Demo Website for: The Saint Louis Science Center
Powered by: New Dawn Solutions Marketing & Consulting Agency
The St. Louis Science Center’s 2024 Annual Report reveals an extraordinary impact: reaching over 637,000 people annually, welcoming nearly 619,000 in-person guests, and drawing millions more through its website. Yet with such an expansive audience, it’s impossible for staff to personally engage every visitor, donor, or supporter—leaving valuable connections at risk.
To address this, we’ve created the "STL Science Center Virtual Receptionist": a dedicated AI-powered assistant that ensures every website visitor and donor receives immediate, personalized attention around the clock, even during peak times or staff absences.
By partnering with us, you can elevate engagement, strengthen your leadership in science education, and ensure no opportunity for connection or support is ever missed.
Don’t let another valuable connection slip away—see your live demo below.
Call your custom demo line at (314) 314-5251 and experience the difference for yourself!
Spark Curiosity. Explore Together.
Hands-on science adventures for families, schools, and curious minds.
Discover more than 700 interactive exhibits, the iconic James S. McDonnell Planetarium, OMNIMAX Theater, and live demonstrations that turn science into play. General admission is free—every day.
Located in Forest Park · Free general admission · Open 5 days a week
Today at the Science Center
Explore rotating experiences like “Mission: Mars”, GROW outdoor agriculture exhibit, live Energy Stage shows, and immersive OMNIMAX films.
- James S. McDonnell Planetarium star shows
- OMNIMAX Theater giant-screen films
- Hands-on Makerspace & engineering labs
- Free public telescope viewing on select evenings
Tip: Reserve timed tickets for OMNIMAX films, Planetarium shows, and special exhibits for the best availability.
Why families & schools love the Saint Louis Science Center
Design your perfect day across galleries, labs, a working farm, a historic planetarium, and one of the world’s largest dome theaters—all in one campus.
Hands-on, minds-on learning
Kids and teens build, test, code, and experiment in Makerspace, GameXploration, Life Science Labs, and more—designed to align with STEM standards.
Free general admission
Enjoy access to core galleries at no cost. Add-on experiences like OMNIMAX films, Planetarium shows, and special exhibitions are available with tickets or memberships.
Built for groups & field trips
Turn classroom lessons into unforgettable experiences with curated field trip packages, labs, and standards-based programs for grades PreK–12.
Explore our most-loved experiences
From deep space to dinosaurs and a working farm, design a day that keeps every age engaged.
James S. McDonnell Planetarium
Travel through the night sky under one of the world’s largest domes. Enjoy live star shows, astronomy presentations, and laser experiences that bring space science to life.
OMNIMAX Theater
Be surrounded by larger-than-life documentaries and feature films on a five-story domed screen with immersive sound—perfect for school trips and family outings.
GROW: Agriculture & Food
Step into a working outdoor exhibit that follows food from farm to fork. Meet animals, explore crops, and see how technology drives modern agriculture.
Makerspace & Innovation Labs
Design prototypes, build structures, tinker with circuits, and experiment like real engineers. Ideal for upper-elementary through high school learners.
Fossils, Flight & Earth Science
Stand beneath giant dinosaur replicas, explore weather and climate, and see how humans took to the skies in galleries that connect earth science and aviation.
Skybridge & Campus Connections
Walk across the glass Skybridge spanning the interstate, watch traffic data in real time, and move seamlessly between the main building and the Planetarium.
For Families & Curious Kids
Make science your favorite family tradition.
From preschoolers to teens, you’ll find exhibits, shows, and programs that match every age and interest. Build and test together, watch live experiments, and end the day with a dome theater film or star show.
- Interactive exhibits for ages 3–18+
- Live Energy Stage science demonstrations
- Special events like First Fridays & family nights
- Memberships that pay for themselves in 2–3 visits
“Our kids beg to come back. Every visit feels new—with different exhibits to discover, shows to watch, and experiments to try.”
— Local parent & member
For Schools & Groups
Turn your field trip into a full STEM immersion.
Bring your class, grade level, or entire school for experiences aligned with Missouri and Illinois learning standards. Our educators handle the logistics—you focus on learning.
- Discounted group and school rates
- Add-on lab experiences & workshops
- Customizable itineraries by grade level
- Youth Exploring Science (YES) teen development program
“The Science Center is our students’ favorite field trip year after year. The staff makes planning easy, and the experiences reinforce what we’re teaching in class.”
— Middle school science teacher
Planetarium & OMNIMAX shows
Pair your visit with an immersive show that takes you from the depths of the ocean to the edges of the universe.
Daily star shows
Learn to spot constellations, planets, and seasonal sky highlights in live hosted shows at the Planetarium.
Giant-screen documentaries
Experience nature, engineering, and history stories on the OMNIMAX dome—featuring rotating titles throughout the year.
Evening programs
Enjoy telescope viewing, special themed events like First Fridays, and evening laser shows on select dates.
Plan your visit
Located in beautiful Forest Park with convenient parking, food options, and space for buses and large groups.
5050 Oakland Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110
Hours
Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday:
9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Sunday: 11:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Tuesday & Wednesday: Closed
General admission: Free
Parking: Paid parking available in the main lot
Tickets & memberships
Reserve tickets for OMNIMAX films, Planetarium shows, and special exhibits online to secure your preferred times.
Members enjoy free or discounted tickets, parking benefits, and exclusive events.
Frequently asked questions
Here are quick answers to common questions from families and group leaders.
Is general admission really free?
Yes. Admission to the Saint Louis Science Center’s permanent galleries is free. Some experiences—such as OMNIMAX Theater films, James S. McDonnell Planetarium shows, special exhibitions, and certain programs—require paid tickets or reservations.
Do I need to reserve tickets in advance?
We recommend reserving tickets in advance for OMNIMAX films, Planetarium shows, and special exhibitions, especially on weekends, holidays, and during school breaks. General admission does not typically require a timed reservation, but check the current visit guidelines before you arrive.
Is the Science Center good for young children?
Absolutely. Many exhibits are designed with younger learners in mind, with hands-on activities at kid height. Families with toddlers and preschoolers will find interactive spaces, open areas to explore, and frequent live demonstrations that are engaging and age-appropriate.
How do I book a field trip or group visit?
School and group visits can be arranged by submitting a reservation request form online or contacting the Group & School Visits team. You’ll be able to choose dates, select OMNIMAX or Planetarium shows, add labs or workshops, and discuss lunch, timing, and accessibility needs.
Where do we park and can buses be accommodated?
Paid parking is available in the main lot off Oakland Avenue. Bus and motor coach parking is available for registered groups; detailed arrival and parking instructions are provided in your confirmation packet.
Ready to discover what science can do?
Plan a family day, schedule your next field trip, or become a member and explore all year long at the Saint Louis Science Center.