Best Outdoor Activities for Kids in St. Louis
23 outdoor adventures for families in St. Louis. Parks, trails, playgrounds, and fresh-air fun for every age group.
Highest rated: Shaw Park Treetop Playground, Anne O'C. Albrecht Nature Playscape, Lone Elk Park. 18 are free. 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
Anne O'C. Albrecht Nature Playscape
4.9 starsThe Nature Playscape at the Missouri Botanical Garden is a naturalistic outdoor play space designed to connect children with the natural world — logs
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.
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
River's Edge
4.8 starsRiver's Edge is the section of the St. Louis Zoo where you can see hippos, elephants, and cheetahs up close with barely any barriers in the way. The h
FreeShaw Park Treetop Playground
Ages: 2–12
Anne O'C. Albrecht Nature Playscape
Ages: 2–12
FreeLone Elk Park
Ages: All ages
FreeForest Park
Ages: All ages
FreeRiver's Edge
Ages: Best for ages 1-10
FreeWorld Bird Sanctuary
Ages: 3–17 (excellent for nature-loving kids)
FreeLongview Farm Park
Ages: All ages
FreeSuson Animal Farm
Ages: 2–10
FreeFrancis Park
Ages: All ages, best for 1–12
Shaw Nature Reserve
Ages: 5–17 (requires walking; best for nature-curious families)
FreeStieren Park
Ages: 1–10 years old
FreeDennis & Judith Jones Variety Wonderland Playground
Ages: Best for ages 2-9
Zachary's Playground
Ages: 1–12 years old, especially great for kids with special needs
Go Ape Zipline and Adventure Park
Ages: 10 and up (must meet height/weight requirements)
FreeLafayette Park
Ages: 1–10 years old
Partially FreeTilles Park
Ages: All ages, best for 2–12
FreeTower Grove Park
Ages: All ages
FreeBee Tree County Park
Ages: 3 and up
FreeTurtle Playground
Ages: 1–10 years old
FreeWillmore Park
Ages: 1–10 years old
FreeForest Park Forever
Ages: All ages
FreeRayburn Park
Ages: 1–10 years old
Wild Lights at the STL Zoo
Ages: Best for ages 1-10
Common Questions
- What are the best outdoor activities for kids in St. Louis?
- 23 outdoor family activities in St. Louis. Highest rated: Shaw Park Treetop Playground, Anne O'C. Albrecht Nature Playscape, Lone Elk Park, Forest Park, River's Edge. Parks, trails, playgrounds, and more.
- Are there free outdoor things to do with kids in St. Louis?
- 18 outdoor activities in St. Louis are free, including Shaw Park Treetop Playground, Lone Elk Park, Forest Park.
- How many outdoor activities in St. Louis are stroller-friendly?
- 19 of the 23 outdoor activities in St. Louis are fully stroller-friendly.
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