Exploring the City Museum in St. Louis: Ultimate Family Guide
Loving This Adventure contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through my links—at no extra cost to you. Loving This Adventure is also a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. If you make a purchase using one of these Amazon links, I may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. See my Disclosure Policy and for more information.
The City Museum in St. Louis is unlike any museum you’ve ever visited.
It’s part playground, part art installation, and and one of the coolest places I’ve ever taken my kids.
Made from recycled architecture and industrial materials, this multi-level wonderland is full of tunnels, slides, caves, and climbing spaces that stretch across floors and even onto the roof.
After visiting several times with my boys, I’ve put together this ultimate guide to visiting the City Museum with kids including what to know before you go, must-see areas, and insider tips that make your day easier (and more fun).
City Museum Tickets
I strongly recommend purchasing tickets ahead of time. It saves you time at the door and often makes things easier when you arrive with kids.
Buy tickets online: You’ll skip the ticket line and lock in a lower price of $20 per ticket (compared to $23 at the door).
👉Just note there’s an $8 convenience fee per online order, so here’s what that really means:
- If you’re buying three or more tickets, you’ll still save money overall by purchasing online plus, you won’t have to wait in line.
- If you’re only buying one or two tickets, it’s usually a bit cheaper to pay at the door, but skipping the line can be worth the small difference.
The rooftop attractions are an optional $8 add-on (purchased onsite), which works out well if the weather doesn’t cooperate.
There’s also an optional Pinball Hall add-on, but unless you’re a big pinball fan, I’d skip it. There’s already so much to see and do throughout the museum!
🅿️Tip: Parking is $15 in the fenced lot directly across the street, and you can pay when you arrive.
The City Museum is absolutely worth the ticket price, but if you’re planning a longer trip and want to mix in some free family fun, I’ve got you covered with my guide to the top free things to do in St. Louis with kids.
City Museum Highlights
The City Museum is massive and it’s nearly impossible to see everything in one visit.
Even after several trips, we still find new areas to explore every time we go.
Here are a few of our family’s favorite highlights:
- Cave System: A winding maze of tunnels, slides, and secret passageways that feel like an underground adventure.
- Enchanted Treehouse: Whimsical bridges and tree structures perfect for climbing and exploring.
- Bowhead Whale: You can actually climb inside the giant whale. It’s a favorite photo spot for kids.
- 10-Story Slide: Reached through the caves (height requirement is 48”+). It’s a must-do for brave kids and parents.
- Skate-less Park: Ramps of different heights you can run up and slide down, plus a rope swing that’s always a hit.
- Outdoor Area: Explore aircraft fuselages, a fire truck, and castle turrets connected by bridges.
- Rooftop Attractions ($8 add-on): Includes a ferris wheel, slides, and the famous school bus hanging off the edge of the building — definitely a one-of-a-kind experience!
💡 Parent Tip: The rooftop is fun but not essential. There’s already so much to do inside that you’ll easily fill a full day even without it.
Top Insider Tips for Visiting the City Museum
The City Museum is one of those places that’s magical and a little chaotic but in the best way. Here are ALL my best practical tips to help your visit go smoothly:
- Buy tickets in advance. You’ll skip the ticket line, and if you’re purchasing three or more, you’ll even save money after the convenience fee.
- Use the secure lot across the street. Parking is $15 in a fenced-in lot, which makes coming and going with kids much easier.
- Wear athletic shoes and comfortable clothes. You’ll be crawling, climbing, and sliding more than you think. Long pants help prevent scrapes.
- Bring as little as possible. Lockers are available, but navigating tight tunnels is easier with your hands free.
- Use a fanny pack or small crossbody bag. Perfect for your phone, keys, and a few essentials.
- Label your kids. Write your phone number on their wristbands. It’s easy to get separated.
- Pick a meeting spot. With all the tunnels and slides, having a designated “in case we get lost” spot helps.
- Expect to spend at least half a day. There’s so much to explore that it’s easy to spend 4–6 hours here.
