St. Louis Mom’s Where To Take Toddlers Guide

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The toddler years can be a whirlwind! We’re always looking for local spots and ideas of where to take our toddlers and know they will have a fun (and safe!) time and that are easily accessible for us moms. Indoor and outdoor spots included, we hope this guide helps you! We’ve included our pro-mom tips to make your outing just a bit easier!

Brought To You By

At Esse Health Pediatrics, we understand how busy kids and their parents can be. Our convenient, flexible appointments put your schedule’s needs first. Sibling appointments and walk-in hours for sick patients are just a few of the ways we support your family’s needs. 
 
Have a question? Our top-ranked, board-certified doctors are just a call or text away. With six convenient locations in St. Louis, we offer personalized care with the ease and access of a larger network. 
 
As part of the Esse Health Pediatrics family, you can trust that we will do everything we can to keep your child well. Visit us at pediatrics.essehealth.com.

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Foss Swim School teaches swim lessons with a personalized curriculum backed by decades of success. Water safety is an important skill for people of any age, even toddlers! FOSS’s school approach focuses on developing skills through progressions based on a personalized Swim Path® for each student, ensuring every student graduates as a complete swimmer.

Backfloat Baby classes at FOSS reflect the rapid development of children and position them from the start to set up a healthy relationship with water for a lifetime. Classes start at 6months for children – enroll today to help your child develop a lifetime of confidence in the water!

One of our favorite activities to do with toddlers is attend storytime at the local library! Click here to check out our storytime guide to find the nearest library and storytime for you!

St. Louis Science Center: Discovery Room

The Discovery Room is a self-guided hands-on early childhood environment where children and their adults learn and play together. The exhibits, toys, and activities are designed to encourage inquiry and exploration of beginning science, math, and engineering concepts.

Various sessions available Thursday-Monday, reserve tickets in advance online!

Missouri History Museum: History Clubhouse

This is one of our favorite spots for toddlers in all of St. Louis! Your little one will have a blast in an environment dedicated to St. Louis history!  From dress up, to play time in the kitchen, to a steamboat horn, a reading nook and more, your little one will love exploring it all! There is a wonderful bathroom, also a great spot for feeding as there’s a nice rocking chair as well!

The History Clubhouse is open Tuesday-Sunday from 10am to 12pm and from 1pm to 4pm. FREE, no reservation required.

Train at the St. Louis Zoo

The St. Louis Zoo needs no formal introduction! There is something for all ages at the St. Louis Zoo, but one thing we love the most with toddlers is the train. It allows you to quickly cover a lot of ground, catch a breeze on a hot summer day, and give tired toddler legs a break! Strollers are not allowed on board, you’ll need to leave them parked at the station.

January 3 through March 3
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. — Monday through Friday
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. — Saturday and Sunday

Healthworks! Museum

Healthworks! is an interactive children’s museum for kids of all ages! Each room is centered around a different topic. Your child can pretend to be a doctor, dentist, or pharmacist for a day in each mock medical office! Don’t miss the Mouth Theatre where you’ll take a virtual 10-minute 4D tour through the mouth as you follow an apple’s trip through the digestive system! Burn off energy sliding down a giant leg sculpture, balancing on a bone balance beam, and exploring a larger than life skull!

Visit during general admission hours Thursdays and Saturdays from 9:30 am-4:30 pm!

Start with Art Buzz Art Workshops

Start With Art offers art workshops around the South City area for children ages 18 months-6 years old. Workshops are interactive, process based, and incorporate a variety of art mediums. Children explore the visual arts through movement, songs, stories, and hands on art invitations.

Dates and times vary, refer directly to the website!

Brookings Exploration Center

The Magic House Toddler Area

Teleo Coffee

Grandma’s Playroom

storytime at Grandma’s playroom in St. Louis, MO

Escape the elements in the indoor playroom! Relax and have a cup of coffee and free WiFi while your child enjoys the 2300 square foot playroom FILLED with toys. They add new toys and do toy rotations for those friends that come weekly!

Birthday parties are also available!

Open Play:

Monday – Thursday 9 am – 4 pm 

Friday – 9 am – 3 pm 

Saturday + Sundays: closed for parties

Suson Park

Suson Park is fun all year round!! Enjoy this free, darling working farm in South County! Say hello to chickens, goats, cows, horses, and more!! Bring quarters and you can feed the animals. Restrooms should be open and available year round. Don’t miss the nearby playground as well! 

We Rock the Spectrum Fenton

A sensory-rich gym where kids can learn, explore, create and REALLY develop their senses, whilst having a great time, making new friends, and just being kids! There are swings, a trampoline, tents, tunnels, arts & crafts, creative play and so much more!

