The best things to do in Hillsboro

For a home-turf golf day that doesn’t feel routine, Oak Valley Golf Course and Resort spreads 18 holes across 300+ rolling acres with fresh white-sand bunkers, plus the 19th Hole Bar and Grill’s Mississippi River views, a waterpark and a stocked 20-acre fishing lake when the round is over.

From the Hillsboro newsletter, October 13, 2026

Down the road in Herculaneum, Post 42 Golf is a veteran-owned neighborhood hangout with state-of-the-art simulators that let you play top courses rain or shine. Bays start at $40 per hour for up to six players, and the multi-sport option adds soccer, hockey, even rally baseball.

From the Hillsboro newsletter, October 31, 2026

Bowling itch hitting again? Quonset Lanes keeps it simple and fun with open play, Friday night Cosmic Bowling, leagues and tournaments all year, plus a redemption arcade for between-frames bragging rights. They also make birthday parties painless, and the pro shop has you covered when gear needs a tune-up.

From the Hillsboro newsletter, October 11, 2026

If your kid eats, sleeps, and occasionally throws baseballs at the garage, Hillsboro Little League keeps it fun and competitive with T-ball, baseball, and softball programs from Mini through Senior, plus All-Stars. It’s the local dugout energy you want...

From the Hillsboro newsletter, October 28, 2026

Jefferson County Fairgrounds is where Hillsboro gathers for the good stuff, from rodeo nights and a good ol' truck and tractor pull to live music, Kids Day fun and the beloved Fall Festival and Horse Show. Keep an eye out for the World War II Weekend reenactment that turns history into a hands-on spectacle.

From the Hillsboro newsletter, October 25, 2026

Raintree Country Club is a public course with fantastic facilities and member perks, plus leagues and tournaments to keep the calendar full. The Raintree Pickleball Club courts are now open too, with memberships available if you want more than an occasional tee time.

From the Hillsboro newsletter, October 21, 2026

Because sometimes chores can wait, B&B Festus 8 Cinema hooks you up with luxury heated recliners, crisp digital projection and sound, and RealD 3D. Grab a cocktail, beer, wine, or a mocktail at the Marquee Bar and treat it like a quick local getaway.

From the Hillsboro newsletter, October 17, 2026

Sunset Lanes keeps things delightfully old-school in the best way, with lively leagues, weekend cosmic glow sessions, and room for tournaments, youth birthdays, and office shindigs. Grab a few friends, claim a lane, and remember why bowling nights with actual humans are still unbeatable.

From the St. Louis newsletter, October 4, 2026

Shrewsbury Lanes pairs classic bowling with updated technology, making it an easy pick for a low-key night out or a friendly family showdown. Check out open bowling, leagues, or party packages, and prepare for at least one person to claim that gutterball was part of the strategy.

From the St. Louis newsletter, October 27, 2026

The revamped Tower Tee Golf & Recreation brings back the local legend vibe with a legit par 3 course, covered Toptracer range, massive putting course, and short-game areas, plus footgolf, batting cages, bocce, and patios for post-round hangs. Solid instruction if your slice needs an intervention.

From the St. Louis newsletter, September 23, 2026

Strike & Spare Crestwood Bowl keeps it simple, fun, and budget friendly with 24 lanes, leagues, cosmic bowling that feels like a mini concert, and a legit bar and grill. Need a kid birthday, fundraiser, or work get together? They host those without the chaos.

From the Park Hills newsletter, October 13, 2026

Family-owned and full-service, The Thaxton brings a vintage vibe and superior service to boutique weddings and private events in the heart of downtown St. Louis. Think classic glam, speakeasy charm, and a crew that actually cares, which is why locals quietly keep it on their short list.

From the St. Louis newsletter, October 15, 2026

, plus nine more by Gary Kern, The Legends Country Club gives locals 27 rolling holes in Eureka, then keeps the day going with bocce, pickleball, a pool, and full-service dining... basically your social life in one place.

From the Wildwood newsletter, October 29, 2026

Pin-Up Bowl keeps the Delmar Loop fun-sized with eight lanes, a retro lounge packed with 1940s pin-up memorabilia, and bartenders cranking out fresh-juice cocktails. Go for a quick game, stay for house-made pizza, and check their weekly DJ nights or book an easy private party.

From the St. Louis newsletter, September 9, 2026

24:1 Cinema delivers the no-fuss movie night we all need, a modern independent theater with three screens, a proper concession stand, and first-run titles. Right nearby and refreshingly local, it’s perfect for a spontaneous matinee or catching the buzzy release with friends before the group chat spoils it.

From the St. Louis newsletter, September 1, 2026

Skip the plain old recline and let 4D Theater toss you into the story, with MX4D seats that roll and tilt plus wind, fog, and the scent of ocean air that make car chases and sea scenes feel real, all at the nearby Creve Coeur West Olive location.

From the University City newsletter, September 24, 2026

Craving a midweek reset with zero planning? St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station nails it with hands-on touch pools, Shark Canyon talks and feeds, and those irresistibly chaotic otter moments, plus behind-the-scenes tours if you want to geek out on the care and science behind it all.

