20 Things to Do in St. Louis Right Now

By Riverfront Times Staff on Sat, Feb 17, 2018 at 2:53 am

You might think that St. Louis is full of fun during the summer and that in the winter it’s best to just stay home and hide out under blankets. But some of the best summer activities are actually even better during the coldest months. From classic St. Louis landmarks to little-known spots you have to check out, you should keep these places on your list all year round.

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1 S. Broadway, 314-241-8439
Rooftop bars are a big thing in the summer, especially ones that overlook Busch Stadium. Bars with these kind of primo views can be difficult to get into during baseball season, but are easily accessed in the winter. Live large.
Photo by Sara Bannoura

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1 S. Broadway, 314-241-8439
Rooftop bars are a big thing in the summer, especially ones that overlook Busch Stadium. Bars with these kind of primo views can be difficult to get into during baseball season, but are easily accessed in the winter. Live large.

Photo by Sara Bannoura

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Fast Eddie’s Bon Air

1530 E. 4th St., 618-462-5532
This place is packed from the spring through the fall every year, but it’s fairly easy to navigate in the winter. In the colder months you can get all of that Hot Chick On-A Stick action without having to deal with all of the crowds. Put this affordable classic at the top of your to-do list.

Photo courtesy of Deborah Hyland/Riverfront Times

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Confluence Point State Park

1000 Riverlands Way, 636-899-1135
It’s easy to feel awed by the mighty confluence. This natural beauty sees a lot of suitors when it’s hot outside, but it’s a special treat to visit her when it’s cold and you can be by yourselves. Give her a visit and stand at the spot where two robust rivers meet.

Photo courtesy of Google Maps

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Cafe Madeleine

183 S. Orange Ave., 407-985-5272
It’s known for its luxurious outdoor seating area, but the cafe inside the Piper Palm House will give you a top-tier brunch year-round. And best of all, during the colder months the cafe is less crowded, meaning you’ll have first pick at the delicious buffet.

Photo courtesy of Google Maps

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St. Louis Zoo

Government Dr., 314-781-0900
Not only is the Zoo free, this family fun zone isn’t nearly as populated when it’s cold outside. If you put on your mittens and get there early enough in the day, you can practically have the place to yourself. Don't forget to say hi to the penguins.

Photo courtesy of Micah Usher/Riverfront Times

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The City Cages

900 S. Boyle Ave., 314-531-7964
Baseball is usually owned by summer, but not at the City Cages. Inside these batting cages it doesn’t even matter that it’s hockey season, you’ll be hitting virtual home runs and planning to be a St. Louis Cardinal one day. Places like this are the best during the off-season. Batter up.

Photo courtesy of Google Maps

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Lafayette Park

2023 Lafayette Ave., 314-772-5724
Lafayette Park is easily the most beautiful small park in the city. Its footbridges, sculpted gardens and foliage are impressive in the summer, but take on a aura of otherworldly beauty in the winter when they intermingle with snow.

Photo courtesy of Dave Thompson/Flickr

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The Griot Museum of Black History

2505 St. Louis Ave., 314-241-7057
Parents usually take their children to museums over the summer as a way to keep them entertained, but kids are often calmer and in the winter when they're not so overstimulated. Smaller museums like the Griot provide not just entertainment and education, but a cozy refuge from the nasty weather.

Photo courtesy of Google Maps

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Laclede’s Landing

710 N 2nd St., 314-241-5876
During the summer months this area presents as a party zone, all neon lights and stumbling bachelorettes. But during the winter is the best time to visit because all of that distraction is muted and you can appreciate the history, the cobblestones and the quiet power of the Mississippi.

Photo courtesy of Brock Roseberry/Flickr

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Missouri Botanical Garden

4344 Shaw Blvd., 314-557-5100
Tourists always plan to visit the Missouri Botanical Garden in the spring when they’re desperate for some time outdoors, but locals know that the sweet spot is after the Garden Glow and before the flowers are in full bloom. And if you get too cold, the Climatron is there as your own personal warming center.

Photo courtesy of Melissa/Flickr

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McGurk’s

1200 Russell Blvd., 314-776-8309
You might not remember them, but you’ve probably spent a few summer nights on the patio of McGurk’s. But we have a secret for you: the huge, multi-level enchanted patio thing is still popping during the winter months. Debauchery does not take a winter break.

Photo courtesy of Mark Semko/Riverfront Times

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Narwhal’s Crafted Urban Ice

3906 Laclede Ave., 314-696-8388
You might think that slushy drinks are just for the summer, but that’s not true at all. If there is enough booze in drink, you will not even notice the cold. And at Narwhal’s there are multiple ways to stay warm -- there’s also a fire pit on the patio out back.

Photo courtesy of Riverfront Times

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Meramec State Park

115 Meramec Park Dr., Sullivan, MO, 573-468-6072
If alone time is what you crave, this well-known destination for weekend camping is sparsely populated in the winter months. Sure, it’s cold. But with a good coat, a few friends and a campfire, you’ll hardly even notice.

Photo courtesy of Lanza Romanza/Flickr

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Ruth Park Golf Course

8211 Groby Rd., 314-727-4800
This course in University City can be easily booked online and, like most golf courses, has plenty of time available during the winter months. Get a jump on your game before the spring arrives by logging some extra credit hours of swing practice.

Photo courtesy of Google Maps

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Soulard Farmers Market

730 Caroll St., 314-622-4180
Farmers markets are not just for fresh fruits. At Soulard Farmers Market, they have farm-to-table goods for sale year-round. If it’s cold outside and you’re looking to stock your cellar with root vegetables and other soup supplies, this is the place to go. They’ll also sell you a hot coffee or hot chocolate to keep you warm as you browse.

Photo courtesy of Holly Ravazzolo/Riverfront Times

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Stone Hill Winery

1110 Stone Hill Highway, Hermann, MO, 573-486-2221
Party crews like to hit up the wineries in Hermann at the end of the summer, but they have it all backward. Drinking in the summer heat will just make you blotchy-faced and tired, but in the winter you can load up on some red and warm yourself from the inside.

Photo courtesy of Mark Semko/Riverfront Times

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Carondelet YMCA

930 Holly Hills, 314-768-9622
This YMCA is beloved for many reasons but the main reason is this: indoor swimming! That delicious chlorine smell is everywhere in the summertime but during the winter just a sniff of those fumes will bring a warm spark to your frozen chest. And swimming during February feels like the ultimate luxury.

Photo courtesy of Google Maps

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Ted Drewes Frozen Custard

4224 S. Grand Blvd., 314-352-7376
Some people eat Ted Drewes as a nice cold treat on a hot day, but true fans know that “it really is good, guys” all year ‘round. Ted Drewes is also less crowded in the winter, too. Visit the less-busy South Grand location for an ultra-chill experience.

Photo courtesy of WordOfMouth/Flickr

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The Pageant

183 S. Orange Ave., 407-985-5272
Hey festival-lovers, attending concerts doesn’t have to just be a summer activity. You can catch touring bands any night of the week in St. Louis. And if a bigger band that you love is touring, chances are it will make a stop at the Pageant. Get yourself to one of our many fantastic music venues where you’ll be welcomed inside and warmed by the good vibes.

Photo courtesy of Jason Stoff/Riverfront Times

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