2075 Bentley Plaza Dr, Fenton, MO 63026
636-529-8282

Monday-Friday 10am-6pm

Saturday and Sunday 8am-6pm

Rockin' Tots at Rockin' Jump

Rockin’ Tots offers a dedicated time when parents can have fun with their smaller children while socializing with their friends in a comfortable, low-key, air conditioned environment.

Wed/Thu/Fri: 10:00am – 12:00pm

Sunday: 9:00am – 11:00am

Admission: The cost for the 1st child (up to 6 years old) will be $10.99, and each parent or additional child will cost only $6.99. Outside socks are not permitted, reusable socks can be purchased for $3.99.

Go Play!

A new indoor playground and party place! Perfect for ages 6 months – 12 years, they have a space for everyone! Their cornerstones are cleanliness, service, and FUN!

Two Play Times Daily:

8 am – 1 pm

2 pm – 7 pm

$18 per child — Adults are free

Your Village

Our Play Village is in an indoor play space where imagination knows no bounds! Children can step into a world filled with laughter, adventure and endless opportunities for them to play, learn and grow. Featuring a pretend market, doctor’s office, veterinarian and cafe, Play Village offers a haven for children to unleash their creativity, make new friends and utilize their imagination playground. We even have a safe space for your littlest ones to play.

At our Play Village, we believe in the power of imagination. The play space is thoughtfully designed to spark creativity and encourage children to dream big. Let your little ones take on different roles as they embark on imaginative adventures in a safe and stimulating environment.

The Village is open Tuesday – Friday from 9 am – 1 pm for open play. Mondays are available for private groups. 

Myseum

Myseum is a wonderful science-based option for children of all ages, with slides and bounce houses for the older children. There are countless opportunities for hands on exploration! And the best part is that there’s an area designated specifically for toddlers!

Age: 1 and under – Free,  Child 2-17 $10.95 plus tax, Adult 18-59 $5.95 plus tax, Senior 60+ $4.95 plus tax

Mon-Fri: 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM

Sat: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Sun: 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Don’t forget socks!

Museum of Transportation: Creation Station

Creation Station is an interactive play space at the Museum of Transportation! Your little one can run, jump, explore, and play with all of the toys and play structures.  Don’t forget a ride on the train before you head home! Space is limited, first come first served for each session.

 
Wednesday-Friday
9:15, 10:30 & 11:45AM, $3 extra
Saturday-Sunday
9:15, 10:30 & 11:45AM, 1:00pm, $3 extra

The Lodge in Des Peres: Water Waddlers

Water waddlers is a dream activity for both you and your child, especially in the cold winter months! The small, shallow wading pool/ splash pad is open for toddlers to splash and play. Bring your own pool toys or share from the community bin! This program is designed for children, ages 6 and under, accompanied by a parent/guardian who is able to remain in the water with the child. 

Cost is FREE for Lodge members or $3/Resident; $5/Non-Resident.

Build A Bear Adventure

Introducing Build-A-Bear Adventure: their newest concept is the ultimate party destination in the St. Louis area! This all-new event space includes a Workshop, Bakeshop, Fun Zone arcade room in addition to both private party experiences and exciting group events. Our littles love building a furry friend of course, but they also love the arcade! 

St. Louis Carousel

Who doesn’t love a carousel? The best part about this one is that it’s indoors! Snow, rain, or cold? No problem!

NOTE: Strollers are not allowed inside the building, so prepare accordingly. If it’s a nice day, enjoy strolling through the historical village at neighboring Faust park, and of course stop by the playground! The Butterfly House is just next door as well if you want to make a day of it!

Tuesday-Friday:   10:00am-4:30pm 

Saturday-Sunday: 10am-4pm

Tickets are $2 per person (children under 4 must have a paying adult)

Miss Kelly's Gym

Frisco Train Store

Have a train enthusiast at home? DO NOT MISS the Frisco Train & Toy Store! In addition to carrying a wide selection of wooden trains and accessories, children are invited to play on their 16 foot multi-level train table and play kitchens. This is a great place for toddlers and their caregivers as the space is fairly intimate, allowing caregivers a place to sit, relax and watch their child engage in play safely!

Note: This is also a GREAT place for birthday parties!

Sky Zone Little Leapers

a toddler playing at Sky Zone in Fenton, MO

Looking to burn some energy is a toddler-safe environment? Sky Zone offers Little Leapers sessions specifically for toddlers!

Little Leapers is a fun, high-energy play adventure created for parents and little ones to enjoy together.

You’ll love watching your child bounce, climb and explore in a safe environment while interacting with similar age children and learning about sharing, teamwork, and other important social skills.

Bond, make memories and watch your Little Leaper thrive.

Ballwin: Monday – Friday from 9 am – noon

Fenton: Sunday from 9 am – 11 am

 

Slick City - St. Louis West

Toddler soft play area at Slick City

A fun, engaging, multi-level playground exclusively for ages 0-7. Offering many different obstacles and soft elements, your child is guaranteed to burn off energy!

