Whether you’re in town for a week or just passing through on your way deeper into the Ozarks—if you’re looking for a unique experience while you're in the Gateway city, a stop at an old shoe factory turned into the City Museum fits the bill perfectly.
This whimsical playground features multiple levels of sculptures, slides galore, climbing features, tunnels, rooftop fun, and more for all members of the family to enjoy! It’s something you’ve got to experience for yourself for sure.
Heads up: This page contains affiliate links. That means if you click and buy—we may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Read more about it here.
We visited this treasure several years back and it made a lasting impression. Find out what’s in store at St. Louis City Museum!
The Experience
The awe begins as you enter the museum—you are greeted with an inspiring view that engulfs four+ stories of adventure and art. There are metal scraps and trinkets hanging everywhere! And you can feel the excitement building as you walk through the doors and experience the sights and sounds of kids and families laughing and playing.
If you’ve got adventurous children, they will love climbing on architectural sculptures and structures like you’ve never seen before. Test out your healthy fear of heights on the rooftop level where there’s a Ferris wheel, school bus teetering over the edge of the building, water playground, and rebar sculptures that you can climb through!
For the more reserved souls, there’s still plenty to fascinate your senses at the City Museum, including:
Artifacts like a ginormous bank vault and real boat propellers
Weird-looking fish (live ones)
Nooks and crannies to play around in virtually every room
Learning opportunities including a giant interactive pulley system
Ample photo op opportunities including Sparky Jr.
Plus, there are various cafes and lounges on each level where you can take a rest and you’ve got to try what St. Louis is known for—like Gooey Butter Cake and Toasted Ravioli! Parents and adults 21+ can also enjoy a draft beer or wine slushy. Yum!
One thing you’ll notice is that the place is gigantic and it seems like you’ll never get through it all!
Some more of our favorite features:
Human-size Hamster Wheel
Rooftop Slide
Rope Swing
The Most Giant Pencil Ever!
Real Castle
There’s so much going on here—and there’s no way you’ll be able to take it all in during one visit. Check out this video to get a feel for what this adventure entails!
Some Basics to Know Before You Go
If you’re ready to check out this spectacle with your family, there are a few things you should know! Like where it’s located. Check out the location below.
Cost to Get In
Pricing is currently at $20/person plus $10 parking. Kids 3 and under get in for free and there are some spaces made just for toddlers on the 3rd floor, including:
Tiny Town Railroad
Toddler Town
What to Wear
Some other things to keep in mind… crawling around can be harder than it looks! My husband and I both kind of wished we had taken kneepads so that we could enjoy all the crawling with a little more cushioning. They sell them in the gift shop if you decide you need them! Closed-toe shoes with good gripping soles are also recommended.
Be Prepared to Keep a Close Eye
Supervision is totally required! With all the sharp metal sculptures, heights, and dark tunnels, there are some inherent hazards that you’ll want to keep an eye out for. I personally bumped my head in the pitch-black tunnels on the concrete top and it hurt pretty bad!
Rooftop Access
The rooftop is a must-see, but it’s also only open seasonally from March through October. Don’t worry though—if you don’t get to experience it on your first visit, there’s still an abundance of activities to enjoy!
Age, Height, & Ability Restrictions
Other things to consider are age, agility, and adventure level of your kids. While there’s something for all ages here, ages 4-11 will probably get the most use out of all that this place has to offer. Some slides have height restrictions, but there is a range of slides for all heights. Check the specifics here.
Those of us with larger figures or who are less agile may not enjoy some of the tight spaces and you might even get stuck if you try! We definitely recognized some spaces that were not big enough for adults, but we found plenty to climb on!
Is the City Museum Worth it?
For us, yes and no. At the time of our visit, our son (age 8 at the time) was a little timid to participate in some of the high climbing and massive slides. So he didn’t get to take advantage of everything that the City Museum has in store. It was still a neat and memorable experience for everyone! And now that our son is a little older, we’re planning on going back.
The city museum is a great choice for families with kids who love to climb and slide! For families with babies, all grown-ups, or those with mobility limitations—just keep in mind that some areas of the museum will not be accessible. That just means you’ll get through the exploration quicker so you can move on to the next adventure!
Planning Your Stay in St. Louis
Ready to plan your road-trip to St. Louis? Check rates for rental vans to fit the whole family in one car from Economy Bookings.
Looking for other things to do while you’re in town? Read our post about the St. Louis Zoo (free admission) or check out our Visit St. Louis post for 40+ things to do in St. Louis.
Or find a unique vacation rental as whimsical as the City Museum to stay at while you’re in town. Find a nearby neat place to stay here.