Last updated: 2025-04-22
St. Louis winters demand indoor adventures, and this Gateway City delivers with world-class museums and cultural havens. From interactive exhibits at City Museum to stunning art collections, these indoor destinations offer refuge from chilly Midwestern temperatures.
Families, art enthusiasts, and curious explorers can dive into immersive experiences at venues like the Saint Louis Science Center and the Cathedral Basilica. Each location promises engaging encounters that capture the city’s rich educational and artistic spirit.
Explore St. Louis’s indoor wonders right here!
Featured Indoor Activities in St. Louis
- City Museum
- Saint Louis Science Center
- The Magic House, St. Louis Children's Museum (Kirkwood)
- Missouri History Museum
- Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House (Chesterfield)
- The Sheldon Concert Hall and Art Galleries
- Pulitzer Arts Foundation
- Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis
- Laumeier Sculpture Park (Indoor Gallery)
City Museum
What to Expect
Artist-built interactive playground with repurposed architectural elements
Description
City Museum transforms an old shoe warehouse into a massive interactive playground featuring extraordinary architectural sculptures, tunnels, slides, and climbing structures. Visitors navigate multi-level installations crafted from repurposed architectural and industrial materials, creating an immersive environment of exploration and adventure that blends art, play, and imagination.
Where: St. Louis | More Info: City Museum
Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis
What to Expect
Free contemporary art museum with rotating exhibitions
Description
Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis showcases cutting-edge visual art through rotating exhibitions featuring regional and international artists. The museum offers free admission, providing accessible contemporary art experiences with innovative displays that challenge and engage visitors through diverse artistic perspectives.
Where: St. Louis | More Info: Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis
Laumeier Sculpture Park (Indoor Gallery)
What to Expect
Outdoor sculpture collection with integrated educational programming
Description
Laumeier Sculpture Park offers an expansive outdoor art experience with indoor educational spaces featuring contemporary sculpture exhibits, art workshops, and nature-inspired programs. The park combines visual arts with environmental education through unique ceramic classes, guided tours, and summer camps that explore artistic creativity and natural ecosystems.
Where: St. Louis | More Info: Laumeier Sculpture Park (Indoor Gallery)
Missouri History Museum
What to Expect
Extensive Missouri historical archives and research collections
Description
St. Louis-based museum showcasing Missouri's rich historical narrative through comprehensive exhibits, artifact collections, and research resources. Visitors explore diverse displays covering state history, cultural heritage, and significant regional developments with in-depth educational presentations and archival materials.
Where: St. Louis | More Info: Missouri History Museum
Pulitzer Arts Foundation
What to Expect
Minimalist architectural space designed by renowned architect Tadao Ando
Description
Contemporary art museum featuring rotating exhibitions of modern and contemporary art. Showcases innovative visual art installations in a minimalist architectural space designed by Tadao Ando. Offers free admission to visitors interested in exploring cutting-edge artistic expressions and architectural design.
Where: St. Louis | More Info: Pulitzer Arts Foundation
Saint Louis Science Center
What to Expect
Free nonprofit science museum with comprehensive interactive exhibits
Description
The Saint Louis Science Center offers an immersive exploration of science through interactive exhibits spanning space, dinosaurs, technology, and biology. With free general admission, visitors can engage with hands-on displays, attend planetarium shows, and participate in STEM learning experiences across multiple scientific disciplines.
Where: St. Louis | More Info: Saint Louis Science Center
Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House (Chesterfield)
What to Expect
8,000 square foot tropical butterfly conservatory
Description
The Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House offers an immersive tropical conservatory showcasing over 60 butterfly species and 150 tropical plants within an 8,000 square foot enclosed habitat. Visitors explore a living ecosystem featuring an insect zoo, classrooms, and a seasonal Native Butterfly Garden, providing an educational indoor nature experience.
Where: Chesterfield | More Info: Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House
The Magic House, St. Louis Children's Museum (Kirkwood)
What to Expect
Multi-sensory STEM learning environment for children
Description
Interactive children's museum offering hands-on science, technology, and art exhibits designed to spark curiosity and learning. Features over 50 immersive exhibits where kids explore engineering challenges, conduct experiments, and engage with interactive displays across multiple themed galleries.
Where: Kirkwood | More Info: The Magic House, St. Louis Children's Museum
The Sheldon Concert Hall and Art Galleries
What to Expect
Multidisciplinary arts center with curated music and visual art experiences
Description
The Sheldon is a non-profit arts venue in St. Louis featuring diverse live music performances, art exhibitions, and cultural experiences. The venue showcases visual art galleries and hosts a wide range of musical performances, from chamber music to comedy and contemporary concerts.
Where: St. Louis | More Info: The Sheldon Concert Hall and Art Galleries
Find Indoor Activities in Other Cities
Looking for indoor activities in another city?