In short
- Museum entry is free and highly interactive.
- The Virtual Reality Theater shows the 1850s riverfront.
- The tram ride requires climbing 96 steps.
In this article
Planning a family visit to the Gateway Arch requires knowing which activities suit your children. The site combines a free museum with ticketed entertainment like the tram ride. Here is what to expect when visiting with kids.
What can kids do in the free museum?
Children can explore 201 years of history through interactive exhibits.
The Museum at the Gateway Arch is completely free to enter. It features interactive displays focusing on westward expansion, pioneers, and indigenous cultures. Families typically spend 1 to 2 hours exploring these galleries.
Is the virtual reality experience good for children?
Yes, the 10-minute VR theater is a great activity for kids.
The experience immerses viewers in what the St. Louis riverfront looked like in the 1850s. It takes about 15 minutes total. This is an excellent way to keep children entertained while waiting for your tram departure time.
Can children ride the Gateway Arch tram?
Yes, children can ride the tram, but they must climb 96 steps to board.
The enclosed tram pods hold up to 5 passengers, making them suitable for small families. Strollers are prohibited on the tram ride and observation deck. The tram takes 4 minutes to ascend to the 630-foot platform.
Does the Gateway Arch have a Junior Ranger program?
Yes, Gateway Arch National Park offers a Junior Ranger program.
Kids can complete educational activities while exploring the park grounds and museum. Asking a park ranger for a booklet is a simple way to keep younger visitors engaged during your trip.
Where can kids run around outside the Arch?
The park grounds feature 91 acres of open green space along the Mississippi River.
Luther Ely Smith Square connects the Arch to downtown St. Louis via wide pedestrian pathways. Children can walk safely here, as it stretches over I-44. Families can also view 19th-century paddle-wheel riverboats docked nearby.
What should families bring to the Gateway Arch?
Bring minimal bags, sealed water bottles, and comfortable walking shoes.
- Sealed water bottle: This is the only drink allowed through security.
- Light jackets: The underground museum and observation deck are air-conditioned and can be chilly.
- Minimal bags: There are no on-site lockers. Fewer bags speed up the mandatory airport-style security screening.
- Walking shoes: Everyone must climb 96 steps across 6 flights to reach the tram boarding area.
Questions travellers ask
Are strollers allowed on the Gateway Arch tram?
No, strollers, wheelchairs, and scooters are prohibited on the tram ride and the observation deck. You must leave strollers behind before climbing the 96 steps to board the tram.
How much are Gateway Arch tickets for children?
Tickets for the Tram Ride to the Top start at $11 for children ages 3 to 15. The underground museum and surrounding park grounds are completely free to enter.
Are there places to eat inside the Gateway Arch with kids?
Food and unsealed beverages are not permitted in the exhibits or on the tram. You must eat outside the facility or bring only sealed water bottles through security.
