Mom’s Guide to Visiting St. Louis: Indoor Sites

 

Edwardsville Children’s Museum

“Making education fun in the Metro East at ECM! The Edwardsville Children’s Museum mission is to stimulate curiosity and cultivate learning at the age of wonder. ”

722 Holyoake Road, Edwardsville, IL 62025

 

 

Frank Lloyd Wright House in Ebsworth Park

“Nestled in grassy fields on 10.5 acres in Kirkwood, Missouri, the Frank Lloyd Wright House in Ebsworth Park is a unique and significant residence designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, widely recognized as the greatest American architect of the 20th century. The 1,900-square-foot residence built for Russell and Ruth Kraus was the architect’s first building in the St. Louis area, and is one of only five Wright designs in Missouri. It is an excellent example of Wright’s democratic vision, intended to provide middle-class Americans with beautiful architecture at an affordable cost.”

120 North Ballas Road, Kirkwood, MO 63122

 

 

The Magic House

A non-profit children’s museum with traveling exhibits, water play, STEAM activities, an art studio, and more. There are areas for babies and you can take a break in the calming corner designed for nursing mothers, kids with special needs or those who just need a breather! Near the train station and surrounded by many restaurants, you will fill a whole day!

516 South Kirkwood Road, Kirkwood, MO 63122

 

 

 

Main Street St. Charles

Once named the Williamsburg of the West by Southern Living magazine, this Main Street region is Missouri’s first and largest nationally registered historic district. Running parallel to the Missouri River, the brick-paved streets are home to one-of-a-kind shops, in restored buildings that date to the 1800s.

The area welcomes visitors who enjoy experiencing the sights and sounds of early America. Shop for, among other things: teas; tobacco; books; artwork; fashion accessories; furniture; antiques; clothing; home decor; wine; hand-blown glass; fine jewelry; and stained glass.

When you’re ready for a break, you’ll find ice cream and desserts; cafes and coffee houses; a microbrewery; a wide variety of restaurants; and a casino.

230 Main Street, St. Charles, MO 63301

 

Play Street Museum

“A Children’s Museum and indoor play area lets imaginations wander. Play Street Museum is an interactive children’s museum and indoor play area purposefully designed to encourage a young child’s sense of independence, exploration, and creativity.

By narrowing the focus of our children’s museums and indoor play areas to the interests and imaginations of children eight and under, young explorers will discover educational exhibits and activities in a world specifically crafted just for them.”

1650 Beale Street #138, St. Charles, MO 63303

 

 

Anheuser-Busch Brewery

“There is no other brewery experience in the world quite like an Anheuser-Busch brewery tour. Each of our brewery locations has its own story, providing unique perspectives on our history and the making of some of America’s most beloved brands.” 

1200 Lynch Street, St. Louis, MO 63118

The Armory

3660 Market Street St. Louis, MO 63110

While mainly an indoor entertainment venue for adults, on weekends they allow an under 21 crowd before 6 pm. They have games, live music, giant screens, tween-friendly food, and a bar for the parents!

Saturday and Sunday: Anyone under the age of 21 is permitted with a legal guardian until 6 pm.

City Museum

A St. Louis must see! “Explore the unexpected. City Museum is a hundred-year-old warehouse in downtown St. Louis in which artists have repurposed the pieces of old cities to build miles of tunnels, slides, climbers, bridges, and castles.  There are secret passages and grand galleries. Playgrounds and ball pits. A circus and a train. A rooftop school bus and a Ferris wheel.”

750 North 16th Street, St. Louis, MO 63103

The City Foundry

“City Foundry STL is that new place. A place in the heart of the city to gather, eat, work and play. Anything you need- the Food Hall’s got it. 

Whether you’re looking for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or dessert, you’ll find a food to do the trick. Gather with friends and take it all in. 17 local eateries are represented!

Make a day of it and take in a movie at Alamo Drafthouse or enjoy a round of Putt Putt at PuttShack! Or shop at one of St. Louis’s beloved local small shops, there are 13 retail shops!”

