Top 10 Things to do in Forest Park St. Louis
Forest Park in St. Louis Missouri is a mecca of outdoor adventure among a city of buildings and urban life. This quiet escape is home to the zoo, lakes, museums, and more. It’s a beautiful place to bring kids, as there are many fun things to do in Forest Park in St. Louis.
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While on our recent trip to Missouri, we were able to spend a fun-filled day in Forest Park. The kids along for the ride had a great time discovering animals and nature all within this natural area of the city.
Read on for a full guide and all the best activities at Forest Park in St. Louis so you can plan ahead and get the most out of your time to this Urban gem.
Where is Forest Park?
Forest Park is located within St. Louis, on the western side of the downtown area. It’s about 8-10 minutes of a drive west of Gateway Arch, and about half the time from Union Station.
Forest Park sits on the north side of I-64, not far from Washington University.
Getting to Forest Park isn’t difficult, it’s driving the maze of attractions within the park that can get confusing.
Check out an easier-to-read map of Forest park to get an idea of where to go before you visit.
Where Should I Park at Forest Park?
There are parking areas all around the park. You’ll find specific lots for the zoo, which are paid lots, as well as lots near most attractions.
You’ll also find plenty of street parking, like on Government Drive between the zoo and boat house.
Can I Just Walk Around Forest Park?
Yes! You can just walk around Forest Park on the many trails that run throughout. Enjoy a nice spring day on the trails and past many of the playgrounds and water features. You can visit and enjoy Forest Park without having to pay for any attractions.
What to do at Forest Park, St. Louis
There are many, many things to do in Forest Park with kids. Here are a few of the most fun, entertaining, and worthwhile activities in Forest Park that the whole family will enjoy.
1. Visit the St. Louis Zoo
Before I get into the zoo, I’ll mention one important detail:
The St. Louis Zoo is FREE to visit!
Since we are a larger family, this is always a welcome surprise.
I will also mention, parking at the zoo is not free. But that makes up for not having to pay admission.
The St. Louis Zoo 90 acres made from over 600 species of animals. Kids will love going through the different habitats and witnessing elephants, tigers, lions, hippos, penguins, and sea lions swimming in an easy-to-see open top area. The kids also enjoyed walking through a tunnel surrounded by water animals.
Treat the kids to a train ride through the zoo, or a ride around on the carousel. Top it off with a large Bavarian pretzel or plate of nachos.
I found the St. Louis Zoo well laid out and easy to navigate. There were plenty of places to find concessions and summer drinks. But one thing I really appreciated was the amount of shade!
The humidity of Missouri in summer can be miserable. Having plenty of foliage along the paths made it much more bearable and easier to enjoy the animals.
2. St. Louis Art Museum
Not far from the zoo is the St. Louis Art Museum in Forest Park. The city treats you to this visit, as it is also free to enter (though special exhibitions may require a paid ticket).
Go on a journey around the world as you meander through the halls of art that go back up to 5,000 years ago.
From Ancient America and Islamic arts to decorative arts, everyone who visits will find something to connect with and find interest in.
You’ll also find Asian, European, Egyptian and other art forms among the 3 levels of displays.
If your family visits on a Sunday, the kids will get to participate in the Family Sunday art activity, in which the project is always changing for something new.
3. Missouri History Museum
Closed on Mondays. Check schedule
Another FREE attraction to visit, the Missouri History Museum is a place that is dedicated to researching and preserving St. Louis history from when the city was established in 1764. The museum was first founded in 1866, and currently serves over 400,000 people each year.
It was actually built as the first monument to Thomas Jefferson back in 1913.
You can see history come to life from objects from the 1904 World’s Fair held in St. Louis to current day baseball. You’ll also learn about time during the Civil Rights Movement in St. Louis.
Specifically for the kids is a 6,000 square foot area History Clubhouse with all sorts of hands-on exhibits.
4. The Boat House
This is one of the more fun things to do in Forest Park for kids and a great way to be outside in the city.
Head to the boat house where you can rent a canoe or paddleboat and spend an afternoon on the lake.
Pay your fee per-boat and then enjoy an hour of peddling away. It’s harder than it looks, but definitely as much fun as it looks.
When you’re tired, grab some lunch at the restaurant on site to enjoy views of the lake and park as you munch on soups, salads, and sandwiches.
5. Picnic at the Fountain
While we saw many people swimming in the fountain, the city has asked over and over that people not swim in it due to its lack of hygiene.
