When you have a "budding scientist" under the age of six, the main floors of a massive museum can sometimes feel overwhelming. That is why the Discovery Room at the St. Louis Science Center has become one of my favorite "gems" in St. Louis for toddler moms!
Watch Our Discovery Zone Tour!
Why the Discovery Room is Different
Unlike the rest of the Science Center, this is a closed, 60-minute timed session designed specifically for early childhood development. It’s small enough that you can actually keep an eye on your kids while they explore, but packed enough that they never get bored.
As a parent, my favorite part of the Discovery Room at the St. Louis Science Center is getting several ideas to take back home. Throughout the room are things you can recreate in your own home with books and even suggestions for ways grown ups can help facilitate discovery and learning.
Our Discovery Room Favorites:
The Rocket Ship & Slide: If you've seen Blippi and Meekah, you've seen them play on this famous rocket ship!
The Water Table: Pro-tip: They have smocks, but maybe bring a backup shirt just in case!
The Crawler Corner: A dedicated safe space for the tiniest scientists (6–12 months).
The STEAM Easel: My kids could spend the entire hour just painting with water and brushes.
The Membership "Secret": The ASTC Passport
We often get asked if a membership is worth it since the Science Center is "free." The answer is a resounding yes, primarily because of the ASTC (Association of Science and Technology Centers) Travel Passport Program.
By holding a Science Center membership, you don't just get free Discovery Room tickets and free parking in the Oakland lot—you get a "golden ticket" to travel. We have used our STL membership card to get free general admission at science centers all over the Midwest and the country. If you travel at all, this membership pays for itself after just one or two out-of-town trips.
Plan Your Next Field Trip
| Details | Insider Information |
| Location | 5050 Oakland Ave, St. Louis, MO 63110 (2nd Floor) |
| Best For Ages | 6 Months – 6 Years Old (Older siblings can join as "helpers") |
| Pricing | $6.00 per person (Ages 1+) | Free for Infants (Under 1) |
| Memberships | Free for SLSC Members & ASTC Passport Members |
| Session Length | 45–60 Minutes (Timed entry—sessions usually start on the hour) |
| Know Before You Go | Tickets are REQUIRED for everyone (even if they are free for you!). |
Looking for more indoor places to explore? Head back to our 21 Days of Indoor Play Master List!