One of the BEST parts of St. Louis is all the FREE attractions . We decided to visit the science center and we had sooooo much fun . Couldn’t believe there was no charge for admission . Parking is free if you’re a member, if not you’ll be charged unless you walk over , shuttle or park somewhere else nearby free.
(They often will waive parking with the purchase of a movie ticket at that their theatre )
This science center has an OMNI IMAX movie theater inside on level 3 , cafes , gift shop, shows and too many hands on experiences to list with so many neat artifacts .
The kid in me would come back repeatedly . Lol
I visited the Saint Louis Science Center and it was a very fun and educational experience. The best part is that entry is free, which makes it perfect for families. There are many interactive exhibits that keep both kids and adults engaged.
The skybridge over the highway was unique and exciting to watch. The place is large, so you can easily spend a few hours exploring.
The shows at the Saint Louis Science Center are amazing and very engaging. The OMNIMAX theater gives a unique experience with a huge dome screen where you feel like you are inside the movie. The visuals and sound are very powerful and enjoyable.
We had an absolute blast here! There is so much to do for the kids, with a ton of fun things to explore both indoors and outdoors. A huge bonus is that it’s connected to the Saint Louis Zoo—being able to walk straight over there is amazing.
We loved that general admission was completely free for both the science center and the zoo.
We also watched a 45-minute movie with the family at the OMNIMAX Theater inside. The screen is massive and goes all the way up the ceiling—it's basically a 360-degree dome experience! The tickets were a great price for me, my wife, and our four kids.
Aside from the movie tickets by choice, the only other thing we had to pay for was parking, which was a total steal at only $15.
Most importantly, it was incredibly safe, clean, and chill with a great atmosphere. Being there from out of town, we didn't have to worry about a thing. It was just pure fun for my family without any drama, very laid back. There is so much packed into this place that it's almost overwhelming—we didn't even get to finish it all in one day! We will definitely return to finish the rest.
St. Louis Science Center is one of the Crown Jewels of Forest Park, along with the Art Museum, the Zoo, the Jewel Box, and the Missouri History Museum. All these amazing places provide entry free of charge, thanks to the visionary government officials, St. Louis City and County taxpayers, plus the great leadership of the nonprofit Forest Park Forever and their army of dedicated volunteers.
The current exhibit on the Blue Whale is fascinating and offers a window into the depths of their undersea world as well as the evolution and environmental impact of the species. Pair this visit with a ticket to the SLSC Omnimax Documentary, “ Secrets of the Sea” for a trip to the ocean right in St. Louis.
MMauraFeb 2026 · Google
★★★★★It is a great place for kids and science-loving adults. The museums is large and has a variety of exhibits; there are many interactive exhibits. There is an Omnimax theatre, lots of space stuff, fun mid-century space and robot toys.. I was there on a weekday, so it was pretty quiet. I had no trouble finding a parking space. The general exhibits are free.
The Saint Louis Science Center is a fun and educational place, especially for families and kids. It offers many interactive exhibits that make learning engaging and hands-on, covering topics like space, health, technology, and engineering. The building is spacious, well-organized, and easy to explore at your own pace.
One downside is parking—you usually have to pay for the official parking garage. However, there is free street parking available nearby if you don’t mind walking a bit. During busy times, some exhibits can feel crowded.
Tip: Admission is free, so it’s a great budget-friendly attraction. Try to visit earlier in the day for fewer crowds, and consider street parking if you want to avoid parking fees.
Fun science center, and admission is free! Unfortunately all the activities inside cost extra and if you have multiple kids it adds up quickly! (Simulations, experiences, shows, etc.).
The biggest draw is that it's free. It's massive and complex, filled with multiple exhibits which is honestly rare. It's pretty fun and engaging but compared to other science centres, I find it a bit behind. The planetarium (although I didn't get to see) seems cool and I'd say only worth it depending on what's showing.
Overall, solid attraction worth seeing at least once (and it costs nothing).