Creation Station at the Museum of Transportation
Perfect for children of all ages, the National Museum of Transportation features nearly 200 exhibits, making it an ideal destination for families in St. Louis. The Creation Station provides a hands-on learning adventure for kids aged 5 and under and can be booked for birthday parties and other similar occasions, though availability is first-come, first-served for general access. $8 for children, $16 for adults, which includes trolley fees. Additional $3 for the Creation Station. 314-965-6212, 2933 Barrett Station.
With facilities in Creve Coeur and the newest in Cottleville, Miss Kelly’s Gym is a family-owned gymnastics center catering to children from 10 months to 12 years old. The gym offers open motor skill sessions, Mommy & Me classes, private birthday celebrations, and open gym times. Class costs $20 per session, plus a $40 family membership fee; open gym is $10 per hour for non-enrolled kids, with free admission for children under 1 year old. 314-439-1100; 12802 Olive, Creve Coeur; 6131 Mid Rivers Mall, Cottleville.
Located in Webster Groves, YuCanDu Art Studio offers a nurturing creative space for kids aged 5 and up. Open studio activities include painting, collage making, mosaic projects, and more, with assisted studio time for an extra charge. Kids in kindergarten up to age 9 can also participate in summer art camps and after-hours art club sessions. Open Studio costs range from $20–$150 per project, with studio fees at $5 per hour or $12 for the full day. 314-963-4400, 20 Allen.
A beloved establishment in Kirkwood, The Magic House features interactive exhibits and educational programs for children of all ages. Be sure to visit the Story Time Magic exhibit, the STEAM Center, a climbing structure inspired by a beanstalk, an art studio, and a play area designed for toddlers 2 years and younger. As a nonprofit, The Magic House is committed to enhancing children’s creativity while incorporating problem-solving skills and educational elements. Visit their website for pricing details. 314-822-8900, 516 S. Kirkwood.
Built on the principles of cleanliness, service, and fun, Go Play! is the go-to destination for indoor playgrounds and party events. The Chesterfield venue offers a three-story play structure, full concession services, and private party room reservations. Admission is $18 for children up to 15 years, $10 for ages 6 months to 1 year, and parents enter for free. 636-893-8134, 140 Long.
Situated in a serene part of Kirkwood, the Powder Valley Nature Center is an “educational nature oasis” covering over 100 acres. Open from Tuesday to Saturday, it features three paved trails and indoor facilities like a nature center and a 3,000-gallon aquarium. 314-301-1500, 11715 Cragwold.
Found at the Streets of St. Charles, Play Street Museum invites kids aged 8 and younger to engage with a “tiny town” play setup showcasing city life. The museum features interactive exhibits and hosts special events for activities like paint and play, clay crafting, and pottery. Admission is $13 per child; online reservations are required for evenings and weekends. 314-471-0065, 1650 Beale.
With locations in Maryland Heights and Chesterfield, Upper Limits offers dynamic climbing activities for all ages, incorporating Wacky Walls, a climbing gym, and a fitness area. A one-hour pass for Wacky Walls without gear rental is $13; a two-hour pass is $21. 314-991-2516, 314-241-7625.
Foster a passion for science at this free attraction in Forest Park, where families can enjoy a rotating selection of exhibits, special events, and ticketed attractions. From creating bots to dinosaur digs to space exploration, the possibilities for discovery are limitless. 314-289-4400, 5050 Oakland.
Ignite your kids’ imagination at this popular Town & Country destination, where families can uncover unusual patterns made from alien-like ferrofluid, assist stuffed animals in recovery, and design obstacles on a magnetic ball wall. This unique combination of a children’s museum, science center, and indoor playground features over 30 engaging exhibits. $10.95 plus tax for ages 2–17. 636-220-7930, 283 Lamp and Lantern Village.
With locations in Lafayette Square and St. Charles, Climb So iLL provides indoor climbing, yoga, and fitness opportunities for climbers of all proficiency levels. Entrance starts at $20; gear rental is $10. 1419 Carroll; 650 N. Main, St. Charles.
This indoor amusement and trampoline park in Sunset Hills is equipped with slides, foam pits, an obstacle course, climbing walls, and virtual reality games, promising plenty of excitement for both children and adults. The park also offers walk-in visits, summer camps, and private birthday party packages. Admission starts at $22.99; $11.99 for children 5 and under. 10990 Sunset Hills Plaza.
As St. Louis’ iconic indoor playground, City Museum features climbing structures, ball pits, circus performances, and more. (Learn more here.) Tickets start at $20; children under 3 enter free. 750 N. 16th, 314-231-2489.
Edwardsville Children’s Museum
This Illinois treasure aims to inspire curiosity and support learning in young children. The community-centered location features programs for children from newborns to 12 years old, including activities like baby sign language, preschool playgroups, story time, and more. Guests can opt for single-day entry or annual memberships, and party rooms are available for online booking for birthday celebrations. Admission is $10 per guest aged 1–12, and $8 for those 13 and older. 722 Holyoake, Edwardsville, Illinois. 618-692-2094.
With locations in Fenton, Shrewsbury, and Ballwin, Sky Zone provides indoor fun to expend energy with freestyle jump arenas, ultimate dodgeball, and more. Single-day tickets begin at $22.99. 631 Gravois, Fenton; 7375 Watson, Shrewsbury; 14820 Manchester, Ballwin.
The museum, located in City Foundry STL, features mesmerizing illusion rooms and “mind-bending” installations, all designed to challenge perceptions and provide fantastic photo opportunities. Regular admission tickets begin at $20. 3730 Foundry Way.
This South County indoor playroom (which gained popularity on TikTok) offers daily open play sessions, holiday-themed events, and private play dates and birthday gatherings. $12 for the first child, $10 for each additional sibling. 314-270-3291, 9981 Lin Ferry.
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Read More: Searching for playrooms tailored for toddlers? Check out our guide here.