In 2005, Zagat’s “America’s Family Travel Guide” called The Magic House museum in St. Louis the best attraction in the country for kids. Yes, even Disney’s Magic Kingdom took a back seat to The Magic House.
About the magic house
Founded in 1979, this interactive children’s museum offers fun hands-on learning activities that encourage creativity. Museum staff love helping children understand science, history, and the world around them through exhibits that engage them in action.
Housed in a renovated Victorian mansion, the museum invites children to role-play, conduct experiments and exercise on the hopscotch courts in the outdoor playground. In 2008, a 25,000-square-foot expansion opened with even more exhibits. The Magic House welcomes 400,000 visitors a year, making it one of the most popular children’s museums in the country.
Fun for all the ages.
Everyone from grandparents down can have fun at The Magic House, but the exhibits are primarily designed for younger children. The “For Baby & Me” area features a peek-a-boo barn, a baby gym, and a miniature school bus. Young children can spend their time in “A Little Bit of Magic,” a fun exhibit that includes a textured tunnel for crawling, a sandbox for digging, and a mirror maze.
There are also dozens of activities for elementary school-age children, such as the child-sized community with a bank, grocery store, library, and fishing pond. Tweens enjoy the recurring exhibit called “Kirkwood Safety Town,” which opens frequently in the weeks around back-to-school time in the fall. In this simulated neighborhood, kids learn about fire, water, and traffic safety, and they can even equip themselves to wear a bike helmet. Older children also enjoy the opportunity to star in a television newscast and have fun with an electrically charged ball that you can tap to make the hair stand on end.
At the “Make-It Workshop”, they can see how a 3D printer works or build a sculpture with recycled materials.
Special events at the magic house
If dozens of exhibits aren’t enough, The Magic House also hosts special events throughout the year. There is the “Not So Haunted House” in October, “Breakfast with Santa Claus” in December, and “Free Family Nights” when two adults and up to four children can visit the museum on the third Friday of each month from 5:30 to 9 pm. charge (space available). You can also celebrate your child’s birthday at The Magic House. There are several different party packages to choose from to make your child’s special day a truly memorable event.
Travel tips
As one of the most popular attractions in St. Louis, The Magic House can be busy no matter when you go. But with a few tips, you can maximize your time at the museum.
- Plan several hours to fully explore the museum.
- Visit with a 1: 1 ratio of adults to younger children, if possible.
- Schedule your visit for the less crowded times, usually later in the afternoon or right at the opening on Saturday.
- Check out the special preschool hours during the school year, when you can visit younger children before the museum opens to the general public.
- The museum’s Picnic Basket Cafe serves healthy salads, sandwiches and snacks. You can also pack food to eat in the outdoor pavilion on a first-come, first-served basis.
Just the facts
- The Magic House is located at 516 South Kirkwood Road, 1 mile north of 1-44 in Kirkwood.
- Admission is $ 11 for children 1 year and up. The museum does not charge the fee for the active duty military and their immediate families and for host families.
- Parking is free.
- The museum is open during the school year from Tuesday to Thursday from 12 pm to 5:30 pm on Friday from 12 pm to 9 pm on Saturday from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm and on Sundays from 11 am to 5:30 pm p.m
- Summer hours are Monday through Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., except on Fridays when the museum is open until 9 p.m. and on Sundays from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
- For more information, call (314) 822-8900 or visit The Magic House website.
