The weather in St. Louis, as usual, has been a hot mess this winter. One day it’s sixty degrees and the next there are four inches of snow on the ground. If you have little ones at home on a snow day, or toddlers that are getting stir crazy, here are a few of our favorite places to take young children on those chilly, wintry days.

1. The National Museum of Transportation
   When we first heard about this place we avoided going. A train museum? It sounded boring. But after so many parents of little ones suggested we go we finally took our two toddler boys one cold day. We now have a family membership and it is one of their favorite places to visit! If you have preschool-age kids or toddlers, the Creation Station is amazing! It’s completely closed-in, so you won’t be running after your little ones. I feel comfortable taking two young kids by myself and that is such a gift!

2. Myseum
   The Myseum is an awesome place for busy little ones. It’s huge, so be ready to run from room to room. Imagine the St. Louis Science Center mixed with a dash of Chuck E. Cheese. They also have an area with a bounce house specifically for smaller children and a nearby coffee counter, so there’s something for everyone. Don’t forget socks, because some areas require no shoes.

3. Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center
   You can always bundle up and walk the outdoor paved nature trail at Powder Valley, but on the dreary days, there’s a large indoor nature center to explore. Bonus tip: Fish feeding in the large aquarium occurs at 2:00 pm on Saturdays.

4. Urban Fort Play Cafe
   For children ages 0-6 and their parents, this is an awesome place to stop in for a bite. We love this as a cooler (cleaner) alternative to a McDonald’s Play Place. Grab a nibble with a friend and let the kids go wild.

5. Rise Coffee
   Sometimes, you just need a coffee with a friend and you happen to have a kid in tow. This trendy spot in The Grove has always accommodated moms and kids with a great gated play space upstairs. But recently, they’ve revamped the area and it now includes dreamy decor that will make you want to go home immediately and redesign your little one’s space.

   
   

   Stay warm friends! If you have any other ideas please share them with other moms in the comments. Thanks for reading.

   
   Photo by Dan Burton.