The Boathouse Paddle Co
“We know why you really came to The Boathouse at Forest Park. The food was a bonus, but you came here to live out your childhood dream as a pirate or a naval commander. Well, we won’t burst your bubble. We can’t offer you the high seas, but Post Dispatch Lake is a fantastic place to launch a mini-expedition on our paddle boats, canoes, kayaks, and paddle boards. Our boats may not be the USS Constitution, but we can promise they’ll float.
We open every morning, and close around sunset each night. Rent our boats by the hour to explore Forest Park from an entirely new perspective. Stay up to date on special events like moonlight picnics and paddleboard yoga.”
6101 Government Drive, St. Louis, MO 63110
Citygarden Sculpture Park
Looking to shake up your typical splash pad experience? Cool off in the wading pools and splash fountains surrounded by shady trees and unique works of art at Citygarden!
Tips from a mom:
- Metered parking is available on Market St. and also 8th street (and surrounding areas)
- Portable restrooms are available inside City Garden
- Water shoes are necessary as the ground gets very hot!
- There are park monitors who oversee the water features and can help answer any questions you may have.
- Bring water. We didn’t notice any drinking fountains!
- There is a darling playground in Kiener Plaza that has a great swing and climbing structure (and it’s gated!).
801 Market Street, St. Louis, MO 63101
Forest Park
“Forest Park, which is owned and operated by the City of St. Louis, is considered one of the nation’s greatest urban public parks. The Park’s 1,300 acres feature beautiful landscapes sprinkled with forests, ecosystems, nature reserves, lakes and streams, as well as five of the region’s major cultural institutions and endless opportunities for recreation. Forest Park attracts 13 million visitors each year, making it the sixth most visited urban park in the United States.
Forest Park truly offers something for everyone — amazing destinations and institutions that challenge the mind, a Dual Path system that invites both leisurely walks and intense workouts, quiet places to picnic and read, and a variety of popular festivals and events — all set in the background of a city oasis, a place to escape it all.”
Within Forest Park, you will find the Missouri History Museum, The Muny, the St. Louis Art Museum, and the St. Louis Science Center. You will also find athletic fields, and a golf course.
Forest Park’s Nature Playscape
The Anne O’C. Albrecht Nature Playscape is a 17-acre experiential play space with natural landscapes that include native and diverse species. Featuring nine distinct activity areas, the free destination includes sand play areas, willow tunnels, stump steppers, boulders and rocks, hand water pumps and much more. The goal: Encourage visitors — especially kids — to connect with nature as they engage their senses as they explore, discover and learn.
Concourse Drive, St. Louis, MO 63110
Missouri Botanical Gardens
A greenhouse dome, a Victorian home & gardens, a butterfly house & more spread across 79 acres. There’s also a children’s garden open from April to October. Tickets are available online or when you arrive.
4344 Shaw Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63110
The Muny
“What began as a grassy spot between two oak trees has grown into the nation’s oldest and largest outdoor musical theatre. The Muny’s storied history is one of vision, perseverance and commitment to culture and community. Think of The Muny as a blank canvas to a memorable night out. You’ll always see a great show, but the rest of the experience is entirely up to you. Picnic in the grass or a cocktail in the pavilion? Suit and tie or Saturday shorts? Date night or group outing? At The Muny, the answer is always yes!”
1 Theater Drive, St. Louis, MO 63112
St. Louis Zoo
“Home to over 12,000 animals, representing 500 species, the St. Louis Zoo is recognized worldwide for its innovative approaches to animal care and management, wildlife conservation, research, and education. One of the few FREE zoos in the nation, the St. Louis Zoo attracts approximately 3 million visitors annually and is the most visited attraction in the region. And, as a free zoo, visitors are encouraged to come back again … and again!
1 Government Drive, St. Louis, MO 63110
