Game World Event Services has a large variety of arcade games that can be rented for private parties and fund raisers. You can rent as few or as many as you want. It also has performers like fire-eaters, ventriloquists, jugglers, stilt-walkers, magicians and psychics. Also available are caricature artists and face painters.
First Missouri State Capitol State Historic was the site where Missouri's first legislators met to discuss the task of reoganizing Missouri's previous government into a progressive state system. Heated debates and intense discussions regarding the future of Missouri's state government and its slavery laws were held from June 4, 1821 to October 1, 1826 at this location.
Visitors can tour the restored and furnished rooms where Missouri's state government was created and first practiced for a nominal fee. Admission is free to the historic site's interpretive center, which offers two floors of exhibits and an orientation show. Tours are on the hour and group rates are available.
Michael Henry leads a 90-minute walking tour through historic St. Charles at 7:00pm, 9:30pm and midnight on Friday and Saturday nights, 12 months out of the year. Henry has investigated paranormal activity for more than 30 years and has written books about the ghosts of St. Charles. Henry will take tour participants through places that have had paranormal activity.
Ghost tours are best for those ages 14 and up. Special tours can be arranged for groups of six or more.
The tours often start in front of the St. Charles County Historical Society Building. Call 314-374-6102 to reserve a place on the tour.
Parents who want their children to have poise, self-discipline and confidence will find that the Performing Arts Centre can acheive those goals through dance. The center offers dance lessons for ballet, pointe, jazz, yap, lyrical and acrobatic dances. Adult dance classes are also available. Those who excel in the programs can expect to dance competitively.
The Frenchtown Heritage Museum is a research facility for St. Charles history and memorabilia. Located in the Frenchtown district, the museum is housed in a restored fire station built in 1880. A garden and pathway leads to a restored Santa Fe railroad caboose. Opened in 2003 the focus of the Museum is to make available the history of the area to future generations.
Quinn Productions is a full-service talent agency run from home in St. Charles, so any inquiries should be made over the phone or through the website. This talent agency has been servicing the Missouri area for more than 30 years, and shows no signs of slowing. It has brought in a number of acts both national and local to perform in the St. Charles and St. Louis area with artists like KC and the Sunshine Band, Chuck Berry, The Village People and Air Supply, to name a few. Quinn Productions also represents The Patt Holt Singers, a group that brings in a variety of singers for performances all over the country and world, so be sure to consider them when booking your next concert or party.
Located in the historical section of South Main Street, La Gallerie is know for its original oil paintings. Classic to contemporary styles of art can be found at this gallery. Small sculptures to large paintings are on display for purchase.
The Foundry Art Centre is a visual and performing arts center for the greater St. Charles/St. Louis Community. An ongoing rotation of traveling exhibitions, juried competitions and curated exhibits representing all media forms are exhibited in the multiple galleries.
The second floor houses studios and shops for more than 20 local artists. Large glass windows allow visitors to watch the artists at work.
Since its opening in 2004, the Foundry has served the community as a cultural resource supporting fine arts in education.
The Family Arena is a 10,000-seat sports and entertainment venue in St. Charles, MO, about 25 miles west of St. Louis. It hosts a variety of events, including concerts, speaking engagements, trade shows, conventions, NCAA tournaments, and other sporting events. It is also the home of the St. Louis Ambush of the Major Arena Soccer League.
Parking at the Family Arena
A parking lot with 3,500 spaces sits adjacent to the Family Arena. Parking costs vary from event to event, but $10 is a good ballpark figure. If being dropped off, enter at the South gate and follow the turn-around lane to the main entrance.
Hotels Near the Family Arena
Numerous hotels are located within a mile or two of the Family Arena. Budget-minded options include the Fairfield Inn and the Country Inn And Suites. For a more luxurious stay, check out American Casino Resort Spa St. Charles. The Boone's Lick Trail Inn, an 1840s-style bed and breakfast on historic Main Street, is a more quaint, romantic option.
Seating at the Family Arena
Even from the top rows you won't feel too far from the action in this mid-sized arena. 12-person and 24-person suites are available for those seeking the VIP experience. Family restrooms and concessions are within a short distance of all seats.
Many visitors believe the acoustics are best in the top rows, further from the stage.
Food at the Family Arena
Standard ballpark fare is what you will find here: nachos, hot dogs, popcorn, etc. Prices are in line with other mid-sized venues in the area (about $5 for sodas and $6-$8 for pretzels with cheese, jumbo dogs, etc.). The candied nuts near section 102 are a more unique indulgence.
