Milo’s preschool had an inservice day on Friday, so I took the three munchkins to one of our favorite places in St. Louis: The Magic House. What started off as a small non-profit project by two St. Louis women to transform a Kirkwood mansion into an interactive children’s museum, The Magic House has grown and grown since it opened its doors in 1979. Andrew remembers going there as a kid. His first trip back to the Magic House as an adult rendered him speechless- the place was nearly unrecognizable in its growth.
It is so large, in fact, that every time I take the boys there by myself, we spend the entire drive going over “important information” should we become separated: Mama’s full name, to never leave the Magic House with anyone if you are lost, and to always stay where Mama can see you. (If that last one worked, there would be no need to go over the first two over and over and over… but I throw it in there just in case someone, anyone is listening.)
One of Milo’s favorite things to do is to climb the giant beanstalk, which is his alternate method of reaching the basement or the second floor.
Up… and up…
… and up!
On the main floor, right inside the light-filled entrance, there are grand musical instruments with which to experiment. Shared wooden balls make interesting tones as they roll down ramps to hit metal pans of differing sizes on the way down.
And something like a cross between a harp and a giant spider web produces delicate music as a hand-crank is turned. The place is incredible. I genuinely enjoy bringing the boys here, as they can spend hours and still not see everything. Which is exactly what we did! Enjoy the gazillion pictures! 
Cooking
Clamming
Fishing
Conducting
And the favorite every time:
Enjoying the “air maze” which sends objects through a maze of clear tubing to be shot out of different openings depending on which levers you open and close… we could have spent all day here, and maybe one day we will.
And though I do love this place, after 2 hours of constant movement through crowds of fun-loving kids who are not my own and helicopter parents freaking out when little Preston touches the icky floor (seriously? I let my kids eat off floors) and questions from other moms about how-do-you-keep-track-of-all-those-boys? or oh-my-you-sure-have-YOUR-hands-full comments, it all feels like buttermilk and hotdogs to me (cue circus music now) and just as quickly as it all started, it is time to go.
Yes, I put my face AND my open mouth on this thing. Didn’t you read my comment about eating off the floor? And yes, it was totally worth it. Especially to see the looks on the other moms’ faces. Guess what? I don’t care if you see me acting goofy with my kids and making stupid faces. No, it won’t mess up my make-up. I’m not wearing any. No, it won’t damage my sunglasses. I hate sunglasses. Yes, it will make my kids laugh…
… and then maybe one will try it out for himself.
The Magic House is awesome! We took my sister’s kids when they came to visit. My sister and I were able to keep track of the little ones, but we lost the older one and Brian. We were that family making the overhead announcement 🙂 Stop by and see us the next time you go!
Holy cow that place looks amazing! Seems like there’s a million different things to explore. I love learning about all of these great places. The only time I visited St. Louis it was on a road trip with a mission to see that arch and honestly I had no idea that it was such a fun city. Also good for you on throwing caution to the germs and you may not be wearing make-up but you look great- love that outfit!
Geez Louise! Another amazing place to explore in St. Louis! Looks like so much fun. Jamie was particularly impressed with the clamming…”Clamming!!! REALLY?!” Why don’t we have a place like this in Baltimore?
My kids eat off the floor too…I pretend I don’t see it, and that they are getting away with something.
Mary, too funny! I do the same thing! And sometimes I even tell them, “It’s okay, as long as there’s nothing stuck to it…”
Also, yes. Next time you guys come out here, we will have to explore the Magic House! Much less intimidating than the City Museum (though not as cool for the adults).
hahaha cheers to you for being such a fun mom! This place is just INCREDIBLE. I love it.
p.s. look at your outfit – how cute are you!
it’s official. i’m moving to st. louis.