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St. Louis Science Center
St. Louis Science Center
Tower Grove
view website4344 Shaw Blvd.
St. Louis, MO 63110
800-642-8842
314-577-9400
Good-for-Kids Rating
BabiesToddlers & Pre-KSchool-Age KidsPre-Teens & Teens
Garden
St. Louis Science Center Description
The Missouri Botanical Garden may be the oldest public garden in the U.S., but kids consider it the most fun, running straight for the Missouri Adventure Children's Garden upon entry. Here they can traverse a rope bridge, climb a tree house and slide back down, and take the wheel of a Mississippi steamboat. Even apart from this special play space, the garden offers all kinds of great hide-and-seek spots, including the Victorian maze of hedges and the Japanese gardens with woodland paths.
Kid Tips
Toddlers & Pre-K: They may not be able to identify one tree, but little kids love running around the garden. Check out the Japanese section, with all sorts of mysterious, flagstone footpaths that wander through the forest.
School-Age Kids: The Children's Garden was made for this age group. Docents staff some of the exhibits and set you searching for fossils in the cave, counting tree rings, or ogling seed germination.
Planning Notes
- Order your visit. Since the tram is just outside the visitor center, most people assume they should get on that first. Resist, and head straight for the Children's Garden. Then when the kids are pooped, hop the tram and ride around the rest of the garden.
- Pack for a day in the country. The visitor center has a great café, but don't risk getting caught out on the vast grounds without at least some water and sunscreen.
Just the Facts
Hours: Memorial Day through Labor Day: Daily 9 a.m.-5 p.m. (Wednesdays until 8 p.m.)
The Children's Garden is open April through October, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily.
Fees: Under $10
Recommended Time: 2 - 4 hours
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