A Day with Family in the CWE

The Central West End is one of the best neighborhoods in St. Louis for a family day out. With kid-friendly attractions, unique shops, local restaurants and more, it’s easy to spend an entire day exploring the neighborhood together. Here’s how to make the most of a day in the CWE with the whole family.

Family Fun

Before diving into lunch or an afternoon treat, slow the day down with a little curiosity. One of the things that makes the Central West End so special is how easily an ordinary walk can turn into an unexpected adventure. As you stroll through the neighborhood, you’ll find the  World Chess Hall of Fame and the World’s Largest Chess Piece. where families can step inside and discover that chess is about so much more than the game itself. From fascinating artifacts and interactive exhibitions to incredible works of art, every visit offers something new to spark conversation. Don’t forget to snap a family photo beside the World’s Largest Chess Piece before continuing your adventure—and with free admission, it’s an easy stop to add to your day. 

As the afternoon unfolds, keep the family fun going with experiences that invite everyone to slow down together. Settle into the historic Chase Park Plaza Cinema, for an afternoon movie, where blockbuster favorites and independent films share the marquee, making every visit feel a little different. Or, if your family prefers to get lost in a good story, wander through the shelves at Left Bank Books, check out their extensive collection of books for children and teens. From classic bedtime stories to newly released young adult fiction, and everything in between, there’s no doubt that you will leave with a stack of books for your child’s TBR list.

While Up-Down is normally ages 21+, they offer special Family Hours the first Sunday of each month. Bring your kids to experience a day filled with fun. They’ll get to play their favorite arcade games and discover new ones, savor Up-Down’s delicious pizza and sip on kid-friendly drinks (plus there’s a full bar for those 21 and over).

Grab a Bite

Looking for kid-friendly places to grab a bite? Several restaurants in the CWE offer kid menus, so your little ones can enjoy something special just for them. Start your day in the neighborhood at Kingside Diner with their Kid’s Breakfast, which includes several delicious options, like hash browns, fruit, a pancake and more. If you’re looking for a midday break, they also have lunch options. At Havana’s, children can enjoy authentic Cuban food with a special combo of sandwich, side of fries or plantains and churros. If your family is in the mood for American cuisine, Stacked STL’s Jr. Stackers menu offers classic items like a smaller-sized burger or grilled cheese, with a side included.

Dessert Destinations

No family day in the Central West End is complete without ending on a sweet note. Whether it’s sharing cupcakes from The Cup, cooling off with authentic Taiwanese shaved ice from Ice Cave STL, trying the playful creations at Vampire Penguin , or treating everyone to a scoop from Clementine’s Ice Cream or Jeni’s Ice Creams, there’s a dessert for every craving and every generation. And for families who believe cookies make the perfect finale, Insomnia Cookies and Hot Box Cookies, serve up warm favorites that are worth lingering over. 

Sometimes the sweetest memories aren’t just about the dessert—they’re about slowing down together, sharing bites on a stroll along Euclid, and ending the day with smiles that last long after the last scoop or cookie is gone. That’s the magic of a family day in the Central West End: it’s a neighborhood where every stop becomes part of the story, inviting both longtime locals and first-time visitors to make traditions of their own. 

A Day Well Spent

Whether you’re planning a full day of family fun or simply stopping by for an afternoon, the Central West End offers something for every age and interest. With so much to see, taste and discover, it’s easy to find a reason to come back and explore the neighborhood again and again.