Exploring the St. Louis City Museum: Ultimate Family Guide

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The extraordinary City Museum in downtown St. Louis is not your typical museum. In fact, it is far from it.

This museum seems like something straight out of a dream, but even better!

I would describe the St. Louis City Museum as a multi-level indoor and outdoor playground made up of salvaged architectural and industrial items.

The City Museum has endless areas to explore, climb, crawl through, and slide down.

The crazy thing about the City Museum is that I have been there numerous times, and I still have not seen it all!

Through my experiences visiting the St. Louis City Museum, I curated the ultimate family guide packed with tips, highlights, and must know information to ensure that your visit is nothing short of extraordinary.

City Museum Tickets

I strongly recommend purchasing tickets ahead of time.

This will save time so you don’t need to wait in line for tickets.

General admission pricing is 20 dollars for everyone 3 and above.

You can pay extra to add-on the pinball hall.

Personally, I wouldn’t add on the pinball hall unless you are a pinball fanatic. There are so many other things to see and experience.

Additionally, the rooftop attractions cost extra as well.

Tickets for the rooftop, priced at $8, must be purchased on-site.

This is advantageous if the weather happens to be unfavorable on the day of your visit.

City Museum Highlights

Our favorite things at the City Museum include the enchanted treehouse and the massive cave system.

We also love the bowhead whale that you can walk in.

There is also an amazing 10 story slide that you have to get to through the cave system.

My kids also love the skate-less park which is basically ramps of different heights that you can try to run up and then slide down. They also have a rope swing in this area.

A few other highlights include climbing through old aircraft fuselages, crossing bridges to castle turrets, and exploring a fire engine. 

We paid the extra $8 per person to do the rooftop attractions.

Honestly there is so much to do at the City Museum that I don’t necessarily find the rooftop a must-do.

There is a school bus that hangs off the side of the roof. My two year old loved climbing in this bus and pretending to drive it.

Additionally, there is also a ferris wheel to ride which is quite extraordinary.

It is not every day that you can say you rode a ferris wheel on the top of the roof of a building.

The rooftop also has some fun slides as well! 

Top Insider Tips for Visiting the City Museum

• Buy tickets in advance. This will save you from waiting in line to purchase tickets. You can buy tickets here.

• Parking is $15 and there is a fenced in parking lot right across the street. I suggest using this secure lot.

• Make sure to wear some type of athletic shoes. With all the climbing and crawling, you will want to be in comfortable shoes and ones that will not easily fall off.

• Comfortable clothing and long pants is a must when visiting the City Museum. Even if you don’t anticipate climbing or crawling, chances are you might find yourself doing so while chasing after your children especially if they are younger. Plus, joining in on the exploration is incredibly fun!

• I would write your phone number on your kids’ wristbands–it is very easy to lose your kids here. 

• Communicate with your family a place to meet and what to do if you do get separated. This is very likely to happen with all of the tunnels, mazes, and slides.

• Bring in as little as you can when visiting the City Museum. While lockers are available, minimizing what you bring makes navigating the climbing, crawling, and sliding adventures much simpler and more enjoyable.

• Opt for a fanny pack or crossbody belt bag during your visit to the City Museum. It keeps your belongings secure and makes climbing and crawling much more manageable.

• They do have numerous options for purchasing food and drink throughout the building so you will not go hungry or thirsty during your visit.

• The best age for the City Museum is probably 5 and over. They do have a toddler town for younger kids that has slides, climbing structures, and a massive ball pit, but overall, to truly enjoy what the City Museum has to offer, I would say wait until your kids are about 5 or so. 

• Before your visit, check the height requirements for the slides to avoid any disappointment for your kids. They should be able to do most of them, but the 10 story slide and a couple of others require individuals to be 48 inches or taller.

• I would NOT bring a stroller into the City Museum unless you want to use it for resting or nap time. Navigating the tight spaces can be challenging, and finding an elevator may take extra time. Using a baby carrier instead will ensure a smoother exploration and more enjoyable experience.

Dining and Amenities at the City Museum

Each floor of the City Museum offers dining options that are sure to satisfy every craving and thirst during your visit.

We have eaten at the Lizard Lounge, located on the mezzanine level. It serves pizza, sandwiches, and salads.

Another unique place to eat is Beatnik Bob’s on the 3rd floor near the pinball arcade.

Beatnik Bob’s is very eclectic with neon lights and many oddities to see.

It has a variety of snacks and beverages plus nachos, quesadillas, and tacos.

The Rooftop Cafe is another great spot for a snack or beverage. Our kids loved having a slush there!

It is worth noting that the City Museum offers alcoholic beverages at most of its dining spots, providing adults the option to enjoy a selection of drinks while exploring the museum.

Additional Attractions Near the City Museum

While the City Museum offers a full-day’s worth of entertainment, if your time in St. Louis is short, you may opt to do two attractions in a day.

Some must-visit nearby attractions include the Gateway Arch which is just 3 miles away.

DISCOVER THE GATEWAY ARCH: Ultimate Family Guide to Exploring Gateway Arch National Park

Plus, just under a mile away is St. Louis Union Station with the St. Louis Wheel, St. Louis Aquarium, the Fire and Light Show, and so much more.

EXPERIENCE MORE: St. Louis Family Getaway: Where to Stay, Eat, and Play

If you only have 2-3 days in St. Louis, I would recommend dedicating one day to visiting Gateway Arch National Park and reserving another day for exploring the City Museum.

Starting early in the day will allow you to make the most of your time so you can fully immerse yourself in each of these incredible places.

Then if you have extra time on either day, consider visiting Union Station or the zoo for additional exploration.

Where to Stay Near the City Museum

Our family’s favorite hotel to stay at in downtown St. Louis is the St. Louis Drury Plaza Hotel at the Arch.

It is an easy drive to the City Museum plus is walkable to the Arch, Busch Stadium, and many restaurants.

We love this hotel because it serves free breakfast as well as a light dinner in the evening.

DISCOVER MORE: Top 5 Reasons to Stay at the Drury Plaza Hotel at the Arch

I hope this ultimate family guide has equipped you with the knowledge and excitement for an incredible visit to the City Museum.

Download our complimentary travel itinerary planner to help you organize your visit to St. Louis or any future destinations. May you LOVE your adventure. KW