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On the Road Again with Terri’s Troop – Missouri

    We spent an amazing last few days of our trip in St Louis, Missouri. We planned a visit to see the arch and also to visit to the City Museum. We have many family and friends who have visited the City Museum and decided to try it for ourselves. This was the most fantastical museum that I have ever been to (possibly the most fantastical place ever…)

    Housed in the 600,000 square-foot former International Shoe Company, the museum is an eclectic mixture of children’s playground, funhouse, surrealistic pavilion, and architectural marvel made out of unique, found objects. The brainchild of internationally acclaimed artist Bob Cassilly, a classically trained sculptor and serial entrepreneur, the museum opened for visitors in 1997 to the riotous approval of young and old alike.
    Cassilly and his longtime crew of 20 artisans have constructed the museum from the very stuff of the city; and, as a result, it has urban roots deeper than any other institutions’. Reaching no farther than municipal borders for its reclaimed building materials, City Museum boasts features such as old chimneys, salvaged bridges, construction cranes, miles of tile, and even two abandoned planes!

    We started outside – in “monstro-city”. The kids were able to explore, climb, slide and play in this amazing structure many stories off the ground. I have to say there is pretty much no way to be a “helicopter” parent here.

    So many places to go and so many little spaces to explore, the kids LOVED it. I can’t even give it justice in words. Here are 2 of my kids climbing across a steel “rainbow” – maybe just a bit scary from this close-up but then look at the next two pictures to give it a better perspective.

    steelainbow

    Zooming out, you get a better picture of the height and dimension of this structure.

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    And here it is pulled back even further still. Seriously, I could barely watch and the kids couldn’t get enough.

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    The kids could choose to walk on the walkways or crawl under them.

    citymuseumcollage

    The adults had a fun time too.

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    And this was all outside!! On the inside was more fun including a 10 story slide!

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    The kids loved the giant hamster wheel, more climbing areas, the art studio, rope swings, the giant ball pit, plus underground caves, an electric train, and a CIRCUS!!

    citymuseumfuncollage
    All of this -plus much, much more all under one roof and all for $12 per person. My entire family would highly recommend visiting here.

    I have a couple basic recommendations including- have all the kids wear good climbing clothes (possibly including knee pads) and tennis shoes or good climbing shoes. Also, there are no maps, so you have to explore to find things. It would also be my recommendation that you have a setup meeting place – just in case.

    We finished the night with pizza at Pi Pizzeria– which was the best pizza we’ve ever eaten. And a walk to the sculpture garden where the kids could play, get wet, and swim (always fun!).

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    The next morning we enjoyed breakfast before our visit to the Gateway Arch. We had scheduled and purchased tickets in advance so it was easier when we arrived. We had a chance to watch the movie on how the arch was built and then we took the elevator to the top.

    gatewayarchcollage

    The area was under much construction for expansion while we were there so we didn’t have a chance to explore the museum. But from what we were told, the expansion looks like it will add much to the enjoyment of this landmark. The kids earned another junior ranger badge and we headed home to plan our next adventure!

    Terri L

    Terri L

    Terri has been married to her best friend, Scott, for 20 years and together they have 5 children. She has been blessed to be able to be a SAHM since her first was born over 14 years ago. In addition to finding new and creative ways to entertain 5 children, she enjoys date nights with her husband, photography, reading, and traveling with her crew.