The Magic House in St. Louis has been called, by Zagat and others, the nation's top attraction based on child appeal, and it's easy to see why. Featuring hundreds of exhibits and hands-on learning activities geared towards "kids from 1 to 101," it's a favorite among locals and tourists alike. Popular permanent exhibits include a kids' construction zone, outdoor play garden, art studio, and the legendary electro-static generator. The Magic House also hosts birthday parties, camps, art programs, speaking engagements, and other special events.
Best and Worst Times to Visit the Magic House
On weekday mornings during the school year, the Magic House is closed to the public to accommodate school groups on field trips. In the early afternoon, just after the school groups leave, the Magic House opens to the public and is often not very busy. Other slower periods include the early morning hours throughout the summer and the first couple hours after doors open on Saturday and Sunday.
The Magic House typically stays open late on Friday, making it a popular night for older kids, teens, and even adults to visit.
Must See/Do at the Magic House
With hundreds of exhibitions to see, it may be impossible to experience everything in one visit. But don't miss these three:
- The Van de Graaff generator: No Magic House experience is complete without taking a picture of your hair standing on end as you touch an electrically charged conductor
- The Jack and the Beanstalk Climber: A massive, fairy tale-inspired climber that allows kids to trek up and down three full stories
- Children's Village: A makeshift kids community complete with mock pizza parlor, grocery store, bank, veterinary clinic, baby nursery, and fish pond
Other exhibits, like the patriotic Star-Spangled Center and the "Can you Solve the Mystery?" sleuth adventure, are better suited for field trips and organized group visits.
Admission to the Magic House
Visit the Magic House website for exact operating hours, as they change on a weekly basis. Admission for visitors one year and older is in the $10 range, while parties of 15 or more are eligible for group discounts. The Magic House also offers several birthday party packages that include complimentary parking and admission for guests.
Parking and Public Transportation to the Magic House
Parking is free in the large lot behind the Magic House. The lot sometimes fills up during busy periods, but the parking lots at neighboring Nipher Middle School and Concordia Lutheran Church are available for museum visitors as well (again, no charge).
If riding the Metrolink, get off at the Shrewsbury Station and hop aboard MetroBus #56, which connects directly to the museum.
A viable option for long-distance travelers, Amtrak trains arrive daily just five blocks from the Magic House.
Food at the Magic House
Outside food and drink is not allowed inside the Magic House, but there are ample outdoor picnic areas available in the Backyard Magic area. Visitors can leave for lunch and come back to the Magic House without being charged again for admission.
The museum's in-house eatery is the Picnic Basket Cafe, which specializes in casual, health-minded foods including sandwiches, salads, and soups. Prices are in line with other casual sandwich shops in the area.
Insider Tip for Visitors to the Magic House
Admission to the Magic House is completely free the third Friday of every month. No catch, and no reservation required.
Parents: take advantage of Children's Village, where there are plenty of places to sit down and relax while easily keeping an eye on your kids.
Author's bio: Marcus Whelchel lives, romps, and writes in St. Louis, Missouri, with his wife and young daughter.