Magic House St. Louis Children's Museum
A sprawling children's discovery center filled with imaginative exhibits, hands-on activities, and educational fun for all ages.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space to play
Magic House St. Louis Children's Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space to play
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A sprawling children's discovery center filled with imaginative exhibits, hands-on activities, and educational fun for all ages.
"This place is literal magic. SO many things to do for kids (and kids at heart adults) of all ages!"
🎯 Arrive Early!
Get there right at opening to avoid the biggest crowds and maximize playtime.
💰 Resident Discount
St. Louis residents pay only $3 per person after 3 PM on weekdays.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Village
First Floor
Immerse in imaginative play at the vet, mechanic shop, or grocery store. Kids love the interactive checkout!
Construction Zone
Second Floor
Explore building and engineering with hands-on exhibits, including plumbing and electrical.
Art & STEAM Areas
Various Floors
Unleash creativity with diverse art sections and engaging STEM activities.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds
Resident Discount Alert
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early!
Get there right at opening to avoid the biggest crowds and maximize playtime.
💰 Resident Discount
St. Louis residents pay only $3 per person after 3 PM on weekdays.
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and playing, so wear comfy shoes!
🍎 Pack Snacks (or budget)
Snack area is reasonably priced, but packing your own can save money.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early!
Get there right at opening to avoid the biggest crowds and maximize playtime.
💰 Resident Discount
St. Louis residents pay only $3 per person after 3 PM on weekdays.
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and playing, so wear comfy shoes!
🍎 Pack Snacks (or budget)
Snack area is reasonably priced, but packing your own can save money.
📸 Capture the Fun
Bring your phone or camera to document all the amazing moments!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise The Magic House as an absolutely awesome and magical place for kids of all ages, offering a vast array of engaging and educational exhibits. Many highlight the immersive role-playing areas and hands-on science and construction zones as major draws. While it can get crowded, the value, especially with resident discounts, makes it a highly recommended family destination.
"Wonderful day spent with my family at the Magic House. I hadn't been since my kids were children. Now they're all grown up with kids. The place has changed a lot. We all loved it. The grounds are very beautiful with lots of flowers."
DLeigh Rowe
"Excellent children's museum! My kids (4 and almost 7) had a blast. We spent most of our time in the "village" area, which is a rollplay area including a vet / grooming office, mechanic shop, and grocery store. The grocery store had two illustrated geocery lists kids could follow in their shopping, which my younger had fun doing, and my older had a blast using the checkout screen, which let kids find the groceries by category to ring them up."
Anne Salazar
"The Magic House in St. Louis is an absolutely awesome place for kids! It’s much bigger than it looks from the outside, and you could easily spend an entire day exploring all the exhibits. What’s great is the variety. They have everything from climbing areas, to hands-on science exhibits, to a construction zone where kids can see how a house is built, including the plumbing and electrical. There are also arts and crafts areas as well as much, much more to discover. The snack area is also reasonably priced, which is a nice bonus. Highly recommend for a fun and educational day out with the kids!"
M3553X (M3553X)
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Magic House is located at 5161 Tamm Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63109. It's easily accessible by car, with parking available on-site. Public transportation options are also available; check local transit schedules for routes and times.
Yes, The Magic House offers on-site parking for visitors. It can get busy, especially during peak times, so arriving early is recommended.
Absolutely! Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are a convenient way to reach The Magic House. The drop-off point is usually near the main entrance.
Yes, The Magic House is generally stroller-friendly, with ramps and elevators to access different levels. However, some exhibits might have tighter spaces.
The Magic House is located near Highway 44 and is a short drive from Forest Park. It's a well-known landmark in the St. Louis area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
General admission prices vary, but a great tip is that St. Louis residents and those in surrounding areas can get in for just $3 per person after 3 PM on weekdays! Always check their official website for the most current pricing and any special offers.
While not always mandatory, purchasing tickets in advance online is highly recommended, especially for weekends and holidays, to guarantee entry and save time.
Yes! St. Louis residents and those in surrounding areas can enjoy a discounted rate of $3 per person after 3 PM on weekdays. Keep an eye out for potential membership benefits or special event pricing.
Operating hours can vary seasonally and for special events. It's best to check The Magic House's official website for the most up-to-date hours before your visit.
Generally, re-entry policies depend on the day and specific circumstances. It's advisable to confirm with staff at the entrance if you anticipate needing to leave and return.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Don't miss 'The Village' for role-playing fun, the 'Construction Zone' for building adventures, and the various art and STEAM exhibits. Many visitors also rave about the immersive nature of the entire museum. +1
Absolutely! The Magic House has dedicated areas and exhibits designed for younger children, ensuring fun and engagement for all ages. The 'Village' and specific sensory play areas are great for toddlers.
