Welcome to Day of 21 Days of Indoor Play! While most people think of the Missouri Botanical Garden as an outdoor-only destination, it is actually one of our favorite indoor refuges during the winter and early spring.
Located right behind the Climatron, the Brookings Exploration Center is a year-round, indoor participatory learning space that is included with your Garden admission. It’s the perfect spot to let the kids lead the way while you soak up some much-needed plant life.
Watch Our Garden Exploration!
Hands-On Learning at Brookings
The Brookings Center is broken into "thematic zones" that encourage kids to create and interact rather than just look.
- The Maker Space: My oldest loved the hands-on activities here. It’s a great spot for creative kids to build and experiment.
- Family Tree Area: If you need a quiet moment, this nook is filled with nature-themed books and puzzles perfect for toddlers.
- The Soil Exhibit: You can get an up-close look at the tiny creatures that live underground.
- Dress-Up: This was the highlight for us! The kids loved the costumes, pretending to be botanists and explorers on an expedition.
Tropical Escapes: Climatron & Desert House
If you’re craving heat, the Climatron (the giant dome) is kept in the 80s and features a massive waterfall and lush tropical plants. My kids were obsessed with searching for tadpoles and fish in the indoor ponds. We also spent time in the "desert area," which is beautiful and features a totally different landscape of cacti and succulents.
| Details | Insider Information |
| Location | 4344 Shaw Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63110 |
| Best For Ages | All Ages (Activities best for 2–10) |
| Pricing | $16 (Ages 13+) |
| Memberships | Includes Butterfly House & Shaw Nature Reserve |
| Reopening Alert | Children's Garden reopens March 28, 2026! |