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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of St. Louis

Cool parks

You need a park that actually offers a reprieve from the heat.

Based on 518 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
Suson Animal Farm image 1
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Farm setting combines free petting zoo, playground for kids, and fishing pond for a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere. Visitors enjoy picnic areas and walking trails around a beautiful pond. Energy stays calm and homey, making it easy to unwind outdoors.

A beautiful park with a lake and picnic areas offers a mix of farm animals, fishing, and playground fun. Kids of all ages find a super fun park above the animal farm.

Shade and a cool area make this spot stand out. It feels small but super cool and offers a free attraction vibe.

People are saying

"It's a great place to take the kids to see all the farm animals."

"You can pet and feed so many friendly animals at this park."

"It's a pretty cool free attraction."

Good to know

1

Bring quarters to buy animal food for feeding the animals.

2

Admission to the farm is free for all visitors.

3

The farm is family-friendly with activities for all ages.

02
Tower Grove Park image 1

Spacious park with old green trees and numerous pavilions featuring themed designs creates a charming and calming energy. Multiple playgrounds, a splash pad, and courts for tennis and pickleball offer varied activities. Historical features like gazebos, ponds, and World's Fair structures enrich the peaceful atmosphere.

Offers a beautiful public space that stays very nice and clean. Hosts events like Food Truck Friday and serves as a popular spot for family gatherings and celebrations.

Lots of yummy food and cool art fill the Farmer's Market. Tower Grove Park offers a laid-back atmosphere that feels easygoing and inviting.

People are saying

"This park is beautiful, spacious, and always well-maintained."

"I found the farmer's market here to be great and awesome."

"It's a cool place to just be."

Good to know

1

The park hosts a Farmers Market every Saturday, featuring local produce and goods.

2

Food Truck Fridays occur monthly, offering a variety of food options and live music.

3

Safety concerns arise at night due to limited lighting in some areas of the park.

03
Citygarden Sculpture Park image 1

Urban park combines unique sculptures with interactive water features like splash pads and fountains. It offers a serene atmosphere amid downtown, with well-kept grounds and a cool waterfall. The space attracts families and those seeking a quiet spot to relax and enjoy art and nature.

Clean and well-maintained, the park offers a great mix of unique sculptures and green space. Kids enjoy running around in the fountains and exploring with a sculpture map.

Unique sculptures and a cool waterfall create a standout vibe. A video wall adds to the scene, showing movies and local baseball games.

People are saying

"It's really kid friendly, especially the splash pad and fountains."

"I thought the sculptures and art pieces here were really cool."

"This park's sculptures are fun, creative, and interesting."

Good to know

1

Citygarden Sculpture Park is free to visit.

2

The park is clean and well-maintained.

3

Parking was hard to find at Citygarden Sculpture Park.

04
Crestwood Park image 1

Park offers a shady playground with inclusive play equipment for kids aged 5 to 12 and a 9-hole disc golf course suitable for casual play. Pavilion areas support family-friendly gatherings in a peaceful, clean setting. Open fields and jogging trails add variety to the outdoor experience.

An expanded playground offers many activities for kids aged 5 to 12, including features that engage older children around 11 to 12. A 9-hole disc golf course provides a fun, easy game, and the park has a great hill for sledding and shady pavilions for gatherings.

Plenty of really cool sections and activities make this park stand out. It offers a fun and engaging atmosphere throughout.

People are saying

"The playground here is really fun and inclusive for all ages."

"It's a cool place with plenty of fun sections and activities."

"The playground at this park is really fun and engaging for kids."

Good to know

1

Crestwood Park has a beginner-friendly 9-hole disc golf course.

2

The park features a playground suitable for toddlers to pre-teens.

3

The bathrooms at Crestwood Park are not yet open for the season.

05
Turtle Playground image 1

Concrete sculptures of turtles and snakes create a unique climbing experience for children. The playground sits near a small parking lot and a traditional play area with swings and slides, offering multiple play options. Proximity to a zoo and easy parking make it a convenient stop for families.

Concrete playground fixtures shaped like giant turtles and a snake offer a unique climbing experience for kids. The park includes a regular playground with swings, slides, and climbing structures, all in a clean, well maintained setting near a small parking lot.

Many kids find the park cool for climbing and exploring the giant turtles and snake sculptures. It offers several play options and stands out as a unique roadside attraction.

People are saying

"It's a cool park with giant turtles kids can climb on."

"I found the climbing and exploring experience here to be unique and inventive."

"It's a cool park with lots of play options for kids."

Good to know

1

Free parking is available a short walk from the zoo entrance.

2

Parking at Turtle Park is limited on weekends.

3

The playground features unique turtle and snake sculptures for kids to climb.

06
Chain of Rocks Park image 1

Bridge crossing offers spectacular views including historic water towers and downtown skyline. Park features gated security, picnic pavilions, and free telescopes for river and city viewing. Atmosphere stays quiet and clean, with well-maintained trails and a safe parking area on one side.

