Complete Guide to Gateway Arch National Park with Kids

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Planning a family trip to Gateway Arch National Park? This guide is for you!

We planned this stop in St. Louis on a family road trip (on the way to Arkansas), just to visit the smallest national park in the United States. And, of course, brought our daughter along for the adventure. Spoiler: She absolutely loved going up into the Arch!

From Minneapolis (where we live), it's about a 9-hour drive (or an easy direct flight). We chose to drive since we were on our way to northwestern Arkansas. Our visit to the Gateway Arch turned out to be even better than we expected. The sheer size of the Arch blew us away! Standing 630 feet tall (that's 63 stories and TWICE the height of the Statue of Liberty!), the iconic Gateway Arch symbolizes the pioneer spirit and the westward expansion of the 1800s. It's also 630 feet wide, making it a perfect geometric curve.

There's more here than meets the eye. The park includes about 90 acres of green space right along the Mississippi River waterfront, immersive museums, and a historic Old Courthouse. The site has been part of the National Park Service since 1935. The Arch itself (designed by Eero Saarinen) was completed in 1965. It remains one of the most recognizable landmarks in the country.

In this kid-friendly guide, I'll talk you through the best things to do in Gateway Arch National Park with kids, along with practical tips and ticket details. And, of course, I've included some information on where to eat and stay near Gateway Arch National Park. Hopefully, my guide to Gateway Arch National Park with kids helps you plan a visit that's smooth, memorable, and genuinely fun for the whole family.

Know Before You Go

Here's everything you need to know before visiting Gateway Arch National Park with your kids:

• City: St. Louis, Missouri
• Address: 11 North 4th Street, St. Louis, MO 63102
• The Gateway Arch is open year-round
• Established as a national park in 2018
• Located in downtown St. Louis along the Mississippi River 
• Gateway Arch National Park Maps
• All visitors must go through a security checkpoint to enter the museum, gift shop, and other experiences inside the Arch (security here is similar to an airport; expect it to take about 30-45 minutes during peak season)
• Junior Ranger booklets available 
• Parking: Parking downtown can be tricky. Street parking may be available. Otherwise, the InterPark Stadium East Garage at 200 S. Broadway Street is the recommended garage for visitors. Alternatively, many hotels offer nearby parking for their guests. 
• Cell service is typically reliable throughout the park

How to Get to Gateway Arch National Park

Getting to Gateway Arch National Park is surprisingly easy with kids, whether you're road-tripping or flying in. 

From Minneapolis, it's about a 9-hour drive (long, but very doable). Then, the Gateway Arch is about 4.5 hours from Chicago and 6.5 hours from Omaha. If you'd rather skip the drive, flying into St. Louis is quick and direct from many airports across the country.

The park is located in downtown St. Louis along the Mississippi River, making it simple to find and access when you arrive in the city. If you're driving to the Arch, there are several parking garages within walking distance nearby. That said, it's worth planning ahead since downtown traffic and events can impact availability. 

Once you arrive, everything is very walkable, making a visit to Gateway Arch National Park with kids feel manageable and low-stress right from the start.

How Much Does it Cost to Get into Gateway Arch National Park?

This national park site is fee-free for all visitors year-round (no entrance fee or pass is required to visit the grounds or museum). 

Both the Gateway Arch and the Old Courthouse have free museums. And, Junior Ranger programs for kids!

Visitors who wish to go up into the Arch can book passes here. There are several tour and ticket options. If you have limited time, simply book the Tram Ride to the Top. This experience lasts 45-60 minutes (and it's the one we did!).

When to Visit Gateway Arch National Park with Kids

The best time to visit Gateway Arch National Park really depends on what kind of experience you're looking for. Summer is the most popular and busiest time (especially when big events or St. Louis Cardinals games are happening nearby). 

Fall brings gorgeous weather and lighter crowds to St. Louis. Meanwhile, spring feels fresh and green with blooming landscapes (there are cherry blossoms around the Arch in the spring!). We visited on a spring break road trip, which worked really well for us. The weather was lovely, and we didn't have any crowds during our visit. Finally, winter can be a bit unpredictable, with days ranging from mild to snowy. 

