From climbing to playscapes to ziplines, these are some of our favorite parks to explore.
Best St. Louis Playgrounds
Vago Park
2700 Fee Fee Rd
Maryland Heights, MO 63043
There are three total playgrounds here, but my favorite is the toddler playground by the sand volleyball court and splashpad.
Their new playground (open 5/4/23) is tailored for kiddos 2-5yo and it was spectacular. From making music to balancing to climbing, it is a gem.
When we visited last, it was the beginning of May. We had no idea that the splash pad was already on, so we just played in our clothes! It was a fun surprise and this is a great splash pad! There is not much shade, so definitely load on the sunscreen.
The two playgrounds, sand volleyball court, splash pad and restrooms were all next to each other. It made it easy to walk between them! There is another playground on the other side of the park targeted to older kids.
Drace Park
Town and Country, MO 63131
This is one of our favorite nature areas to explore! There is a tunnel, a giant rock pit with lumber to stack and ramps to play with. Also, there are neat stepping stones and wooden balance beams! Sand toys and hot wheel cars would be great additions to bring here.
One of the log cabins (there are 3 on the park property) is open for kids to play inside. The cabin is empty, but there are rocks and bricks, which equals endless fun!!
There is also a really nice pavilion and playground too! Bathrooms are open and right next to the pavilion. The playground was recently renovated and has a natural/woodland theme.
There is a .4 mile paved trail around the perimeter of the park. A large open field is a favorite for my daughters to run around on! The playground was redone recently and it is a nature-based playground with turf covering.
Drace Park is a nice quiet place, even though it is at the corner of 270 & Clayton!
O’Day Park
📍1000 O’Day Park Dr
O Fallon, MO 63368
The adventure playground is amazing! Construction was completed in 2018. We love the separate toddler area with swings and climbing, as well as the splash pad and creek play on in summer.
There is a rock climbing wall and turf ground. There is an area for older kids where they can climb up ropes to another level (where the slide is). Just a heads up, watch younger kiddos at the top of the slide area in case they try to climb down the ropes.
Restrooms right next to the playground!
They also offer group camping and a lodge and pavilions for renting. This is such a beautiful gem in O’Fallon!
Rayburn Park
Located off of Rayburn Avenue, this is 3.3 hilly shady acres. The park has a playground
with a “gravity rail” zipline swing, which is the coolest thing! The swing zipline is such a neat feature! It does get some high speed, so I recommend reminding kids to hold on tight, or walk while holding onto the zipline until your child feels comfortable. There is a new playground structure up the hill from the zipline, and offers great shade in South County. There are no restrooms and there is free street parking.
Creve Coeur Lake Park
Creve Coeur Lake has 3 wonderful playgrounds on the upper part of the park! The unpaved Bootlegger’s Trail is located in this upper section as well.
Newest one:
📍38.71175° N, 90.47754° W
This is right next to Greensfelder “Spaceship” Shelter, and has an awesome view of Creve Coeur Lake. It is shaded, has turf ground and an awesome climbing structure.
There are two other playgrounds that are located across the street past Go Ape!
Not only that, but the 3.9 mile paved loop around Creve Coeur Lake is just gorgeous.
Shaw park
📍27 S. Brentwood Blvd., Clayton, MO 63105
Located in Clayton, Shaw Park has three playgrounds throughout the park. This 30-acre park is both the oldest and largest park in Clayton. One park is fenced in and has a great treehouse and toddler section. The other two playgrounds have fun climbing options and are newer additions to the park. Not only that, but the Centennial Greenway goes through Shaw with great paved trails.
All around the St. Louis area, there are many wonderful parks just waiting to be explored!!