Beer at the Family Arena
20-ounce domestic beers on draft go for about $8 at the Family Arena. Behind section 102, additional beer and liquor options can be found. The Arena Club, located on level 4, has a full bar, which opens an hour before the event begins.
Parking Alternatives at the Family Arena
The parking lot at the Family Arena tends to empty out very slowly after the event ends. Instead of enduring the long wait, try parking at one of Ameristar's free garages (just two miles away), then take a taxi to the arena.
What to Bring to the Family Arena
The portable concession stands don't accept credit cards, so bring some cash along, or be prepared to visit one of the two ATMs on site. Also, consider packing a raincoat during stormy weather, as umbrellas are prohibited.
Insider Tip for Visitors to the Family Arena
The temperatures tend to run on the cooler side in the Family Arena, so you may want to bring a jacket along.
Author's Bio: Marcus Whelchel lives, works, and writes in St. Louis, Missouri, with his wife and daughter. He is not available for birthdays, office parties, or performances at the Family Arena.
Demolition Ball offers arcade entertainment and has two separate bumper car/demo ball tracks as well as laser tag. You can have a birthday party here or just visit to get your game on. Food is drink is also available.
For the initiated: Demo ball is a sort of hockey, football, polo and basketball in bumper cars.
Lindenwood University opened the J. Scheidegger Center for the Arts on September 11, 2008. The center has two theaters including the 1,200-seat Bezemes Family Theatre and the 250-seat Emerson Black Box Theatre. It also features the Boyle Gallery, an art gallery in which local, national and regional artists display work. The center also provides classrooms and offices for students and professors. Student plays, orchestral performances and national performances such as Legally Blonde perform at the theater.
You'll find the work of over 70 artists in Master's Pieces. Each artists creating with their own special medium. You'll find fine jewelry, purses, accessories, paintings and more. It's a fun place to browse and a fun place to find a unique gift for yourself or a friend. Bring your jewelry in for repairs, as it has someone in the shop to fix it. It also offers appraisals.
CD Reunion is located in the Hawks Nest Plaza. Since 1990, this store has bought, sold and traded new and used music and movies. All types of media storage are available, even vinyl LPs. Hard to find items and an array of different types of music sounds and styles are available. New items are added each week, so stop by often.
The Lewis & Clark Boat House and Nature Center is located on South Riverside Drive, just east of Main Street. Since 1985, it has served as an educational facility concentrating on exhibits that relate to the Lewis and Clark expedition that occurred in 1804. In fact, its current location is located near the camp site that Lewis and Clark used during their expedition.
Inside and outside of the Boat House, guests can learn about life in the early 19th century. Replicas of boats, homes, campsites and the Missouri River ecosystem are on display. The house is operated by the Discovery Expedition, a non-profit company that promotes the education and study of American history.
Boschertown Grand Prix Racing offers activities for the entire family. There are 2-seater karts for the younger kiddos to ride along with mom or dad, while kids 10 and over can drive the go-karts by themselves. Sprint karts are faster than go-karts and are available to anyone over the age of 16.
For those who like to simply observe, there are bleachers available for seating. Although the hours vary, you will usually find Boschertown open by 3pm daily. Call ahead for more exact times.
Framations is a custom framing and art store located on Main Street in historic St. Charles. The interior offers galleries and showrooms featuring more than 20 local artists. In addition, Framations has a rotating schedule of exhibits showcasing a different artist each month.
This location houses the archives and resource center for historical activities and events in the Saint Charles area, including city and county will, probate, circuit court and naturalization records. The building is on the National Register of Historic Landmarks.
Quinn Productions is a full-service talent agency that represents the Patt Holt Singers' Groups, a world-renowned show group that includes a live band, full lighting and a complete sound system. The performances can include music and dance ranging from the World War II era to today's biggest hits. The groups also sing country music. Contact Quinn Productions for more information on joining the Patt Holt Singers or to book a show.
St. Andrews Cinema's claim to fame is being the "dollar show" where patrons can see a movie for a dollar and purchase a hot dog for a dollar as well. St. Andrews Cinema is tucked in behind The St. Andrews strip mall, but has a huge sign with arrows that can be seen from Highway I-70. No one under 17 years of age can enter a "R" rated movie without a parent or legal guardian, most of its movies are rated "G" or "PG-13.