Skip to main content

Museums

🎨 Museums for Kids in St. Louis, MO

13 children's museums, science centers, and interactive exhibits rated and reviewed by families.

Activities & Venues in St. Louis

13 of 13
Saint Louis Art Museum art museum in St. Louis, MO🎨 Museum
Photo: Cathy Griggs
4.8(8,892)Free

The Saint Louis Art Museum offers a perfect introduction to world-class art for children of all ages,and it's completely free! Located in beautiful Forest Park, this impressive museum features special family programs, interactive galleries, and a diverse collection that spans ancient Egyptian artifacts to modern masterpieces, keeping kids engaged and curious.

🕑 1.5-2.5 hours
Willoughby Heritage Farm farm in Belleville, IL🌾 Farm
Photo: Willoughby Heritage Farm
4.8(945)$11 mi · Belleville

Willoughby Heritage Farm offers an authentic farm experience where kids can interact with heritage breed animals, explore nature trails, and participate in hands-on agricultural activities. This living history farm brings the past to life with educational programs that teach children about traditional farming methods while letting them get their hands dirty with real farm chores and animal care.

🕑 2-4 hours
City Museum museum in St. Louis, MO🎨 Museum
Photo: Daniel Zepeda
4.7(22,421)$$

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.

🕑 4-6 hours (plan for a full day if possible)
The Magic House, St. Louis Children’s Museum tourist attraction in Kirkwood, MO🎨 Museum
Photo: The Magic House, St. Louis Children’s Museum
4.7(7,348)$$12 mi · Kirkwood

The Magic House is one of the Midwest's premier children's museums, offering three floors of interactive exhibits designed to spark curiosity and creativity. With everything from a miniature village where kids can role-play adult jobs to science experiments and art studios, this award-winning museum provides hours of hands-on learning disguised as pure fun.

🕑 3-4 hours for a thorough visit, though families with young children who take breaks often stay 2-3 hours
Missouri History Museum history museum in St. Louis, MO🎨 Museum
Photo: J David Hillery
4.7(4,651)Free

The Missouri History Museum offers an engaging, FREE journey through St. Louis history with hands-on exhibits that bring the past to life for children. Located in beautiful Forest Park, this highly-rated museum features interactive displays including the chance to explore a replica 1904 World's Fair pavilion, climb aboard historical vehicles, and discover how St. Louis shaped American history through kid-friendly storytelling.

🕑 2-3 hours
Citygarden Sculpture Park city park in St. Louis, MO🌳 Park
Photo: Jin Zou (阿瑾)
4.7(3,069)Free

Citygarden Sculpture Park offers the perfect blend of art, play, and green space right in downtown St. Louis. Kids can splash in the interactive fountains, explore 24 fascinating modern sculptures they can actually touch and climb on, and run freely through beautifully landscaped gardens,all completely free of charge.

🕑 1.5-2.5 hours
First Missouri State Capitol State Historic Site state park in St. Charles, MO🎨 Museum
Photo: Anne Raker
4.7(287)$19 mi · St. Charles

Step back in time at Missouri's original capitol building where history comes alive through engaging costumed interpreters and interactive exhibits. Kids can experience what life was like for Missouri's early legislators and frontier families, touching artifacts, trying on period clothing, and exploring the beautifully restored 1820s-era building in the heart of historic St. Charles.

🕑 1-2 hours
Old St. Ferdinand Shrine tourist attraction in Florissant, MO🎨 Museum
Photo: Justin King
4.7(99)$14 mi · Florissant

Old St. Ferdinand Shrine offers families a fascinating glimpse into 18th-century French colonial life through beautifully restored buildings and peaceful gardens. Kids become mini historians as they explore authentic structures like the 1821 church, historic homes, and outdoor spaces while learning about early Missouri settlers in an interactive, walkable setting.

🕑 1.5-2 hours
Saint Louis Science Center planetarium in St. Louis, MO🔬 Science Center
Photo: Tammra Lux
4.6(11,673)Free

The Saint Louis Science Center offers an incredible FREE admission experience that combines hands-on STEM learning with spectacular exhibits including a planetarium and dinosaur displays. With over 700 interactive exhibits spread across multiple buildings, kids can explore everything from space science to biomechanics while parents appreciate the educational value without breaking the bank.

🕑 3-5 hours (plan for 3 hours minimum to see main exhibits, or 5+ hours if including planetarium shows and thoroughly exploring all areas)
Hawken House museum in Webster Groves, MO🎨 Museum
Photo: Ginger Krueger
4.7(53)$10 mi · Webster Groves

Hawken House offers a charming step back in time for families eager to explore Webster Groves' local heritage. This historic home museum brings history to life through hands-on educational programs and family-friendly special events that make learning about the past engaging for young visitors.

🕑 45 minutes to 1.5 hours
Edwardsville Children's Museum tourist attraction in Edwardsville, IL🎨 Museum
Photo: Edwardsville Children's Museum
4.6(362)$$18 mi · Edwardsville

Edwardsville Children's Museum is a hands-on wonderland where little ones can explore, create, and learn through interactive play. With pretend play areas that spark imagination, creative art stations, and educational exhibits designed specifically for young learners, this cozy museum keeps kids engaged while parents appreciate the quality learning experiences packed into every corner.

🕑 1.5-2.5 hours
Heritage Museum museum in St. Charles, MO🎨 Museum
Photo: Thomas Dell
4.6(123)$21 mi · St. Charles

The Heritage Museum offers families a hands-on journey through St. Charles County's fascinating past with interactive displays that bring history to life. Kids can explore vintage photographs, touch artifacts, and participate in engaging educational programs that make learning about local history fun and memorable. With rotating exhibits, there's always something new to discover on return visits.

🕑 1-1.5 hours

Suburbs & Neighborhoods

Also in St. Louis Metro