St. Louis Science Center Tours

St. Louis Science Center which includes interior views
St. Louis Science Center
St. Louis Science Center
St. Louis Science Center showing interior views
St. Louis Science Center


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

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Hilton Garden Inn Chesterfield
The Wildwood Hotel
 White House at Grand Central

Browse tours and tickets to explore St. Louis Science Center

Tours & day trips

See all 34 activities

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 4 activities

Cruises & boat tours

See all 3 activities

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near St. Louis Science Center

Hampton Inn & Suites St. Louis at Forest Park

Hampton Inn & Suites St. Louis at Forest Park

2.5 out of 5
5650 Oakland Avenue, St. Louis, MO
Hampton Inn & Suites St. Louis at Forest Park
 The Royal Sonesta Chase Park Plaza St. Louis

The Royal Sonesta Chase Park Plaza St. Louis

4.5 out of 5
212 N Kingshighway, St. Louis, MO
The Royal Sonesta Chase Park Plaza St. Louis
Home2 Suites by Hilton St. Louis/Forest Park

Home2 Suites by Hilton St. Louis/Forest Park

3 out of 5
920 S. Taylor Avenue, St. Louis, MO
Home2 Suites by Hilton St. Louis/Forest Park
Forest Park Hotel by MDR

Forest Park Hotel by MDR

3 out of 5
5915 Wilson Ave, St. Louis, MO
Forest Park Hotel by MDR
DoubleTree by Hilton St. Louis Forest Park

DoubleTree by Hilton St. Louis Forest Park

4 out of 5
4550 Forest Park Ave, St. Louis, MO
DoubleTree by Hilton St. Louis Forest Park
Aloft St. Louis Cortex

Aloft St. Louis Cortex

3 out of 5
4245 Duncan Avenue, St. Louis, MO
Aloft St. Louis Cortex
1 Bdrm Apt Forest park, CWE, & The Grove, -4930 A Wise FL2

1 Bdrm Apt Forest park, CWE, & The Grove, -4930 A Wise FL2

St. Louis
1 Bdrm Apt Forest park, CWE, & The Grove, -4930 A Wise FL2
Moonrise Hotel

Moonrise Hotel

4 out of 5
6177 Delmar Blvd, St. Louis, MO
Moonrise Hotel
Holiday Inn Express St Louis - Central West End by IHG

Holiday Inn Express St Louis - Central West End by IHG

2.5 out of 5
4630 Lindell, St. Louis, MO
Holiday Inn Express St Louis - Central West End by IHG
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.

Things to do near St. Louis Science Center

At the St. Louis Science Center, visitors can enjoy a variety of interactive experiences, including engaging exhibits and cabanne house tours. Don't miss the chance to watch an exciting film at the Omnimax Theater. Additionally, the surrounding area offers vibrant live music, theater performances, and sports events, making it a perfect destination for a fun-filled day of exploration and entertainment.

Food and drinks

For a unique experience, visit Anheuser-Busch Brewery, just 4 miles from the St. Louis Science Center, offering a lively atmosphere. If you’re in the mood for wine, check out Villa Marie Winery or LaChance Winery, both 19 miles away, perfect for a romantic outing.

Shopping

The nearest shopping options are the Saint Louis Galleria Mall and Soulard Farmer's Market, both located 4 miles from the St. Louis Science Center, offering a variety of shops and local goods. Additionally, Running Center of St. Louis, Inc. is a 5-mile drive away, perfect for sports enthusiasts.

Recreation

Experience the excitement of Busch Stadium, just 4 miles from the Science Center, where you can enjoy a game or tour the historic venue. For family fun, visit Turtle Playground, located 1 mile away, perfect for outdoor play. Don’t miss the adventure at St. Louis Union Station Mini Golf, 3 miles away.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of racing at World Wide Technology Raceway, located 7 miles from the Science Center, where adrenaline meets speed. For a scenic hike, explore Katy Trail, 16 miles away, surrounded by beautiful outdoor vistas. Enjoy an exciting game at Lazer Force Lazer Tag & Pedal Karts, 12 miles distant.

Nightlife

The nightlife near the St. Louis Science Center offers vibrant options. Enjoy a show at the historic Fox Theater, just 2 miles away, or try your luck at Horseshoe St. Louis Casino, located 5 miles away. For family fun, take a ride on The St. Louis Wheel, 3 miles away.

Find the best attractions near St. Louis Science Center

When visiting the St. Louis Science Center, be sure to explore nearby attractions such as Forest Park and the McDonnell Planetarium. The area offers a blend of culture, family-friendly activities, and outdoor experiences, with options like urban parks and entertainment venues. Whether you're enjoying the exhibits at the science center or taking in the surroundings, there’s plenty to keep you engaged in the vibrant St. Louis atmosphere.

  • Enterprise Center: Located just 4 miles from the St. Louis Science Center, this vibrant arena hosts a variety of family-friendly events, including concerts and sports. The lively atmosphere makes it a perfect spot to enjoy entertainment with friends and family.
  • Forest Park: Only 0.7 miles away, this expansive urban park offers outdoor activities, beautiful landscapes, and family-friendly attractions. Enjoy a leisurely stroll, a picnic, or visit one of the many museums nestled within the park.
  • Washington University in St. Louis: Situated 2 miles from the Science Center, this modern university boasts stunning architecture and a vibrant campus atmosphere, perfect for a leisurely walk and appreciating the local city vibes.

Best time to go to St. Louis Science Center

Visitor numbers around St. Louis Science Center is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit St. Louis Science Center is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January31.6°F (-0.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
February34.9°F (1.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
March46.4°F (8.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
April56.1°F (13.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
May66.6°F (19.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
June76.1°F (24.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
July78.6°F (25.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
August77.0°F (25.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
September70.9°F (21.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
October58.6°F (14.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November46.2°F (7.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
December37.8°F (3.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for St. Louis Science Center

The St. Louis Science Center offers free admission, making it a great budget-friendly destination. Nearby attractions like Forest Park and the Gateway Arch are also free to explore. To save on accommodations, consider visiting between November and January when prices are lower. Use Expedia’s search tool to find affordable hotels and consider package deals that combine flights, hotels, and activities for additional savings. Joining Expedia's One Key membership can provide exclusive discounts and allow you to earn OneKeyCash for future bookings. Always look for special offers and limited-time deals to maximize your savings.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around St. Louis Science Center are November to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to March to May, where prices are slightly higher.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool makes it easy to choose your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can arrange your results by price, starting with the most affordable hotels. Additionally, you have the option to refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will display sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at the St. Louis Science Center with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.