Ohlendorf West, Valley Park

Location: 1150 Hanna Road, St. Louis, MO 63021

Amenities: playground, basketball court, fitness trail

Website: https://stlouiscountymo.gov/st-louis-county-departments/parks/places/ohlendorf-west-park/

Playground ground cover: Poured rubber

A new playground was installed at Ohlendorf West Park in the Fall of 2013. There's a swing set with 2 sling swings, a baby swing, and an adaptive swing, plus a saucer swing on a separate swing frame. There's a climbing rope wall and rock to climb in the center. Lastly, there are a couple of spinner seats. There is a gaga pit and a porta-potty as well as a trail to walk. 

Lone Elk Park, Valley Park

Location: 1 Lone Elk Park Rd, St. Louis, MO 63088
(I-44 North Outer Road west of Highway 141, adjacent to the World Bird Sanctuary)

Amenities: picnic shelters, trails, lake with fishing, animal viewing

Website: https://stlouiscountymo.gov/st-louis-county-departments/parks/places/lone-elk-park/

Lone Elk Park is a wildlife management area, with bison, wild turkey, waterfowl, elk, and deer. The first half of the park contains a lake for fishing, some picnic shelters, and picnic areas. The second half of the park is drive-through only (Motorcycles are prohibited), as the larger animals freely roam this part of the park. The photos below are taken from the car with no zoom, to give you an idea of how close to the road they are, and what a good view you get! There is no playground, and you cannot pet or interact with the animals, but this park does give kids a close-up view of animals they would not ordinarily get to see. Note: Domestic animals are not allowed, even if confined in a vehicle.

It's a gorgeous place to drive around, and there are places to pull over and look at the scenery, or animals if they happen to be nearby. 

The visitor's center with restrooms

People have been seriously injured here by trying to interact with the animals, so I just wanted to mention again, DO NOT GET OUT OF THE CAR under any circumstances. Also, the ticks are really bad here, so picnic at your own risk. 

Entrance and exits added late 2020

Faust Park, Chesterfield

Location:  15185 Olive Boulevard, Chesterfield, MO 63017

Amenities: playground, picnic shelter, restrooms, carousel, butterfly house, historic village, Thornhill grounds

Website: https://stlouiscountymo.gov/st-louis-county-departments/parks/places/faust-park/

Playground Ground Cover: Poured Rubber

Faust Park is one of St. Louis County's most unique parks. The playground has 3 baby swings, an expression swing (yay!), and 2 regular swings. There is a very large climbing structure for older kids and a smaller one for the younger ones. The playground is very large, and it's often very crowded.

Adjacent to the playground is a historic village featuring original structures (that have been moved to this location) dating back to 1840. The park also boasts the St. Louis Carousel and the Butterfly House.

Faust Park hosts a variety of events including open houses, Parks Food Truck Fest, Summer Concert Series, Tea with Nancy, and Olden Days of Summer which is perfect for kids! Later in the season are History Hayrides and the Faust Heritage Festival which is held in September. Visit the events calendar for a full listing of events!

Ride on dino

Restrooms and soda machine next to the playground

 The Carousel is visible from the playground

 They have lots of real and fake rocks around to climb on.

 Chain climber

 Huge rock wall

 Tunnels, steering wheels, bridges, slides, and more are on the small play structure. There is just so much here to play on! They truly have everything a kid could want. 

 Butterfly House

 Restroom building

Expression swing, 3 baby swings, and 2 sling swings

 Pavilion next to the playground with the historic village in the background

In 2024 they created a nature area called Whimsical Woods on the north end of the park,. by the Webster University Community Music School. Take the road at the far right side of the parking lot all the way to the end and you'll see it. 

It's near the Governor Bates Trail sign

Entrance to the woods. It's secluded, shaded, and quiet. I think most kids would love this enchanting spot!