For young creators
The Kirkwoodchildren’s museum can host parties for up to 50 guests, offeringan hour of private play time in one of the exhibits and an hour of access to the facility’s party room for a DIY celebration. The Magic House can also accommodatethemeparties for up to 25 kids that include cupcakes, museum play time, party room access, and a staff-led program that focuses on art, fairy tales, science magic, or planes, trains, and automobiles. Themed packages start at $20 per child with a minimum of 10 children. 516 S. Kirkwood.314-822-8900.
The Magic House, MADE for Kids
This 7,000-square foot space designed for kids ages 4 to 14 offers young makers the opportunity to design a rocket, try their hand at silk-screening, create art on a digital easel, and more. Party packages include all-day admission to MADE and 45 minutes in a private party room to open gifts and enjoy treats. Packages start at $50 for room rental, withthe addition of $6 per person, for groups of 10 to 24. 5127 Delmar.314-328-0561.
With its many mosaics, slides, tunnels, and even a circus, City Museum lets celebrants choose their own adventures while offering a pizza or hot dog party in a reserved space for groups of 12 or more. The cost, which includes a two-hour room reservation and general admission to the museum all day, starts at $384.99 and is $32 per each additional person. 750 N. 16th.314-231-2489.
Artscope offers instructor-led programs for kids as young as kindergarten age, but its wide range of themes—witches and wizards, pour painting, and “ooey gooey” parties that explore the science behind slime and other squishy DIY projects—could definitely appeal to tweens and teens. Parties for up to 10 participants start at $250. Party planners can bring their own snacks. 2929 Tower Grove.314-865-0060.
Edwardsville Children’s Museum
The Edwardsville Children’s Museum offers parties when the facility is closed to the public, giving attendees access to the spacefor two hours. Party planners must provide their own refreshments, but museum staff help with set up, serving, and clean up. Member pricing starts at $240 for up to 15 children. Non-member pricing starts at $265. 722 Holyoake, Edwardsville, Illinois.618-692-2094.
There are several options for parties at this interactive children's museum. Bring in your own decorations and party favors, or lean on the museum's party experts to handle invitations, treats, and decorations. Birthday packages, which start at $400 for 90 minutes, are geared toward gatherings of up to 20 kiddos. 1650 Beale. 314-471-0065.
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For junior scientists
This wellness-focused museum features self-guided exhibits, including one for the world’s largest fiberglass teeth. Party packages start at $300 and include access to the party room and kitchen, ashow led by a health educator, themed decorations, a private showing of “Mouth Movie,” and time on the exhibit floor for up to 30 guests. 1100 Macklind.314-241-7391.
All Saint Louis Science Center part packages include two hours of exploration, a designated birthday ambassador, a private party in the T-Rex room, parking passes, pizzas, and more, for up to 30 people. With seven different packages, there’s something to intrigue every curious kiddo. Package prices begin at $450. 5050 Oakland. 314-289-4400.
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For nature lovers
The Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House
The Butterfly House offers themed parties that include staff-led activities, a one-hour room rental, admission to the Butterfly Conservatory and Exhibit Hall, and a “dirt and worms treat” or butterfly cookie decorating and juice box for each child attending. Ideal for kids ages 3 to 8, themed party packages are $15 per child for 10 to 20 children and include complimentary admission for up to 12 adults. 15050 Faust Park.314-577-0888.
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For active kids
National Museum of Transportation
For families of young kids (ages 1 to 5) seeking streamlined fun, the transportation museum offers 90 minutes of private play time in its Creation Station for up to 35 guests, a special gift for the birthday kid, paper products, and fruit boxes for up to 10 kids. The cost is $200 for museum members and $250 for nonmembers. 2933 Barrett Station.314-965-6212.
With bowling, laser tag, virtual reality games, and interactive activities all under one roof, this Chesterfield entertainment complex has something for everyone. Birthday packages, which start at $11.99 per guest, include options such as all-you-can-play activities, unlimited fountain drinks, reserved party space, and a dedicated party host. 17027 N. Outer 40. 636-536-9999.
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Charlene Oldham
Oldham is a freelance writer and Teach For America alumna who has taught middle school, high school, college, and adult education classes in the St. Louis area.
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