3730 Foundry Way, St. Louis, MO 63110

two boys in tuxedos and a flower girl standing under the St. Louis Arch

 

The Gateway Arch

“The Gateway Arch Experience offers a wealth of fun activities for out-of-towners and local visitors alike, especially families. Attractions include the Gateway Arch, Old Courthouse, Gateway Arch Riverboats, Gateway Helicopter Tours, and activities, events and special exhibits created by the National Park Service, as well as other partners.”

11 North Fourth Street, St. Louis, MO 63102

 

MADE for Kids

“The Magic House MADE for Kids is a hands-on makerspace where kids ages 4-14 and their families play, explore, create, and collaborate!  Located in St. Louis City between the Central West End and the Loop, kids discover new interests and passions as they paint on a digital easel, sculpt a clay creation, design for a 3D printer or laser cutter, build robots and circuits, launch a rocket, and more!”

Reservations are Required

5127 Delmar Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63108

 

Missouri History Museum

“The Missouri History Museum is a nationally accredited institution focusing on local and regional history. Located in Forest Park, the building is home to a variety of exhibits, programs, and events for visitors of all ages and interests.”

5700 Lindell Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63112

 

St. Louis Art Museum

“The Saint Louis Art Museum collects, presents, interprets, and conserves works of art of the highest quality across time and cultures; educates, inspires discovery, and elevates the human spirit; preserves a legacy of artistic achievement for the people of St. Louis and the world; and engages, includes, and represents the full diversity of the St. Louis community supporting it.”

1 Fine Arts Drive, St. Louis, MO 63110

 

 

St. Louis Aquarium Union Station

Your journey through the St. Louis Aquarium starts along a freshwater river and the shallow waters of a salt marsh, then moves into the deep, dark abyss of the open ocean. Browse our galleries to see what’s in store for you when you spend an afternoon at the most unique indoor attraction in St. Louis!” In addition to the Aquarium, Union Station is home to a ropes course, mirror maze, mini golf course, and the St. Louis Wheel.”

201 South 18th Street, St. Louis, MO 63103

 

 

St. Louis Science Center

“Welcome back to the Saint Louis Science Center. To all the worlds inside it, big and small. To atoms and oceans, sand and stardust, dinosaurs and dark matter.” The Science Center is free to enter, and you will easily be able to spend an entire afternoon exploring their exhibits, seeing the latest Omnimax movie, learning about the stars in the Planetarium, experiencing their latest special traveling exhibit, and more!”

5050 Oakland Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110

 

St. Louis Symphony Orchestra

“Celebrated as one of today’s most exciting and enduring orchestras, the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra is the second-oldest orchestra in the country, marking its 141th year with the 2020/2021 season and its second with Music Director Stéphane Denève. Widely considered one of the world’s finest orchestras, the SLSO maintains its commitment to artistic excellence, educational impact, and community connections—all in service to its mission of enriching lives through the power of music.”

718 North Grand Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63103

 

 

 

Butterfly House

“The Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House is a not-for-profit organization which was established in 1995 to increase awareness of the natural habitat in which butterflies thrive. Sophia M. Sachs was the widow of Sam Sachs, who founded Sachs Electric Co. and was influential in the development of Chesterfield, Missouri, a suburb of St. Louis.  Mrs. Sachs retained her wonder of discovery until her death in May 1999.  She shared that beauty with children of all ages through life.  This facility is named in honor of her generous spirit.”

15050 Faust Park, Chesterfield, MO 63017

 

a baby sitting on a butterfly metal bench at the Butterfly House in St. Louis

 

 

a toddler boy sitting in front of a train at the Transportation Museum in St. LouisThe National Museum of Transportation

Explore the museum collection of trains, planes, and automobiles. Ride the historic trolley, mini train, hand powered KidSteam handcars, and play in the Creation Station hands-on play place (reservations only). 

2933 Barrett Station Road, St. Louis, MO 63122

 

 

Purina Farms

Learn how animals fit into our communities by interacting with barnyard animals, dogs, and cats. Play in the hayloft, milk a cow, watch dog shows, and take a wagon ride!

500 William Danforth Way, Gray Summit, MO 63039