However, you’re welcome to sit next to the Kerth Fountain, an impressive hardscape at Government Hill along Government Drive (between the zoo and Boathouse).
Pack your picnic ahead of time and enjoy a beautiful backdrop as you people watch in Forest Park.
While there are a few fountains in the park, this one is easily accessed and has plenty of space.
Did you Know: Forest Park is bigger than Central Park in New York. Central Park is 843 acres, while Forest Park in St. Louis is about 1,300 acres.
6. Steinberg Ice Skating Rink
While all the fun seems to happen in summer, this is something fun to do in Forest Park in winter.
The Steinberg Ice Skating Rink is over 27,000 square feet of icy fun. It’s a great place to hang out on a cold, dreary day.
Alternate between skating, eating, skating, sipping hot cocoa, skating some more, and grabbing some food or sitting at a fire pit if you need to warm up.
There’s even an indoor area to grab your skates or to sit and stay warm while you can still see the kids skate!
You can stay as long as you’d like as admission covers you all day.
7. The McDonnell Planetarium
Located on the southeast corner of Forest Park is a planetarium that will take you to far away places.
General admission to the museum is free, though some exhibits and shows have ticket requirements.
The McDonnell Planetarium will show kids all about space and aviation, starting with the 8-foot globe in the lobby where you’ll find current satellite images.
You’ll also get to witness life-size replicas of rovers that roam Mars (limited time expo), check out space capsules from the 1960’s, and walk through what the future may look like if we build a base on Mars.
8. Attend an Event at Forest Park
For more family-friendly things to do at Forest Park, check out a current schedule of events. There’s always something happening during summers at Forest Park.
Summer brings story times for the kids, luncheons, running races, shows at The Muny theater, and other special events.
9. Check out the Visitor Center
While this may seem kinda boring, we have come to love visitor centers. You can learn a lot, including things that sometimes get left off the map!
But at the Visitor Center at Forest Park, you’ll get more than friendly help.
Anyone bringing their bikes to check out the trails in Forest Park and stop by the visitor center to fill up their tires and their water bottles. You can also use a locker here to keep your things safe.
Rest on the patio, use the restroom, relax on a swing, or hit up the playground.
The visitor center is a nice place to hang out, decompress, or pass some time if you’re not quite ready to leave Forest Park for the day.
10. Find a Small Park Area
There are many places to hang out and just enjoy being in Forest Park. You can hang out at a fountain, like the one noted in #5, or the Emerson Grand Basin and Fountains between the Art Museum and Lagoon Drive.
You can also head to the Albrecht Nature Playscape, located along Concourse Drive. Here the kids can climb around, enjoy dipping their hands in the shallow water, play in the sand or in the tunnels, or walk along stumps. It’s all nature based play among 17 acres.
Where to Stay Near Forest Park
For something a little more luxurious, check out the Royal Sonesta. It’ll put you at the corner of Forest Park for easy access. The Royal Sonesta is a 4.5 star hotel and can sleep up to 5 in a room, with connecting rooms available. This upscale hotel has a beautiful pool area and an impressive gym.
For a family-friendly place with included breakfast (because that is super convenient when you have kids!), stay at the Hampton Inn. This location is highly rated for it’s clean rooms and being kept in great condition. You’ll get breakfast included, plus an indoor pool. That’s a kid win!
FAQ About Forest Park in St. Louis
Is Forest Park Bigger than Central Park?
Yes, Forest Park is bigger than Central Park. Forest Park measures around 1,300 acres while Central Park comes in at 843 acres.
What is Forest Park Known For?
Forest Park in St. Louis is known for is open green spaces, outdoor activity, and free zoo and museums. There is plenty for a family to do in Forest Park for an entire weekend.
Can You Walk in Forest Park in St. Louis?
Forest Park in St. Louis is very walkable. There are trails all over that get get you almost anywhere you need to go within the park, including connections to the zoo, art museum, and planetarium.
Best Things to do in Forest Park
If you’re wondering how to spend a day in Forest Park in St. Louis, the real question is how to spend only a day in Forest Park.
We used up an entire day exploring the zoo, paddle boating, and eating lunch by the fountains. There were easily so many other things to do in Forest Park, as noted in this post.
How will you spend your day among this St. Louis gem? Are you here for the animals, the art, the history, space, or just the beautiful natural spaces. You can’t go wrong when you plan a day in Forest Park. There is plenty to do and plenty of space for everyone.
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