St. Louis Children's Museum in Kirkwood, for ages 1 to 11, with a Calming Corner on the lower level: a private room with a glider, a bubble tube, books, sensory games and toys, for anyone who needs a quiet moment away from the busy museum.
Sensory supports. Calming Corner on the lower level, ages 1 to 11.
Hours
School year: Tuesday to Friday 10:30 am to 5 pm, Saturday 9:30 am to 5 pm, Sunday 10:30 am to 5 pm; closed Mondays. Holidays: closed Thanksgiving Day (Nov 26 2026) and Christmas Day (Dec 25 2026); Christmas Eve (Dec 24 2026) 9:30 am to 3 pm; New Year's Eve (Dec 31 2026) 9:30 am to 4 pm; New Year's Day (Jan 1 2027) 10:30 am to 5 pm. Thanksgiving week: open Tuesday Nov 24 to Sunday Nov 29 2026 (closed Thursday Nov 26). Winter break, Dec 18 2026 to Jan 8 2027: open every day except Christmas Day, including Mondays Dec 21 and Dec 28 2026 and Jan 4 2027. In 2027 the museum also opens on Monday Jan 18 (MLK), Monday Feb 15 (Presidents' Day), every day of spring break and Easter (Mar 12 to 29) and Monday May 31 (Memorial Day): see its Special Hours page.
516 S. Kirkwood Rd., St. Louis, MO 63122 (Kirkwood; free parking in the lot behind the museum)
“Nestled on the lower level, our Calming Corner provides a tranquil sanctuary designed for nursing mothers, children with special needs, and any visitor seeking a peaceful retreat away from the lively Museum environment.”
“This private room features a comfortable glider and offers a variety of serene activities to engage and soothe children, including books, sensory games, and toys.”
“These enhancements create a supportive space for families who need a quiet moment during their visit.” magichouse.org (2025)
“Families are also welcome to leave for lunch and return the same day with a Magic House admission sticker.”
The Calming Corner was updated with St. Louis Children's Hospital's Child Life and occupational therapy teams: new flooring, a nursing rocker, calming wall coverings, improved lighting, a bubble tube and sensory activities. On the museum map it is on the lower level, the same floor as Story Time Theater and the STEAM Center.
The museum doesn't list sensory hours, sensory bags or headphones to lend. Its Access for All program runs Family Nights for schools and nonprofit organizations serving kids with disabilities or other support needs.
Daily programs: Story Time in Story Time Theater, Tuesday to Sunday at 11 am and 2 pm, and a Science Demo in the Science Lab every day at 1 pm.
Holiday Magic runs Dec 1 to 24 2026, included with admission: decorated exhibits with festive lights, the Winter Wonderscape pop-up (Ice Castle slide, Snow Maze, Elves' Workshop, Santa's Sleigh) and Story Time with Mrs. Claus and Santa at 11 am and 2 pm through Dec 20 2026, with songs, dancing and jingle bells. Visits with Santa (a private sleigh visit, up to 6 people, $10 donation, no registration) are 3 to 5 pm Dec 4 2026, 9:30 am to 5 pm Dec 5 2026 and 11 am to 5 pm Dec 6 2026. Breakfast with Santa (8:30 to 10:30 am on Dec 6 2026, Dec 13 2026 and Dec 20 2026) is $25, or $20 for members. Reservations are made by table, with at least six people; registration is required for adults and children 1 and up, and fees are nonrefundable and nontransferable.
Shadow Walls (when the buzzer sounds, a bright light flashes to freeze your shadow on a glow-in-the-dark wall)not stated
Quieter, in the museum's words
Calming Corner, lower levelquiet zone
Admission: $15 for adults and children 1 and up; children under 1 free. Groups of 15 or more: $7.50 each, with at least one adult chaperone for every five children.
$3 after 3 pm: residents of St. Louis County, the City of St. Louis and Jefferson, Franklin, St. Charles, Warren and Lincoln counties pay $3 a person from 3 to 5 pm, with proof of residency.
Free Family Night: the third Friday of every month, 5 to 8 pm, free for families (up to two adults and four of their own children) from the same counties, with proof of residency. First come, first served, no reservations; space is limited and reentry is not allowed.
Foster families in Missouri and Illinois get in free with proof of the right paperwork. Through Blue Star Museums, active-duty military and their immediate family get in free from Armed Forces Day (May 16) through Labor Day; from Labor Day through Memorial Day, active-duty members are free and immediate family get 50% off. National Guard and Reserve included; military ID required.
Parking is free in the large lot behind the museum. During the summer and on weekends, more parking is at Nipher Middle School, south of the museum, and Concordia Lutheran Church, across Kirkwood Road.
Outside food isn't allowed in the museum or the Picnic Basket Café. You can bring food to the outdoor Garden Pavilion, first come, first served, and bring a water bottle to fill at the water bottle stations.
Strollers are welcome; the museum doesn't rent them. All floors are accessible, with elevators and ramps, and accessible entrances at the Emerson Education Center and the Members Entrance, closest to the accessible parking.
