Love theme parks but not the drive to Six Flags? You’re in luck as there’s a new spot in the city serving the same vibes on a smaller scale.
St. Louis Union Station has expanded its family-friendly offerings with three new attractions at its outdoor Wheel Park. The rides – Flying Louie, Loco Motion and Wave Swinger – open today Thursday, Aug. 28, and will operate daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Located next to the 200-foot-tall St. Louis Wheel and the landmark train shed, the new rides join other popular attractions including the St. Louis Carousel, 18-hole mini-golf course and classic midway games. Tickets are available for individual rides or combination passes that include other Union Station attractions.
Flying Louie is a pirate ship-themed ride that swings 42.5 feet in the air, offering riders sweeping views of St. Louis. Loco Motion, a train-themed roller coaster honoring Union Station’s railroad history, features twists and turns along a 22-foot-high track. Wave Swinger takes guests on a swing ride inspired by the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair, reaching 43.5 feet in height. All rides have minimum height requirements for safety, with the option to ride with a supervising companion, meaning some of these aren’t great for little kids, but there’s plenty of other fun to be had for our littlest family members.
Union Station, a National Historic Landmark opened in 1894, was once the nation’s largest and busiest railway terminal. Today, it’s a full day of fun for the whole family; guests can stop by one of the on-site restaurants, feed the giant koi in the pond (don’t forget to bring quarters), or explore indoor attractions like the ropes course and mirror maze. Don’t miss the aquarium, which was named one of the top four in the country by USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Poll.
This article appears in August 2025.