St. Louis Science Center Tours

St. Louis Science Center
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Curious minds delight in hundreds of interactive science and space-themed activities. Meet a T. rex, ride a flight simulator and journey deep into the solar system.

Gear up for a day of hands-on education and entertainment when you visit the St. Louis Science Center. With over 700 exhibits, the center ignites the imagination of people of all ages. Gain an understanding about the ecology and environment in which we live. Learn about the food chain, embark on a space mission and participate in live science experiments.

Attractions are spread across three levels of exhibition rooms. Start on the lower level, where educators conduct experiments with fire and electricity on the Energy Stage. Discover the importance of energy efficiency and see a life-size animatronic Tyrannosaurusrex. There are opportunities to dig for dinosaur fossils and observe the formation of a tornado too.

On the first floor, play a range of board, video and virtual reality games in the GameXPloration room. Get an introduction into the biotechnology, genetics and health of plants and animals at the Life Science Lab. Agriculture and the processes behind food cultivation are featured in an outdoor pavilion called GROW.

Children will love creating things with cutting-edge technology and traditional tools at the Makerspace Workshops on the second floor. Purchase tickets for state-of-the-art movie screenings at the OMNIMAX® Theater. Themes range from asteroid hunters to the world’s rainforests and oceans.

A bridge connects the main building to the James S. McDonnell Planetarium in Forest Park. Marvel at a projection of thousands of stars, which shows how the night sky would look without light pollution. Prepare for thrills in the fight simulator or be a budding astronaut inside a replica NASA space station in the Virtual Reality Transporter.

The museum stands at the southeastern edge of Forest Park. Travel by light rail from downtown St. Louis to the Central West End station and then walk for 15 minutes. On-site parking is available for a fee. Drive here in less than 10 minutes from downtown.

The St. Louis Science Center is open from Thursday to Sunday and admission is free. Pay a fee for shows at the OMNIMAX® Theater and attractions at the McDonnell Planetarium. Visit the center’s official website for an event schedule and advanced ticket reservations.

Plan a trip to see St. Louis Science Center

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Reviews of St. Louis Science Center

4.5
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
242
" "5 - Excellent 64.70588235294117%
4 - Good
104
" "4 - Good 27.807486631016044%
3 - Okay
20
" "3 - Okay 5.347593582887701%
2 - Disappointing
6
" "2 - Disappointing 1.6042780748663101%
1 - Terrible
2
" "1 - Terrible 0.5347593582887701%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Some of the displays are aging and pretty common to be found at other places. But it's free and still entertaining.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

Cool experience but definitely geared towards kids

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Well thought out. Grandchildren had a wonderful time. Spent the whole day there.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

Definitely better suited for children as opposed to adults. My husband and I went because we're both science nerds, but just thought it was okay if you are an adult. Great for the kiddos though!

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Liked the Pompeii exhibit, but otherwise too noisy. Really a place for kids/families. As a single traveler it wasn't for me.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Old planetarium is basically empty. New side has lots of great stuff.

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Best Lodging Options Near St. Louis Science Center

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Drury Inn & Suites St. Louis Forest Park
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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.