6 Ways to Spend Spring Break in St. Louis

It’s been a long, hard winter for St. Louis parents. Personally, I’ve lost count of just how many snow days my kids have enjoyed this year, but I know we’re well into double digits. (On a related note, I think it’s time to restock my now empty liquor cabinet).
 
And to add insult to injury, just as the sun is starting to shine and the threat of winter weather is fading, Spring Break season has arrived. Lucky local families may be jetting off to tropical destinations to lounge on the beach all day and forget about winter entirely, but many of us are spending spring break here in St. Louis with kids who are – once again – home from school.    
 
The good news? Spring weather appears to be here to stay, making this the perfect time to get out of the house and enjoy all that St. Louis has to offer to local kids and families.
 
Extended Hours at The Magic House
 
During the school year, The Magic House typically doesn’t open until noon, but during Spring Break season, this St. Louis favorite is making an exception. Now through March 30, The Magic House will open its doors at 9:30 a.m. on weekdays and Saturdays and 11 a.m. on Sundays, giving local families a full day to explore all the “magical” fun the museum has to offer. You can view the complete Spring Break schedule here.
 
250 in 250 at the Missouri History Museum.
 
This spring at the Missouri History Museum, help the city of St. Louis celebrate its birthday while also introducing your kids to a bit of local history. The free 250 in 250 exhibit will be open through February 2015, but it’s a nice way to add an educational element to what might be an otherwise lazy spring break.
 
And if your school’s spring break falls later than most, you can even check out the History Clubhouse: Let’s Build It! Exhibit, an awesome interactive experience geared specifically towards kids, which opens to the public on March 29.   
 
March Morpho Mania at the Butterfly House
 
The annual March Morpho Mania event returns to the Butterfly House this year, and you don’t want to miss this once-a-year opportunity to celebrate spring. Children and adults can marvel at the thousands of Blue Morpho butterflies that have taken flight in the tropical conservatory, and – added bonus – the Faust Park playground is located right next door.  
 
March Morpho Mania runs daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. through March 31, 2014 and is included with Butterfly House admission.  
 
Dinosaurs in Motion at the St. Louis Science Center
 
There’s always fun to be had at the St. Louis Science Center, but it’s the new exhibits that open on a regular basis that keep local families coming back for more. This spring, Dinosaurs in Motion – which opens March 17 – will introduce visitors of all ages to the principles of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) through interactive, recycled dinosaur sculptures inspired by actual fossils.
 
Tickets for the Dinosaurs in Motion exhibit range from $5-$12.  
 
The Local Library  
 
Don’t overlook your local library when searching for spring break destinations. School may be out of session, but that doesn’t mean the learning has to end.  
 
The Kids’ Programs and Events calendar at the St. Louis County Library is jam-packed with story times, author events and educational programs through the months of March and April, and because March is Teen Tech Month, tech-themed programs for teens ages 12-18 are also scheduled at various branches. The St. Charles City-County Library also offers a full schedule of events geared toward kids and teens.
 
A “Staycation” at Home
 
There’s a big difference between staying home because you’re snowed in and you have to, and staying home because it’s Spring Break and you want to.
 
Make your own entertainment at home by hosting a family field day in the backyard or an indoor board game tournament, both complete with prizes. Create your own Spa Day by lighting some aromatherapy candles and giving each other facials and massages. Or choose a theme and enjoy a movie marathon without ever changing out of your pajamas. Like the idea of spending Spring Break in the comfort of your own home? Check out 15 Fun Indoor Staycation Ideas for even more “staycation” inspiration.
 
How do you spend Spring Break? Does your family stay in St. Louis?

6 Ways to Spend Spring Break in St. Louis http://t.co/R3aFRGwwxx @mohistorymuseum @TheMagicHouse @SLSC @ButterflyHse @SLCL #STL

— Alyssa Chirco (@AlyssaChirco) March 21, 2014