Free Things to Do with Kids in St. Louis
24 free kid-friendly activities in St. Louis. No admission fees — parks, playgrounds, trails, and more. Age ratings and parent tips for every listing.
Highest rated: Shaw Park Treetop Playground, Zachary's Playground, Lone Elk Park. 2 are indoor. 18 are outdoor. Every listing includes age ratings, stroller access, and parent tips.
Top Picks
Shaw Park Treetop Playground
4.9 starsShaw Park's Treetop Playground is an elevated play structure set among the trees of Clayton's beautiful Shaw Park, featuring multi-level climbing, con
Zachary's Playground
4.8 starsZachary's Playground is a full-scale inclusive playground that was purpose-built so kids of all abilities can play together — and you can feel the int
Lone Elk Park
4.8 starsLone Elk Park is a free drive-through St. Louis County park where wild elk, bison, white-tailed deer, and wild turkey roam freely alongside the road.
Dennis & Judith Jones Variety Wonderland Playground
4.8 starsOne of the best playgrounds in St. Louis. Inclusive/accessible with equipment designed for all abilities including wheelchair ramps and sensory play.
Forest Park
4.8 starsForest Park is one of the largest urban parks in the US (bigger than Central Park) and packs in the free Saint Louis Zoo, Jewel Box, paddle boats, mul
FreeShaw Park Treetop Playground
Ages: 2–12
Zachary's Playground
Ages: 1–12 years old, especially great for kids with special needs
FreeLone Elk Park
Ages: All ages
FreeDennis & Judith Jones Variety Wonderland Playground
Ages: Best for ages 2-9
FreeForest Park
Ages: All ages
FreeFrancis Park
Ages: All ages, best for 1–12
FreeSaint Louis Zoo
Ages: All ages — one of the best free zoos in the country
FreeRiver's Edge
Ages: Best for ages 1-10
FreeWorld Bird Sanctuary
Ages: 3–17 (excellent for nature-loving kids)
FreePowder Valley Conservation Nature Center
Ages: All ages
FreeLongview Farm Park
Ages: All ages
FreeMonsanto Insectarium
Ages: 4–17
FreeJungle of the Apes
Ages: Best for ages 2-12
FreeSuson Animal Farm
Ages: 2–10
FreeStieren Park
Ages: 1–10 years old
FreeLafayette Park
Ages: 1–10 years old
FreeMcDonnell Polar Bear Point
Ages: All ages
FreeBee Tree County Park
Ages: 3 and up
FreeTower Grove Park
Ages: All ages
FreeTurtle Playground
Ages: 1–10 years old
FreeWillmore Park
Ages: 1–10 years old
FreeForest Park Forever
Ages: All ages
FreeExplore St. Louis
Ages: All ages (as a planning resource)
FreeRayburn Park
Ages: 1–10 years old
Common Questions
- What are the best free things to do with kids in St. Louis?
- St. Louis has 24 free family-friendly activities. Top-rated picks include Shaw Park Treetop Playground, Zachary's Playground, Lone Elk Park, Dennis & Judith Jones Variety Wonderland Playground, Forest Park. All are free admission — no tickets needed.
- Are there free outdoor activities for kids in St. Louis?
- Yes — 18 of the 24 free activities in St. Louis are outdoors, including parks, playgrounds, and trails.
- What free activities in St. Louis are good for toddlers?
- 23 free activities in St. Louis are rated for toddlers (ages 1-3). Parent favorites: Shaw Park Treetop Playground, Zachary's Playground, Lone Elk Park.
- How many free activities in St. Louis are stroller-friendly?
- 22 of the 24 free activities in St. Louis are fully stroller-friendly.
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