St. Louis is a treasure trove of parks and playgrounds! There are an endless array of options for children of all ages to enjoy! Duck feeding, inclusive playgrounds, walking trails, water features, and more… this guide has it all! Not to mention, we’ve got pro tips from local moms themselves who know these parks well. We hope this helps you get out and explore St. Louis!
Gateway Arch Park
At 630 feet high, you get a bird’s eye view of our great city! Busch Stadium, The Wheel at Union Station, the Old Courthouse … you can see it all! You’ll love experiencing this with your family any time of the year. Not only can you go up in the arch, but you can also spend a morning or afternoon there in the newly renovated space at the bottom – so much to do!
✔️Top of the Arch (make reservations ahead of time)
✔️Museum – so much to see and learn
✔️Theater – learn how the Arch was built (make reservations)
✔️Gift Shop – souvenirs and gifts for everyone
✔️Cafe – because #snacks
Everything is stroller friendly EXCEPT taking the tram to the top. If you have a baby carrier, that’s the way to go if you want to go up in the arch all together!
Moms, they have a cafe with lattes, so treat yourself. If you haven’t experienced the arch yet, it’s a must! And even if you have, it never gets old!
Citygarden
Citygarden is an urban sculpture park located in downtown St. Louis. The park is an oasis of free interactive art, fountains and gardens spanning two blocks in downtown St. Louis. Paved, winding paths lead visitors past 24 sculptures resting on wide lawns, six rain gardens, a children’s spray plaza and a 180-foot-long pool with a six-foot waterfall. PRO TIP: Don’t miss Citygarden in the fall, you’ll find some gorgeous foliage!
Kiener Plaza Park
Don’t miss this gem in the middle of the city! Tucked in between the sculpture garden and the arch, you’ll find a playground and fountains. Their shade garden is a sweet spot to relax while you’re there! This park provides plenty of tables and benches as well.
Forest Park
The Forest Park Nature Playscape is a 17-acre natural playscape. There are nine different activity areas including sand play, willow tunnels, stump steppers, boulders and rocks, hand water pumps, and more.
The amenities in Forest Park do not stop at the Nature Playscape, however! Wander through the Jewel Box, which is open to the public and has a low $1 admittance fee, and take in the tropical plants and trees, blooming flowers, and water exhibits. Take time to explore the St. Louis Art Museum and in the summer, catch a performance at the Muny outdoor theater.
For gorgeous views of Forest Park, stop by the World’s Fair Pavilion. You’ll find beauty throughout the park as it boasts lakes, basins, statues, and monuments.
Beyond the aesthetics, you can find an archery range, handball and racquetball courts, rugby fields, tennis and sand volleyball courts, paved trails for hiking and biking, a golf course, and plenty of picnic areas. Forest Park is also home to Steinberg Ice Rink.
Variety Wonderland Playground in Forest Park
Located right outside the Forest Park Visitor’s Center! This was one of the very first playgrounds in St. Louis to be fully accessible to children of all abilities. Tucked in away form the hustle and bustle of the park, it’s a great spot for kids of all ages!
Turtle Park
Turtle Playground, part of Forest Park, might give you a familiar feeling because it was designed by City Museum founder Bob Cassilly. The Tamm Avenue overpass near the Saint Louis Zoo parking lot gives you direct access to the. park. A parking lot is nestled between the playground and the large climbing turtles. There are lots of turtles and eggs to climb, including hatched turtles and a big snake. Open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 pm.
Carondolet Park
Carondelet Park is St. Louis’ third largest park! You’ll find a gorgeous boathouse on the water at this stately park, along with a rec center and pool, walking paths, tennis courts, ball fields, horseshoe pits, and playgrounds.
Lafayette Park
Did you know Lafayette Park was dedicated in 1851 as the first public park in the City of St. Louis? Fall is a beautiful time of year to take a walk around this scenic park! Your kiddos will love exploring the picturesque pathways and charming gazebos and ponds. And we can’t forget to mention their sweet little playground too!
Soulard Market Park
Did you know that Soulard Market is the oldest farmers market this side of the Mississippi? Right next door is Soulard Market Park, a large green space which often hosts fairs and events. An ideal spot for a picnic with the goodies you gathered from the market! Within the Fleur de Lis iron fence surrounding the park, you’ll find a bandstand and two playground areas.
Tower Grove Park
Tower Grove Park is both a park and arboretum. Here you will find no shortage of gorgeous spots for photos! Packed with picnic areas and pavilions, it’s a beautiful setting in which to gather or relax. Walk along the many paths and take in the wild bird garden or lily ponds.
For recreation, Tower Grove offers tennis courts and a playground.
Francis Park
Francis Park is a hub for community. A true neighborhood park at heart, it also has so many fun events and attractions that warmly welcome neighbors from all around our city (Grub and Groove, Art in the Park, Brew in the Lou, fitness classes, toddler music classes, soon to be Rockwell Beer Garden (!!!) just to name a few).
The everyday at Francis Park is what makes it so special, however. At any time of day, the park is filled with kids and families enjoying all that it has to offer. You can walk around the well paved walking trail that surrounds the park and gush over the beautiful historic homes, check out the ducks at the lily pad pond, enjoy a picnic in the massive green space, play on the big playground (with bathrooms and a drinking fountain!), or explore the magical fairy gardens.
Fox Park
Fox Park is one of St. Louis’ many neighborhood parks. With a play structure and splash pad play area, this little park is a fun spot for kids all year round.
Older kids enjoy the Fox Park Basketball Court and ball fields. Even your four-legged pup can play at the Fox Park Dog Park!
