If you are a parent of a “tween,” you know how hard it can be to find an activity that challenges and interests kids at this delicate age. As parents, we also want these activities to be educational, fun for the family and relatively inexpensive. St. Louis’ best stuff for tweens hits high on all these marks and offers plenty of fun for parents, too.

St. Louis Science Center

5050 Oakland Ave.
St. Louis, MO 63110
(314) 289-4400
www.slsc.org

The Science Center has long been a favorite of St. Louis families. Admission is free to the main building and its fascinating displays. Be sure to stop by the life-size tyrannosaurus rex and triceratops displays as you take in all that the Science Center has to offer. A nominal charge will grant patrons access to the Discovery Room (dedicated to younger scientists in the making), the Ominimax Theater (showing the finest films on a wrap-around screen that is four stories tall) and the Planetarium (dedicated to the understanding and exploration of outer space). The Science Center is always a top family attraction and definitely among St. Louis’ best stuff for tweens! Hours: Monday through Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

City of St. Peters Rec-Plex

5200 Mexico Rd.
St. Peters, MO 63376
(636) 939-2386
www.stpetersmo.net

The Rec-Plex is the City of St. Peters; answer to keeping children of all ages active and engaged. Since opening its doors in 1994, the Rec-Plex has grown to encompass two buildings and more than 230,000 square feet of space dedicated to athletics and recreation. The Rec-Plex has facilities are among the best in the St. Louis region. The natatorium hosted both the U.S. Olympic Festival and U.S. Diving Trials, and the ice rinks that are NHL size. You also can find the highest quality workout equipment, jogging track and basketball courts. If you or your tween get the munchies, stop by the food court for a quick pick-me-up! Hours vary according to season, so check the Web site or call before planning a visit.

Meramec Caverns

P.O. Box 948
Stanton, MO 63079
(573) 468-CAVE (3166)
www.americascave.com

Located just off Interstate 44, about one hour west of St. Louis, Meramec Caverns makes for a memorable experience for the whole family. The rare geological formations took thousands of years to form. Missouri is known as The Cave State, and Meramec Caverns is the largest commercial cave in the state. Legend tells us that Jesse James once used the caverns as a hideout. Hours vary with the time of year, so check the Web site or call ahead for more information.

- Dianna Graveman