Preschool Science Series
The love of science starts early.
Research shows that children grow socially, academically, and emotionally in play-based learning environments with caring adults. Our Preschool Science Series immerses early learners and their caregivers in playful learning and exploration through stories, experiments and hands-on activities. Designed especially for young scientists, we now offer two options for little ones and their caregivers to wonder, play, and discover together:
Preschool Science Series Is Changing Offering More Play, Wonder, and Learning All Summer Long!
Our Preschool Science Series will become an open exploration Learning Lab for Small Scientists on June 4! The new program is designed around research that shows children learn best through play, inquiry, and shared experiences with the adults who care for them.
From 9:30–11:30 AM, our preschool classroom will be open for small scientists ages 18 months to 5 years and their caregivers. Families are welcome to drop in, explore, and play at their own pace as space allows—stay for a little while or linger longer!
Inside the Learning Lab, you’ll discover:
- Hands-on experiments and playful STEM activities
- Opportunities to build motor, language, and thinking skills through doing
- Open-ended materials that invite tinkering, testing, and trying again
- Simple take-home ideas to help grown-ups keep the learning going
This flexible, joyful format lets children follow their interests, revisit favorite activities, and experience science as a playful adventure—together with you.
Come wonder, explore, and discover with us all summer long!
Preschool Science Series FAQs
There is not cost. It is free to enter the Learning Lab at any time from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM for the free sessions.
No, this is not a class. Early childhood staff will set the environment for little learners, welcome you to the space and provide guidance and support as caregivers play, create and learn WITH their child.
Stations will be set up in the room. Children will be able to visit stations of their choice.
Tickets are not required, Preschool Science Series is now free. Guests may enter the room as space allows from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM.
There is not cost. It is free to enter the Learning Lab at any time from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM for the free sessions.
The room will open at 9:30 each day, guests can visit anytime from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM, and can stay and go as they please. Guests may enter when they choose when the room is open as space allows.
You will have the opportunity to put your name on a wait list. You can explore the Life Science Lab Atrium while you wait. We will call your name when a spot opens for your group.
YES! This is not a drop-off space.
The goal of the space is to promote care-giver child interaction as well as provide opportunities for you to play and learn together.
In the Learning Lab, we require at least 1 adult for every 2 children.
The Learning Lab is not a large space. In order to create and enjoyable environment, we limit the capacity to no more than 10 children in the learning lab, along with their caregivers.
Older children are welcome to come in as observers or helpers for younger children.
Younger toddlers and infants may join older friends/siblings.
Please note that there are small parts in the room and young toddlers should be closely monitored by caregivers.
The adult to child ratio of your group should be at least 2:1.
Extra adults are welcome as space allows.
The space is designed for children ages 1 ½ to 5 years.
At least one child in that age range must be in your group to enter.
We recommend older children enjoy other areas of the museum.
If you need to bring older children in order for your group to be able to access our space, they will be welcomed as observers or helpers to the younger children.
Location
Preschool Science Series happens in the Learning Lab next to the Life Science Lab.
Members learn at a discount
Save on the early scientist education with a Saint Louis Science Center membership and joining us in the Discovery Room after your visit to the Learning Lab.
