Whether planning a photo session or just wanting to go for a stroll, finding your perfect local park is always a great idea! With lush green summers and dramatically colorful falls, Missouri is a fabulous place to find parks with exactly what you need. If you’ve been looking for the best parks in St. Louis for your family, I’d love to give you a list of my faves!
6 of the Best Parks in St Louis to Get Out of the House & Reconnect with Nature
Forest Park
Forest Park is one of the larger urban parks in America, covering over 1,300 acres. While founded in 1876, the park gained acclaim during the 1904 World Fair, drawing crowds from around the globe and inspiring the Judy Garland musical, Meet Me in St. Louis. Over a century later, the park still has some of the attractions from the World Fair. It’s also the site of multiple museums, the St. Louis Zoo, The Muny, and The Jewel Box. You can jog along the expansive trails, paddleboat on the lake, hike on some nature paths, and ice skate at the outdoor Steinberg Rink. It’s the perfect place to spend your day!
Kiener Plaza
Located in the heart of the city, Kiener Plaza is an urban wonderland with tons of activities packed into its 1.9 acres. The plaza has a playground, a fountain, and multiple trails right in front of the Old Courthouse. Furthermore, you can regularly attend some outdoor concerts or grab a refreshing hard seltzer from the 4 Hands station. With a premium view that will have you saying, “Ope, there’s The Arch,” it’s a beautiful blend of the best parts of our city.
Carondelet Park
Carondelet Park is a lovely park in St Louis off Holly Hills with ornate pavilions, large lakes, and sports fields over its 179 acres. The park is the ideal haven for the active family, with tennis courts, horseshoe courts, and a vast playground. The lakes are stocked with several different fish, making it one of the best parks in St Louis amongst the city’s fishers.
Castlewood State Park
If you want to reconnect with nature, Castlewood State Park is for you. The park covers nearly 2,000 acres and features mile after mile of well-marked trails. Castlewood is located near Valley Park and rests alongside Lone Elk. You’re invited to mountain bike, fish, explore the woods, and more. Just make sure to watch your step since both horseback riders and hikers share the trail!
Fairground Park
Fairground Park resides in North St. Louis near Hyde Park. The area spans over 130 acres and features walking trails, a playground, and basketball and tennis courts. The park has a gorgeous stone bridge that looks across a serene lake stocked with fish. Additionally, the park has a large concrete skating rink and multiple bike trails, making it a great place to get moving!
Laumeier Sculpture Park
Laumeier Sculpture Park is located right off Watson near 44. While the park has become known for its modern art sculptures, it offers additional activities, including hiking trails, Food Truck Fridays, outdoor yoga, and family art classes. Many art pieces are interactive, inviting you to climb and explore. The interesting textures and the colorful compositions make it a fabulous spot for a photo session!
Best Parks in St Louis
If you’ve been looking for a way to get out and get back to nature, check out this list of the best parks in St. Louis. From spectacular views to fascinating sights, these places have it all!
As a St. Louis photographer, I love helping families find gorgeous spots for a dreamy photo session. If you’ve considered booking photos for your family, let’s chat! My goal is to work with you to plan a session that’s stress-free and positively genuine. If that sounds like your kind of thing, contact me so we can schedule it!
