A number of St. Louis’ biggest attractions are preparing to reopen with increased safety protocols as a “new normal” emerges in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. From the St. Louis Aquarium downtown to The Magic House in Kirkwood, the area’s most popular destinations are requiring visitors and employees to abide by certain social-distancing and safety guidelines, including wearing face masks, temperature checks and timed reservations.
Top attractions reopening next week include:
THE ST. LOUIS AQUARIUM AT UNION STATION
Reopening date: Monday, June 8
Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday – Thursday; 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday
What will/won’t be open: Touch pools, Otter Chat and animal presentations will continue to be available, along with a new dive show at Shark Canyon. For now, the Fish ID touchscreens, Scavenger Hunt touchscreens, the Train Experience and the Virtual Reality Sandbox are not available due to their high touch nature and the difficulty in maintaining adequate social distancing during their use. Other outdoor and indoor attractions at Union Station, including the Ropes Course and Mirror Maze, will also open June 8.
Ticketing: All guests, including annual pass holders, will be required to reserve timed tickets. Advance reservations will guarantee guests’ admission on the day of their visit. No tickets will be available for same-day visits at the ticket counter, and no guests will be admitted to the Aquarium prior to their reservation time. Guests who are feeling unwell on the day of their visit can contact the aquarium and have their tickets exchanged for another date.
Social distancing and safety protocols include:
– All team members will wear masks and guests 9 and older are required to wear masks. Guests with pre-existing health conditions unable to wear a mask for medical reasons are exempt. Guests may remove or lower their masks when they are able to stay 6 feet or more away from others or when eating or drinking.
– A one-way flow has been established through the aquarium to help with social distancing.
– All high-touch surfaces such as windows, doors, railings, restrooms, and elevators will be cleaned continuously by the aquarium’s Clean Team. Hard surfaces will be sanitized throughout the attraction, lobby and restrooms continuously.
– Additional hand sanitizer stations will be found throughout the aquarium, including at the entry, exit and in the restrooms.
– Employees will be screened daily to verify that they do not have fevers or other COVID-19 symptoms. Guests will walk through an infrared scanner at the entrance to verify their temperatures and will take a survey to confirm their health. Those with temperatures of more than 100 degrees will be asked to return on another day.
– Guest services associates will refer guests to signs listing COVID-19 symptoms to verify that everyone in their party is symptom-free.
– Floor decals have been added throughout the queue lines and inside the aquarium to help guests maintain 6 feet of separation from others. At touch pools and interactive areas, guests can step up and enjoy the experience when floor decal spaces are open.
– No cash payments will be accepted at attractions and restaurants throughout St. Louis Union Station; all major credit cards will be accepted.
THE MAGIC HOUSE
Reopening date: Monday, June 15; MADE for Kids (satellite location in St. Louis City) will reopen Tuesday, June 9
Ticketing: The Magic House will limit attendance to just a fraction of its capacity and will require advance ticket sales and member registrations to access the facilities. Reservations can be made online. Once reserved, visitors will receive an electronic ticket that will allow for touch-free scanning for entry into the facility.
Social distancing and safety protocols include:
– Personal material kits will be provided at entry, providing one-user only supplies for experiences throughout the facility.
– Increased hand sanitizer and wipe stations for personal cleaning and sanitization
– Daily staff health screenings
– Staff and visitors ages 9 and older will be required to wear a face cover, face coverings created at MADE for Kids will be available for purchase.
– Social distancing floor markers and reminder signage
SAINT LOUIS ZOO
Reopening date: Saturday, June 13
Ticketing: The Zoo will limit attendance and require timed, free reservations in order to enter. The Zoo will be open seven days a week and guests can make reservations online beginning at 9 a.m. on Monday, June 8.
Social distancing and safety protocols include:
– Masks/face coverings will be required for staff and all guests age 9 and older. Guests with preexisting health conditions unable to wear a mask/face covering for medical reasons are exempt. Guests are allowed to remove or lower their masks/face coverings when practicing good social distancing of 6 feet or more when eating or drinking.
MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN
Reopening date: Tuesday, June 16
Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m, Tuesday – Sunday. Closed Monday until further notice
What will/won’t be open: Indoor spaces including the Climatron and all conservatories, the Sachs Museum and Tower Grove House will remain closed. The Children’s Garden and water play areas will be closed.
Ticketing: All visitors will need advanced dated and timed e-tickets. Tickets will be available in 60-minute time slots online and by phone only; no walk-up or day-of, on-site purchases. Tickets will be available online one week prior to opening.
Social distancing and safety protocols include:
– Visitors will enter and exit garden grounds through separate one-way paths to allow for safe, proper social distancing.
– There will be increased frequency of cleaning and disinfecting throughout the garden.
– Protective face coverings will be required for all guests 9 years of age or older.
MISSOURI HISTORY MUSEUM / SOLDIERS MEMORIAL
Reopening date: Saturday, June 20
Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday – Sunday
What will/won’t be open: The Missouri History Museum and Soldiers Memorial Military Museum downtown will be open during hours indicated above. The museum’s History Clubhouse is closed until further notice. The Library and Research Center will provide research assistance by appointment only.
Ticketing: Advance reservations are required.
Social distancing and safety protocols include:
– All visitors age 9 and older are required to wear face coverings.
– All events, such as Storytelling, lectures and Summer Family Fun Series will continue to be held virtually via Zoom.