Security stands out with a guarded gate and cameras everywhere. Trails and landscaping create a clean, safe space with great Mississippi River views and picnic areas.

Unique landmarks and a spot to easily pull off the road make this place stand out. It offers a cool vibe for quick visits or sightseeing.

People are saying

"The bathrooms here are just portable toilets."

"The park's restrooms and picnic tables were clean and available."

"It's a cool spot to pull off and check out the sights."

Good to know

1

The park opens at 7:00 a.m. and closes shortly after sunset.

2

Security opens the bridge gates at 8 a.m. for access.

3

Parking is available only on the Illinois side of the park.

07
Turtle Playground Sculptures image 1

Gigantic concrete sculptures of turtles and snakes create a unique playground where children climb and slide. The area offers good shade and ample grassy space for play and picnics. Noise from nearby highways is noticeable but fenced off, and the park stays quiet on weekdays.

Playground sculptures create a unique and charming park experience. The area offers photo opportunities and appeals to families and kids with its unconventional scale and design.

Sculptures stand out as weird and cool, with some designed for climbing. The turtle sculptures add a unique touch, making the playground area feel cool and family-friendly.

People are saying

"It's a fun place for kids to climb and play on the turtles."

"The parks have huge turtle sculptures kids love climbing on."

"The turtle sculptures here are cool and you can climb on them."

Good to know

1

The park is within walking distance from the zoo.

2

You can climb around on the giant turtles.

3

You can slide down one of the turtles.

08
Fort Belle Fontaine image 1

Grand staircase overlooks the Missouri River, offering breathtaking views and a unique architectural feature in the area. The park combines historic ruins with lush greenery and quiet trails along the riverbank. Visitors find a peaceful atmosphere that connects nature and history in a spacious, off-the-beaten-path setting.

Trails wind past old military ruins leading to a fort, offering a mix of history and nature. The park features a grand staircase overlooking the river and is known for being dog friendly and very clean.

Stone ruins from the 1930s stand out as a cool historical feature. The hike offers a chance to explore old structures like stairs and ruins in a free park setting.

People are saying

"It's a beautiful place to explore history."

"The park's grand staircase is breathtaking, leading down toward the river."

"I found the cool ruins from the 1930s made for great photos."

Good to know

1

There are no restroom facilities at Fort Belle Fontaine.

2

Expect to encounter mosquitoes; bug spray is recommended.

3

The Grand Staircase is a sight to see, but some stairs are crumbling.

09
Kiener Plaza Park image 1

Open green space centers around an interactive water fountain with views of the Gateway Arch and nearby courthouse. The atmosphere feels peaceful and cozy, with a family-friendly playground and seasonal features like an ice rink adding festive energy. Plenty of seating and modern amenities support relaxation and community gatherings.

A playground and splash pad offer fun for kids and adults alike. The park features an interactive fountain, lush gardens, and performance areas, all kept very clean and well maintained.

A kids playground and a fountain create a cool spot to chill. Many events happen here throughout the year, adding to the vibe.

People are saying

"The view of the Arch and courthouse is gorgeous."

"The parks here offer amazing views of the Arch."

"It's a cool little city park, a nice gem to chill."

Good to know

1

Free ice skating requires a reserved time slot.

2

Sunrise Yoga sessions are free every Tuesday at 7am from May through October.

3

Kiener Plaza hosts numerous events throughout the year, including concerts and festivals.

10
Winter Wonderland STL image 1

Park features a spacious play area with slides and climbing, plus a unique toddler swing. Bright, well-arranged light displays create a fun atmosphere amid a generally dark setting. Families with children frequent the area, which can feel congested but remains easy to enjoy.

Trout fishing happens here with some success. The park offers a scenic ride through its grounds. Overall, the park feels average in quality.

Lights create a cool atmosphere that stands out. The overall experience feels unique and engaging.

People are saying

"It's really fun and kid friendly for families."

"I drove through the beautiful Christmas lights; it was enjoyable."

"I enjoyed the ride through the park and fishing in the lake."

Good to know

1

The event scheduled for November 30th was canceled due to rain.

2

The entry ticket costs $20 per vehicle.

3

Parking access is limited, so arrive early.

11
Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park image 1

Indoor amusement park offers packed activities like trampolines, obstacle courses, and a zipline in a deceptively large space. Atmosphere is loud and busy with many kids running around and lots of energy. Facilities include massage chairs for adults while kids play.

Trampoline activities suit all ages and keep everyone entertained. The park stays well maintained and clean, making it a fun spot for birthday parties and memberships.

Energy flows through the trampoline and adventure park with plenty of space for kids to jump and play. The vibe stays super cool and lively throughout.

People are saying

"The staff here is so friendly and great with kids."

"It's a fun place for kids to have a blast at these parks."

"I found the place to be super cool."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for birthday parties to ensure availability.

2

The park has a high concentration on safety with staff monitoring activities.

3

Entry prices are reasonable, making it accessible for families.

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