South City Indoor Play: Creativity Unlocked at Macklind Make & Play


Welcome to Day 17 of 21 Days of Indoor Play! Every now and then, I stumble upon a hidden gem that makes me wonder, “How did I not know about this sooner?” That is exactly how I felt about Macklind Make & Play.

Located in the heart of South City, this isn't just a place to burn off energy—it’s a place to ignite imagination. It’s a community-based makerspace that perfectly bridges the gap between "toddler play" and "big kid creativity."

Watch Our Macklind Adventure!




Art Meets Playtime

What makes this space so unique is the balance. Usually, you have to choose between a "messy art" studio or a "toy-filled" playroom. Here, you get both:

The Makerspace: This was the highlight for my older boys. They loved the freedom of the makerspace, where they could grab supplies and actually build their own art pieces. It’s open-ended, child-led, and so inspiring.

The Sensory Section: My littlest could have spent the entire day here. The sensory bins are beautifully maintained—the colored rice was a huge hit!

Toys for All Ages: From building blocks to imaginative play sets, there is a massive variety of toys that kept all three of my kids engaged at the same time.

The "Stay All Day" Perks

As a parent, I really appreciate their "come and stay" philosophy.

One Price, No Timer: You pay for one admission and you aren't rushed out after 90 minutes. It’s a great spot to hunker down on a rainy afternoon.

Coffee Delivery (The Real MVP): The coffee shop next door, Espresso Yourself, will actually deliver coffee straight to the play area. You can support two local businesses at once while keeping your energy up!

DetailsInsider Information
Location5353 Devonshire Ave, St. Louis, MO 63109
Best For Ages0–12 Years Old
Pricing$13.50 (1st child) | $12 (Siblings) | Crawlers are FREE w/ paid sibling
MembershipsFrequent Maker passes available for extra savings!
Know Before You GoOpen 7 days a week! (9 a.m. – 2 p.m. for Morning Make & Play)

Hours of Operation 

Daily: 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. (Morning Make & Play)
Afternoon: Keep an eye out for their "Afternoon Maker Clubs" for older kids!

Make sure to bring a bag or a folder! Your kids will be making masterpieces and they’ll want to bring them all home.

Looking for more places to explore? Head back to our 21 Days of Indoor Play Master List!

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