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Enjoy playtime in the History Clubhouse at the Missouri History Museum!
The History Clubhouse at the Missouri History Museum is the perfect place for moms to bring toddlers to play the day away, and admission is FREE! Join the fun in a space where kids can be kids as they learn about the history of the city that’s all around them. Each section of this gallery, designed especially for children and their families, features a different era of the history of the St. Louis region.
Explore the downtown St. Louis section, complete with re-creations of iconic buildings that stand up to 15 feet tall. Take a trolley ride back in time to the 1904 World’s Fair, then pretend-pilot a steamboat on the Mississippi River. The Cahokia section offers opportunities to play in a replica dwelling and fishing over the edge of a canoe. Visit for hands-on fun that will ignite your child’s imagination as they learn about the place they call home.
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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!
Museum of Illusions
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.
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
Toddler Town at the City Museum
City Museum can seem intimidating with a toddler, but Toddler Town on the third floor has smaller slides, climbing areas, and an area for nursing moms. Also on the third floor is the Treehouse + Tunnels area and the Skateless Skate Park have some low areas for climbing and sliding. You will also find fun areas to explore with little ones on the first floor.
Youth + Family Events at the Contemporary Art Museum
In addition to wandering through the museum, there are workshops, activities, and programs specifically geared toward young kids!
Union Station
Union Station has so much for toddlers to do! The Aquarium is geared toward all ages, with touch tanks and play areas. The Carousel and Sky Tykes course (rope course for shorter kids), plus the St. Louis Wheel and a sweet treat at The Soda Fountain will keep your little one busy all day long!
Urban Fort Play
This beloved STL indoor play spot is reopening in Winter 2026 at the City Foundry!
Macklind Make + Play
Macklind Make + Play is a perfect spot to let your toddlers explore and express themselves! Offering a morning make and play experience daily from 9 am – 2 pm, kids can get creative and messy with art, explore sensory areas, and play in an environment that supports the curious spark toddlers inherently possess!
Hartford Coffee Company
Located in South Tower Grove Park, this charming establishment has coffee and bakery items, but also kid-friendly menu items like goldfish and animal crackers! While adults sip coffee and utilize free wifi, kids can play in the adorable play space.
Brookings Exploration Center
Little Loft's Play Cafe
Specifically designed with younger kids in mind, Little Loft is a cafe and indoor playscape designed to give kids a safe, fun place to play and explore. Moms can indulge in a locally-sourced coffee and relax, or join in on the fun!
Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center
Powder Valley is a perfect spot to connect with nature alongside your child! They offer a nature center and treehouse, and paved stroller-friendly trails for walking through the wooded landscape!
Five Oaks on Warson
Five Oaks on Warson has an epic indoor playground where toddlers can climb and slide, and imaginative areas where they can let their creativity soar! They even offer sensory friendly playtimes. Their “Olive Explorers” sessions offer crafts and story times for ages 2+. They even have a Parent’s Room!
TotSpot Social
TotSpot Social is an indoor play place where kids can have fun and adults can relax. Every corner of the space was intentionally and carefully thought out to best serve babies, toddlers and parents alike. Conveniently located in the DeMun/Clayton neighborhood, the open-concept space is the perfect size — plenty of room for little ones to explore over 12 exciting play stations, yet cozy enough for parents to keep an eye on the fun. TotSpot will also have a baby care room, bathrooms with a changing table and toddler potty, and a cafe to grab a cup of coffee and toddler-approved snacks. Discover all our fantastic amenities and book your 2-hour play session today!
The Magic House Toddler Area
Hop aboard a toddler-sized boat, sing the Wheels on the Bus, discover the peek-a-boo house, climb on the baby gym, and learn important child development information in a space for infants, toddlers and their special grown-ups.
Recommended for ages 2 and under.
Monday: Closed
Tuesday – Friday: 10:30 am – 5:00 pm
Saturday: 9:30 am – 5:00 pm
Sunday: 10:30 am – 5:00 pm
Adults and children 1 and up: $14.00
Children under 1: Free
Lava Island
Lava Island is fun for all ages, and toddlers are no exception! They have an area set aside specifically for the little ones to play safely with soft play features and it includes slides and tunnels.
Sunday-Thursday, 9 am – 9 pm
Friday + Saturday, 9 am – 10 pm
Teleo Coffee
At Teleo Coffee, the concept is simple – love your neighbor. One cup at a time! As moms, we love Teleo because of their wonderful childrens’ room upstairs! Books, toys and a chalkboard for the kids and comfy sofas for mom are a winning combo in our book! Not to mention their kid-friendly drinks we know your children will love, the Fluffy or Yeti, steamed vanilla milk with sprinkles and marshmallows. Enjoy a healthy breakfast and a delicious cup of coffee at Teleo – we know you’ll love it!
