Ok, KML gave me a thought, (thanks KML,) I grew up in St Louis. I went to boot camp in San Diego and saw the zoo there too. Pretty awesome.
St Louis also has an AWESOME zoo. And it's free.
St Louis has a lot of kid oriented attractions, and they are close to you.
The Science Center, The Planetarium, The Magic House (ONLY KID oriented!!!) Six Flags over Mid-America, (Definately Kid oriented.) The Arch, and more.
I'd be happy to give you some suggestions too.
It's close, and the only drawback is the summer humidity. Don't go July through August.
Seriously, for the midwest, mid-south, it is a great vacation. All of my second cousins from KY and TN used to come up there for vacation. Email me if you're interested.
-------------- The Forlorn Hope:...A picked body of men detached to the front to begin the attack....Fortified, meaning strengthened to stand...and thus, positioned for victory