You could easily spend an entire day here! Many visitors suggest dedicating at least 3-4 hours, but some families find they could easily spend two days exploring everything.
While designed for children, adults often find themselves engaged and having fun alongside their kids, especially in the interactive and creative exhibits. It's a place for the 'kid at heart' too!
'MADE for Kids' is a satellite location of The Magic House, focusing on art and STEM activities in a maker space environment. It's a separate experience from the main museum.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, The Magic House has a snack area that offers reasonably priced food and drinks, making it convenient for families to refuel during their visit.
While outside food and drinks are generally not permitted inside the main exhibit areas, it's always a good idea to check their specific policy upon arrival or on their website. Some visitors mention packing snacks.
The Magic House is located in a vibrant area of St. Louis, so there are numerous restaurants and cafes within a short driving distance if you prefer to dine out.
The snack area typically offers kid-friendly options like snacks, drinks, and light meals. It's designed to be a quick and convenient stop for families.
Reviews suggest the snack area is reasonably priced, which is a nice bonus for families looking to manage their budget during a day out.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography and videography are generally allowed for personal use. It's a great place to capture memories, but be mindful of other visitors and avoid flash photography in sensitive areas.
While personal photos are encouraged, professional photography sessions may require prior permission. Always be respectful of other guests' privacy.
Many exhibits offer fantastic photo opportunities, from the colorful 'Village' to the interactive science displays. The natural light in some areas is also great for pictures.
Both are great options! Your smartphone camera is likely sufficient for capturing fun moments. If you're a photography enthusiast, a dedicated camera can offer more flexibility.
While not explicitly mentioned, many exhibits are designed to be visually engaging and can serve as fun backdrops for memorable photos. Keep an eye out for unique installations!
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Young Children
Look for areas specifically designed for sensory play and younger age groups. The museum's layout generally accommodates strollers, making it easier to navigate with babies and toddlers. Consider visiting during weekday mornings for a less overwhelming experience with fewer crowds.
💰 Budget Travelers
This makes it an incredibly affordable option for an afternoon of fun. If you're not a local, consider visiting on a weekday to potentially avoid peak weekend crowds and maximize your time. While the snack area is noted as reasonably priced, packing your own snacks can help keep costs down. For free alternatives in St. Louis, the Missouri History Museum and certain times at the Missouri Botanical Garden offer great value for families.
🎨 Creative Kids & Future Innovators
Kids can experiment with colors, build structures, and engage with hands-on science exhibits that make learning fun and tangible. For an even deeper dive into making and inventing, check out the 'MADE for Kids' satellite location. This maker space is all about hands-on art and STEM projects, offering a more focused environment for children to design, build, and create.
It's the perfect place for kids who love to tinker and bring their ideas to life. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Look Back: The Magic House's Evolution
The transformation from the 'original house' to the current sprawling facility is a testament to its enduring appeal and commitment to providing new and exciting experiences. While the classic elements may have changed, the spirit of wonder and discovery that defined its early years continues to thrive, making it a beloved destination for generations of families.
Today, The Magic House is much larger than it appears from the outside, offering a vast array of exhibits that cater to a wide range of interests and ages. Visitors can spend an entire day exploring everything from climbing areas and hands-on science exhibits to construction zones and arts and crafts spaces, ensuring that the magic continues for every new visitor.
Exploring 'MADE for Kids': A Maker Space Adventure
At 'MADE for Kids,' children can dive into various zones, including a makers workshop, an artist studio, and a design lab. These areas encourage kids to experiment, build, and create using a range of materials and tools. The focus is on the process of making and the joy of bringing ideas to life, making it an ideal spot for budding engineers, artists, and designers.
This maker space offers a different, yet complementary, experience to the main Children's Museum. It emphasizes a more focused approach to art and STEM, providing opportunities for children to engage deeply with specific creative challenges and projects. It's a great option for those who love to build, design, and invent.
Budget-Friendly Fun: Maximizing Value
Beyond the resident discount, planning your visit strategically can also help. Visiting on weekday mornings generally means fewer crowds and a more relaxed experience, which can feel like getting more value for your admission. While the snack area is noted as reasonably priced, packing your own snacks can further reduce costs for families.
For those looking for free or low-cost alternatives in St. Louis, other institutions like the Missouri Botanical Garden (with free days for residents) and the Missouri History Museum (featuring a free kids' clubhouse) offer excellent family-friendly experiences.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit