Brookings Exploration Center

Open year-round, the Brookings Exploration Center offers visitors of all ages interactive, multimedia opportunities to learn about plants, the places they grow, how people rely on them and the importance of protecting them. 

Get an up-close look at what's living in soil, create a symphony with the sounds of nature, retreat to the Family Tree Area and read a book or take part in hands-on activities in our new maker space.

Pick up a Garden on the Go Pack and explore the garden in a new way. 

Hours and Admission 

  • Open daily, year round 9 a.m. to 5 p.m
  • Closed Christmas Day
  • Included in Garden Admission
    St. Louis City/ County Residents: Free Garden admission on Wednesday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon


Quick Links
Calming Corner

A quiet, comfortable room for nursing moms and for children who need a quiet space to take a break is located in Edward Jones Hall near the Brookings Exploration Center and Doris I. Schnuck Children's Garden. Learn more

A special thank you for your support of the Brookings Exploration Center renovations:

Edward Jones, Mr. and Mrs. William A. Gilbert, Dr. Ann J. Johanson, John and Anita O’Connell, Nora Stern and the Driver and Gleason Families, the Garden’s Members’ Board and alumni, and the Garden’s Young Friends Council and alumni.