Free Things to Do in St. Charles, MO
St. Charles may be rich in experiences, but that doesn’t mean a visit requires breaking the bank. The historic city promises a variety of free, family-friendly activities perfect for all ages. These are the best free things to do in St. Charles, MO!
1. Explore Nature in the Great Outdoors
St. Charles City & County Parks system contains an impressive number of parks — more than 40 in total! And since all St. Charles Parks are free to visit any time of year, this makes nearly 5,000 acres of parks, trails, playgrounds, and campgrounds free for you to explore, regardless of the season.
Whether you’re stargazing at Brommelsiek Park, hiking at Klondike Park, or fishing at August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area, the scenic outdoors and idyllic landscapes of Saint Charles and the surrounding area are one of the best ways to soak up the city for free. Hikers and cyclists can also explore one of the many free trails in St. Charles, which range from beginner-friendly to more challenging.
2. Kids Will Love the Playgrounds
St. Charles Playgrounds are a great (and free) way for the entire family to enjoy a beautiful day in the city. You’ll find all of the traditional offerings, like play structures and swingsets, plus tennis courts, ball fields, sand volleyball, skate plazas, and more for sports and adventure enthusiasts.
Complete with concession stands, pavilions, and restrooms, St. Charles playgrounds also serve as the perfect spot for affordable and budget-friendly birthday parties and family get-togethers.
3. Discover Charming Main Street
One of the best free things to do in St. Charles is to explore the historic Main Street, where past meets present. Main Street has served as a central gathering point for locals and visitors alike for more than 250 years, cementing its place in St. Charles history as a top city landmark.
While you can certainly pop into one of more than two dozen renowned eateries, a visit to Main Street doesn’t require making any purchases. Instead, you can window shop, stroll the street, or simply enjoy the lively atmosphere of the quaint and charming downtown district.
Be sure to pay a visit to Main Street during one of the many free festivals it’s famous for. In August, the Festival of the Little Hills brings over 300 craft and artisan booths, food booths, and live music to Main Street and Frontier Park. Legends & Lanterns® takes visitors on a “spirited” journey through Halloween History where notorious villains, witches, and phantoms make Main Street their new “haunt” for three weekends in October. Saint Charles Christmas Traditions® welcomes guests into a world of yuletide nostalgia and fantasy. Enjoy chestnuts roasted on an open fire, meet Santa figures from around the world, and get your Christmas shopping done all in the same place this holiday season
4. Immerse Yourself in Arts & Culture
St. Charles has no shortage of arts and cultural experiences that blend its storied past with a promising future. Take a trip to the Historic Daniel Boone Home, where you can walk the grounds of Daniel Boone’s former family home for a glimpse of life in the 1800s.
You can also check out The Foundry Art Centre. The center is free to visit and offers something for all ages. Head upstairs to observe the many studio artists who run their practices out of the center, or check out one of the fantastic rotating exhibits.
