Family Friendly Nature Road Trip in Missouri

Day 1: Exploring St. Louis

St. Louis, Missouri

8:00AM

Visit the Gateway Arch

Start your day with a visit to the iconic Gateway Arch offering stunning views of the city and the Mississippi River.
The Gateway Arch is located in the heart of St. Louis and can be accessed by foot or tram.
$16, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at City Museum

Head to City Museum for a unique dining experience in a creative space filled with activities for both kids and adults.
City Museum is a short drive from the Gateway Arch.
$12, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore Forest Park

Spend the afternoon at Forest Park, a sprawling green space with attractions like the St. Louis Zoo and Art Museum.
Forest Park is a short drive from City Museum.
Free, 3 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at The Hill

Enjoy a delicious Italian dinner at the historic neighborhood of The Hill, known for its authentic restaurants.
Head to The Hill district for a taste of Italy in St. Louis.
$25, 2 hours
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Day 2: Wine Tasting in Hermann

Hermann, Missouri

9:00AM

Drive to Hermann

Embark on a scenic drive to Hermann, a charming town known for its wineries and German heritage.
Drive west on I-70 for approximately 1.5 hours to reach Hermann.
Gas Cost, 2 hours

12:00PM

Wine Tasting at Hermannhof Winery

Experience wine tasting at Hermannhof Winery, one of the oldest and most picturesque wineries in town.
Hermannhof Winery is located in the heart of Hermann and offers guided tours.
$20, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore Historic Downtown

Take a leisurely stroll through the historic downtown area, filled with quaint shops and cafes.
Walk around the downtown area of Hermann to soak in its old-world charm.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Vintage Restaurant

Enjoy dinner at Vintage Restaurant, a fine dining establishment offering a blend of German and American cuisine.
Head to Vintage Restaurant in Hermann for a delightful dining experience.
$30, 2 hours
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Day 3: Lake of the Ozarks Exploration

Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri

9:00AM

Drive to Lake of the Ozarks

Hit the road towards Lake of the Ozarks, a popular destination for water activities and outdoor fun.
Take the scenic drive southwest on US-54 for approximately 2 hours to reach Lake of the Ozarks.
Gas Cost, 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Boat Tour on the Lake

Embark on a relaxing boat tour to explore the beauty of Lake of the Ozarks and its scenic shoreline.
Various boat tour operators offer excursions from different docks around the lake.
$30, 2 hours

3:00PM

Water Activities

Spend the afternoon swimming, kayaking, or paddleboarding in the crystal-clear waters of the lake.
Rent equipment from local vendors along the lake's shore.
$20, 3 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at JB Hooks

Enjoy a delicious dinner overlooking the lake at JB Hooks, known for its seafood and steak dishes.
Head to JB Hooks for a memorable dining experience by the water.
$40, 2 hours
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Day 4: Family Fun in Branson

Branson, Missouri

9:00AM

Drive to Branson

Travel to Branson, a vibrant town known for its entertainment shows and attractions suitable for all ages.
Take the scenic drive southeast on US-54 for approximately 2 hours to reach Branson.
Gas Cost, 2 hours

12:00PM

Explore Silver Dollar City

Spend the day at Silver Dollar City, an amusement park with thrilling rides, shows, and craftsmen demonstrating their skills.
Silver Dollar City is a major attraction in Branson, offering entertainment for the whole family.
$60, 6 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Danna's BBQ

Indulge in a hearty barbecue dinner at Danna's BBQ, a local favorite known for its smoky flavors.
Head to Danna's BBQ for a taste of authentic Missouri barbecue.
$20, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Watch a Branson Show

End the day with a live performance at one of Branson's famous theaters showcasing music, comedy, and magic.
Book tickets in advance for a show that suits your family's interests.
$30, 2 hours
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Day 5: Sightseeing in Kansas City

Kansas City, Missouri

9:00AM

Drive to Kansas City

Travel to Kansas City, known for its jazz heritage, barbecue, and vibrant arts scene.
Take a scenic drive northwest on US-65 for approximately 4 hours to reach Kansas City.
Gas Cost, 4 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Joe's Kansas City BBQ

Have lunch at Joe's Kansas City BBQ, a renowned spot for authentic barbecue in the city.
Head to Joe's Kansas City BBQ for a mouthwatering barbecue feast.
$15, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art

Explore the impressive art collection at the Nelson-Atkins Museum, including works from around the world.
Spend the afternoon immersed in art at the renowned Nelson-Atkins Museum.
Free, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Plaza III Steakhouse

Indulge in a fine dining experience at Plaza III Steakhouse, known for its aged steaks and elegant ambiance.
Head to Plaza III Steakhouse for a luxurious dinner in Kansas City.
$50, 2 hours
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Day 6: Exploring Kansas City

Kansas City, Missouri

9:00AM

Visit National WWI Museum and Memorial

Start the day with a visit to the National WWI Museum and Memorial, showcasing artifacts and stories from World War I.
Explore the museum located near Union Station for a historic experience.
$18, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Char Bar

Have a relaxed barbecue lunch at Char Bar, a rustic eatery offering smoked meats and outdoor games.
Enjoy a laid-back meal at Char Bar for a taste of Kansas City's barbecue scene.
$20, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Shop at Country Club Plaza

Explore the upscale shops and boutiques at Country Club Plaza, an outdoor shopping district with Spanish architecture.
Spend the afternoon shopping and strolling around the picturesque Country Club Plaza.
Shopping Budget, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Fiorella's Jack Stack Barbecue

Enjoy a dinner feast at Fiorella's Jack Stack Barbecue, known for its delicious ribs and burnt ends.
Head to Fiorella's Jack Stack for a savory barbecue dinner in a cozy atmosphere.
$30, 2 hours
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Day 7: Final Day in Missouri

Kansas City, Missouri

9:00AM

Kansas City Zoo

Spend the morning at the Kansas City Zoo, home to a variety of animals and interactive exhibits for all ages.
Explore the different sections of the zoo and catch feeding sessions and shows.
$20, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Gates BBQ

Enjoy a casual lunch at Gates BBQ, a local favorite known for its sauce-slathered barbecue dishes.
Head to Gates BBQ for a classic Kansas City barbecue experience.
$15, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Union Station

Visit Union Station, a historic railway hub turned entertainment complex with museums, shops, and restaurants.
Explore the grand architecture and attractions inside Union Station.
$10, 2 hours

5:00PM

Farewell Dinner at Stroud's

Enjoy a traditional fried chicken dinner at Stroud's, a local institution known for its hearty meals.
End your Missouri road trip with a satisfying dinner at Stroud's.
$25, 2 hours
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