- Check height requirements ahead of time. Some slides (including the 10-story one) require kids to be 48” tall.
- Skip the stroller. The museum’s tight spaces make it tricky to navigate; a baby carrier works much better.
- Toddlers have their own area. Toddler Town has mini slides, a ball pit, and smaller climbing zones.
- Grab food onsite. There are snack bars and cafes on each level, so you don’t have to leave for lunch, but if you do, you can come back later as long as you keep your wristband on.
💡 Mom Tip: Even if you think you’ll just “watch,” you’ll probably end up climbing and sliding right alongside your kids. It’s too fun not to!
Dining and Amenities at the City Museum
You definitely won’t go hungry here.
The City Museum has several spots throughout the building to grab a meal, snack, or drink which makes it super easy to take breaks without leaving.
Here are a few of our favorite places to eat inside:
- Lizard Lounge (Mezzanine Level): A solid go-to for pizza, sandwiches, and salads when everyone’s hungry and you need something quick.
- Beatnik Bob’s (3rd Floor): Quirky, colorful, and full of personality. Picture neon lights, fun décor, and plenty of snacks like nachos, quesadillas, and tacos.
- Rooftop Café: A great stop for a drink or snack with a view. Our kids loved having a slushie here!
🍔 Good to know: There are snack stands and beverage stations on almost every level, so you never have to leave to find food. If you do decide to step out for a meal, you can return later as long as you keep your wristband on.
🍹 Parent Perk: Adult beverages are available throughout the museum, which is always a nice bonus if you’re there for the long haul!
Attractions Near the City Museum
If you still have energy after exploring the City Museum or if you’re looking for something fun to do the next day, there are some great family-friendly attractions nearby.
Here are a few to check out:
- Gateway Arch National Park (about 3 miles away): Walk the Arch grounds, explore the free museum, or ride to the top for incredible city views.
➡️ Read next: Ultimate Family Guide to Exploring Gateway Arch National Park
- Union Station St. Louis (less than a mile away): Home to the St. Louis Aquarium, St. Louis Wheel, Fire & Light Show, mini golf, and more. It’s easy to spend a few hours here without feeling rushed.
➡️ Read next: St. Louis with Kids: The Ultimate Family-Friendly Travel Guide
💡 Mom Tip: The City Museum can easily fill an entire day, so don’t feel pressure to squeeze in too much. If you’re short on time, I’d pair it with one other easy attraction — something fun but not overwhelming , and save the rest for next time.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no cost to you. I only recommend places our family has personally stayed and loved.
Where to Stay Near the City Museum
Our favorite place to stay in downtown St. Louis is the Drury Plaza Hotel St. Louis at the Arch.
It’s just a short drive (or a quick ride) from the City Museum, and it’s also walkable to the Gateway Arch, Busch Stadium, and several great restaurants.
This hotel makes it super convenient if you’re planning to explore more of downtown.
We love this hotel because it’s consistently family-friendly and and makes traveling with kids actually feel doable, with amenities like a free hot breakfast, evening snacks and light dinner, and spacious rooms that fit larger families.
➡️ Read next: Top 5 Reasons to Stay at the Drury Plaza Hotel at the Arch
🏨 Ready to book? Check current rates and availability at Drury Plaza St. Louis at the Arch
Final Thoughts on Visiting the City Museum
The City Museum in St. Louis is one of those places that truly lives up to the hype. It’s creative, wild, and full of surprises.
This museum is the kind of spot your kids will talk about long after your trip is over.
Whether you’re climbing through tunnels, sliding down the ten-story slide, or exploring the rooftop school bus, every part of the museum feels like an adventure.
It’s messy, loud, and a little unpredictable, but that’s what makes it so memorable.
If you’re planning a St. Louis getaway, this is one attraction that’s absolutely worth fitting in.
Download our complimentary travel itinerary planner to help you organize your trip to St. Louis. It’s the same tool I use to map out our family vacations and keep each day simple and doable. 💛
May you LOVE your adventure! KW
