Gateway to the West
Explore family-friendly St. Louis with local tips, free attractions, and food favorites
Episode 86 – The Family Vacationer with Rob and Danny
St. Louis, Missouri, might be known for beer, baseball, and blues hockey—but there’s so much more waiting for families. Rob and Danny welcome Kat Neville, VP of Communications at Explore St. Louis, to share insider tips on how to make the most of this historic, culture-rich city with kids of all ages.
🎙️ In this episode:
- Why St. Louis is one of the best family travel values in the U.S.
- The top 5 must-do family attractions—including the Gateway Arch, City Museum, Magic House, Zoo, and Grant’s Farm
- Hidden gems: The Butterfly House, Endangered Wolf Center, and the new St. Louis Aquarium
- Where to eat: From Ted Drewes frozen custard to High Point burgers and root beer floats at Fitz’s
- Exploring iconic neighborhoods like the Central West End, The Grove, and Kirkwood
- Forest Park: Named the #1 city park in the U.S., bigger than Central Park
- The St. Louis Cardinals game-day experience at Busch Stadium
- Year-round family festivals, including Fair St. Louis, Forest Park Balloon Race, Shakespeare in the Park, and Circus Flora
- What’s new: soccer stadium STL City SC, Union Station Wheel, and Viking river cruises
Whether you’re into hands-on museums, playgrounds built into repurposed planes, or picnics under hot air balloons, St. Louis is a destination packed with affordable fun, culture, and outdoor adventure.
🧳 Need help planning your family getaway?
Rob is a Certified Travel Associate and offers free trip planning services
📧 Email: [email protected]
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The Family Vacationer
The Family Vacationer is a weekly podcast helping families travel smarter, spend better, and create lasting memories together. Hosted by Rob and Traci, the show features expert interviews, real-life stories, and practical tips for planning meaningful, family-first adventures. From hidden gems to budget hacks, it's a must-listen for parents who want stress-free, joy-filled travel.
Meet the Hosts
Growing up, Rob Jones mainly traveled to Florida for vacation. Those family trips to Orlando and the Gulf Coast are cherished memories that influence him to this day. His entire professional career has involved travel. From working in the music business to event marketing, Rob has traveled to 46 states and five countries. Rob has been married to his wife, Traci, for 16 years and they love to travel with their three children: Ruthie, Nash, and Chase.
Traci's been shaking up the Dawson County School System for four years now, injecting it with her unique brand of energy and enthusiasm. When she's not molding young minds, you'll find her co-conspiring with her sister at Seasonal Events and Design—because who doesn't love a good party?
She's a self-proclaimed beach aficionado, never meeting a sandy shore she didn't instantly click with. And let's not forget her partner-in-crime for the past eighteen years, Rob, who's been keeping up with her antics and their three beautiful troublemakers—Ruthie, Chase, and Nash. Together, they're a whirlwind of chaos, laughter, and love.
Support Us
If you like the Family Vacationer content and would like to give us a little pat on the back. How about buying us a soda? We'd love that! Rob loves Diet Dr Pepper Strawberry and Blackberry and Traci loved Cherry Coke!