From the St. Louis newsletter, August 8, 2026

Tapawingo National Golf Club delivers 27 Gary Player designed holes threading rivers, lakes, and hardwoods, fun for every skill level. Or swing by for counter-service favorites like Joe Boccardi’s pizza, and keep them in mind for tournaments, corporate events, or a wedding with great course views.

From the Kirkwood newsletter, September 11, 2026

Concord Bowl and Recreation packs 32 lanes with league nights, Tri-Challenge squads, 9-Pin tournaments and cash-prize showdowns, then lets you cool off on the Pirate’s Crusade mini golf course. Easy pick for St. Louis crews, plus party packages that swap pizzas for apps or burgers and brats.

From the St. Louis County newsletter, October 22, 2026

Pirate's Crusade Mini Golf makes low-stakes competition fun, then lets you keep the night rolling with bowling, sand volleyball, and batting cages all in the same spot. Grab a seat on the deck, find the 2 bars and the cafe, and call it a perfect no-planning-needed hang.

From the St. Louis newsletter, September 25, 2026

Chase Park Plaza Cinema keeps it cozy and grown-up with a boutique vibe, first-run picks plus the occasional classic, and a concessions menu that includes actual beer and wine. If your week needs a low-key treat, this is where you sink into the seat and exhale.

From the St. Louis newsletter, August 29, 2026

Skip the couch this week and hit Aloha Mini Golf & Shave Ice for unlimited rounds among tiki torches and music, then cool off with legit Hawaiian shave ice in 40+ flavors from Cherry to Wedding Cake. Park-like vibes, kid energy optional, date-night approved.

From the St. Louis newsletter, August 11, 2026

Let dinner and a movie be the same thing this week. At MX Movies & Bar you catch current flicks while ordering real food and proper drinks from your seat, which is basically peak St. Louis efficiency with extra butter.

From the St. Louis newsletter, August 18, 2026

All Heart Mural, by longtime city resident Amy S. Miller, splashes Ward 2 with more than 75 flower motifs representing nearly 90 countries, red and pink blossoms forming a literal heart. It’s a quick excuse to slow down, soak up neighborhood pride, then look up the flower key on the artist’s site.

From the St. Louis newsletter, October 1, 2026

Forest Park Golf Course is a public course inside Forest Park with 27 holes across Hawthorne, Dogwood, and Redbud, full of rolling fairways, mature trees, and water views. Add practice facilities, instruction with PGA professionals, a golf shop, and Ruthie’s Bar & Grill for quick loops or a full day.

From the University City newsletter, October 1, 2026

Cinema St. Louis keeps the city’s cinephiles well-fed with year-round festivals like SLIFF, QFest, and the St. Louis Filmmakers Showcase, plus educational programs and daily screenings at the iconic Hi-Pointe Theatre.

From the St. Louis newsletter, October 23, 2026

Set in Forest Park’s rolling parkland, The Highlands Golf & Tennis offers a charming 9-hole stroll with zoysia fairways, bentgrass greens, and just enough bunkers to keep you honest.

From the University City newsletter, September 19, 2026

Quail Creek Golf Club blends a friendly, family-ready atmosphere with an 18-hole layout that actually makes you think.

From the St. Louis newsletter, September 5, 2026

Family-friendly venue featuring a landscaped 18-hole mini-golf course, an aquarium, and a Ferris wheel.

Tech-infused mini-golf experience featuring modern technology, imaginative courses, and an onsite restaurant.

City Jump Family Entertainment Complex is a locally and woman-owned spot where VR adventures, classic arcades and springy jump zones keep kids grinning and adults surprisingly competitive, with a full cafe, a Sunday brunch buffet with mimosas, plus easy group packages for birthdays, schools and teams.

From the St. Louis newsletter, September 15, 2026

Whether you want a full 18 with rolling terrain and bunkers that punish only the truly wild shots, a quick nine on the par 3, or to try FootGolf with the crew, Eagle Springs Golf Course has it all. Book a lesson or go stripe it this week, then debrief at the clubhouse restaurant.

From the Florissant newsletter, October 13, 2026

Science, history & kid-friendly films on a 5-story domed screen in the St. Louis Science Center.

Louis serves up a classic Robert Foulis design with Zoysia fairways and bent grass greens. It’s a friendly, genuinely fun nine for every skill level when you want fresh air and zero fuss.

From the St. Louis newsletter, August 15, 2026

St. Louis Escape brings together themed escape rooms, blacklight retro mini golf, pinball, and a live-hosted game show, so your group can pick its own level of competition and theatrical peril.

Along the Mississippi floodwall downtown, The Mural Mile layers work from more than 250 graffiti artists into a living timeline of St. Louis, sparked by the Paint Louis tradition that began in 1997. When you need fresh color or a quick brain reset, roll by and watch the wall reinvent itself.

From the St. Louis newsletter, October 6, 2026

Hi-Pointe Theatre keeps it local and lively with new releases, restorations, and curated series like Weekend Roadtrip, Widescreen Wednesdays, and Cinessentials, often on 35mm, plus beer and wine. When you want a low-key night that still feels special, this 1922 gem scratches the cinephile itch without the mall chaos.

From the University City newsletter, September 17, 2026

Series of challenging, immersive rooms, including one themed as a bank heist.