The best things to do in St. Louis

“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.”

“St. Clair Bowl keeps the good times rolling with 50 lanes, everyday open play, youth and adult leagues, and coaches if you want to sharpen that hook. Grab friends for birthday parties, banquets, or a casual night that drifts into Treasure Island Arcade, pool and darts, and a little friendly trash talk.”

From the Belleville newsletter, September 5, 2026

“24 lanes for open bowling, leagues & clubby night hours plus a lounge & snack bar.”

“Whether you want a low-key night with fresh popcorn or a 3D escape, Granite City Cinema keeps it simple in the best way... current releases, the occasional throwback, and even private theater rentals for when the group chat finally agrees on a movie.”

From the Granite City newsletter, September 10, 2026

“DP Golf Indoors brings the course inside with GCHawk-powered simulators, a breezy 70°, and leagues for 2- or 4-player teams. It’s also the Metro East’s only PXG fitting center and dealer, plus Patti’s Parlor is open for a bite while you dial in your game.”

From the Belleville newsletter, September 8, 2026

“Long-running bowling alley with a snack bar/soft drink menu & private banquet space.”

“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.”

“Round up your crew for The Tee Party, a one-of-a-kind t-shirt bash where you pick a theme, design your tee, then keep celebrating while they press it. Rep St. Louis, relive the 90s, or do the Me Theme and wear exactly what makes you, you.”

From the Florissant newsletter, August 28, 2026

“Soulcial Kitchen Commons blends chef-driven food trucks with a community mission, so your next meetup actually does some good. Host a gathering or book a food truck, enjoy the restaurant vibes, and know every plate helps fuel their Currency of Caring Feed It Forward program.”

From the St. Louis newsletter, August 5, 2026

“This week, St. Clair Country Club pairs a beautifully maintained, challenging course, home club of Bob Goalby and Jay & Jerry Haas, with tennis and pickleball, a pool, dining, a fitness center and a golf simulator. Uptown amenities, Hometown hospitality, and a nod to tennis legend Jimmy Connors.”

From the Belleville newsletter, September 16, 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

“Gabrielle's Step by Step Dance Studio teaches ballroom, Latin, swing, and social styles in friendly group classes you can join solo or with a partner, plus private lessons at your pace this week. Planning a wedding or just tired of two left feet? Their choreography coaching and patient instruction will get you gliding.”

From the Belleville newsletter, September 18, 2026

“Elmwood Golf Course keeps it simple with a friendly 9-hole loop the course proudly bills as nine of the greatest holes in the St. Louis area, ideal for a quick round this week with neighbors or a stress-busting solo walk when you just need swings, sunshine, and zero fuss.”

From the Belleville newsletter, August 17, 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

“32 bowling lanes with league nights & other special events, including competitions for cash prizes.”

“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.”

“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

“Chain of indoor trampoline parks featuring freestyle bouncing, dodgeball, fitness programs & more.”

“Bel-Air Bowl keeps it simple, 32 lanes, leagues if you want routine, parties when you don’t, plus an arcade and hot pizza to keep the friendly trash talk fueled. Round up the Belleville crew and make it a this-week tradition.”

From the Belleville newsletter, August 20, 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

“Trampoline park with foam pits and an obstacle course geared toward kids and college students.”

“The Edge crams 85,000 square feet of fun into one spot with go karts, bowling, bumper cars, VR, Valo Arena and a beefy arcade, plus five movie theaters including Bistro screens with in-seat service and luxury recliners. Then conquer the world’s largest laser tag arena at 14,000 square feet, multi-level mayhem.”

From the Belleville newsletter, August 25, 2026

“Indoor center for bowling, laser tag & arcade games plus live music, casual dining & beer.”

“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

“Public golf option featuring 3 9-hole courses & practice facilities, plus a shop & a restaurant.”

“Sneak in a quick round close to home at Creve Coeur Golf Course, a municipal nine-hole that skips sand traps yet still tests you with sloped fairways, two-tiered greens, and short shots over water. Family Tees and junior leagues make it great for sharpening swings without the stress.”

From the Chesterfield newsletter, August 26, 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.”

“Comfortable theater inside the Galleria mall featuring stadium seating, 3D films and a snack stand.”

“Florissant Golf Club’s rolling terrain and championship par 72 layout keep every skill level engaged, with fast, true undulating greens that feel private club smooth. Great vistas, real shot values, and staff who treat you like a member make it a perfect midweek sanity reset or weekend flex.”

From the Florissant newsletter, September 15, 2026

“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, September 20, 2026

“Lincoln Theatre still nails that vaudeville-era charm while rolling new movies and one-off events like concerts, magic shows, and Rocky Horror with a live shadow cast. Grab Abe's Gourmet Popcorn, settle in, and turn an ordinary weeknight into a Belleville tradition that actually feels fun.”

From the Belleville newsletter, August 27, 2026

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

“Relaxed driving range with no-limit balls, plus 18-hole mini-golf.”

“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

“Multi-room venue offering themed escape missions, plus a retro mini golf course.”

“Escape 618 in Belleville lets you pick your vibe, from brain-twisting jailbreaks to The Haunted House with a live actor if you want the chills. Private 60-minute games mean it’s just your crew solving, screaming, and high-fiving... perfect for friend hangs or a low-stakes team-building win.”

From the Belleville newsletter, August 23, 2026

“Mile-long riverfront wall showcasing a striking variety of works by 250+ graffiti artists.”

“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.”