For adventurous families – or frankly, families with kids – City Museum in St. Louis is a must-visit at least once in your lives. My family consists of my husband and me along with our four children, ages 24, 22, 19, and 10. When the oldest three were younger, we visited and spent the better part of a day getting lost inside this 600,000-square-foot funhouse, exploring every nook and cranny with unrestrained excitement. Most recently, we returned so our youngest could have the same memories, and as hoped, the adventure did not disappoint.
©City Museum
What Is City Museum?
Located in the industrial Washington Avenue Loft District, City Museum is located in a 100-year-old-plus building that once housed International Shoe Co. in downtown St. Louis. The brainchild of artist Bob Cassilly, the museum was always intended to be a sort of evolving art installation. Created with salvaged relics and building materials, the site is always growing, changing, and morphing into something new and different. But the underlying intent remains the same: to get hands-on with everything and have the best time in so doing.
What to Expect
Before entering the building, visitors will get a taste of the oddities and curiosities that await beyond the ticket booth. They may spy the gigantic mantis or school bus perched atop the roof. Loads of twisted metal tubes and super-fast slides also give a nod to the fun to be had. Once you've paid for your admission and received your wristband (definitely spring for the rooftop visit if it's open!), it's game on.
©Ashley Haugen
Where You'll Play
There simply are not enough hours in the day to experience every facet of the City Museum, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't give it the old college try. Upon entry, you can veer right and go straight to the caves. Be warned, this is not for the faint of heart — or those with claustrophobia. These are, however, every bit worthy of exploration. Climb and crawl your way through the innards of the building, passing a variety of eye candy along the way. When you make it to the top, you'll be rewarded with the longest spiral slide ride you'll ever take.
If you prefer something more “open air,” then make your way to the rooftop, where you can whizz down slides, climb through twisted metal, explore the aforementioned rooftop school bus, and even ride a Ferris wheel to get breathtaking views of St. Louis.
Back inside, various spaces cater to different themes, interests, and age groups. The Artquarium, the Skateless Park, Toddler Town, and a massive Treehouse are just a few of the named areas. Don't miss the old bank vault, the random collections of salvaged and preserved items, or a performance by Circus Harmony on the third floor.
©Ashley Haugen
Who's Hungry?
All the play undoubtedly makes young explorers (and their parents) hungry, so when it's time to eat, you have a multitude of options. From snack bar fare at Guard Dogs Grill & Snacks to deli options at Lizard Lounge and even something for the 21+ crowd at Boone's Cabin Inn, there is plenty of selection that will satisfy everyone's palate. So order up and then cop a squat at the picnic table seatings found both indoors and out.
Tips for First-Timers
Now that you're convinced that City Museum is a must-experience with your family, there are a few pro tips to keep in mind:
- For little ones, write your phone number on their arm in Sharpie in case you're separated.
- Pack light. If you have toddlers and preschoolers, that may not be an option with diapers and bottles and whatnot, but if your kids are older, the less you have to keep up with, the better.
- Wear comfortable clothes and closed-toed shoes. You'll be doing a little climbing and crawling.
- Bring hand sanitizer. This place is popular, which means lots of people touching lots of things.
Ready to plan your trip? Purchase your tickets in advance so you don't waste one second in line. Prices start at $14.50 per person for groups and $20 per person for single-day tickets. Learn more about City Museum and purchase tickets at citymuseum.org.
The image featured at the top of this post is ©City Museum.