Maryville University – Kid-Friendly Attractions

Maryville University is a nationally recognized academic institution, located just a few miles from downtown St. Louis. Their spacious campus features a multipurpose athletic field, perfect for all types of sporting events.

While Maryville University is an ideal place for athletic competitions, there’s not much for kids to do on a college campus. Visitors can certainly head to downtown St. Louis, located just a few minutes away, but there are plenty of kid-friendly attractions in the area surrounding Maryville University. Entertain the young travelers in your group without having to venture into the city by visiting these nearby destinations.

Myseum

Just six minutes away from Maryville University is Myseum, a fantastic destination for kids where their imaginations will run wild. Myseum is basically a children’s science museum and a playground combined. There are more than 30 exhibits to explore, including a zoo veterinarian clinic, an interactive video wall, Dino Dig, and a music center where kids jam out using everyday objects.

Myseum is ideal for toddler-aged children to 12-year-olds. This age group will learn more than they realize while endlessly exploring the exhibits. Myseum is conveniently located six minutes from Maryville University, making it an easy place to visit.

Butterfly House

One of the most unique destinations near Maryville University is Butterfly House. Nature lovers will marvel at this impressive attraction that’s home to almost 2,000 tropical butterflies.

There are close to 80 species of butterflies represented in the pavilion, which is also filled with hundreds of tropical plants. The carefully controlled environment creates an ideal living situation for the butterflies, and the expansive gardens outside are designed to attract even more.

Butterfly House also holds a variety of classes that adults and children can take together to learn about these majestic creatures. Explore this amazing habitat that’s located less than 10 minutes from Maryville University.

Water Parks

If it’s a hot, sunny day at Maryville University, visitors may want to escape the heat and cool off. Luckily, there are two water parks less than 15 minutes away from the university, so the entire family can relax in the water or splash down slides.

10 minutes from Maryville University is North Pointe Aquatic Center. This water park is ideal for families with young children, as they have many calm, toddler-friendly areas. There is a designated kid’s swimming section, where there’s plenty of seating and numerous lifeguards. The Little Splashers area, made specifically for toddlers, consists of small fountains underneath a shady canopy. Lastly, the entire family can relax on the lazy river while enjoying the cool water.

Aquaport, on the other hand, is a water park for thrill seekers. Some of their aquatic attractions include a flume side, filled with twists and turns, and a tube slide that immerses riders in darkness. Kids can race each other down the racer slide, and the bravest guests can try the Extreme Bowl. This slide shoots riders straight down before swirling them through an open-air bowl. Aquaport is less than 15 minutes from Maryville University and is a great way to beat the heat.

Go Ape Zipline & Treetop Adventure

If extreme water slides weren’t enough, those in search of even more excitement can head over to Go Ape Zipline & Treetop Adventure. Go Ape is located in a shady forest in Creve Coeur Lake Park, the largest park in St. Louis County.

This attraction features an extensive rope course suspended 45 feet in the air. You’re in for two to three hours of fun as you navigate through more than 30 obstacles high up in the trees. Guests can also zoom through the forest on Go Ape’s zip lines. Both of these activities offer one-of-a-kind views of the beautiful park you won’t find anywhere else. You’ll be so immersed in nature that you may forget you’re only 15 minutes away from Maryville University.

The Magic House

The Magic House is another fantastic kids museum close to Maryville University. As its name suggests, The Magic House an escape from real life where kids can immerse themselves in their own little world.

The Children’s Village is where kids can fix a car, climb a ladder up into a tree house, stock grocery store shelves, serve pizza, catch fish, and take care of stuffed animals. In addition, guests can view a giant kaleidoscope or zoom down a three-story slide. One of the most popular attractions is the electrified sphere that’ll make your hair stand on end when you touch it. Create your own souvenir by visiting the art studio, where kids are free to tap into their artistic creativity. There are even more exhibits to explore, so take the less-than-20-minute trip from Maryville University to check out The Magic House.

Saint Louis Zoo

A trip to the zoo is a classic activity for guests of all ages. Luckily, the incredible Saint Louis Zoo is less than 20 minutes from Maryville University.

Millions of visitors each year enjoy visiting the 17,000-plus animals, which include seals, hippos, elephants, leopards, penguins, monkeys, grizzly bears, and more. Almost the entire animal kingdom is represented at the Saint Louis Zoo. And with free admission and more than 90 acres of exhibits, it’s an ideal way to spend the day.

Grant’s Farm

While the Anheuser-Busch St. Louis Brewery may be an awesome experience for adults, kids don’t truly get to take part in the fun. Luckily for them, the Busch family has something else to offer that’s more family-friendly.

The Busch family’s 218-acre estate has been transformed into Grant’s Farm, a rescue facility that houses more than 100 animal species. If the St. Louis Zoo just wasn’t enough, visit Grant’s Farm to feed some goats, ride a camel, see an animal show, or hang out with some tortoises. Guests of all ages will enjoy this popular destination, which is only 22 minutes from Maryville University.