FunKidsActivities

Carondelet Park Playground

3902 Loughborough Ave, St. Louis, MO 63116, USA

Overview

Category:Best Outdoor Playgrounds
Location:St. Louis, MO

Expert Summary

Detailed Insights

Carondelet Park Playground offers a well-equipped outdoor play experience suitable for a broad age range, fostering spontaneous social interaction among children. Its unique value includes dedicated areas for different age groups, a comfortable cushy surface, and the ability to play into the evening thanks to installed lighting.

Key Highlights

  • Features a soft, cushy playground surface, making it comfortable for kids to play and potentially safer.
  • Includes a dedicated area with smaller equipment specifically designed for younger kids, right next to the main play area.
  • The larger play area is equipped with lights, allowing children to play until the sun goes down.
  • Fosters spontaneous social play, with one reviewer noting the likelihood of kids playing football with strangers.
  • Swings are a major hit with children, and there are parent-child swings available alongside regular swings.

Standout Features

  • Cushy playground surface material.
  • Ample benches available for parents to sit and chat.
  • Separate play area with smaller equipment for toddlers/younger children.
  • Lights in the larger play area for evening use.
  • Variety of equipment including slides, spinning toys, and climbing structures.
  • Features both regular swings and swings designed for a child and parent to use together.

Perfect For

Perfect for younger kids with a dedicated area of smaller equipment.
The main play area is designed for kids aged 5-12.
Overall suitable for a wide range, specifically mentioned as good for kids 2/3ish to 12 years old.

Ideal For

Families with children spanning a wider age range (e.g., a toddler and an elementary schooler) due to segregated play areas.
Playdates where parents want to relax on benches while children play.
Evening outings for kids who enjoy playing after dusk.
Parents looking for a venue that encourages spontaneous social interaction among children.

💡Pro Tips from Reviews

  • Be prepared for potential restroom closures, especially during non-peak seasons (e.g., early March); plan accordingly.
  • Consider visiting in the evening to take advantage of the playground lights for extended play.
  • Encourage spontaneous social interaction, as kids often engage in play with others they've just met (e.g., football).

Things to Consider

  • Restrooms located nearby and throughout Carondelet Park may not always be open, particularly in early spring (e.g., March 5th) or off-season.
  • One parent expressed a wish for the overall playground area to be bigger, as it accommodates 'all kinds of age groups' and can feel a bit constrained despite age-specific sections.

Price & Value

Free to use as it's a public park playground, offering excellent value for family entertainment.

Accessibility & Special Needs

  • Features a 'nice cushy surface' throughout the playground, which can improve mobility and safety for some users. No other specific accessibility accommodations were mentioned.

🍎Food & Drink Policy

  • Not explicitly mentioned in reviews, but as a public outdoor park, outside food and drinks are generally permitted.

🚗Parking Info

  • Specific parking details are not provided, but being within Carondelet Park implies general park parking is available.

👥Crowd Levels

  • Described as 'not crowded' by one reviewer, suggesting it's often a comfortable environment without excessive crowds.

🛡️Safety Features

  • Playground features a soft, 'cushy surface' for impact absorption.
  • The larger play area has lights, enhancing visibility and safety during evening hours.

When to Avoid

  • Relying solely on park restrooms being open, particularly outside of peak season.
  • If you are expecting a very large, sprawling playground with vast open spaces for older children, as some feel the overall area could be larger for the diverse age groups present.

What People Say

What's Great

  • Spacious play areas (mentioned in 6 reviews)

Areas for Improvement

  • Parking can be challenging (mentioned in 2 reviews)

Recent Reviews

R Cusick

R Cusick

3 years ago

I went with my friend to visit while their kids played. The kids greatly enjoyed the swings, and we enjoyed a bench to chat on. There are restrooms nearby but they were not open today (March 5th), nor were any of the restrooms I passed by in Carondelet Park. The playground is on a nice cushy surface--I'd love to walk on a trail made of that material. Plenty of swings and benches.

Benjamin D

Benjamin D

a week ago

Not crowded. Be prepared to play football with a kid you've never met

Annabelle Cushman

Annabelle Cushman

3 years ago

Cute little play area designed for kids age 5-12. There is an area with smaller equipment for younger kids right next to the larger play area. There are restrooms near the play area. The larger play area has lights so your kids can play until the sun goes down. Our kids had lots of fun 😊

Katherine

Katherine

3 years ago

Nice playground for kids 2/3ish to 12. Slides, spinning toys and climbing. Swings for both kid and parent and regular swings for just 1 person at a time also.

Shenique James

Shenique James

3 years ago

I like Carondelet Park, I just wish that the playground area was bigger, it's all kinds of age groups that come to the park. I feel like that the park is big enough to extend the park some more because the kids will enjoy it more if it was bigger.

Contact Information

3902 Loughborough Ave, St. Louis, MO 63116, USA

View on Google Maps

Quick Stats

Overall Rating
4.6
Total Reviews60
Recent Reviews5