St. Louis, Missouri: City Museum

Less a museum than the World's Greatest PlayZone, with precarious places to climb and secret chutes to slide. Plus the World's Largest Underpants, the World's Largest Pencil, and Elvis Presley's travel trailer.

There is so much one can say about this oasis of amazing. First of all, don't be scared off by the "museum" moniker. I almost was. I loved that most of what you find on the roof and the multi-floors of goodies is recycled from the defunct homes and buildings of the area: building facades, a back bar, a school bus hanging over the roof, old tiles, griffins, and an old Eli Ferris wheel on on the roof on which you can ride!

No maps is a great marketing position (because it's always changing) but somewhat of a disservice to the customers. I spent three hours here and still feel like I missed a lot! There are nooks, crannies, tunnels and slides that lead you into unknown areas. My favorite was the 10-story slide that takes you down to the caverns from which the magnificent Wurlitzer pipe organ pumps out the theme from Phantom of the Opera. The echoing sound as it fills the caves is really eerie!

Circus Harmony is on the third floor of the City Museum. Performances are at noon and 2 pm Monday through Friday. Saturday and Sunday shows are at 1 pm and 3 pm. The circus performances do not cost any extra on top of museum admission.

City Museum is a great playground for kids, but it's also a treasure trove of odd attractions. Some things you'll find include: a castle turret, a bus hanging off the roof, the World's Largest Tighty Whities, circus performers, slabs of architecture, tunnels galore, pinball machines, and the World's Largest Pencil. The World Aquarium is no longer at the museum, but the first floor does have a tank with native Missouri fish.

An absolute must! I was completely blown away by this "museum." While the jungle gym aspect is the highlight there are also some very interesting exhibits on the architecture of St. Louis. Also, spend the extra 5 dollars for roof access, it's worth it. Or if you are going on a date just pay for the roof and enjoy a cocktail and Ferris wheel ride with your date.