The “I’m Bored” Bucket List for Summer in STL

It starts out innocently enough. The school year wraps up, the kids throw their backpacks into the closet, and everyone celebrates the sweet freedom of summer.

But fast forward a couple of weeks into July, and those celebratory cheers quickly turn into a much different sound. You know exactly what we’re talking about—the dreaded, whining, repetitive sigh: “I’m bored. There’s nothing to do.”

As parents, it’s easy to feel the pressure to become full-time cruise directors, mapping out expensive and exhausting daily itineraries.

But keeping the kids entertained around St. Louis doesn’t have to cost a fortune or drain your remaining energy reserves. Our city is packed with incredible, low-stress spots that are perfect for breaking up summer monotony.

In this post, we’re serving up the ultimate guide to beating the mid-summer slump, including cool indoor escapes, local outdoor favorites, and the delicious frozen St. Louis-style pizza that makes dinner the easiest part of your day.

1. Free Museum Days: The Ultimate Sanity Savers

We are incredibly lucky to live in a city that boasts world-class cultural institutions that don’t cost a dime for general admission. When the humidity peaks, heading to an air-conditioned museum is the perfect way to reset everyone’s mood.

Because admission is free, there is absolutely zero pressure to stay all day. If the kids only last an hour before getting restless, you can head home without feeling like you wasted a ticket.

Top spots to add to your rotation:

• The St. Louis Zoo: Walk through the Penguin & Puffin Coast or watch the sea lions splash around to instantly cool off.
• The St. Louis Science Center: Kids can dig for dinosaur fossils, watch a roaring animatronic T-Rex, or build their own structural arches out of giant foam blocks.
• The Saint Louis Art Museum: Take a quiet stroll through the armor galleries, a surprising hit with kids of all ages.

2. Pizza Night (or Lunch): Your Mid-Summer Hero 

Long days of exploring the city are hectic for parents. That combined with the summer heat makes cooking a heavy meal feel like an absolute impossibility.

That’s when Dogtown Pizza comes in to save the day. Locally made in our beloved St. Louis-style, our pizzas are perfect for popping into the oven after a long day at the park.

Why pizza works so well on a hot summer day:

• It’s an absolute slam dunk: Kids, teens, and exhausted grownups can always agree on a slice, meaning zero dinner-table arguments for you. 
• No prep, no kitchen mess: It goes straight from the freezer to the oven rack to your plate. If you really want a zero-cleanup night, use paper plates or a durable paper towel; we won’t judge!
• Something for every palate: With so many incredible flavors, you can easily mix and match to satisfy every taste bud in the house.

Looking for some fun summer pairings to go with your pie? Try these out:

• Tomato Basil Garlic Pizza + Fresh Watermelon: The red-ripened tomatoes and fragrant basil on our refreshing, all-natural pizza pair beautifully with sweet, crisp summer fruit.
• 4 Meat Pizza + Caesar Salad: Balance out the ultimate carnivore feast of salsiccia, pepperoni, hickory-smoked bacon, and ham with a crisp, cool green salad.
• Hot Wing Pizza + Celery & Ranch: Take the fiery flavors of our Hot Wing pizza and cool things down with a classic side of crisp celery and dipping sauce.

 

 

If you want more healthy pairings, read the Balanced Bites: Salad and Pizza Pairings for the Health(ish) Crowd.

3. Easy Indoor Fun for Scorching Afternoons

Once the midday sun gets a bit too intense for the playground, it’s time to bring the entertainment indoors. Summer days are the perfect excuse for unplugged entertainment that keeps the kids focused and calm.

The idea is to keep things light, relaxed, and screen-free whenever possible. Summer is short, but the memories you make at the kitchen table can last forever.

Here are a few crowd-pleasing indoor ideas:

• Family board game tournaments: Dust off old favorites like Uno, Yahtzee, or Monopoly and set up a bracket.
• Living room blanket forts: Let the kids design the ultimate summer hideout using every cushion and sheet in the house, then cozy up inside for a movie marathon.
• DIY crafts: Try making your own tie-dye t-shirts, painting rocks collected from the yard, or setting up an indoor scavenger hunt.

4. Local Summer Traditions That Make the Lou Special

St. Louis has its own unique way of celebrating the sunny season, and these local activities are part of what makes a Midwest summer feel so nostalgic and magical.

Chasing Fountains at Citygarden

Located right in the heart of downtown, Citygarden is an urban oasis packed with incredible sculptures and lush lawns. But the real draw for kids is the splash pads and water walls. It’s a fantastic, free way to let them burn off energy and cool down without dealing with pool crowds.

Catching a Cardinals Game

There is nothing quite like hearing the roar of the crowd at Busch Stadium. Whether you grab budget-friendly nosebleed tickets or watch the game on TV from the comfort of your air-conditioned living room, rooting for the Redbirds is a quintessential summer tradition. Make some nachos, pull up a lawn chair, and enjoy the game together.

Catching a Show at The Muny

As America’s oldest and largest outdoor musical theatre, the Muny in Forest Park is a true St. Louis treasure. Pack a picnic basket, arrive early to enjoy the live pre-show entertainment on the grounds, and enjoy a magical night of theater under the stars. Here’s the schedule!

Summer Days Are Meant to Be Enjoyed

In St. Louis, summer break is more than just a break from school; it’s a mini-holiday packed with familiar food, outdoor adventures, and the local traditions that make our city feel like home. Whether you’re exploring the Science Center, splashing through Citygarden, or pulling a hot Dogtown Pizza out of the oven, the magic of summer is all about keeping it simple and making time for each other.

So the next time the kids start complaining about having nothing to do, lean into the moment. Stay cool, eat well, and make it a day your family won’t forget. Head to your local St. Louis store today to grab a couple of your favorite pizzas, so you always have a quick, delicious meal ready to go after your next big summer adventure!