City Museum
4.7(21,085)4.7 out of 5 stars, 21085 reviews St. Louis, MO
About City Museum
City Museum offers a unique blend of playground and art installation, providing an adventurous environment for children to explore, climb, and engage in free play. It's designed for active participation rather than passive observation, making it a distinctive experience for families.
What parents should know
Summarized from real visitor reviews.
Best for: Families looking for an active and engaging experience.Parents willing to participate in play alongside their children.Best for children aged 7 and older who can navigate the space independently.Younger children (under 7) may require close supervision and assistance.
Why families love it
- Multiple levels of climbing structures and tunnels.
- Unique attractions like an airplane and a school bus.
- Panoramic views of the city from various lookout points.
- Free play and exploration opportunities.
- Engaging and physically challenging structures.
- Artistic and creative installations throughout the venue.
Insider tips
- Buy tickets online to save money; in-person tickets are $23 each.
- Bring a flashlight and knee pads for comfort while exploring.
- Establish a meet-up point, preferably on the less crowded fourth floor.
Good to know before you go
- Visiting during peak hours when it is overcrowded.
- Taking very young children who may get lost easily.
- Crowded environment can make supervision difficult.
- Lack of clear directions can lead to confusion in the tunnels.
- Parking costs can be high, around $30+.
- Crowds
- The venue is always crowded, making it challenging to keep track of children.
- Value
- Tickets are $23 per person when purchased online, which is cheaper than in-person prices. The experience is more akin to a giant playground than a traditional museum, offering unique play opportunities but lacking structured exhibits.
- Safety
- Parents should be aware of tight spaces and potential hazards in climbing areas.
What parents say
"Bucket list stop for me since I'm an overgrown middle-aged kid. Exactly as expected with so much fun, crazily-connected stuff to climb around in, slide down, explore, etc. And even though it's mostly geared towards kids, it definitely doesn't "baby" you: Some of the areas are pretty tricky and/or require a solid effort to navigate/tackle, which I was really happy to discover. Way cool looking out over the city from various parts of the structures, and I also love all the random attractions (airplane, school bus, mantis, etc.) throughout. Literally: Best. Museum. Ever!"
a week ago
"They raised the tickets in person so now it is cheaper to buy online, even with the online fees. It's $23/person when you buy in person. The only map is located on the 3rd floor - on the wall. I've included a photo of it for you! I recommend the flashlight and knee pads, and deciding a meet up point. The fourth floor is a little less crowded and easier to see each other if you need a meeting place. My kids always have a great time climbing in the tunnels and exploring."
2 weeks ago
"READ THIS FIRST— Ok now that I have your attention...this place is enormous. And it's always crowded (always). If you have 1) young kids under the age of 7 or 2) have a hard time keeping up with your kids who wander off, I would consider waiting to come here until they are a bit older and more mature. If you only have 1 child you might be fine. Here's why I say this: there are secret passageways everywhere, sometimes that only a kid can get through. And guess what? You don't know where it leads, who/what is back there, or how to get there. I consider myself a nimble and fun parent, and I "
a month ago
Reviews sourced from public Google data.
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