Missouri Botanical Garden
Best Time to Visit Missouri Botanical Gardens
Whether you’re looking for a romantic date idea or a fun outdoor family activity in St. Louis, the Missouri Botanical Garden (MOBOT) is it. The gardens are so beautiful this time of year when so many things are in full bloom. Visit other times of the year to get a totally different experience each time!
Water Features and Statues at MOBOT
The reflective pools at the gardens are truly spectacular and mirror the beauty of the fountains, trees, and flowers around them. They will make even the most anxious person feel at peace.
Missouri Botanical Garden Events
Garden Glow
Japanese Festival
Best of Missouri
Chihuly in the Garden
May 2nd to October 15, 2023
World-renowned blown glass artist combines his talents with the beauty of the botanical gardens
MOBOT Plant Finder
We didn’t even get to see all the forests in the botanical gardens in St. Louis because #toddlermomlife, but the ones we saw were so lovely. The gardens are truly an oasis in the city. If you’re looking for a specific plant species within the garden, check out the Missouri Botanical Garden plant finder.
Botanical Gardens Kids
I was shocked by how huge the Children’s Garden at the Missouri Botanical Garden is! There were so many different areas and activities, we could have easily spent the whole day there.
Missouri Botanical Children’s Garden
The Children’s Garden had so many things to see and play with. This area was about bees and even had a huge hive that kids could go in and see the structure that bees create with honey combs and all. My boys also loved the splash pad area, the slides, and the river water play (next photo).
St. Louis kids outdoor activity
My 3 year old could play in water all day every day and never tire of it. He had a hay day with this play dam and boats area. There was also a splash pad area (not pictured) that he spent a lot of time in. The Missouri Botanical Garden is a great outdoor family activity in St. Louis.
MOBOT Tickets
I recommend going early and making a day (or at least a half day) of it to see the gardens and let the kids play in the children’s area. Tickets are free for kids age 12 and under and $14 per person aged 13 and up ($6 per person for St. Louis county residents).
Botanical Gardens St. Louis Parking
Parking at the Botanical Gardens in St. Louis is free and if you get there early you should have no issue finding a spot in the main parking lot. I definitely recommend going in the spring or summer if you want to see all the flowers in bloom but the trees would also be gorgeous in the fall!
Missouri Botanical Garden Glow
The Garden Glow at the Missouri Botanical Garden is a great holiday tradition to start with your family in St. Louis. Every year the gardens are lit up with over a million lights to celebrate the holiday season! It is truly a spectacle to behold and there are usually local food and drink vendors at the gardens too.
MOBOT Membership
Missouri Botanical Garden Membership includes free general admission to the Garden, the Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House, and the Shaw Nature Reserve
Cost is $50 for an individual and $75 for a family membership.
Discounted admission to Garden Glow, festivals, and other events
Tips for Visiting the Botanical Garden in St. Louis
Is Missouri Botanical Garden free?
No the Missouri Botanical Garden is not free for adults. Tickets are free for kids age 12 and under and $14 per person aged 13 and up ($6 per person for St. Louis county residents).
How long does it take to walk through the garden?
It really depends on what path you take through the garden and whether you are taking kids to the Children’s garden. If you’re heading to the Missouri Botanical Garden Children’s Garden then it can be an all day activity. If you are just taking a quick stroll through the gardens you could be done in an hour.
Does it cost to park at Missouri Botanical Garden?
It is free to park at the Missouri Botanical Garden. They usually have plenty of space in their lot, unless there is a special event going on then you might have to utilize street parking nearby.
Restaurants Near Missouri Botanical Garden St. Louis
There is a new restaurant at the Missouri Botanical Garden called Sassafras that has quick lunch and brunch options. It’s located inside the beautiful new Jack C. Taylor visitors center.
The botanical gardens in St. Louis are located right next to the Hill neighborhood of St. Louis where some of the best Italian restaurants are.
Some of my favorite restaurants nearby include:
Charlie Gitto’s On the Hill
Favazza’s On the Hill
Sasha’s on Shaw Wine Bar
Olio Mediterranean Wine Bar
For more great places to eat in St. Louis, visit my list of best St. Louis Restaurants.
BBQ Chicken Pizza at Sassafras Restaurant Missouri Botanical Garden
Butterfly House at the Botanical Garden
The Butterfly House at the Missouri Botanical Gardens is a beautiful conservatory with over a thousand tropical butterflies. A great educational activity for kids in St. Louis or for adults too! The next time you’re visiting the botanical gardens in St. Louis be sure to stop by the butterfly house too!
Highly recommend visiting the Missouri Botanical Garden on your next visit to St. Louis. The gardens make a great date idea or a fun family activity in St. Louis. If you’re looking for a way to entertain the kids this summer I highly recommend checking out the Children’s Garden for a fun outdoor kids activity in St. Louis.