LITTLE PARKS, BIG FUN

By Alecia Humphreys

Once the weather starts to warm, parks become packed with families yearning for fun and fresh air. Whether your littles love to speed down slides, soar on swings or climb to their hearts’ content, these little parks are full of big fun for the entire family to enjoy!

Avery Park

Avery Park is a tiny but mighty park showcasing a crazy cool playground with a rope climbing wall, suspended circular climbing rings, drums and more. The site also has swings, a misting station and walking paths for a plethora of play opportunities for all ages.

Avery Park, 225 Avery Drive, Kirkwood, kirkwoodparksandrec.org

Benton Park

With a lavish lake, fabulous fountain and overall great grounds, Benton Park is a beaut! Plus, Benton Park has a playground packed with swirly slides, climbable structures and more that your littles will love.

Benton Park, 3100 S. Jefferson Ave., St. Louis, stlouis-mo.gov/parks

Greenwood Park

Greenwood Park might be a pocket park within Maplewood, but it’s packed full of fun. The playground features a single baby swing and a standard swing in addition to a tunnel, rock wall and several slides. There’s also a digger for those kids who you just can’t seem to keep away from playing in the dirt.

Greenwood Park, 7211 Kensington Ave., Maplewood, cityofmaplewood.com

Lafayette Park

It should come as no surprise that Lafayette Square is home to a park that is as picturesque as the neighborhood in which it’s nestled. With its lovely lake (equipped with iconic iron bridges), towering trees, historical walking tours and a petite playground, Lafayette Park is worth the stop to take in some stunning landscapes and fabulous fun.

Lafayette Park, 2023 Lafayette Ave., St. Louis, stlouis-mo.gov/parks

Tilles Park

Kids and parents alike will adore Tilles Park.

Home to two playgrounds, trails, a spray fountain play area, tennis courts and more, Tilles Park has plenty to offer for the shortest of stops or a funfilled day of adventure.

Tilles Park, 9551 Litzsinger Road, St. Louis, stlouiscountymo.gov

Turtle Playground

Although Turtle Playground is a smaller slice of Forest Park, it can be considered a sincere standout for fun. Turtle Playground features (you guessed it) enormous tortoise sculptures, oversized turtle eggs and more for your kids to climb on.

Turtle Playground, 5595 Grand Drive, St. Louis, racstl.org/public-art/turtle-playground-park

Walker Park

Walker Park is small but sweet. It features activities for all ages, including walking paths, a playground and game tables. Plus, kids will love seeing the bronze turtles and taking a seat in the unique butterfly chair!

Walker Park, 135 E. Washington Ave., Kirkwood, kirkwoodparksandrec.org