Welcome! You have found your complete guide to living better for less in St. Louis.
Looking for inexpensive or free things to do in St. Louis?
You'll find news about them here.
Want to sample the city's attractions, hotels, restaurants and bars without breaking the bank?
Check out St. Louis On The Cheap.
Here you'll find out how to get the most for your dollar. We post new deals and discounts almost daily, so check back often!
Area resident?
We'll show you the best steals and deals in town.
Visiting St. Louis?
Congratulations! You've picked one of the best cities in the country to visit if you're traveling on a budget. Outside of Washington, D. C., no other American city offers so many FREE attractions!
|
What a weekend coming up in The Lou! There are a ton of free things to do this weekend in St. Louis but we’re going to try to narrow it down for you.
Mardi Gras’ Grand Parade in St. Louis’ Soulard neighborhood is always a crowd-pleaser, and the St. Louis Zoo is putting their penguins on parade. What could be better for a February weekend?
Here’s a sampling of the freebies this weekend:
FREE: Soulard Mardi Gras Grand Parade Happens This Weekend
FREE: Chill With The Penguins At The St. Louis Zoo
FREE Saint Louis Art Museum Family Sunday Series Focuses On African Art In February
FREE: Missouri History Museum Hosts Family Fun Event
FREE: Bald Eagle Days At Pere Marquette State Park
BONUS: You can save even more on fun things to do in The Lou with the FREE St. Louis Family Attractions Card. The new 2013 version is available NOW!
Also be sure to subscribe to get St. Louis On The Cheap’s FREE email updates in your mailbox daily. Also “like” us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @stlcheap to catch the latest deals and events.
There’s still time to chill with the penguins at the The Living World at Saint Louis Zoo‘s Delta Dental Winter Zoo on Sundays this month.
From 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Feb. 12 and 19, 2012, families can celebrate the tuxedoed birds with penguin-themed activities, games, crafts, and more. The Feb. 19 event features a Mardi Gras celebration for the whole family.
Penguins like to stroll outside on cold days so when temperatures go below 50 degrees on Sundays, several king and gentoo penguins that reside indoors will venture outdoors at 2 p.m. for Penguin Parade presented by North Star Frozen Treats. They’ll be waddling down the path from the exit of P&P Provisions gift shop to the entrance of Penguin & Puffin Coast for about 30 minutes.
On Sunday, February 19, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Zoo gets in a Mardi Gras mood with Delta Dental Mardi Gras, an event that includes mask making, jugglers, beads, live music and more. Visitors can turn their child’s wagon or stroller into a Mardi Gras parade float, and join in the parade through the Zoo at 3 p.m. led by the Zoo’s costumed characters and Delta Dental’s Tooth Wizard and P.A.N.D.A.
Delta Dental’s “Tooth Wizard,” his pal “P.A.N.D.A.” and arch-enemy “PlaqueMan” will star in Land of Smiles stage show in The Living World at 11:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. each week (no 3 p.m. show on Feb. 19). Land of Smiles entertains and educates children on the importance of maintaining good oral health habits, eating healthy foods and engaging in active play. Each child attending the show will receive a free goodie bag containing dental health supplies to help put them on track for a lifetime of healthy smiles.
Party with Radio Disney AM 1260 each Sunday at 12:30 p.m. Play crazy games for cool prizes while listening to some hot tunes. Plus, find out how you can go home with a Radio Disney prize pack!
Admission to the Zoo and Winter Zoo activities is free. Children must be accompanied by an adult. All activities and games are designed for kids aged 2-10. No reservations are needed. The Zoo is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Winter Zoo is sponsored by Delta Dental of Missouri, North Star Frozen Treats and Laclede Gas, with support provided by Radio Disney AM 1260.
For more information about the Saint Louis Zoo, visit stlzoo.org, facebook.com/stlzoo, twitter.com/stlzoo, youtube.com/stlzootube.
Visitors to the The Living World at Saint Louis Zoo can chill with the penguins at Delta Dental Winter Zoo Sundays through February.
From 11 a.m.-4 p.m., on Sundays, Jan. 29, Feb. 5, 12 and 19, 2012, families can celebrate the tuxedoed birds with penguin-themed activities, games, crafts, and more. The Feb. 19 event features a Mardi Gras celebration for the whole family.
