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New Yorkers 1st Choice
St. Louis' best

Cool playgrounds

Made for those who seek out unconventional play spaces that break the mold of standard neighborhood parks.

Based on 567 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Suson Animal Farm image 1
Suson Animal Farm image 2
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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 very nice playground offers kids a place to run off energy and have fun after visiting animals. The kids' playground stands out as a phenomenal spot for play and enjoyment.

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."

"The playground here is new and nice."

"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
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 fixtures shaped like turtles and snakes offer unique climbing structures that kids enjoy. The playground stays clean and well maintained and sits near a regular playground with swings and slides.

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."

"The playground has unique turtle and snake statues kids can climb on."

"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.

03
Missouri Botanical Garden image 1

Large, open garden complex features unique light displays and a climate-controlled dome housing tropical plants. Peaceful walking paths wind through family-friendly areas with splash pads and interactive play zones. The atmosphere blends majestic views with a calm, relaxing vibe.

Children enjoy a splash pad, nature play areas, and a shaded playground in the well-designed children's garden. It offers many activities and a great play area for kids.

Tons of cool stuff fill the park, including a really cool kids area and a dome that's neat to walk through. The garden appeals even to non-plant lovers, and event setups like the Glow and Japanese Festival venues add to the vibe.

People are saying

"The children's garden has a splash pad and nature play areas."

"The children's garden has a shaded playground with a splash pad."

"I thought this place was very cool to visit."

Good to know

1

Visitors should check the website for hours of operation and admission information.

2

Parking can be challenging; arrive early or use free shuttle lots.

3

The garden is friendly to disabled guests, ensuring accessibility.

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 a lot of variety and activities for kids of all ages. Shady areas with pavilions and trees provide comfort while children explore and use energy.

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."

"It's a great place for a pavilion party."

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 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.

Concrete turtles form a unique playground sculpture area where kids can slide and climb. The slides get hot during the day, and the setup suits older kids more than toddlers.

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."

"You can climb and slide on the giant turtle sculptures at this playground."

"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.

06
Lava Island image 1
Indoor playground

Indoor playground features a huge jungle gym that nearly touches the roof trusses and includes dedicated toddler areas with trampolines and jungle gyms. The space feels spacious and clean but often becomes overcrowded and chaotic, with children playing closely together and limited seating for adults.

Extensive play areas include a volcano feature, trampoline zone, and a three-story play structure. Slides and foam pools add variety, creating a fun and clean indoor playground experience.

A super cool spot with a fresh vibe. It appeals to all ages, including the grandkids.

People are saying

"It's a lot of fun for kids and adults alike."

"This indoor playground is super fun with tons of activities."

"The play areas are so cool, especially the massive three-story structure."

Good to know

1

Parking is difficult; arrive 30-60 minutes early to find a spot.

2

Parents must pay even if they don't participate in attractions.

3

The adult admission fee is $11, which only allows sitting while kids play.

07
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.

Multiple playgrounds cater to different age groups with well maintained equipment. A water splash pad adds extra fun for kids alongside picnic spots and nearby activities like yoga and music performances.

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 park's playground to be a nice spot with ponds and a creek."

"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.

08
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.

An interactive fountain and abstract playground encourage natural play for kids and adults. The playground includes a small slide for younger children and blends into lush gardens and performance areas.

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 playground here is awesome for kids and adults."

"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.

09
St. Louis Union Station image 1
Tourist attraction

Grand interior combines with historic architecture and large koi pond to create a unique setting. Ferris wheel, aquarium, and interactive attractions offer a lively, family-friendly atmosphere. Outdoor fountain features a free fire and water show, adding to the festive vibe.

Multiple play areas include a mini golf course, a small train-themed playground, and a water play table. A large enclosed Ferris wheel and hands-on coloring tables add variety to the fun.

Fire show on the outdoor fountain offers a free and cool spectacle. The place features great food, cool rides, and attractions including a historic hotel and aquarium.

People are saying

"The aquarium was amazing and interactive; you could touch aquatic species."

"I found the station to be a pretty cool place."

"The aquarium is absolutely beautiful and amazing."

Good to know

1

The Grand Hall Experience light show occurs nightly and is free to watch.

2

The fire and ice show runs hourly in the evenings and is free.

3

Walking around St. Louis Union Station is free and offers many sights.

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