Entertainment & Attractions

Author: Erin Callier

The Scene for Teens

A unique perspective on the city of St. Louis.

Summers in St. Louis are exciting for adventurers of all ages.

If you're looking for a unique perspective on the city of St. Louis, no other downtown tour compares to Glide St. Louis Tours (314-TOUR FUN, www.glidestlouistours.com). Somehow, the sights of the city are enhanced aboard Segway's® newest Personal Transporter, the i2. Experienced guides lead gliders through the cobblestone streets of Laclede's Landing, across the soaring expanse of the Eads Bridge, to Busch Stadium (home of the reigning World Champion Cardinals) and many more of the city's historic gems. You must be at least 16 years old to take the tour, and participants under 18 must have the consent of a legal guardian.

It's all fun, food, and games at Dave & Busters (I-70 at Earth City Expressway, 314-209-80151), where they take the conventional arcade to the next level. Hang with friends and take your pick among the 200+ video and billiard games like D&B Downs, Super Trivia, and tons more at the Million Dollar Midway. During D&B's Power Hour™ gamers can play an entire hour of video games for just ten bucks. In between intense bouts of pool or Dance Dance Revolution, you can refuel on D&B's huge menu. So things don't get too rowdy, D&B's policy does require all guests under the age of 21 to be accompanied by an adult at least 25 years of age.

In addition to more than 700 interactive exhibits and an amazing Planetarium, the Saint Louis Science Center (5050 Oakland Ave, 1-800- 456-SLSC) is home to the OMNIMAX Theater – playing the coolest educational (gasp!) films around. This summer, the powerful real-life science behind Marvel© Super Heroes is revealed through “Super Heroes: The Exhibition.” Comic book junkie or not, visitors can play Marvel© games on PS2 consoles, see the art and artists behind action-packed comics, and revel in the Action Stations, which allow everyone to experience the incredible powers of more than 30 super heroes.

When it comes to thrills and gravity-defying fun, the sky's the limit at Skyzone Recreational Center (17379 Edison Ave., 636-530-4550) in the Chesterfield Valley. This all-trampoline-walled playing field—where you can zoom through the air, literally jump through hoops, and imitate the maneuvers of a super hero—puts your average backyard trampoline to shame. Skyzone offers jumpers a variety of high-flying activities, including open court jumping, 3-D Dodgeball, and Skyrobics. All participants under the age of 18 must have a guardian sign a liability waiver.

Experience the intensity that is Demolition Ball and Adrenaline Zone (1875 Old Highway 94 South, 636-940-7700). Demolition Ball is an extreme hodge-podge of hockey, football, polo, and basketball played by two five-player teams in supercharged bumper cars. The ultimate goal is to shoot a whiffle ball through a 16" circular goal using a track ball scoop while music, sound effects, and referees providing highlights add to the atmosphere. Adrenaline Zone is an adventure in laser tag played in a 6,800-square foot arena with up to three teams of ten players each. The facilities also house great video games, pool tables, and foosball tables for a tamer experience.

It can get pretty humid during summers in the Heartland. There's no greater remedy for the squelching heat than the exhilaratingly cool waters of Raging Rivers Water Park (100 Palisades Parkway, 618-786-2345) in Grafton, Illinois. Just east of downtown St. Louis, it presides as the area's oasis on a hillside throughout the summer months. From the wild twists and turns of the Cascade Body Flumes to the relaxing respite of the Endless River, Raging Rivers is as fantastic as a day at the beach right here in middle America.

TEEN TIPS
St. Louis teens pick their favorite spots.

Caitlin, age 15

I love all that Forest Park offers to St. Louis. A quick visit to the St. Louis Zoo, the number one zoo in the nation, is a good way to get your day started. For a great lunch, go to The Boathouse, and don't forget to rent a paddle boat while you're there. If it's a rainy day, check out the exhibits at the Saint Louis Art Museum.

Madeleine, age 18

The Loop is fascinating. There are lots of ethnic restaurants and interesting shops, and some really good music stores. College kids hang out there, so it's a fun place to peoplewatch. The City Museum is so cool—it's like a big kid's playground, with caves and crawl spaces and fire pits.

Taylor, age 16

Six Flags is great because you can ride fun rides or go to Hurricane Harbor, and it's a safe environment. Go to Busch Stadium if you love baseball and want to watch the World Champs play! If the Cards are away, go to a Rascals or Grizzlies game for up-close minor league action.