FunKidsActivities
Cherokee Recreation Center

Cherokee Recreation Center

3200 S Jefferson Ave #3102, St. Louis, MO 63118, USA

Overview

Category:Summer Camps
Location:St. Louis, MO

Expert Summary

Detailed Insights

Cherokee Recreation Center offers highly effective children's swim lessons (notably with Ms. Dana), diverse programs like Martial Arts and pottery, and provides a free membership for weekday access to a gym, exercise equipment, and a pool. It's consistently praised as a fun environment for kids, with notable free pottery classes for adults.

Key Highlights

  • Ms. Dana's swim lessons are exceptionally structured, informed, and skilled; kids learn more in one lesson with her than in 16 weeks at other facilities (e.g., the Y).
  • High-quality pottery/ceramic classes are taught by Jen/Jin, described as a talented artist and a super good/spirited teacher.
  • Free ceramic/pottery classes are available for adults.
  • Children can learn Martial Arts and swimming.
  • The center offers a free membership providing access to a gym, exercise equipment, and a pool.
  • Children consistently have fun when visiting.

Standout Features

  • Exceptional and highly effective swim instruction by Ms. Dana.
  • Variety of programs including Martial Arts, swimming, and pottery.
  • Free adult ceramic/pottery classes.
  • Free membership for facility access (gym, exercise equipment, pool).
  • Well-maintained and improved center with new programs.

Perfect For

School-aged children: Ideal for swim lessons, Martial Arts, and general recreational fun.
Adults: Excellent for free pottery/ceramic classes and use of gym/pool facilities.

Ideal For

Parents seeking rapid and effective swim lesson progress for their children.
Families looking for diverse weekday activities like Martial Arts or general recreation.
Adults interested in free creative classes (pottery) or convenient gym/pool access during weekdays.
Keeping school-aged children engaged and having fun with structured activities.

💡Pro Tips from Reviews

  • If prioritizing swim instruction, specifically ask for Ms. Dana due to her highly effective teaching style.
  • For general facility use (gym, pool), plan visits for weekdays as the center is only open then.
  • Always check for holiday closures or other posted schedule changes before visiting.
  • Adults interested in pottery can take advantage of free classes, likely on Thursdays with Jen/Jin.

Things to Consider

  • General facilities (gym, pool) are only open on weekdays.
  • The center is closed on holidays or if posted, requiring parents to check ahead.

Price & Value

Offers excellent value with a free membership providing access to gym, exercise equipment, and pool. Provides free ceramic/pottery classes for adults. Swim lessons are highlighted as being exceptionally effective, providing superior value compared to other institutions (e.g., learning more in one lesson than 16 weeks at the Y). No hidden costs mentioned.

Accessibility & Special Needs

  • No specific accommodations mentioned in the reviews.

🍎Food & Drink Policy

  • No information available in the reviews.

🚗Parking Info

  • No information available in the reviews.

👥Crowd Levels

  • Regular use by a reviewer ("couple of times a week") implies manageable crowds during weekdays. No specific crowd times mentioned.

🛡️Safety Features

  • No specific safety features mentioned in the reviews.

When to Avoid

  • Weekend visits for general facilities (gym, pool) as they are only open weekdays.
  • Visiting on holidays without confirming opening hours.
  • If specifically seeking programs or facilities for infants/toddlers, as these were not mentioned.

Pricing/Package/Events

Events & Schedule

🛡️Safety Policy

  • All children under 12 must have an 18-year-old with them at all times to swim.
Information extracted from official website • Last updated: Oct 13, 2025

Photos

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Recent Reviews

Gina K.

Gina K.

a year ago

Lawrence runs this center beautifully and has really fixed it up and added great programs for kids and adults. I go for the pottery class on Thursdays. Jen, the pottery teacher, is a talented artist as well as a super good teacher!

Mordecai Da Goat

Mordecai Da Goat

2 years ago

My kids started at the STL Rec just a few weeks ago. They are learning Martial Arts, swimming and so much more. But I had to write a review of the swim lessons my kids received by Ms. Dana at the Cherokee Center. My kids have attended lessons at the Y, but Ms. Dana is structured, informed, skilled and most of all, my kids learned something. They know more from one lesson with her, than in the 16 weeks at the Y. My kids will be swimming in no time! Definitely coming back!!

Courtney Ward

Courtney Ward

a year ago

They have a good ceramic glass, free for adults. The instructor name is Jin, and she has a good spirit! 🤗

Joyce Logan

Joyce Logan

a year ago

Love this place, my grandson has so much fun everytime he go here.

Vivica Foxwell

Vivica Foxwell

6 years ago

South City Recreation. Free membership. Open weekdays only. Closed on holidays or if posted. Gym, exercise equipment and pool available. I try to go at least couple of times a week.

Contact Information

3200 S Jefferson Ave #3102, St. Louis, MO 63118, USA

View on Google Maps

Opening Hours

Monday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Sunday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Quick Stats

Overall Rating
4.3
Total Reviews95
Recent Reviews5