Imagine if the rest of the museum's standard exhibits were this engaging for both young and old? The Missouri History Museum would then truly become a St. Louis attraction that the entire family would enjoy. The museum's regular exhibits are geared to an older audience or perhaps middle school age children studying Missouri history. The extent of interaction relies on listening devices that feature recordings such as Ella Fitzgerald singing or a reading from Kate Chopin's The Awakening. These exhibits could be made more children friendly simply by adding features that incorporate elements beyond seeing and hearing. Children love to play and will learn more by engaging in the exhibits with hands on experimentation. Other enhancements might include the addition of stepping stools so that younger children could be elevated high enough to see within the display cases and coaching the museum staff on interacting with families as they enter and directing them towards the attractions that will most interest their age group.

Dining at Meriwether's Restaurant will prove to be a highlight of a visit with your family. The restaurant was featured by The Food Network in its "Best of Museum Restaurants" and features glorious views of Forest Park seen through floor to ceiling windows. The children's menu is affordable and offers a healthy dining option without losing its appeal to a child. Perhaps, the best feature is that the restaurant bypasses the standard coloring sheet and presents the children with reusable stickers that can be used to dress a cow in clothes and accessories that replicate the Colorform's™ many of us may recall from childhood.

Overall, the Missouri History Museum is a fascinating place to visit but plan your family visit around one of the museum's Youth and Family programs and events that are offered throughout the year.

View Missouri History Museum events.

Writer Jennifer Brown takes advantage of every opportunity to explore the St. Louis area with her husband and three sons, ages 6, 4 and 6 months. She is proud to live in a city that has so much to offer families with children of all ages! This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

1 Comment

1. Jennifer Brown makes this comment

   Missouri History Museum

   8 January 2010

   Update from the author! Meriwhether's closed the first Monday in January for a remodel. The new restaurant - Bixby's will open March 2010 with a totally new look and feel! They promise to continue their family friendliness when it comes to menu and the view of Forest Park will remain unchanged. During the remodel, an express food option is available in the atrium of the museum featuring sandwiches and desserts. I look forward to exploring the new menu featuring local cuisine when Bixby's is introduced to the Missouri History Museum in March.