Little Diggers, Des Peres

Location: 13347 Manchester, Des Peres, MO 63131

Website: https://www.littlediggersplayspace.com/locations/little-diggers-desperes-missouri

From their website, "Little Diggers Des Peres is open right next to Trader Joe's! Our Des Peres indoor sandbox play space gives toddlers and young children ages 7 and under 1,200 square feet of clean, soft sensory sand to dig, build, and explore right in your neighborhood.

Packed with hundreds of construction-themed toys, including our exclusive Sand Stacker and Tower Blocks, Little Diggers Des Peres is the go-to destination for imaginative, hands-on play that supports early childhood development, fine motor skills, and STEM-inspired learning."

A few notes: bare feet are required.  They have free wifi and snacks for purchase. They do parties and special events. They have sensory-friendly time every Monday from 3-5 pm where the music is turned down and the lights dimmed for friends with sensory processing issues. 

They have 2 sandboxes, the main one and a smaller one for little guys off to the right. 

The smaller sandbox

The party room is cute! 

The sand comes from the Bahamas!  “Not only is it beautiful and feels great for that reason, but it’s also one of very few non-silica-based sand types, making it healthier to be around for longer periods of time.” (Quote from the owner Zach Bowers).  Little Diggers is open daily 9 a.m.–5 p.m. It operates on a no-reservations, non-membership model, and it offers a rewards program in which families can earn a free hour of play for every three hours they spend.

The pay scale starts at $12 for one child for a half hour, with discounts for additional siblings and reduced rates for extended time periods. Parents are allowed in the sandbox with their kids, and up to two adults are free with a child admission. 

Lava Island, Rock Hill

Location: 9610 Manchester Rd., Rock Hill, MO 63119

Website: https://lavaisland.com/rock-hill/

Lava Island is a chain of tropical-themed indoor adventure parks, and this is their first location in St. Louis. It opened at the end of 2025. It features trampolines, a volcano slide, large jungle gyms, foam pits, party rooms, a cafe, a trike track, and slides. They have a toddler area and family-friendly eats at the cafe. 

Lions Park, Waterloo IL

Location: 730 Lake Dr., Waterloo, IL 62298

Website: http://www.waterlooparkdistrict.org/parks/

Playground Ground Cover: Rubber chips

Lions Memorial Park is located off of Janice Drive and Lake Drive in the Sunset Acres subdivision. The park has a ball field, soccer field, sand volleyball court, playground equipment, and a covered pavilion. A new bathroom facility was added in 2014.

There is a small covered pavilion next to the play structure, which has slides, a bridge, & a steering wheel. 

You don't see these sand diggers much anymore. 

Monkey bars

There are 4 sling swings and 2 baby swings.

Lakeview Park, Waterloo IL

 

Location: Lakeview Dr., Waterloo, IL 62298

Website: http://www.waterlooparkdistrict.org/parks/lakeview-park/

Playground Ground Cover: Rubber chips

Lakeview Park is situated off Lakeview Drive, southwest of Waterloo, and spans approximately 100 acres. The park features a 2.25-mile paved walking trail, modern playground equipment, a Dog Park, a Pickleball Court, and three large lakes open for fishing. A fishing license is required at the park.

Two covered pavilions are available for group picnic use. The pavilions have running water and electricity, barbecue pits, and restrooms nearby. These pavilions can be reserved for a nominal fee.

Restroom building

They have 2 baby swings and 2 sling swings.

The play structure is older and perfect for toddlers. There is a bridge, a couple of slides, and a zipline.

Nice view of the lake, which is stocked with fish.