Penguins like to stroll outside on cold days so when temperatures go below 50 degrees on Sundays, several king and gentoo penguins that reside indoors will venture outdoors at 2 p.m. for Penguin Parade presented by North Star Frozen Treats. They’ll be waddling down the path from the exit of P&P Provisions gift shop to the entrance of Penguin & Puffin Coast for about 30 minutes.
On Sunday, February 19, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Zoo gets in a Mardi Gras mood with Delta Dental Mardi Gras, an event that includes mask making, jugglers, beads, live music and more. Visitors can turn their child’s wagon or stroller into a Mardi Gras parade float, and join in the parade through the Zoo at 3 p.m. led by the Zoo’s costumed characters and Delta Dental’s Tooth Wizard and P.A.N.D.A.
Delta Dental’s “Tooth Wizard,” his pal “P.A.N.D.A.” and arch-enemy “PlaqueMan” will star in Land of Smiles stage show in The Living World at 11:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. each week (no 3 p.m. show on Feb. 19). Land of Smiles entertains and educates children on the importance of maintaining good oral health habits, eating healthy foods and engaging in active play. Each child attending the show will receive a free goodie bag containing dental health supplies to help put them on track for a lifetime of healthy smiles.
Party with Radio Disney AM 1260 each Sunday at 12:30 p.m. Play crazy games for cool prizes while listening to some hot tunes. Plus, find out how you can go home with a Radio Disney prize pack!
Admission to the Zoo and Winter Zoo activities is free. Children must be accompanied by an adult. All activities and games are designed for kids aged 2-10. No reservations are needed. The Zoo is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Winter Zoo is sponsored by Delta Dental of Missouri, North Star Frozen Treats and Laclede Gas, with support provided by Radio Disney AM 1260.
For more information about the Saint Louis Zoo, visit stlzoo.org, facebook.com/stlzoo, twitter.com/stlzoo, youtube.com/stlzootube.
Winter giving you a chill?
There is an upside to the cold–it’s penguin weather! And to celebrate, the Saint Louis Zoo is hosting Delta Dental Winter Zoo from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sundays, Jan. 20, Jan. 27 and Feb. 3. There will even be a penguin parade at 2 p.m. each day.
The zoo also presents the FREE Delta Dental Mardi Gras, Zoo Style, a Mardi Gras celebration for the whole family, on Sunday, Feb. 10.
All of the events will be held at the Zoo’s The Living World.
Winter Zoo to celebrates the tuxedoed birds with penguin-themed activities, games, crafts and more.
Find out what penguins like to do on a cold winter day–take a stroll outside, of course! As long as it’s below 50 degrees on Sundays, several king and gentoo penguins that reside indoors will venture outdoors at 2 p.m. for Penguin Parade presented by North Star Frozen Treats.
They will waddle down the path from the exit of P&P Provisions gift shop to the entrance of Penguin & Puffin Coast for about 30 minutes. The parade will feature a grand marshal—the very congenial mascot, Norton the North Star Penguin.
Delta Dental Mardi Gras on Feb. 10 will feature mask making, jugglers, beads, live music and more. Children with a wagon or stroller turned Mardi Gras parade float can join in the parade through the Zoo at 3 p.m. It will be led by the Zoo’s costumed characters and Delta Dental’s Tooth Wizard, Panda and PlaqueMan.
Delta Dental’s characters will also star in Land of Smiles stage show in The Living World at 11:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. each week (no 3 p.m. show on February 3). The program entertains and educates children on the importance of maintaining good oral health habits, eating healthy foods and engaging in active play. Each child attending the show will receive a free goodie bag containing dental health supplies.
Admission to the Zoo and Winter Zoo activities is free. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Activities and games are geared toward kids aged 2-10. No reservations are needed. The Zoo is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Winter Zoo is sponsored by Delta Dental of Missouri and North Star Frozen Treats, with support provided by Radio Disney AM 1260.
Jingle, jingle! Is there anywhere better in the world to be at Christmastime than in The Lou?
Great shopping (still looking for gifts? Shop local!), great lights displays and even a FREE concert by the wonderful Town & Country Symphony Orchestra!
Oh, and if you’re still expecting the apocalypse to happen today, if you’re celebrating the winter solstice or if you just need an excuse for a break, chill out with a half-price real ice cream shake at Sonic.
