The St. Louis Children’s Museum is dedicated to learning through doing. Its founders believed that by engaging youngsters in creative play, they would remember the lessons they discovered along the way. Housed in an old Victorian Mansion, the Magic House – as it is better known – is popular with kids of all ages, attracting more than 10 million visitors since it was opened in 1979.
Exhibits engage visitors in fun everyday activities like climbing trees, filling cars and going fishing. They can indulge in fairy-tale whimsy by climbing up the three-storey beanstalk or exercise their detective skills by taking part in analysis of fingerprints. Children are encouraged to think big as they vote at a mock booth and play President for a day in the Star Spangled Center. Green fingers are encouraged in the museum garden, as they help plant, grow and nurture vegetables and other plants.
The Children’s Village is an incredibly popular attraction, taking everyday amenities like a garage and fully stocked corner shop and bringing them down to the kids’ size. There are areas designed for younger children too, with a play area for babies younger than 2 and a number of zones aimed specifically at toddlers.
When you start to feel hungry, grab a bite to eat at the Picnic Basket Café where you’ll find a full range of healthy and wholegrain snacks including sandwiches and soup designed to keep the whole family full of beans.
If you’re looking for a family day out, you won’t find anywhere better than the Magic House. Located in Kirkwood, a suburb in the western side of the city, it has limited free parking and is most easily reached by train. Kirkwood Station is half an hour’s train ride from the city centre. It is open to the public on weekends and afternoons throughout the week except for Mondays.
