Saint Louis Science Center
About
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.
Highlights
- ✓James S. McDonnell Planetarium with immersive space shows and star projections
- ✓Life Science Lab with real microscopes and hands-on biology experiments
- ✓Dinosaur exhibit featuring massive fossils and paleontology displays
- ✓GROW pavilion focusing on agricultural science with urban farming demonstrations
- ✓Tesla coil demonstrations and electricity exhibits that create dramatic lightning shows
Pro Tips
- 1.Arrive right when doors open at 9:30 AM on weekdays (Monday, Thursday, Friday) to beat school groups and have exhibits to yourselves
- 2.While general admission is free, planetarium shows require tickets ($8-10) that sell out quickly,book online in advance or grab tickets at the box office first thing
- 3.Don't miss the outdoor Science Park connecting the buildings via a sky bridge over Highway 64,it's an attraction itself with oversized exhibits
- 4.Pack snacks and use the designated eating areas, though there's also an on-site café with kid-friendly options if needed
- 5.Download the Science Center app before visiting to create a personalized tour and find age-appropriate exhibits for your kids
Best Time to Visit
Visit on Monday, Thursday, or Friday mornings right at opening (9:30 AM) for the quietest experience. Weekdays during the school year are less crowded than weekends and summer months. Avoid Tuesday and Wednesday when the center is closed, and expect larger crowds on Saturday afternoons.
What to Know
General admission is completely FREE, though planetarium shows and special exhibits have separate fees ($8-10 per person). Free parking is available in adjacent lots. The facility is fully accessible and stroller-friendly, with a café on-site and designated areas for bringing your own food.
Seasonal Notes
The Science Center hosts special events during school breaks and holidays, including Science Camps during summer. Indoor venue makes it perfect year-round, especially on hot summer days or cold winter months. Holiday-themed activities and exhibits rotate seasonally, so check their calendar for special programming.
Nearby Eats
The Boathouse at Forest Park (1.5 miles away) offers casual lakeside dining with a kids' menu and outdoor seating. For quick bites, head to Shake Shack in nearby Central West End (2 miles) for burgers, shakes, and a family-friendly atmosphere.
More Activities Near St. Louis
Crown Candy Kitchen
Step back in time at this beloved St. Louis institution where kids can experience an authentic old-fashioned soda fountain that's been serving up sweet treats since 1913. Crown Candy Kitchen delights families with towering ice cream sundaes, classic malts and milkshakes, and a candy counter filled with hand-dipped chocolates and nostalgic sweets that'll make parents reminisce about their own childhoods.
Saint Louis Zoo
The Saint Louis Zoo is an absolute gem for families,a world-class, FREE zoo spanning 90 acres in beautiful Forest Park with over 14,000 animals representing 600+ species. With its exceptional Children's Zoo, engaging animal encounters, interactive exhibits, and family-friendly amenities, this consistently top-rated attraction offers incredible value and unforgettable experiences for kids of all ages.
Forest Park
Forest Park is an absolute treasure for St. Louis families, spanning 1,300 acres of green space that's been voted the best city park in America. With five world-class museums, multiple playgrounds, trails for biking and walking, seasonal ice skating, and wide-open spaces for picnics and play, you could spend weeks here and still discover something new each visit.
Missouri Botanical Garden
The Missouri Botanical Garden offers 79 acres of stunning natural beauty with a dedicated Children's Garden that's an adventure playground meets nature wonderland. Kids can explore mysterious caves, cool off in the splash pad, climb into a treehouse village, and pretend to captain a steamboat,all while parents enjoy one of the nation's oldest and most beautiful botanical gardens.