Open Monday-Saturday, 6am-3pm
Grandma’s Playroom
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
Little Leapers at Sky Zone
The Littlest Leapers and their parents can enjoy a fun, high-energy play time together at a special rate!
This time is set aside specifically for kids 6 and under, allowing little ones to bounce, climb, and explore in a safe environment!
Chuck E Cheese
Chuck E Chesse for years has been known as a kids’ favorite place to play! And each location has a separate play. area for younger kids, with games geared toward their level!
Go Play!
An 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.
Play Village is open Monday-Friday 9:00AM-1:00PM.
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.
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 $5/Resident; $7/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: 10:00 am – 4:15 pm
Saturday-Sunday: 10 am – 3:45 pm
Tickets are $2 per person (children under 4 must have a paying adult)
The Butterfly House
The Butterfly House is one of those great-for-all-ages places, and toddlers tend to love it! Here they can expand on a love of insects and nature … and if your toddler isn’t a fan of insects, it’s a great place to go and learn about them, perhaps getting more comfortable in a controlled environment!
Tip: Strollers are not allowed inside the Butterfly House itself due to space issues, so plan ahead with your baby carriers or slings!
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
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.
Ballwin: Monday – Friday from 9 am – noon
Fenton: Sunday from 9 am – 11 am
Bounce U
Bounce U in Chesterfield schedules Preschool Playdates to allow younger children to play safely!
Find their schedule here!
Slick City - St. Louis West
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 10 am – 8:30 pm | Friday from 10 am – 10 pm | Saturday from 10 am – 10:30 pm | Sunday from 11 – 8 pm
Kids Empire
Kids Empire in Ballwin has so many different play areas including one set aside just for toddlers! If your toddler is more adventurous, they will enjoy the wide range of activities throughout from soccer and building with soft blocks, to sliding and dancing!
Little Diggers - Coming Soon!
The word “sandbox” conjures up images of little ones digging and scooping. This unique play area soon to open in Des Peres will boast over 1200 square feet of clean, soft sand and you’ll find construction-themed toys and blocks for your use!
Ultimate Ninjas
Ultimate Ninjas offers Lil’ Ninjas classes for kids ages 3 – 5 that build balance and agility skills in a toddler-friendly obstacle course setting. They also offer Open Play sessions for ages 3+.
Upper Limits
Upper Limits in Chesterfield has a scaled down climbing experience for younger kids. Wacky Walls has colorful, fun, and well padded climbing areas such as a beanstalk and a city building, allowing kids to use their imaginations as they scale the courses!
Chuck E Cheese
Chuck E Chesse for years has been known as a kids’ favorite place to play! And each location has a separate play. area for younger kids, with games geared toward their level!
Simple Positive Play
Simple Positive Play is focused on kids ages 0 – 5. Their Play School offers a fun, stimulating play environment along with a story time. Ideas are shared with parents for extending learning at home.
JJ's Kidzone
There is so much to do at JJ’s Kidzone! In addition to climbing walls, ball pits, slides, bumper cars, skating, arcade games, and virtual reality, they have dedicated play areas for younger kids.
Enchanted Playroom
Fun indoor playground with two play times each day! The first is from 8 am to 1 pm, and the second is from 2 – 7 pm. They are open every day but Wednesday, which is when they do a deep cleaning. Such a clean, safe place for toddlers to explore!
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.
Chuck E Cheese
Chuck E Cheese has been a kids’ favorite play spot for years! With their dedicated area for younger kids, toddlers can play safely with games geared to their level!
Go Play - Coming Soon!
Coming Soon to the Meadows! An 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
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.
We Rock the Spectrum - Edwardsville
We Rock The Spectrum is all about inclusion, healthy play, and socialization opportunities for kids, their parents, siblings and friends. Suspended equipment, trampolines, crash mats, sensory-based toys and more are perfect for ALL kids, no matter their abilities.
Hours vary depending on location
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!
Urban Air Adventure Park
Urban Air’s indoor adventure parks provide a safe place for the whole family to jump, soar, race, climb, and play. Fun awaits rain or shine. A dedicated area for younger kids provides a safe area to play.
Chuck E Cheese
Chuck E Cheese has been a favorite play spot for years! With a dedicated area for younger kids, toddlers can play safely with games geared toward their level.
Thank you for this fantastic guide! As a new mom in St. Louis, I appreciate the detailed recommendations for toddler-friendly spots. Can’t wait to check out some of these places with my little one!
Welcome! We’re so glad you’ve found the guide to be helpful!!
This guide is fantastic! As a mom of a toddler, I’m always looking for new places to explore, and your recommendations are spot on. Can’t wait to check out some of these spots! Thank you for sharing!