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The Magic House, St. Louis Children’s Museum, is a premier destination for families and children. It offers a blend of interactive exhibits, educational programs, and engaging activities designed to inspire creativity and learning. Located in Kirkwood, a suburb of St. Louis, Missouri, The Magic House has been a beloved institution since its opening in 1979. It has grown significantly, continually adding new exhibits and experiences to captivate young minds. Visit this link for more information.
A Rich History of Learning and Play
The Magic House was founded by Jody Newman and Barbie Freund, two St. Louis educators who envisioned a hands-on museum where children could learn through play. Starting in a historic Victorian mansion, the museum has expanded multiple times to accommodate its growing number of exhibits and visitors. Today, it spans 55,000 square feet and welcomes over 600,000 visitors annually. Read about Discovering the Saint Louis Zoo: A Premier Wildlife Destination in St. Louis, MO here.
Interactive Exhibits
The Magic House features various interactive exhibits to engage children in educational play. Some of the most popular exhibits include:
The Children’s Village
The Children’s Village is a miniature town where children can role-play various professions. They can become doctors, grocery store clerks, veterinarians, or construction workers, experiencing firsthand the responsibilities and joys of different careers. This exhibit fosters imaginative play and helps children understand various aspects of community life.
Wonder Works
Wonder Works is a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) exhibit that encourages kids to explore and experiment. Activities like building structures, creating art with light, and solving puzzles promote critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity.
Star-Spangled Center
In the Star-Spangled Center, children can learn about government and civic engagement by stepping into roles such as President, Senator, or judge. This exhibit includes a replica of the Oval Office, a legislative chamber, and a courtroom, offering a fun and educational look at how the government functions.
Water Works
Water Works is an interactive exhibit that allows children to explore the properties of water through hands-on activities. They can experiment with water flow, build dams, and even create whirlpools. This exhibit teaches concepts related to physics and engineering in an engaging and accessible way.
The Bubble Room
The Bubble Room is a favorite among visitors, where children can create bubbles of all shapes and sizes. From bubble walls to giant bubbles, this exhibit provides a sensory-rich experience that delights kids and teaches them about the science of bubbles.
Educational Programs and Events
The Magic House is dedicated to providing educational opportunities beyond its exhibits. The museum offers a variety of programs for children, families, and educators. These include school field trips, summer camps, workshops on STEAM subjects, literacy, and more. The Magic House also hosts special events throughout the year, such as Family Nights, Superhero Saturdays, and Storybook Evenings, which add an extra layer of fun and learning for visitors.
Community Outreach
In addition to its on-site offerings, The Magic House is committed to community outreach. The museum partners with schools and organizations to bring educational programs to underserved communities. Its Education Outreach Center offers resources and support for teachers, ensuring that the benefits of hands-on learning reach as many children as possible.
A Place for All Ages
While The Magic House is primarily designed for children, it offers something for everyone. Parents and caregivers can join the fun, explore the exhibits, and participate in activities with their children. The museum also provides a comfortable and welcoming environment for visitors of all abilities, with accessible exhibits and accommodations to ensure an inclusive experience.
A trip to The Magic House, St. Louis Children’s Museum, promises a day filled with fun, discovery, and learning. Whether you're a local or a visitor to St. Louis, this vibrant museum offers an unforgettable experience that will spark curiosity and inspire a love of learning in children of all ages.
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