guides

Your Guide to Parks & Playgrounds in South County

By Kristen Sanchez, Macaroni KID South St Louis March 19, 2024

St Louis County is home to 42 county parks, 13 of which are in South County!  These parks have so much to offer like hiking trails, farm animals, shelters, playgrounds, fishing ponds, picnic shelters and so much more! As spring blossoms in all its vibrant glory, there's an undeniable allure to escaping the confines of indoor life and embracing the great outdoors. As moms, we understand the rejuvenating power of nature for both ourselves and our little ones. There's something magical about watching our children explore wide-open spaces, their laughter intermingling with the chirping of birds and the rustle of leaves. Whether it's picnicking under the shade of blossoming trees, chasing butterflies through fields of wildflowers, or simply enjoying a leisurely stroll along winding paths, springtime parks offer a sanctuary where memories are made and bonds are strengthened. So, fellow moms, let's pack our baskets, grab our sunscreen, and embark on adventures that promise to invigorate our souls and delight our senses amidst the beauty of spring.

1. BEE TREE PARK
Bee Tree Park features the Nims Mansion, a beautiful wedding site, reservable shelters, playground, and trails.

2. BUDER PARK
Park that features a playground, trails, archery, rocket launch pad and rack, athletic fields, and a reservable shelter.

3. CLIFF CAVE PARK
Park which features trails, fishing, year-round restroom, and a reservable shelter.

4. JEFFERSON BARRACKS PARK
Park with historic museums, trails, wedding sites, cross country course, disc golf course, the Pavilion at Lemay Recreation Center, shelters, and more!

5. LEMAY PARK
Park which features a playground, trails, basketball court, and reservable shelters.

6. LONE ELK PARK
Lone Elk Park is a wildlife management area consisting of 546 acres with bison, wild turkey, waterfowl, elk and deer.

7. LOVE, JOHN ALLEN PARK
Park which features a playground, trails, athletic fields, and reservable shelters.

8. LOWER MERAMEC TRAIL
Consists of 273 acres and is a mixture of bottomland woodlands and open fields with multiple trails.

9. OHLENDORF WEST PARK
Located in west St. Louis County, this park features a fitness trail, nature trail, a playground, and a gaga pit.

10. SUSON PARK
Park in south County with a working animal farm, fishing lakes, reservable shelters, and a playground.

11. SYLVAN SPRINGS PARK
Park has a skate park, play area with splash pad, tennis courts, and picnic tables.

12. UNGER PARK
Park which features fishing, trails, disc golf course, and a reservable shelter.

13. WEST TYSON PARK
Park which features trails, group camping, reservable sites and shelter.