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City Museum museum in St. Louis, MO
Photo: Daniel Zepeda
View of City Museum in St. Louis, MO
Photo: Holly Crumrine
View of City Museum in St. Louis, MO
Photo: Lawrence Gray

City Museum

4.7(22,421 reviews)$$Museum
🕑 4-6 hours (plan for a full day if possible)👶 Best for ages 4-14. Younger elementary-aged kids absolutely thrive here with the perfect balance of physical challenge and imaginative play. Toddlers (2-3) can enjoy the Toddler Town area designed specifically for them, while teens love the rooftop attractions and more challenging climbing routes. Very active parents often enjoy it as much as the kids!

About

City Museum is unlike any museum you've ever visited,it's a fantastical wonderland where kids can climb through a real airplane suspended in the air, slide down multi-story slides, and explore caves and tunnels made from repurposed architectural salvage. This is an active, hands-on adventure space where children are encouraged to touch, climb, and explore everything, making it one of the most unique family attractions in the country.

Highlights

  • The iconic school bus hanging off the building's edge and rooftop Ferris wheel
  • 10-story spiral slide and multiple tube slides throughout the museum
  • MonstroCity,the outdoor climbing structures made from two real airplanes and fire trucks
  • The Enchanted Caves with underground tunnels and secret passages
  • Shoe Shaft,a three-story spiral slide made from giant slinkies

Pro Tips

  1. 1.Wear closed-toe shoes with good grip,sneakers are essential as you'll be climbing through tight spaces and on metal surfaces
  2. 2.Arrive right when doors open (10 AM) to beat the crowds, especially on weekends when it gets very busy by afternoon
  3. 3.Bring knee pads for younger kids and yourself if you plan to crawl through the caves and tunnels,your knees will thank you
  4. 4.Don't miss the secret passages and hidden rooms throughout the building; exploration and curiosity are rewarded here
  5. 5.Pack light,lockers are available, and you won't want to carry bags through tight spaces and slides

Best Time to Visit

Weekday afternoons (Thursday) are least crowded. Friday and Saturday evenings offer extended hours until 9 PM, which can be magical with fewer families and the outdoor areas lit up, though toddlers may be too tired. Avoid weekends between 12-4 PM when crowds peak.

What to Know

Admission is $18 for adults and children (2 and under free), with discounts after 5 PM on late nights. The venue is largely NOT accessible for strollers or wheelchairs due to its climbing nature. Food is available on-site at the cafe, but options are limited, so consider eating before or after your visit.

Seasonal Notes

The rooftop and outdoor climbing areas (MonstroCity) are open weather permitting,summer offers full access but can be hot on metal surfaces. Winter visits mean indoor-only activities. Check for special holiday events and extended hours during school breaks.

Nearby Eats

Pappy's Smokehouse (3 blocks away) serves award-winning BBQ with kid-friendly options and casual atmosphere. For quicker bites, Citygarden sculpture park is nearby with food trucks and a great place for kids to run around post-museum.

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