Hiking with Kids Open
John F. Kennedy Memorial Forest
4.9(45)4.9 out of 5 stars, 45 reviews St. Louis, MO
About John F. Kennedy Memorial Forest
John F. Kennedy Memorial Forest is an urban oasis offering a deep woods experience within city limits, characterized by tranquility, beautiful native flora, and abundant wildlife. It serves as a peaceful, uncrowded escape from the urban hustle.
What parents should know
Summarized from real visitor reviews.
Best for: Families seeking a peaceful nature escape within city limitsShort, leisurely walks with young children or toddlersWildlife spotting and nature observation (deer, native plants)Parents looking for a quiet, uncrowded outdoor experience for their familyYounger children (e.g., 2-6 years old): The 'barely a mile' quasi-loop is manageable for short attention spans and little legs. Ideal for a meandering discovery walk rather than a goal-oriented hike due to confusing trails.
Why families love it
- Provides a 'deep woods' immersion where city sights and sounds disappear in some parts
- Offers a variety of path types including concrete, gravel, and dirt
- Opportunities for wildlife sightings, including deer
- Abundant native wildflowers in spring and native savanna flowers in summer
- Maintains a quiet, tranquil, and peaceful atmosphere despite its urban location
- Trails are rarely crowded, even in Forest Park
Insider tips
- Be prepared for confusing trails; this location is best for wandering and exploration rather than structured loop hikes.
- Consider visiting in spring to see native wildflowers or summer for savanna flowers.
- Ideal for families seeking a quiet, peaceful nature escape rather than a strenuous or long hike.
- Keep an eye on younger children due to the potentially confusing trail navigation and varied surfaces.
- Embrace the short 'quasi loop' (barely a mile) for a manageable walk with young kids.
Good to know before you go
- Families looking for clearly marked, long, or highly structured hiking loops
- If children get easily frustrated by unclear trail navigation or want a destination-focused hike
- If you require consistently smooth, paved, or highly accessible paths throughout (due to gravel and dirt sections)
- Trails are described as a 'cluster' that go off in 'crazy directions' without a clear, continuous loop
- The main 'quasi loop' is barely a mile long, which may not satisfy those looking for longer hikes
- Crowds
- Trails are 'rarely crowded'
- Value
- No admission fee mentioned, suggesting it is a free public park. The value is high for offering a free, accessible natural escape and wildlife viewing within an urban environment.
- Accessibility
- Paths consist of a combination of concrete, gravel, and dirt. Concrete sections likely offer accessibility, but gravel and dirt paths may pose challenges for strollers or wheelchairs. No specific accessibility accommodations were mentioned.
What parents say
"About as close to a forest oasis you are going to get within city limits. We were here in the winter so the pictures are not doing it justice. Some parts are deep enough in the woods where you don't see cars or building anymore. Combination of concrete, gravel, and dirt paths throughout. Trails are kind of a cluster that go off in crazy directions without a real loop. If you do the actual quasi loop I thinks it's barely a mile."
6 years ago
"Love this quiet area in the middle of the city. Nice to see deer and other wildlife still living in the park, too, with it being surrounded by the hustle and bustle."
2 months ago
"Great place to hike and meditate. Tranquility and Peace are abundant in this hidden gem in the heart of our urban forest."
3 years ago
Reviews sourced from public Google data.
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