Throw a memorable party for your child and their friends at one of these family-friendly destinations.

Courtesy of The Magic House

The Kirkwood children’s museum can host parties for up to 50 guests, offering an hour of private play time in one of the exhibits and an hour of access to the facility’s party room for a DIY celebration. The Magic House can also accommodate theme parties for up to 20 kids that include cupcakes, museum play time, party room access, and a staff-led program that focuses on art, fairy tales, science magic, or planes, trains, and automobiles. Themed packages start at $15 per child with a minimum of 10 children. 516 S. Kirkwood. 314-822-8900.

courtesy of the magic house

The Magic House, MADE for Kids

This 7,000-square foot space designed for kids ages 4 to 14 offers young makers the opportunity to design a rocket, try their hand at silk screening, create art on a digital easel, and more. Party packages include all-day admission to MADE and 45 minutes in a private party room to open gifts and enjoy treats. Packages start at $50 for room rental, and run at $5 per person for groups of 10 to 24. 5127 Delmar. 314-328-0561.

Kids will learn kitchen basics while preparing their own main dishes and side dishes. They'll also have a chance to design their own sweets, from smoothies to cupcakes. Fun Thyme Cooking Parties, designed for budding chefs ages 4 to 12, include an hour-long cooking class, complete with ingredients, and an hour for eating and opening gifts. Packages start at $250, or $20 per tiny chef. 951 S. Green Mount, Belleville. 618-233-0513.

With its many mosaics, slides, tunnels, and even a circus, City Museum lets celebrants choose their own adventures while offering a pizza or hot dog party in a reserved space for groups of 12 or more. The cost, which includes general admission to the museum, is $32 per person for attendees age 3 and up. 750 North 16th. 314-231-2489.

Artscope offers instructor-led programs for kids as young as kindergarten age, but its wide range of themes—witches and wizards, pour painting, and “ooey gooey” parties that explore the science behind slime and other squishy DIY projects—could definitely appeal to tweens and teens. Parties for 10 participants start at $150. Party planners can bring their own snacks. 2929 Tower Grove. 314-865-0060.

The Edwardsville Children’s Museum offers parties when the facility is closed to the public, giving attendees access to the space for two hours. Party planners must provide their own refreshments, but museum staff help with set up, serving, and clean up. Member pricing starts at $225 for up to 15 attendees. Non-member pricing starts at $250. 722 Holyoake, Edwardsville, Illinois. 618-692-2094.

There are several options for parties at this interactive children's museum. Bring in your own decorations and party favors, or lean on the museum's party experts to handle invitations, treats, and decorations. Birthday packages, which start at $375 for 90 minutes, are geared toward gatherings of up to 20 kiddos. 1650 Beale. 314-471-0065.

Photography Courtesy Challenger Learning Center

Party programs at the Challenger Learning Center include private access to the facility for either a one- or two-hour simulated space mission for kids ages 5 and up. Just keep in mind that the longer mission is recommended for kids ages 12 and older. Both events also include a rocket-building activity, and a cupcake and party favor for each explorer to take home. Packages start at $350 for 12 mission participants. Parties can include up to 20 total attendees. 205 Brotherton. 314-521-6205.

Courtesy of HealthWorks! Kids Museum St. Louis

This wellness-focused museum features self-guided exhibits, including one for the world’s largest fiberglass teeth. Party packages start at $300 and include access to the party room and kitchen, a show led by a health educator, themed decorations, a private showing of “Mouth Movie,” and time on the exhibit floor for up to 30 guests. 1100 Macklind. 314-241-7391.

Photography Courtesy The Butterfly House

The Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House

The Butterfly House offers themed parties that include staff-led activities, a one-hour room rental, admission to the Butterfly Conservatory and Exhibit Hall, and a “dirt and worms treat” and juice box for each child attending. Ideal for kids ages 3 to 8, themed party packages are $15 per child for 10 to 20 children and include complementary admission for up to 12 adults. 15050 Faust Park. 314-577-0888.

Wild Child Birthday Parties are two-hour events for up to 20 kids that feature an adventure on the private nature trail. There, staff members will lead attendees on a search for wildlife and the clues those critters leave behind. Birthday bashes also include a nature-inspired art project, a behind-the-scenes tour of the professional wildlife rehabilitation facility, and environmentally-friendly decorations and utensils for party planners to serve their own snacks. Attendees must be kindergarten age or older. The cost starts at $325. 1128 New Ballwin. 636-394-1880.

This St. Charles County park features a 33,000 square-foot skatepark and a 30-foot rock climbing wall, among other amenities. Formerly known as Youth Activity Park, it offers basic party packages starting at $50 for 10 participants. Groups can also sign up for staff-led gatherings, which feature themes like X Games and Flashlight Fun, starting at $100 for 10 participants. 7801 Town Square, Dardenne Prairie. 636-561-4964.

With bowling, laser tag, video games, and interactive activities all under one roof, this Chesterfield entertainment complex has something for everyone. Birthday packages, which start at $11.99 per guest, include options such as all-you-can-play activities, unlimited fountain drinks, reserved party space, and a dedicated party host. 17027 North Outer 40. 636-536-9999.

For families of young kids (ages 1 to 5) seeking streamlined fun, the transportation museum offers an hour of private play time in its Creation Station for up to 30 guests. The cost is $150 for museum members and $175 for non members. 2933 Barrett Station. 314-965-6212.

Photography courtesy National Museum of Transportation

Oldham is a freelance writer and Teach For America alumna who has taught middle school, high school, college, and adult education classes in the St. Louis area.

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