Ages 4 and under purchase a Junior Action ticket, with access to the soft play area and air courts only.

CitySocks are required.

Monday – Thursday from 1 – 8:00 pm | Friday from 1 – 9 pm | Saturday from 10 – 9 pm | Sunday from 11 – 8 pm

 

 

Sky Zone - Little Leapers

COMING SOON TO ST. ANN, MISSOURI

Looking to burn some energy is a toddler-safe environment? Sky Zone offers Little Leapers sessions specifically for toddlers!

Little Leapers is a fun, high-energy play adventure created for parents and little ones to enjoy together.

You’ll love watching your child bounce, climb and explore in a safe environment while interacting with similar age children and learning about sharing, teamwork, and other important social skills.

Bond, make memories and watch your Little Leaper thrive.

St. Ann

a toddler playing at Sky Zone in Fenton, MO

We Rock the Spectrum

A sensory-rich gym where kids can learn, explore, create and REALLY develop their senses, whilst having a great time, making new friends, and just being kids! There are swings, a trampoline, tents, tunnels, arts & crafts, creative play and so much more!

Enchanted Playroom

Enchanted Playroom is an indoor soft play recreation and party event center where your child will grow, develop, and socialize through imaginative play! Equipped with exciting and active play centers that will allow children to develop critical skills at a young age, they offer a safe place to have fun, develop social skills, and grow through interaction with other children their age. Rather than being a drop-off center or preschool, Enchanted Playroom is a comfortable space for parents to sit and relax, catch up with friends, and meet up with other parents while their children play and have fun.

1155 Bryan Rd. O’Fallon, MO 63366

(636) 294-5210

Monday-Friday
9 AM – 4 PM
Saturday
9 AM – 3 PM

Play Street Museum

The quintessential toddler spot in St. Charles! Your kids will have fun imagining and pretending in their town square or exploring the many interactive exhibits and kid’s activities in their educational play space. Adults are welcome to join in on the adventure or sit back and relax while their children discover a world that is just their size in their interactive children’s museum. They offer playtime, birthday parties, special events, and a toy shop! The bathroom is exceptionally clean and has a great changing table. Picasso’s coffee is located a few doors down! Play Street offers the ultimate birthday party package!

Wild Sprouts

At Wild Sprouts Play Place, we celebrate the joy of play and its crucial role in a child’s development. Our carefully curated play spaces cater to children aged 0-6 years, providing various age-appropriate and interactive activities that nurture cognitive, emotional, and social growth. From cooking to farming to climbing, there is a lot to be explored! While your little ones embark on their adventures, take a moment to sit and relax. Wild Sprouts Play Place allows a play area for the kids and relaxing area for the parents.

3010 N. Highway 94 Unit E St. Charles, MO 63301

Blossom Play Cafe

Blossom Play Cafe was created to encourage PLAY for young children, build community and support families as they experience parenting together. It is a unique combination of a coffeehouse, a wonderful play environment for children to explore and a premier party venue for those first birthday parties or other special events.

We are honored to serve Goshen Coffee from the specialty coffee company based in Edwardsville, Illinois, Big Heart Teas from the Big Heart Tea Co based in STL and Suga’ Pie’s baked goods of O’Fallon. We now serve clean, plant-based Lotus Energy Drinks & Italian Sodas! Stop in and try one!

See website for open play hours!

Open play is $12 per child (includes 1 adult), Children under 1 are free with paying sibling. Extra adults are $6

Edwardsville Children's Museum

The Edwardsville Children’s Museum has a specific mission: “To serve the needs and interests of children by providing exhibits and programs that stimulate curiosity and motivate learning.” 

They offer programming for newborns through 12 years of age including baby sign language, preschool playgroup, story time, summer camps, girls scout workshops, birthday parties and much much more. They are always updating their exhibits and programming, be sure to stop by and see what’s new!

Pro Tip: A free pass is available to visit Edwardsville Children’s Museum through the Edwardsville,  Glen Carbon, Maryville and Troy libraries.

Monday + Tuesday 9:30 am – 2 pm | Wednesday – closed | Thursday 9:30 am – 2 pm | Friday 9:30 am – 5 pm | Saturday 9:30 am – 2:30 pm | Sunday – closed

Admission is $8 per person, ages 1 and over; Memberships are available

Korte Rec Center

Meet at the Korte Rec Center for toddler swim!

Time:  Every Friday, 10:30am to 11:30am

Fee:  KRC Members FREE Non-members $1 Discount off Daily Admission
*Children 2 and under are FREE with a paying adult.

RP Lumber Center Ice Rink

Spend a day on the ice with your tot at the RP Lumber Center!

Hours: 6am-9pm, Saturday-Monday and Wednesday

6am-10pm, Tuesday, Thursday-Friday

Fee:  Children ages 3 and under are free to skate!