Your guide to visiting the Saint Louis Science Center in St. Louis

Must-see exhibits, hidden gems, and membership perks for the interactive center devoted to all things science

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History and Overview

Part of the beauty of being in St. Louis comes from having an abundance of things that are “first of its kind west of the Mississippi,” and that distinction applies to the scientific organization, founded in 1856, that became today’s Saint Louis Science Center. It only makes sense—with our rich history of aviation, space, agriculture, and technological endeavors—that our city should have a top-notch, interactive, cutting-edge facility dedicated to science. It’s just our good fortune that, thanks to the foresight of the Zoo-Museum District tax, locals and all other visitors can stroll right into the galleries for absolutely free admission.

The Science Center works well for mixed-age family groups, with an abundance of hands-on opportunities both for those who want to understand, say, how a coal-processing power plant works, as well as those who will be happy just pushing buttons. The general galleries (including Earth Sciences, Structures, Experience Energy, Life Science Lab, Game Xploration) offer tactile exhibits and informational panels to read. Mission Mars gives a timely glimpse into the space science that’s so often in the headlines. The Makerspace, relatively new on the second floor, features bits and bobs and tools to build and create with, and free workshops led by staff that might cover carpentry, art, engineering, and more, in a make-and-take model. We shine a special spotlight on the GROW exhibit, a soaring pavilion and acre of outdoor space devoted to telling the story of food, from soil (or not!) to plate. It’s the largest permanent gallery of its kind, devoted solely to agriculture, in the country. Plus, a mud kitchen and chickens! What’s not to love?

Exhibits Worth Paying For

Families with kids under age 6 should absolutely book a session (offered throughout the day) in the Discovery Room, a sensory STEAM area with water tables, construction toys, shadow wall, puppets, microscopes, and much more. The multistory Omnimax theater shows documentaries focused on nature, astronomy, ecology, and other topics. There’s nothing quite like it in terms of an immersive film experience, though it can be a bit of overload for the easily stimulated (or nauseated.) And the special and traveling exhibits the institution hosts—on topics as varied as the art and science of Leonardo DaVinci and the evolution and influence of the guitar—bring a wealth of the world’s knowledge right to our doorstep.

Special Events

Hey, remember the '80s? In its heyday, the rock laser light show at the Planetarium was The Thing to Do. They returned, with vastly updated lights and 3D technology, a couple of years ago, and now are offered on a periodic basis, to soundtracks from classic rock to Lizzo. 

The blockbuster special events now, though? Themed First Fridays, where the science behind some of pop culture’s most significant influences (think Black Panther, The Princess Bride, Star Wars and Trek, steampunk culture, and much more) is examined from every facet, and stations throughout the facility reveal facts, fictions, and fun. Expect lots of costumes, some cool shopping pop-ups, and an all-ages good time.

And specifically for the kids, both the Preschool Science series (by reservation and paid admission, weekends for 45-minute sessions) and summer STEAM camps give early opportunities to take chances, make mistakes, get messy, and learn. Ms. Frizzle would be proud.

Hidden Gems

Don’t pass by the Energy Stage, tucked behind the glass elevator on the ground level: it’s the location of daily Amazing Science Demos, ranging from “The Scoop on Poop” to the perennially popular “Colder Than Ice,” which features liquid nitrogen and is always a good time. 

Really Hidden Gems

Have you poked around the grounds outside the Planetarium side of the museum? There you’ll find a Hornet fighter jet (manufactured in St. Louis by McDonnell Douglas), two model dinosaurs made for the 1964 World’s Fair, and a massive, whimsical sculpture donated by its creator, St. Louis native Tom Friedman.

Membership Perks

The Science Center offers five membership levels, from the basic Science Supporter ($50/year) to Family & Friends MAX ($195), which generally get you free parking on every visit, and an increasing number of free tickets for features like the Omnimax theater, Discovery Room, and Planetarium. Discounted tickets to special exhibits, members-only events, the quarterly newsletter, a discount on food and shopping, and reciprocal privileges at other similar institutions around the country are also included. For members at the PLUS and MAX levels, there’s an early bird registration period for summer camps, and a 10 percent discount on their tuition.

Best Photo Op

No question! Gather your group in the Structures exhibit and build the foam-block replica of the Gateway Arch.

Runner up? Act terrified in front of the animatronic dinosaurs on the lower level. Rawr!

Fast Stats

Good for: multi-generational family groups. Discovery Room and Preschool Science Series are best for the under-6 crowd; for Planetarium shows (paid ticket required) “The Little Star That Could” is the best bet for the youngest visitors. Many other exhibits will be most engaging for older kids/readers but have enough hands-on elements for any age.

Food: Three locations for meals, snacks, and drinks (including concessions for Omnimax movies and the outdoor Fermentation Station, featuring locally grown/made products)

Shopping: Two stores, with plenty of special exhibit-related merch and hands-on science toys and games for all ages

Price: Free general admission; add-ons include Omnimax movies (Adults, $10.95; Children, Students & Seniors, $8.95; Military, $7.95), Planetarium shows (Adults, $6; Children & Seniors, $5; Military, $4), Special exhibits (prices vary), Discovery Room (Age 1 & up, $5; under 1, free), and Flight and VR simulators ($5–$10). Parking costs $12–$15.

Hours: Monday, Thursday–Saturday: 9:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m., Sunday: 11 a.m.–4:30 p.m., Tuesday–Wednesday: closed. Last entry to the building: 30 minutes before close.

Location: 5050 Oakland

Website: slsc.org

Phone: 314-289-4400

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