About Forest Park
Forest Park offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural attractions, and recreational activities, making it a versatile destination for families looking to enjoy outdoor experiences alongside educational opportunities.
What parents should know
Summarized from real visitor reviews.
Best for: Families looking for a day of outdoor fun combined with educational experiences.Parents seeking a safe and clean environment for children to play.Toddlers and preschoolers can enjoy small playgrounds.School-aged children and older can appreciate the zoo and museums.Teenagers may enjoy biking and jogging on the trails.
Why families love it
- Abundant wildlife including robins, squirrels, Canadian geese, and deer.
- Free admission to the St. Louis Zoo and the Saint Louis Art Museum.
- Miles of walking, jogging, and biking trails suitable for all fitness levels.
- Dedicated picnic areas and small playgrounds for children.
- The variety of trails for walking, jogging, and biking.
- The peaceful forest setting that allows for a disconnect from urban noise.
Insider tips
- Check the schedule for the Planetarium and Historical Museum to avoid disappointment.
- Plan visits to the zoo and art museum as they are free and family-friendly.
- Consider visiting during weekdays to avoid larger crowds.
Good to know before you go
- Visiting on Mondays when the Historical Museum is closed.
- Using the light rail if safety is a concern; driving may be a better option.
- Certain attractions like the Planetarium and Historical Museum have limited hours, with some closed on specific days.
- Light rail transportation may feel unsafe to some visitors.
- Crowds
- Weekends may be busier due to family visits, while weekdays are likely quieter.
- Value
- Most attractions within the park, including the zoo and art museum, are free, providing excellent value compared to other paid venues. Parking is plentiful and may incur no additional cost.
- Food
- No specific food and drink rules mentioned, but picnic areas suggest that bringing food is allowed.
- Accessibility
- The park is generally accessible, but specific accommodations for special needs were not mentioned in the reviews.
- Safety
- The park is described as feeling very safe, with clean environments and abundant wildlife.
What parents say
"Over 2 days we walked a large part of the park. Nice trails for biking, jogging, and walking. The first day we missed the Jewel box by 30 minutes. It was all decorated for Resurrection Sunday. Something seems to be closed each day of the week. The Historical museum is closed on Monday. When we went on Wednesday, the exhibit on the 1904 World's Fair was great. We didn't walk to it, but Google said the Planetarium was closed on Wednesday. Very close to the zoo and golf course. We took the light rail, which was a little sketchy, one day and drove the second day. There is plenty of good parking."
2 weeks ago
"Families, runners, photographers, and nature enthusiasts will all find something to love here. There are dedicated areas for picnicking and even small playgrounds for children, without disturbing the overall tranquility of the forest setting. Wildlife is abundant, yet the park is clean and feels very safe."
in the last week
"Beautiful park that once held the 1904 World's Fair, now home to Saint Louise Art Museum and St. Louis Zoo ( both with free admission). This picturesque place offers many walking paths for walking and jogging, the forest within the city to unwind and connect with nature. Visited the last week of March, and many trees were blooming with the coming of spring."
a month ago
Reviews sourced from public Google data.
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