m at home or around town having fun with my husband, kids, and (very) spoiled Yorkshire Terrier.
Some people like to follow me on Facebook for relationship humor, science, and advice. I’m told that the things I post are practical, insightful and occasionally even funny.