Where to Stay near Gateway Arch National Park

If you are planning a family trip to visit Gateway Arch National Park, here's where to stay in St. Louis, Missouri, with kids:

• Hyatt Regency Saint Louis at The Arch (this is where we stayed, and it was perfect! It’s located just across the street + many rooms have Arch views!)
• Drury Plaza St. Louis at the Arch
• Hilton St. Louis at the Ballpark
• Hilton Pennywell St. Louis at the Arch
• The Westin St. Louis
• Embassy Suites by Hilton St. Louis Downtown
• Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis

Unique Park Highlights

This national park features unique characteristics that are hard to find anywhere else. They include:

• The Gateway Arch is a staggering 630 feet tall and 630 feet wide
• The chance to go up the Arch and soak in views of downtown St. Louis + the Mississippi River
• Museum exhibits covering the Arch's construction and the history surrounding the westward expansion of the 1800s
• Views of the Mississippi River
• There are many unique experiences and things to do at Gateway Arch National Park with kids, including the tram ride, river boat tours, and more
• The tram conveyance is best described as part elevator, part escalator, and part Ferris wheel

Tips for Visiting Gateway Arch National Park with Kids

We spent a few hours here and easily could have stayed longer. Plan on about half a day to really enjoy everything Gateway Arch National Park has to offer you and your kids. At a minimum, give yourself 2.5 to 3 hours if you want to explore the immersive underground museum, ride to the top of the arch (a must-do!), and wander the beautiful grounds. 

If you have extra time, consider adding experiences like the documentary. Or, even a riverboat cruise along the Mississippi River.

Here are a few more tips for visiting Gateway Arch National Park with kids:

• If you plan to go up into the Arch, book your tickets in advance online. This is especially important in the summer and other peak-tourist seasons, as tickets tend to sell out.
• I also recommend booking one of the first tours of the day. We did a 10:00 am visit (when the Arch opened at 9:00 am), and it worked very well
• Unfortunately, the ride up the Arch is not accessible. Wheelchairs and strollers are not allowed. Read more about the park's accessibility. 
• Arrive at least 30 minutes before your tram reservation time to allow time to get through security. If you plan to visit the museum first, give yourself 60-90 minutes before your reservation time. 
• Start at the museum. The free, interactive exhibits are a great way to give kids context before heading up the Arch.
• Use the restrooms and make sure you eat before the tram. The tram experience is enclosed and takes a bit of time, so it's best to take care of any basic needs beforehand.
• If you have time, add a riverfront experience. A Mississippi River cruise offers a fun change of pace and great views of the Arch.
• Check for events. Nearby games or events (such as St. Louis Cardinals home games) can affect crowds and parking.
• Give yourself flexibility. Even with a plan, leave room to slow down and let kids explore. This is part of what makes Gateway Arch National Park with kids so enjoyable!

What to Pack for Gateway Arch National Park with Kids

You don't have to pack much to visit the Gateway Arch National Park with kids. Unlike many other national parks, you won't find epic hiking trails or extended scenic drives here. You can reasonably wander around in your everyday wear (including sandals and dresses). Just don't forget your camera!

Where to Eat near Gateway Arch National Park with Kids

There are two convenient dining options right on-site (and both offer kids' menus). Paddlewheel Café, located near the riverboat dock, is a great grab-and-go option with casual fare. Arch Café, found inside the Gateway Arch Visitor Center lobby, offers a wider selection. Both make it simple to take a snack break or grab lunch without leaving the park.

If you're wondering where else you can eat near Gateway Arch National Park with your kids, here are a few more places to consider (all in the immediate area):

• Chili Mac’s Diner
• Pops Pizza & Wings
• Pickles Deli
• The Cobblestone STL
• The Old Spaghetti Factory
• Sugarfire Smoke House
• Sauce on the Side

We opted to drive to The Hill (the Italian-American neighborhood in St. Louis) to try toasted ravioli at STL Toasted. It was definitely worth the quick drive over there! They had several kinds of sandwiches and toasted ravioli. It would be easy take-out, or you can grab one of the outdoor picnic tables. 

Best Things to Do in Gateway Arch National Park with Kids

Wondering about the best things to do in Gateway Arch National Park with kids? Here are some ideas to add to your itinerary, including my recommendation for what to do if you only have 1 hour at Gateway Arch National Park.

If You Only Have 1 Hour in Gateway Arch National Park

While I definitely recommend setting aside more time, you can still have a meaningful visit (even with just an hour). If you're short on time, head straight into the free museum to give your kids a quick but engaging look at the Arch. Afterward, step outside to snap a few photos in front of the iconic Gateway Arch and take in the views along the riverfront.

If going to the top is your priority, it may be doable in an hour-but only if you factor in time for security and any potential wait. In that case, skip the museum and focus on the tram ride for a memorable highlight your kids won't forget!

Tram Tour to the Top of the Arch

Riding the tram to the top is easily one of the most unique experiences you can have at Gateway Arch National Park with kids. Book reservations in advance (there is a fee to go up), but the process is pretty smooth. 

