Photography by Kevin A. Roberts
Urban Fort Play Café offers respite for parents and tykes alike in South City.
After visiting Urban Fort, kids will be begging to come back. With a safe and clean indoor play area for children, this South City play space is a good option for those looking to get out of the house during a heat wave. In addition to open play, there are classes for kids and adults, workshops, events, and parties. Socks are required. $10 per child (1-6 years old), $4 per infant (7 months to 11 months). Pre-registration is suggested for open play. 314-376-4235. 1854 Russell.
Miss Kelly's Gym is a locally owned gymnastics and fitness facility for kids in Creve Coeur. Offering gymnastics, dance and sport classes, as well as time for open gym and Parent’s Night Out, it’s an excellent place for kids to keep active while staying cool. Open gym is $10 per hour for kids not currently enrolled. Children under 1 year old are admitted free. 314-439-1100. 12802 Olive.
Looking for a cool, but creative outlet during these hot summer days? Search no further than YuCanDu Art Studio in Webster Groves. With an array of different art projects, YuCanDu’s open studio provides a place for kids to paint, collage, and craft mosaic art. Kids in Grades K through 5 can enroll in Fun Fridays, which are single-day camps that allow participants to paint and create new works of art each week. Open Studio prices start at $20 per project, plus a $5 per-hour studio fee or $12 daily fee. 314-963-4400. 20 Allen.
Creation Station at the Museum of Transportation
The Museum of Transportation is one of the best places where families can find an educational and fun environment to stay busy and cool. More than just a historic train yard, kids will open their imaginations with wooden toys, trains, and crafting. The Creation Station is currently first-come, first-serve. $7 for kids and $15 for adults with trolley costs included. Additional $3 for the Creation Station. 314-965-6212. 2933 Barrett Station.
Powder Valley makes sure that a hot day won’t stop kids from playing in nature. With exhibits dedicated to backyard and urban nature, a tank full of river fish, and huge windows to sit and watch the wildlife, kids will be able to explore St. Louis’ great outdoors. Free. 314-301-1500. 11715 Cragwold.
Upper Limits' three area locations provide a space for people of all ages to take on the fun challenge of rock climbing. The Wacky Walls, climbing gym, and fitness area ensures a space for everyone’s wants and needs. Guests only need to sign a waiver and take an orientation class. For the Wacky Walls, a one-hour pass is $13. For the Climbing Gym and Fitness Area, Adult Day Pass costs $20 while a Child Day Pass costs $18. It costs $10 to rent gear. Locations in Downtown St. Louis, Chesterfield, and Maryland Heights.
Unleash your kid's inner scientist at the Saint Louis Science Center. Hiding away from the heat, families are invited to tap into their curiosity and discover the world around them. From building a bot, digging up a dino, or traveling to space, there are no limits to exploration. This summer, explore the life of Nelson Mandela inside Mandela: The Official Exhibition. Free. 314-289-4400. 5050 Oakland.
Spark your kid’s creativity and imagination at the Myseum, where families can discover the strange patterns from alien-like ferrofluid, help wild zoo animals heal, and create obstacles on the magnetic ball wall. A combination of a children’s museum, science center, and indoor playground, it’s hard to go wrong with the Myseum. Tickets for children (2-17) are $10.95 plus tax. 636-220-7930. 283 Lamp and Lantern.
Aimed towards children 8 years old and younger, the Play Street Museum is a perfect place for kids to explore and create independently. The extensive indoor recreation area highlights interactive and engaging play, while giving caregivers a relaxed experience. The museum also holds events for paint and play, clay, or pottery. Admission is $13, plus tax for each child ages 1-8. No reservations necessary on weekdays. Reservations, which can be made online, are required on evenings and weekends. 314-471-0065. 1650 Beale.
For people of all ages, Climb So iLL offers climbing, yoga, and fitness. At both locations, climbers of all skill levels are encouraged to have fun and dare to go higher. The Gravity Lab invites guests to defy gravity in heart-pounding and exhilarating sessions. All guests must sign a waiver and first-time visits will have a brief climbing orientation. Admission starts at $20. Rental gear package costs $10. Two locations in St. Louis (1419 Carroll) and St. Charles (650 N Main Center).
For kids and adults alike, this indoor active entertainment park will excite and amaze with its open jump areas, dodgeball arena, slam dunk zone, vertical ops, and more. Flying has never been more fun. Tickets start at $21.99 for 90 minutes of Jump Time. Two locations in O’Fallon (61 N Central) and Shrewsbury (7375 Watson).
Located at the Plaza at Sunset Hills, this indoor trampoline and amusement park features slides, a foam pit, an obstacle course, climbing walls, and virtual reality games, among other amenities. Which attraction will your kids gravitate toward first? Admission starts at $22.99. Kids 5 and under can gain entry for $11.99. 10990 Sunset Hills Plaza.
