If you live in the St. Louis area and have kids, you’ve definitely heard of The Magic House. But if you’re like me, it isn’t just a "once-a-while" rainy day destination—it’s a staple!
We have held our membership for six years now, and honestly, I don't see us giving it up anytime soon. Between the traveling exhibits and the hidden corners of the museum we discover every visit, it just never gets old.
Here is how we spend a perfect "Field Trip" day at our favorite St. Louis landmark.
Step 1: The Pre-Game (Coffee!)
Before we even step foot in the museum, I have to make my mandatory stop at Teleo Coffee in Kirkwood. It is just a few blocks away and has the best community vibe. I grab my latte, and it gives me that necessary boost of caffeine before the kids hit the ground running!
Why the Membership is a No-Brainer
While we love the local unlimited visits, the real "secret" is the reciprocal network. Because we are members, we get 50% off admission at hundreds of children's museums across the country. Whether we are visiting family in the Midwest or on a summer road trip, this membership has paid for itself over and over again.
Our "Must-See" Exhibit Checklist
1. Story Time Magic & The Beanstalk The Storybook area is where my kids’ imaginations really take off. There is a full dress-up area and a stage where they can put on their own plays. For the younger ones, the story room is filled with book themed play things designed for little hands.
2. The Construction Zone & Wonder Works My kids are obsessed with the Construction Area. They could spend the entire morning playing in the rock pit or pretending to work in the digger. If you have toddlers, the Wonder Works area is incredible—there is a smaller climbing structure, a sand play area, and a texture station with rocks and a slide that keep them occupied forever.
3. The Star of the Show: Children’s Village This is where we spend the bulk of our time. It’s a miniature city built just for them! My kids love:
Fixing cars at the Mechanic Shop
Serving up slices in the Pizza Parlor
Going Fishing in the magnetic pond
Running the Bank and the Grocery Store
Playing "nurse" and taking care of the newborns in the Hospital
4. The STEAM Center & Downstairs Lab The basement level is a hidden gem for older kids (and honestly, for me too!).
The Math Path: Super fun with patterns and the Lego car racing station.
The Science Lab: Complete with lab coats for the full scientist experience. We love the changing experiments!
Tech Play: We love the 3D imaging car room and the tinkering area where they can actually build and invent. There's a cardboard saw that I wish we had at our house!
Art & Water: We always finish our day at the Art Studio making a craft to take home and watching the Waterfall area.
The Current Traveling Exhibit: Thomas & Friends!
One of the best parts about being a member is seeing the rotating exhibits. Right now, Thomas & Friends: Explore the Rails is back! It is so well done—full of STEM-based learning, train tracks, and all the favorite engines from Sodor. If your kids love Thomas, this is the time to go!
Pro-Tip: If you can go in the afternoon, you almost have the whole museum to yourself. It’s the perfect time to let them wander without the morning crowds.
Join the "Field Trip" Family!
If you’re a mom looking for fun things to do in the Midwest, or if you’re looking for ways to add more hands-on adventure into your homeschool lessons, I’d love to have you join us.
I’m starting a monthly play date group right here in St. Louis to explore spots just like this together. Click here to join us!