Living in the Lou: Kirkwood was co-written by local moms, Katie Vondera and Rashida Dinehart
As the first suburban municipality outside of St. Louis City boundaries, Kirkwood is steeped in history. At first known for its train tracks and quiet life outside of a bustling downtown St. Louis, today it has become a destination for foodies, families, and fitness lovers alike. We love Kirkwood for its walkability and bike-friendly streets, as well as its welcoming atmosphere and family-friendly activities.
A Neighborhood Staple
In the summer, this is the home to Summit Produce, Tropical Moose Shaved Ice, and various vendors of coffee, tamales, flowers, and more! Some Saturday mornings also feature live music. In the fall, there’s a pumpkin patch and harvest market. In the winter, this location features a Christmas shop and tree lot. Great for year-round fun!
Magic House
The Magic House, St. Louis Children’s Museum, has 60,000 square feet of interactive exhibits. There are opportunities to play, climb, tinker, smell, touch, build, and explore for kids of all ages. The Magic House also boasts Sandcastle Beach in the summer and various cultural and traveling exhibits year-round.
Kirkwood Park
This large park includes the Community Center, Ice Arena, Aquatic Center, and Racquet Center. Outdoor features include a large playground, a splash pad, hiking trails, picnic sites, tennis, handball, pickleball courts, and ball fields. In the summer months, families can also enjoy Tropical Moose sno-cones near the playground at the park.
Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center
Powder Valley has three paved hiking trails, a nature center, a gift shop, and educational exhibits (including a beehive and aquarium). Open year-round.
Pottery Hollow
Painting pottery is a fun activity for kids and adults alike. Pottery Hollow offers various pieces to paint, from bowls and mugs to animals and gnomes to cookie jars, lanterns, and jewelry holders. They also offer a wide range of paint colors and glazes. Great for beginners and expert painters alike.
Kirkwood Public Library
One of few municipal libraries in St. Louis, the Kirkwood Library started 90 years ago as a one-room library but has since grown into a three-story staple in the community. The Library host a plethora of free events for adults and kids like a teen Pride party, storytimes, and adult book clubs.
Route 66 Cars and Guitars
Not currently updated for 2021
This event features vintage cars on display, two music stages, and lots of food and fun right in the heart of downtown Kirkwood.
Greentree Festival
Friday, September 17, 2021 from 5:00 – 10:00 pm (no craft booths)
Saturday, September 18, 2021 from 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 pm
Sunday, September 19, 2021 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Kirkwood Park, 111 South Geyer Road
The Greentree Festival starts with a parade through Kirkwood that ends at Kirkwood Park, where families can enjoy music, food and drinks, games, a craft village, a folklife festival, and a kids’ section. Friday night of the Festival also includes a dog show and frisbee contest. The weekend also includes a 5k through the streets of Kirkwood hosted by the Kirkwood Rotary Club to raise money for local charities.
Halloween Walk
Updates for 2021 Coming Soon
October 28, 2021
This free event allows children to trick or treat at the downtown businesses and City Hall in a safe, fun environment.
Holiday Walk
Not yet updated for 2021.
Families can check out all of the downtown businesses during this seasonal event. Santa also makes an appearance at the train station!
Turkey Day Football Game
Not yet updated for 2021
The oldest rivalry west of the Mississippi is between Kirkwood and Webster at their annual Thanksgiving Day football game.
Summer Concert Series at Kirkwood Station
Enjoy live music outside of some favorite downtown Kirkwood restaurants on Thursday nights in July and August. Bring your own chairs or blankets, or get there early for a spot at an outdoor table at one of the restaurants nearby.
Mark Anthony Gifts
- Men and Women’s Clothing
- Novelty Gifts
- Skincare
Christopher’s
- Novelty Gifts
- Skincare
- Home Decor
- Stationery
Blush
- Women’s Clothing
Mod on Trend
- Women’s Clothing
Paperdolls
- Women’s Clothing
Lass and Laddie
- Children’s Clothing
Sammy Soap
- Skincare
- Novelty Gifts
- Pet Skincare
Cornucopia
- Grocery
- Kitchen and Home Goods
- Novelty Gifts
RF Home
- Home Goods
- DIY Classes
- Skincare
- Women’s Clothing
- Children’s Clothing
- Novelty Gifts
Greek Kitchen
Greece is closer than you think, and it includes a kids’ menu! The Greek Kitchen offers authentic Greek cuisine and truly has something on the menu for even the pickiest of eaters. The reviews tell the story for them: delicious food and a laid back family-friendly atmosphere.
Nathaniel Reid Bakery
The bakery’s namesake, Nathaniel Reid, is an award winning Paris-trained chef living his dream of opening a pastry shop in his home state of Missouri and the great people of Kirkwood are here for it. While the shop has savory sandwiches, we suggest you go and fill up on the amazing desserts and pastries. Macrons, croissants, and, of course, cookies … yes, please.
Spencer’s Grill
After a difficult 2020, this staple is FINALLY back open, and the community cannot wait. Spencer’s is a classic breakfast diner that has been operating in its exact location since 1947. It’s always packed but worth the wait, which typically isn’t too, too long. They will make Mickey Mouse pancakes upon request, and their hash browns are perfectly crunchy.
Peppes Apt. 2
If you blink, you could miss this adorable restaurant on the corner of Geyer and Rose Hill. The small menu packs nothing but hits, and the garden patio makes it a perfect spot for a date night.
Kirkwood Deli
Home of the award-winning gyro, as well as other delicious sandwiches and salads. It’s also a small convenience store.
Teleo Coffee
New(ish) to Kirkwood, this coffee shop is working on renovating an old home on Monroe into a neighborhood coffee shop. But until then, the owner and manager have a pop-up tent outside their to-be cafe from 7-10 am and 2-5 pm Monday – Friday, and you can catch them at the Farmers’ Market on Saturdays. The coffee is delicious, and their story is even better.
Sapore Italian Cafe
There’s a reason Justin Timberlake was spotted here while in town for his last STL concert. Its unassuming location in a strip mall may make you drive past, but do not! This place is classic, delicious Italian cuisine and has a solid cocktail menu as well. During the warmer months, their large patio could rival Billy G’s and has a fountain for a nice aesthetic.
SWEETS + TREATS
Britts Bakehouse
Britt’s Bakehouse is an entirely gluten-free environment serving up favorites like cupcakes, cookies, cakes, bread, and more. You’d never know these treats were gluten-free!
Tropical Moose Shaved Ice
With the main location at the Kirkwood Farmer’s Market and a second location in Kirkwood Park, this sno-cone stand is definitely a favorite. Customers can top their sno-cones with treats like Nerds or Sour Patch Kids, and they can even get a treat for their dogs.
Gelato Di Riso
Located in the heart of downtown, Gelato Di Riso serves up not only delicious gelato but cannoli and coffee, too.
Sugar Shack
This sweet candy store will really take you back. They carry some nostalgic treats like cotton candy, as well as newer candies. You might also enjoy a scoop of ice cream while you’re there!
Kirkwood Station
Though the first train depot in Kirkwood was erected in 1853, the train station as we know it today was built in 1893. The train station and the trains that travel through are fun for both kids and adults. We recommend hopping on the Amtrak at the station for a quick day trip to Hermann.
Kirkwood Historical Society at Mudd’s Grove
Home to the Kirkwood Historical Society, Mudd’s Grove is a beautiful Greek Revival home built in 1859. It’s located just a few blocks from the train station and can be rented for parties of 50-100 guests.