After a short pre-boarding video and quick group photo, a staff member assigns you to a specific tram "pod" and tells you exactly where to stand. The pods themselves are very small. Each one seats five people. And, it does feel a bit tight (especially for adults). We fit as a family of three with two bonus riders, but it's definitely cozy. If you're sensitive to small spaces, very tall, or a person of size, it's something to keep in mind. 

That said, the ride is short (just a few minutes each way). Seeing the inner structure through the small windows helps it feel less enclosed. Our kiddo thought seeing the inner workings of some of the gears and ropes was incredibly cool!

At the top, you'll have about 8 minutes to take it all in. I thought this wouldn't be enough time, but it's plenty. The viewing area is a narrow, hallway-like space with surprisingly great views through the small windows. You can barely notice the windows from the ground. Looking out over downtown St. Louis and the Mississippi River is unforgettable! And, it's a great spot for a family photo. 

If you can fit it into your visit, I am very confident this will be an experience your kids will talk about long after your trip.

Museum at the Gateway Arch

The museum ended up being one of the highlights of our visit to Gateway Arch National Park with our kiddo. Before you start, grab a Junior Ranger booklet (if your kids want to do them).

The museum itself is free and surprisingly large (since it’s underneath the Arch!). Six themed galleries take you through the local history of westward expansion and the Arch's construction. There's a great mix of life-sized displays. Think covered wagons, cabins, and stagecoaches. Each gallery offers hands-on exhibits that keep kids engaged the whole time.

We spent about an hour here, which was enough time for our family. If your kids are doing the Junior Ranger Program, this should be enough time for them to complete their booklets and turn them in, too. That said, you could easily spend more time in the museum if your kids like to explore at their own pace. 

It's the perfect stop before or after your tram ride. I recommend arriving early to visit the museum before your tram ride.

You can visit the museum without tram tickets, making it an easy, free, and flexible way to visit the Gateway Arch with kids.

Junior Ranger Program

One of the best things to do in Gateway Arch National Park with kids is the Junior Ranger program. Designed to help kids learn about the people, places, and events that shaped St. Louis, the program turns exploring the park and museum into a hands-on adventure. Our daughter opted not to do it this time, but I think it's a very worthwhile program for families.

You can pick up free Junior Ranger activity booklets at the visitor center near the Gateway Arch (or inside the Old Courthouse). Through the activities, they'll engage with exhibits, ask questions, and really connect with what they're seeing.

What's especially fun is that there are two different badges to earn here: one for the Arch and one for the Old Courthouse. 

Other Things to Do in Gateway Arch National Park

If you have more time, consider adding one or two of these things to do in Gateway Arch National Park to your kid-friendly itinerary:

• Walk along the historic St. Louis Riverfront Trail
• Riverboat cruises (I wish we had had time for this one!)
• Ranger-led programs and guided tours
• Documentary movie covering the Arch's construction (35-minute run time)
• Visit the Old Courthouse (it has its own free museum)
• Check out the reflection ponds to the north and south of the Arch
• Have a picnic on the grass under or near the Arch
• Take a family picture with the National Park sign (many families collect these pictures!)
• Try the virtual reality experience

Pro tip: You can get combo tickets for many of the paid experiences.

Nearby Things to Do in St. Louis, Missouri, with Kids

Looking for a few more kid-friendly things to do near the Gateway Arch to round out your visit? I got you! If you are visiting St. Louis for the weekend or a bit longer, here are a few additional fun family things to do near the Arch to get you started: 

• Saint Louis Zoo
• City Museum
• Missouri Botanical Garden
• Saint Louis Science Center
• Saint Louis Art Museum
• St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station

Have Fun Exploring Gateway Arch National Park with Your Kids! 

Have fun exploring Gateway Arch National Park with your kids! From riding to the top of the iconic Gateway Arch and exploring the hands-on museum to earning Junior Ranger badges and walking along the Mississippi Riverfront, there are so many memorable things to do in Gateway Arch National Park with kids. 

If you're planning a visit, give yourself enough time to take it all in. And don't forget to plan ahead for where to eat and stay near Gateway Arch National Park. Downtown St. Louis has plenty of family-friendly options within easy walking distance. 

Whether it's a quick stop or part of a bigger Midwest road trip, Gateway Arch National Park is one of those experiences that sticks with you and your kids long after you head home! I hope this guide helps you have a fun and successful visit together.

Unless otherwise noted, all images within this article were taken by and belong to the blog's author, Antonia Grant. A reminder that this post may contain affiliate links. Please read my Disclaimer & Disclosure Policy for more information.