Cabin Fever? The Best Things to Do in St. Louis When You Need to Get Out

Winter’s dragging on. The walls are closing in. You’ve reorganized your pantry twice, binge-watched everything worth watching,...

Winter’s dragging on. The walls are closing in. You’ve reorganized your pantry twice, binge-watched everything worth watching,and if you have to hear one more weather report about freezing rain, you might actually lose it. Sound familiar? You, my friend, are suffering from a classic case of cabin fever. But don’t worry—St. Louis has plenty of ways to shake off the winter blues and get you back into the world.

If you’re craving some greenery and fresh air but can’t quite bring yourself to brave the elements, head to the Climatron at the Missouri Botanical Garden. This lush, tropical dome is kept at a balmy 85 degrees year-round, making it the perfect escape from the cold. Stroll through exotic plants, listen to waterfalls, and pretend (even if just for an hour) that you’re on a jungle vacation.

When your body is begging for movement after days of couch-lounging, it’s time to hit up one of St. Louis’s many indoor activity centers. Try:

Upper Limits Climbing Gym – Test your strength and shake off the winter sluggishness by scaling some indoor climbing walls.

Sky Zone Trampoline Park – Because bouncing around like a kid is an instant mood booster.

St. Louis Escape Room – Use those winter-hibernation-induced detective skills to solve puzzles and break free before time runs out.

If there was ever a time to try that restaurant you’ve been hearing about, this is it. Warm up with a bowl of pho at Mai Lee, dive into comfort food at The Fountain on Locust, or treat yourself to a decadent hot chocolate at Nathaniel Reid Bakery. Bonus points if you make a whole day of it by hopping between cozy cafes and bakeries.

Sometimes the best way to escape is through a little culture. Spend an afternoon wandering through the Saint Louis Art Museum, exploring contemporary exhibits at the Contemporary Art Museum, or stepping back in time at the Missouri History Museum. Bonus: Most of these museums are free, so your wallet stays warm too.

Maybe what you really need is a break from the mental clutter. Take a yoga or meditation class at Urban Breath Yoga. If you’re feeling fancy, book yourself a spa day at The Face & The Body Spa or Four Seasons Spa and let someone else take care of your winter-weary self for a change.

Okay, hear me out: sometimes the best way to deal with winter is to lean into it. Bundle up and take a brisk walk through Forest Park or along the Mississippi Riverfront. Stop by the Steinberg Skating Rink for some ice skating, then reward yourself with a lengendary hot Irish coffee (with house-made whipped cream) at McGurk's afterward.

They say laughter is the best medicine, and it’s true—especially when you’re stuck in the winter doldrums. Catch a comedy show at Helium Comedy Club or check out the improv scene at The Improv Shop. Even if the weather outside is bleak, at least your mood doesn’t have to be.

Nothing beats the energy of a live game and I'll be it has been a while since you've seen our hockey team play. Catch a St. Louis Blues game at the Enterprise Center. A stadium full of passionate fans is a guaranteed cure for seasonal boredom.

Sometimes, breaking cabin fever means shaking up your routine entirely. Try axe throwing at The Axe House, take a cooking class at Kitchen Conservatory, or sign up for a pottery workshop at Krueger Pottery Supply. A new experience might be just the thing to snap you out of your winter slump.

St. Louis has no shortage of ways to stay entertained, even when the weather isn’t cooperating. Whether you want to warm up, get active, indulge, or explore, there’s an escape plan waiting for you. So layer up, get out there, and remind yourself that winter doesn’t last forever—but a good time in St. Louis is always in season.