St. Louis can be a great place for a student tour, or senior trip. The city offers a variety of activities, from educational to fun. But where to go after your group has been to the top of the Arch, and spent some time in Forest Park? Are there other things for students to do? The answer is most assuredly yes! St. Louis offers some very eclectic and unique experiences that a group should consider. The Delmar Loop and the St. Louis City Museum are two activities that your group won't want to overlook.

The City Museum is probably one of the strangest places you will ever visit. It is not so much a museum about facts, as it is a giant playground and activities designed to teach through imagination and experience. The City Museum was designed by Bob Casilly, and is located in a former shoe warehouse/factory. Most of the objects that can be found in the museum are recycled or salvaged in some way. For example, tin bread pans line the wall of the first floor, the underwater simulation playground has reflective strips of parachute materials hung from the ceiling, and an abandoned plane is now suspended in midair and can only be reached by climbing through a large iron slinky.

The first floor of the City museum is designed to depict an underwater scene, and contains a giant playground complete with caves, a goldfish tank and a giant whale whose digestive tract can be climbed through. The second floor holds the entrance to a large aquarium where students can hang out with stingrays, seahorses, and sharks. The more adventurous students will want to check out the giant ball pit that is filled with large rubber dodge balls, as well as the outdoor climbing playground. For those who like a more relaxed atmosphere, check out Art City where guests can mold clay, tie-dye or make mobiles from recycled objects. There are also numerous art displays where audiences can watch glass blowing and even purchase the artists' work. The City Museum offers group discounts, and group tours of the aquarium. There are also scavenger hunts, and educational activities that prompt discussion about some of the objects in the museum. The City Museum is definitely a one-of-a-kind experience with an artistic flair that will leave an impression on visitors.

The Delmar Loop is another place that students will want to check out. Older students will especially enjoy the atmosphere of the Loop, as well as the shopping. The American Planning Association named this street one of the ten best streets in America, and your group will certainly see why. Simply walking down the street is an experience in itself, especially on weekends or during the summer months. Street musicians and dancers can be found everywhere you turn. There are restaurants that offer Thai, Greek and other specialty foods, as well as several vintage clothing stores and record shops. The Tivoli is also located on this street. This theater mostly shows foreign and independent films.

These experiences are just a few of the unique places that will give students a feel for the atmosphere of St. Louis. Consider visiting both places for the most authentic St. Louis visit possible.