Best Museums in St. Louis for Kids & Families
7 family-friendly museums with age ratings and parent tips.
Highest rated: Monsanto Insectarium, James S. McDonnell Planetarium, Saint Louis Art Museum. 2 listings are free. 4 listings are indoor. Qualified listings include age fit, stroller notes, cost signals, and practical planning tips.
By Kit, KidPaths editor
Reviews family planning details across KidPaths city guides.
This St. Louis page currently has 7 qualified listings in museums that passed KidPaths' listing and photo checks. Start your comparison with Saint Louis Science Center, Saint Louis Art Museum, Missouri History Museum, then use the age, cost and visit-length notes to narrow the list.
2 options are free. 7 options work indoors or in mixed weather. 5 options have confirmed stroller access. 6 picks fit toddlers and 7 picks fit big kids.
Match the museum to attention span, not reputation alone. Toddlers need hands-on rooms and easy exits, while older kids usually want a challenge, demonstration or strong special exhibit.
Top Picks
Monsanto Insectarium
4.8 starsThe Monsanto Insectarium puts kids face-to-face with some of the world's most spectacular insects and arachnids, giant walking sticks, enormous beetle
James S. McDonnell Planetarium
4.8 starsLying back in the dome theater watching a full-sky projection of the universe is a uniquely powerful experience, kids go quiet in a way they rarely do
Saint Louis Art Museum
4.8 starsChildren can draw, write, move and imagine with a Find Activity Card, join themed Family Sunday art projects, hear stories at Wee Weekends and see art
The National Museum of Transportation
4.7 starsChildren can see full-size trains, cars, aircraft and a tugboat, then ride a miniature train or trolley. Younger children get a 40-minute transportati
Missouri History Museum
4.7 starsThe History Clubhouse lets children pilot a steamboat, build a downtown skyscraper and act out life in Cahokia rather than only looking at objects in
MuseumsFreeMonsanto Insectarium
Ages: 4, 17
MuseumsJames S. McDonnell Planetarium
Ages: 5, 17
MuseumsPartially FreeSaint Louis Art Museum
Ages: Ages 3 to 12 for the strongest mix of gallery activities, art making and age-specific programs
MuseumsThe National Museum of Transportation
Ages: Ages 2 to 10; Creation Station is specifically designed for children 5 and under
MuseumsFreeMissouri History Museum
Ages: Ages 2 to 10 for the History Clubhouse; ages 8 to 17 for the broader history galleries
MuseumsMADE for Kids, created by The Magic House
Ages: Best for ages 1 to 10
MuseumsPartially FreeSaint Louis Science Center
Ages: 2, 17 (something for every stage)
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