Children's Museums
Saint Louis Science Center
📍 5050 Oakland Ave, St. Louis, MO 63110🕐 Hours
| Monday | 9:30 AM–4:30 PM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | Closed |
| Thursday | 9:30 AM–4:30 PM |
| Friday | 9:30 AM–4:30 PM |
| Saturday | 9:30 AM–4:30 PM |
| Sunday | 11 AM–4:30 PM |
About Saint Louis Science Center
Live star shows in a historic setting. Planetarium at the St. Louis Science Center since 1963, with live star shows & interactive exhibits. The McDonnell Planetarium has been operating since 1963, making it a historic institution with over 60 years of continuous operation offering live star shows. Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by 11,730 visitors.
Quick Facts
- Type
- Science Center
- Admission
- Always free
- Best For
- All ages
- Key Attractions
- OMNIMAX Theater, Planetarium, Flight Simulators, Discovery Room, Makerspace
- Coming Summer 2026
- The Blue Whale Story — 80-foot blue whale skeleton exhibition
💡 Did You Know?
- The McDonnell Planetarium has been operating since 1963, making it a historic institution with over 60 years of continuous operation offering live star shows
- Features an 80-foot blue whale skeleton replica as part of 'The Blue Whale Story' special exhibition opening May 23, 2026
- Offers completely free general admission to all exhibits, making it a rare fully free-admission science center model
- Operates a dedicated Makerspace and Discovery Room with hands-on STEM activities, plus specialized programs like Science Tots for toddlers 18-35 months
💬 What Visitors Say
- Visit on a weekday morning to avoid crowds—reviewers specifically praised their quiet weekday experience with no parking hassles and easier access to interactive exhibits
- Admission is completely free, making it an excellent budget-friendly option. Avoid paid parking fees by using free street parking on nearby Oakland Avenue or Clayton Avenue/Faulkner Drive if you're willing to walk a bit
- The paleontology and geology section with dinosaurs is particularly impressive and worth prioritizing, along with the Omnimax theatre and interactive science activity booths staffed by educators
- Plan for a full day of exploration—the Science Center is large and well-organized with multiple sections covering space, health, technology, and engineering that you can explore at your own pace. Note the facility is closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays
- The interactive exhibits and manned science activity booths are specifically designed to make learning hands-on and engaging for kids, making this ideal for families with children of various ages
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