Here’s just a sampling of the free and cheap things to do this weekend in St. Louis:
Wild Lights Is Holiday Tradition At Saint Louis Zoo
Cheap: Winter Wonderland Light Display In Tilles Park
Town & Country Symphony Orchestra To Perform Free Holiday Concert Sunday
Free: ‘Way of Lights’ Christmas Lights Display At Our Lady Of The Snows
Santa’s Magical Kingdom in Eureka Is A Holiday Delight
Saint Louis Zoo’s ever popular Wild Lights has become a St. Louis holiday tradition. It’s one of the best holiday light display around with thousands of colorful lights, animated light displays and seasonal sounds.Catch it now before it goes away for another year.
U. S. Bank’s Wild Lights at the St. Louis is open 5:30-8:30 p.m., Friday through Sunday through Dec. 23 and nightly Dec. 26-30.
Tickets are sold until 8:15 p.m. each evening.
Admission is $4 for Zoo members (no passes); $5 for general public and free for children under 2.
Check out these additional activities:
Go nose-to-beak with the birds at Penguin & Puffin Coast.
- Get buggy at Monsanto Insectarium.
- Fireside stories: Gather ’round the fire as storytellers like Tundra Tom spin wintry tales about penguins, reindeer and other wildlife. Perhaps Arctic Annie will share chronicles of Missouri critters that live all around us. Come fluff your fur, warm your paws, and perk up your listening ears as you hear captivating animal stories. Sponsored by Prairie Farms.
- Watch a puppet show.
- Hear live performances by local choirs on select nights.
- Visit the Fresh 102.5 Craft Corner in Lakeside Cafe.
- Rides are available on the Conservation Carousel weather permitting. ($3/person)
- Visitors can slide along with penguins in “Happy Feet: Mumble’s Wild Ride” 4D motion simulator. ($3/person)
Work on your Christmas shopping at Wild Lights and receive 10% off any purchase; Zoo members receive a 20% discount.
Advance ticket orders
You may order Wild Lights tickets online or by phone at (314) 646-4771 for any night of the event. There are no extra fees for online or phone orders, however a $10 minimum is required. Orders must be made before 3 p.m. on the day you plan to attend.
If ordering online, you must print your online confirmation e-mail and present it to a volunteer at the South entrance, along with ID. Tickets will not be mailed.
Parking
Free parking is available on the South Lot on Wells Drive near US 40/I-64. Enter the event through the South Entrance.
The Living World North Entrance and North Parking Lot will not be open for this event.

Don’t miss the Saint Louis Zoo’s ever popular Wild Lights. It’s one of the best holiday light display around with thousands of colorful lights, animated light displays and seasonal sounds.
U. S. Bank’s Wild Lights at the St. Louis is open 5:30-8:30 p.m., Friday through Sunday through Dec. 23 and nightly Dec. 26-30.
Tickets are sold until 8:15 p.m. each evening.
Admission is $4 for Zoo members (no passes); $5 for general public and free for children under 2.
Check out these additional activities:
Go nose-to-beak with the birds at Penguin & Puffin Coast.
- Get buggy at Monsanto Insectarium.
- Fireside stories: Gather ’round the fire as storytellers like Tundra Tom spin wintry tales about penguins, reindeer and other wildlife. Perhaps Arctic Annie will share chronicles of Missouri critters that live all around us. Come fluff your fur, warm your paws, and perk up your listening ears as you hear captivating animal stories. Sponsored by Prairie Farms.
- Watch a puppet show.
- Hear live performances by local choirs on select nights.
- Visit the Fresh 102.5 Craft Corner in Lakeside Cafe.
- Rides are available on the Conservation Carousel weather permitting. ($3/person)
- Visitors can slide along with penguins in “Happy Feet: Mumble’s Wild Ride” 4D motion simulator. ($3/person)
Work on your Christmas shopping at Wild Lights and receive 10% off any purchase; Zoo members receive a 20% discount.
Advance ticket orders
You may order Wild Lights tickets online or by phone at (314) 646-4771 for any night of the event. There are no extra fees for online or phone orders, however a $10 minimum is required. Orders must be made before 3 p.m. on the day you plan to attend.
If ordering online, you must print your online confirmation e-mail and present it to a volunteer at the South entrance, along with ID. Tickets will not be mailed.
