It’s that time of year again. Spring.

With the tests and exams quickly stacking up, students are craving summertime fun and getaways more than ever. With only the weekends for free time, and the school blues hitting hard, everyone deserves a little bit of relax before they hit they hit the books hard. Luckily, we live just shy of St. Louis city where so many secret gems hide. Here are my top 5 places in St. Louis for a fun outing on the weekends.

1. Forest Park

With over 1,300-acres to it’s name, Forest Park park offers something for everyone. Whether you’re visiting amazing destinations and institutions like the Art Museum or the historical Boat House, a lengthy and varying path system that allows both leisurely walks and intense workouts, quiet patches of grass to picnic and read, or attending a variety of popular festivals and events held yearly, Forest Park never fails to entertain its 13 million visitors every year. Set just minutes from the city, the park is an oasis of escapes for people everywhere and could be your next adventure.

1. Delmar Loop

The Delmar Loop is an entertainment, cultural and restaurant district that has been home to St. Louis since. Named “One of the 10 Great Streets in America” by the American Planning Association, the Delmar has a history that stretched into modern times. The Loop is home to many unique restaurants such as Mission Taco, Piccione Bakery, and Insomnia Cookies.  Alongside these tasty options, are various business opportunities to the street goers. With famous music venues like Blueberry hill and a local art store, simply walking the loop is a treat to all visitors.

1. City Museum

The City Museum is a museum unlike few others. Consisting largely of repurposed architectural and industrial objects, the museum has little museum like activities. With tunnels to climb in, and secret passageways everywhere, museum goers get lost in the fun and silliness of childhood excursions once again. If one gets tired from climbing trees and running in the human sized hamster wheel, the museum offers more peaceful activities like pottery and painting in the well equipped craft and art center. For a crazy and silly time filled with laughter, try the City Museum on your next weekend.

1. Botanical Gardens

Perhaps one of the most beautiful and tranquil spots in St. Louis, the botanical gardens are a spot for all city goers to get a glimpse of the beauty of nature. The tropical pavilion is stocked with thousands of butterflies & outdoor gardens designed to attract more along with the abundance of plant types that make up the gardens. With some picnicking and photography allowed, any garden goer will be able to remember their time amongst the botany. Although widely thought to only contain flowers, the garden is also home to variosu art sculptures and research conservation facilities. The gardens aim to not only display nature but protect so visitors can continue to enjoy the beautiful surroundings.

1. The Arch

Our city namesake has long been the St. Louis arch. Often called the gateway to the midwest, the arch never fails to put in any St. Louisian in awe. The monument stretches 630 feet in the air, and allows visitors to take an elevator ride all the way to the top. At the highpoint, there is a lookout area for visitors to bask in the cityscape of St. Louis and get a good luck at the floating river near them. The arch also has a museum in the base about the history of the arch; however, it is currently closed for renovation but will be openly soon.