Being a mom in the summertime is EXPENSIVE! Everyone is home all the time, always eating, always wanting to go places, lots of food on the go, ice cream treats, and more. We know every little bit helps when it comes to saving money, and lucky for us, we live in a great city for families! So we’re here with our #1 idea for a FREE activity in St. Louis this summer … the History Clubhouse at the Missouri History Museum!
Travel Back in Time and Explore St. Louis History
The History Clubhouse at the Missouri History Museum is the ONLY local exhibit dedicated exclusively to exploring St. Louis’s history in a family-friendly, hands-on way. There are countless opportunities for your children to learn about St. Louis history the moment you walk through the door. You’ll begin with miniature versions of recreated St. Louis icons and hands-on play, then you’ll hop aboard the trolley to travel back to the 1904 World’s Fair! The play cafe is a tribute to the dining style and menu items available during the Fair. Children can dress up in vintage clothing, blow the whistle on an old-time steamboat, explore the cultural traditions of the Cahokia people, and then finally build their very own miniature version of the St. Louis Arch!
Clubhouse Programming and Summer Family Fun Series
Throughout the year, children and their caregivers can enjoy complimentary storytime sessions at the Museum! This 30-minute session is intended for children ages 2–6 and their families. Storytelling in the Museum occurs on Tuesdays and Fridays weekly from 10:30 to 11:00 am, and bilingual Spanish-English storytelling Cuentos en el Museo occurs the second Saturday and the fourth Friday of each month.
Summer fun heats up at the History Museum every Friday from 10am-1pm during the months of June and July when the Summer Family Fun Series comes to town! Each date has a certain theme. Families can enjoy crafts, performances, and scavenger hunts, and storytelling! The Summer Family Fun Series is best suited for children ages 2–12.
Private Playdates and Birthday Parties
Looking for a way to explore the History Clubhouse in a more intimate way? Book a private play date, or better yet, host a birthday party there! You can reserve the History Clubhouse for your private group of up to 60 people!
Here’s some additional information:
- You can make a private group reservation for a one-hour visit starting at 9 am. Only two private group reservations are allowed per week, and reservations fill quickly. Please call at least 2 weeks in advance (the earlier, the better)!
- The cost is $100 per group on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays and $150 on Saturdays and Sundays. MHS members receive a 20% discount (what a steal!).
Fuel Up or Take a Rest During Your Visit to the History Clubhouse
As you enter the History Clubhouse, there is a spacious, private family restroom available if you need to help a little one use the restroom, feed a baby in private, or change a diaper!
If your kiddos (or you!) find yourselves hangry during your visit, Amighetti’s Sandwiches and Hank’s Cheesecakes are now available on the second floor of the Museum for your convenience. Talk about a delicious combo!
Sold on St. Louis
Don’t head home without making a stop at Sold on St. Louis, the Museum’s curated gift shop! You’ll find keepsakes, apparel, and goodies from 100+ local makers and quintessential brands (like Fitz’s and Clementine’s!). There’s sure to be something for everyone in your group.
The History Clubhouse is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm. Make plans to visit today, and be sure to tell them St. Louis Mom sent you!