Parking
Free parking is available on the South Lot on Wells Drive near US 40/I-64. Enter the event through the South Entrance.
The Living World North Entrance and North Parking Lot will not be open for this event.

Don’t miss the Saint Louis Zoo’s ever popular Wild Lights. It’s one of the best holiday light display around with thousands of colorful lights, animated light displays and seasonal sounds.
U. S. Bank’s Wild Lights at the St. Louis is open 5:30-8:30 p.m., Friday through Sunday through Dec. 23 and nightly Dec. 26-30.
Tickets are sold until 8:15 p.m. each evening.
Admission is $4 for Zoo members (no passes); $5 for general public and free for children under 2.
Check out these additional activities:
Go nose-to-beak with the birds at Penguin & Puffin Coast.
- Get buggy at Monsanto Insectarium.
- Fireside stories: Gather ’round the fire as storytellers like Tundra Tom spin wintry tales about penguins, reindeer and other wildlife. Perhaps Arctic Annie will share chronicles of Missouri critters that live all around us. Come fluff your fur, warm your paws, and perk up your listening ears as you hear captivating animal stories. Sponsored by Prairie Farms.
- Watch a puppet show.
- Hear live performances by local choirs on select nights.
- Visit the Fresh 102.5 Craft Corner in Lakeside Cafe.
- Rides are available on the Conservation Carousel weather permitting. ($3/person)
- Visitors can slide along with penguins in “Happy Feet: Mumble’s Wild Ride” 4D motion simulator. ($3/person)
Work on your Christmas shopping at Wild Lights and receive 10% off any purchase; Zoo members receive a 20% discount.
Advance ticket orders
You may order Wild Lights tickets online or by phone at (314) 646-4771 for any night of the event. There are no extra fees for online or phone orders, however a $10 minimum is required. Orders must be made before 3 p.m. on the day you plan to attend.
If ordering online, you must print your online confirmation e-mail and present it to a volunteer at the South entrance, along with ID. Tickets will not be mailed.
Parking
Free parking is available on the South Lot on Wells Drive near US 40/I-64. Enter the event through the South Entrance.
The Living World North Entrance and North Parking Lot will not be open for this event.
There are tons of holiday events in the St. Louis area but here’s one you won’t want to miss.
The Saint Louis Zoo’s ever popular Wild Lights is an incredible holiday light display with thousands of colorful lights, animated light displays and seasonal sounds.
U. S. Bank’s Wild Lights at the St. Louis is open 5:30-8:30 p.m., Fridays, Saturday and Sundays Nov. 23-Dec. 23 and nightly Dec. 26-30.
Tickets are sold until 8:15 p.m. each evening.
Admission is $4 for Zoo members (no passes); $5 for general public and free for children under 2.
In addition to a stroll through the twinkling lights, you can:
Go nose-to-beak with the birds at Penguin & Puffin Coast.
- Get buggy at Monsanto Insectarium.
- Fireside stories: Gather ’round the fire as storytellers like Tundra Tom spin wintry tales about penguins, reindeer and other wildlife. Perhaps Arctic Annie will share chronicles of Missouri critters that live all around us. Come fluff your fur, warm your paws, and perk up your listening ears as you hear captivating animal stories. Sponsored by Prairie Farms.
- Watch a puppet show.
- Hear live performances by local choirs on select nights.
- Visit the Fresh 102.5 Craft Corner in Lakeside Cafe.
- Rides are available on the Conservation Carousel weather permitting. ($3/person)
- Visitors can slide along with penguins in “Happy Feet: Mumble’s Wild Ride” 4D motion simulator. ($3/person)
Work on your Christmas shopping at Wild Lights and receive 10% off any purchase; Zoo members receive a 20% discount.
Advance ticket orders
You may order Wild Lights tickets online or by phone at (314) 646-4771 for any night of the event. There are no extra fees for online or phone orders, however a $10 minimum is required. Orders must be made before 3 p.m. on the day you plan to attend.
If ordering online, you must print your online confirmation e-mail and present it to a volunteer at the South entrance, along with ID. Tickets will not be mailed.
Parking
Free parking is available on the South Lot on Wells Drive near US40/I-64. Enter the event through the South Entrance.
The Living World North Entrance and North Parking Lot will not be open for this event.
|
Get ‘Cheap’ delivered free to your mailbox!
|