Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to St. Louis

Kid-friendly museums

Made for those who want to cultivate a sense of curiosity in their children through regular museum visits.

Based on 592 Opinions
+589
User
User
User
Updated May 2026
01
Miniature Museum of Greater St. Louis image 1
Miniature Museum of Greater St. Louis image 2
Miniature Museum of Greater St. Louis image 3
View all

Two floors showcase hundreds of intricately detailed miniatures in various scales, including historical and whimsical scenes. The atmosphere is quiet and focused, appealing especially to crafters and art enthusiasts. The space feels kid-friendly without flashy distractions, offering a unique, thoughtful experience.

Miniature exhibits captivate kids with detailed scenes and heartwarming captions. The environment is very kid-friendly, offering steps for better viewing and clear explanations to engage children.

Exhibits feature detailed miniature buildings that require close attention to appreciate. The collection is unique and expansive, showcasing impressive craftsmanship and patience.

People are saying

"The miniature exhibits here are packed with hundreds of intricate details."

"It's so kid friendly with amazing miniature homes and doll houses."

"The miniature masterpieces here are so cool, with amazing attention to detail."

Good to know

1

Admission is $8 per person, making it an affordable visit.

2

Parking is limited, so plan to arrive early.

3

The second floor is only accessible by stairs, which may be challenging for some visitors.

02
Museum of Illusions - St. Louis image 1

Museum offers mind-altering illusions and exciting photo opportunities in a tight, warm space. Atmosphere feels inviting and fun despite occasional crowding and noise. Visitors respect personal space while engaging with interactive exhibits.

Interactive exhibits keep kids engaged and entertained. The space suits a wide age range, making it a solid spot for family outings and birthday celebrations.

Interactive exhibits create a trippy and fun experience that surprises the eyes. The vortex tunnel stands out as a favorite, and people of all ages enjoy the engaging displays.

People are saying

"I had a lot of fun exploring all the illusions."

"The museum staff were so helpful explaining everything."

"It's a fun place to take the kids and enjoy as a family."

Good to know

1

Admission costs $34 per person, with discounts available for EBT cardholders.

2

Expect to spend about 45 minutes exploring the museum.

3

The museum is suitable for all ages, making it a family-friendly destination.

03
National Museum of Transportation image 1

Sprawling museum campus combines indoor and outdoor spaces with well-maintained grounds and gardens. Friendly atmosphere supports self-paced exploration of extensive collections including trains, planes, and vintage cars. Multiple rides and interactive activities engage visitors of all ages, creating a comfortable and fun environment.

Kids enjoy the real Union Pacific Big Boy locomotive and various trains on display. The museum offers a mix of fun for kids and interesting exhibits for adults.

Transportation and auto collections include rare cars and interactive exhibits. Restoration shop doors open for viewing old equipment. The museum is accessible and engaging for all ages, including toddlers.

People are saying

"It's a really fun and educational place for kids to explore."

"You'll see tons of historical trains and vintage cars here."

"You'll love the museum's vintage cars and historic trains."

Good to know

1

Arrive early to secure tickets as slots fill up quickly.

2

The museum offers a wheelchair for visitors needing assistance.

3

Expect a $100 admission fee for a family of four, including two seniors.

04
Historic Train Collection image 1

Historic train and car exhibits fill an expansive outdoor and indoor space with interactive rides like trolley and miniature trains. The atmosphere blends family-friendly energy with historical preservation, inviting visitors to explore at a leisurely pace across varied terrain. Multiple pavilions and displays offer hands-on experiences alongside well-maintained transportation artifacts.

A small train ride entertains kids and there are many cut-outs for pictures that children enjoy. Kids of various ages like exploring the place, with some learning history and others loving the trains.

A large collection of trains and trolleys fills the museum, with many exhibits allowing climbing inside. The museum also features an impressive car collection and various historical memorabilia related to transportation.

People are saying

"This place is so kid friendly, my little ones loved the train ride."

"I loved the museums here; there were so many trains and trolleys to see."

"The historic train collection is cool, especially the U.P. 4006."

Good to know

1

Admission costs over $20 per person, which is a significant expense.

2

A season pass offers 43 train rides, making it a good value.

3

The museum features a small train ride around the grounds for kids.

05
Jefferson Barracks Telephone Museum image 1

Small museum housed in a fully restored historic building offers working rotary phones, switchboards, and vintage switching mechanisms that visitors can operate. Quiet atmosphere with meticulously arranged exhibits inside glass enclosures creates an engaging and informative experience. Volunteers with industry backgrounds share stories, adding depth to the hands-on demonstrations.

Kids can interact with pulse dial phones and see old communication machines in action. Tours engage slightly older children who enjoy learning about historical technology.

Exhibits showcase early phones with magneto cranks, operator switchboard equipment, and designer phones from the 90s. Volunteers run the museum with care, making it informative and engaging for all ages.

People are saying

"The guided tour of these historical sites was fabulous, thanks to the knowledgeable guide."

"It's so Kid Friendly with interactive, hands-on exhibits kids can touch."

"The museum tours are fabulous, thanks to the guide's knowledge."

Good to know

1

Admission is very affordable, making it accessible for all visitors.

2

The museum features exhibits on phone history from the late 1800s to 2012.

3

Volunteers, many with phone company backgrounds, provide informative tours.

06
Economy Museum at the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis image 1

Historic Federal Reserve building features marble architecture and modern interactive exhibits that explain monetary policy and the economy. Visitors pass through security checks before exploring educational displays suitable for all ages. The experience includes unique hands-on opportunities like lifting a real gold bar and receiving free shredded money souvenirs.

Hands-on games like spotting counterfeit dollars and a buy and sell commodity exhibit keep kids engaged and laughing. Interactive displays introduce economics concepts in a way that suits children and teenagers well.

Educational and interactive exhibits introduce economics concepts clearly for all ages. Visitors can handle a twenty-eight-pound genuine gold bar and explore US monetary policy in a secure, well-laid-out space with free admission.

People are saying

"It's so interactive and informative, definitely Kid Friendly for learning."

"It's interesting how many facts about cash you can learn here."

"This museum is interactive and fun for all ages, especially lifting the gold bar."

Good to know

1

Admission to the museum is free with no payment required.

2

Visitors must bring a valid ID for entry due to security checks.

3

The museum offers interactive exhibits suitable for all ages.

07
Soldiers Memorial Military Museum image 1

Beautiful Art Deco building houses comprehensive military exhibits across multiple floors, including a moving loggia for reflection. The atmosphere is calm and respectful without feeling stuffy, supported by wide walkways and accessible features. Displays offer detailed historical insights with thoughtful, educational presentations.

Captivating displays engage kids well. Free, self-guided tours suit school children. A scavenger hunt adds fun. The Soldiers Memorial Military Museum appeals to young visitors.

Admission is free, making it easy to explore the high-quality exhibits. The museum features moving displays like the Ghost Army and Tuskegee Airmen, plus tactile exhibits for the blind that add a unique touch.

People are saying

"I learned so much about St. Louis's military history and local service members."

"I learned so much about the courageous Tuskegee Airmen at the museum."

"It's really Kid Friendly, my son loved the scavenger hunt."

Good to know

1

Admission to the museum is free.

2

The museum is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

3

Parking is very limited at the museum.

Discover more

St. Louis, Missouri

Area guide
Loading Map...