Cruise the Mighty Mississippi on a replica paddlewheel riverboat with the jolly man himself this holiday season – Santa Claus. Come dressed in your favorite PJs and leave the cooking to the crew. Your family will enjoy a breakfast buffet, craft activities, views of downtown and the Gateway Arch, and a photo with Santa.
2025 Cruise dates and times:
Saturday, Dec. 6 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Sunday, Dec. 7 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Saturday, Dec. 13 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Sunday, Dec. 14 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Saturday, Dec. 20 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Sunday, Dec. 21 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Cruises board 30 minutes prior to cruise time. Please arrive by 9 a.m.
Tickets are $45 per person for age 3 and up. Children under 2 are free.
More information and tickets: gatewayarch.com
If you prefer an afternoon cruise, Caroling with Santa cruises are taking place on the same days from 1:30-3:30 p.m.
See our Things To Do calendar for more fun holiday events for your family!
March brings a very special kind of tropical madness to the Butterfly House in Faust Park! Thousands of breathtaking Blue Morpho butterflies take up residence to welcome spring.
Stop in and have some fun in the indoor pool at the Lodge of Des Peres with your little one at this drop-in swim time for kids up to age 6. No pre-registration is needed; Water Waddlers is open to residents and non-residents of Des Peres.
The Saint Louis Science Center has expanded its Preschool Science Series to include new offerings for different age groups of young scientists. Storybook STEM is for ages 3 to 5.
Discovery Club is an exploration of all kinds of science! Kids ages 7-11 will navigate through the sciences with projects, experiments and activities at this free program. Themes include robots, roller coasters, potato batteries and more.
Visit The Magic House for Toddler Time, a special early-morning program for toddlers. Children age 1-4 can take part in exhibits and exclusive interactive activities designed just for little ones. There are new themes every week!