A big science museum by Forest Park with free entry, Sensory Friendly Science Time every Sunday from 11 am to 1 pm, free KultureCity sensory bags with noise-cancelling headphones, Quiet Areas and Headphone Zones marked by signs, and a social story to read ahead.
Sunday 11 am to 4:30 pm; Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday 9:30 am to 4:30 pm; closed Tuesdays. Last entry 30 minutes before close. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, Sundays open at 9:30 am. Closed Thanksgiving Day (Nov 26 2026), Christmas Eve (Dec 24 2026) and Christmas Day (Dec 25 2026). Sensory Friendly Science Time: every Sunday, 11 am to 1 pm.
5050 Oakland Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110 (Oakland building; the McDonnell Planetarium entrance is at Clayton Ave. and Faulkner Dr. in Forest Park)
“The T-Rex roar in the Earth Sciences gallery will be turned off and the ball machine in the main lobby will be off until 1:00 PM.” slsc.org (Sensory Friendly Science Time)
“Bags are available on a first-come, first-served basis and must be returned to Science Center staff before leaving.”
“Quiet Areas: These places are typically quieter than other locations of the building and are a good place to go if you require a quieter setting.”
“With loud noises, constant motion and large crowds, a visit to the Science Center can be difficult for some individuals.”
During Sensory Friendly Science Time the whole building is open. The 12 pm and 1:15 pm OMNIMAX shows have sensory-friendly adjustments, such as reduced volume and enhanced lighting, and the Science Center lists noise-reduction practices and modified lighting. All are welcome.
Each sensory bag holds noise-cancelling headphones, three fidgets (a Wacky Track, a Monkey Tube and a Marble fidget), a visual cue card and feeling thermometer, and KultureCity VIP lanyards. Pick one up at the box offices in the main lobby of the Oakland building or the Planetarium, or from guest services and security staff. Two weighted lap pads are available on request.
The KultureCity social story walks through arriving, the sensory bags, Headphone Zone and Quiet Area signs, eating at the Science Café or the Loft, and restrooms. Staff wear a t-shirt with the Science Center logo and a silver name tag.
For questions about accessibility or special programming, call 314.289.4400.
Sensory Friendly Science Time every Sunday, 11 am to 1 pm: the T-Rex roar is off, the lobby ball machine is off until 1 pm, and the 11:30 am Energy Stage show is much quieter.
Free sensory bags with noise-cancelling headphones and fidgets, first come, first served; return them before you leave.
Headphone Zone signs mark louder places and Quiet Area signs mark quieter ones.
Energy Stage (a Headphone Zone; live shows with demonstrations using fire, electricity and more. The 11:30 am show during Sensory Friendly Science Time is much quieter)not stated
GameXPloration gallery (a Headphone Zone, consistently louder than other places)not stated
Around the Energizer Ball Machine (a Headphone Zone; the ball machine in the main lobby is off until 1 pm during Sensory Friendly Science Time)not stated
T-Rex in the Earth Sciences gallery (its roar is turned off during Sensory Friendly Science Time)not stated
Quieter, in the Science Center's words
Quiet Areasquiet zone
Entry is always free. Special exhibitions, OMNIMAX films, McDonnell Planetarium shows, the Discovery Room and the Experience Flight Simulators are ticketed. OMNIMAX films are $11.50 for non-member adults and $9.50 for children, seniors and military, and free for members based on membership level. Flight Simulator tickets are sold only at the Flight Simulators desk.
Refunds: none for no-shows, missed activities, or lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed tickets. If an event is canceled, tickets bought online or through the Reservations Office are refunded within 2 business days, minus service, delivery and convenience fees; for a moved event, call (314) 289-4400.
Parking at the Oakland building lot (5050 Oakland Avenue) is $15, paid by card at the pay station in the main lobby or at the lot gates when you leave; it is free for members. There is also parking at the McDonnell Planetarium. Both lots have spaces for disabled placards, and you can drop someone off in the circle drive in front of each building.
No outside food is allowed inside. You may bring food and drinks bought at the Science Center into the OMNIMAX Theater.
The Science Center doesn't store large items like backpacks, luggage, strollers or umbrellas, and asks you to leave bags larger than 17 x 11 x 18 inches at home. Lockers on the Oakland building's Lower Level are $1 for single use or $5 for multi use, credit card only.
Wheelchairs and strollers are free to rent in the Oakland and Planetarium lobbies; a limited number of motorized scooters are $25. Supplies are limited.
A private Comfort Room on the Oakland building's Lower Level is for nursing or other personal needs; ask at the Box Office in the main lobby. There is a first-aid room in the Oakland building lobby and a first-aid station in the Planetarium lobby.
Service animals are welcome; emotional support animals and pets are not.
