We started at the History Museum to help with breaking the world record for the largest dance class. We missed it! But we did get to look around before going to the River Front and Arch. We parked down the road from the Arch and walked on the cobblestone Morgan Alley to the new Gateway Arch park. We crossed the walking bridge and saw the River. As Christian remarked, the River was raging and high; the bridge rattled as the train crossed above us.
As we watched the Mississippi river rushing past us, we were cautious due to the debris smashing against the broken and sunken walkway. Christian says, “come and visit sometime!” Adventures We went to Saint Louis for the day and was not let down in our expectation of what it had to offer. The Arch museum was exciting and interactive.
It was fun for all ages. It is free to explore the museum; however, the arch ride is not free. The new entrance in front of the Arch and the exits were on the side of the River. They also have a water feature in the front of the arch-where you would walk in—new security for everyone’s safety. Parking is on the city street or public parking in the area. For this sensory seeker, the walk from the riverfront and the excitement of the train, walkway, water, sights, sounds, and smells were enough to keep him busy and interested in what would happen next. He also tried out the scooters Saint Louis offers with an easy-to-download app by Lime or Bird.
Once at the Gateway Arch, he touched the side, measured himself to the Arch, and interacted with the people visiting. Everyone was pleasant and engaged in simple conversations with him quickly and easily. He had a wonderful time inside the museum, which again was interactive and full of surprises.
The History Museum is in Forest Park. It is a place we visit quite often for the free museums, including the History Museum. The History Museum has many child/family-friendly events and activities. Their website has a complete list: https://mohistory.org/society Tips for this visit would be to park on the city side and not Morgan street as the entrance is now on the City side and not the riverfront side of the Arch.
However, Morgan Alley is always fun with quick access to the River, pubs, and restaurants. The area has a large park that is excellent for walks, scooters, and biking. The site is active and vibrant, which can be overstimulating if your child has avoidance or anxiety. The fountain in the front of the Arch is significant, and you could get splashed if not careful. Inside you will be searched and guided to the exhibits.
The line for the tram up the Arch is always long so keep that in mind if you have younger children or older adults who need rest. The exhibits are circular, sometimes noisy, and busy so keeping up with active children is challenging. The area has plenty of staff, guards, and park rangers, so there is no fear a child will be stolen or lost.
All in all, it was a great experience, and we would recommend it to anyone-everyone. https://www.gatewayarch.com/experience/museum-experience/ per the website: Trace the story of the Native Americans, explorers, pioneers, and rebels who made America possible. This innovative and interactive museum celebrates America’s pioneering spirit, featuring 201 years of history within six themed exhibit areas. It explains the westward expansion of the United States, emphasizing St. Louis’ role in that era.
The galleries span from 1764 to 1965, with topics covering the growth and stability of Saint Louis and its people. Christian enjoyed the Organ Trail interactive game while pretending to cross the Mississippi with staff who helped him understand what it would be like to leave Saint Louis and take one of the famous trails out west.
This roadside stop is great for anyone going through Saint Louis MO. The Arch museum was exciting and interactive. It was fun for all ages. It is free to explore the museum; however, the arch ride is not free. The new entrance was from the front of the Arch, and the exits were on the side of the River. They also have a water feature in the front of the arch where you would walk in.
New security has been put in for everyone’s safety. Parking is on the city street or public parking in the area. For this sensory seeker, the walk from the riverfront and the excitement of the train, walkway, water, sights, sounds, and smells were enough to keep him busy and interested in what would happen next. He also tried out the scooters Saint Louis offers with an easy-to-download app by Lime or Bird. Once at the Gateway Arch, he touched the side, measured himself to the Arch, and interacted with the people visiting. Everyone was pleasant and engaged in simple conversations with him quickly and easily.
He had a wonderful time inside the museum, which again was interactive and full of surprises.


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