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

World Bird Sanctuary, Valley Park

Location: 125 Bald Eagle Ridge Road, Valley Park, MO 63088
(adjacent to Lone Elk Park)

Amenities: animal exhibits, nature center, wildlife hospital, picnic areas, gift shop

Website: http://www.worldbirdsanctuary.org

"World Bird Sanctuary is both a unique St. Louis attraction and an entertaining environmental education opportunity. With over 305 acres and over 200 animals in our care, we offer a one-of-a-kind wildlife experience. World Bird Sanctuary’s mission is to preserve, protect, and inspire to safeguard bird species as part of the global community for future generations." They are one of North America’s largest facilities for the conservation of birds. They are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides refuge to over 270 residents and rehabilitation and emergency care for up to 400 patients every year. They receive no state, federal or county funding and rely on donations from the public, corporate, and foundation supporters to achieve their mission.

There is a lot to see here! There are bald eagles, owls, hawks, falcons, vultures, parrots, reptiles, and much more. There is a paved trail (stroller-friendly!) lined by animal enclosures that is an enjoyable walk.  There are also a couple of fun interactive exhibits for kids - the first being a mock eagle nest so kids can see just how big an eagle nest is - they can climb into the nest and pose for pictures. There's also a dodo birdcage. They have a Rainbow Swingset to play on and an indoor nature center complete with an outdoor amphitheater. Admission to the World Bird Sanctuary is technically free, but because COVID hit them hard, they have started charging $12 per car. 

Rainbow Swingset play structure

They also have an indoor Nature Center. This is where they have concerts as well.

I love sitting and watching the birds at the feeders

This wonderful place does amazing work for birds. And they have a TON of great events throughout the year, including storytime with Bob, Keeper Chats, Batfest, Eagle Days, Owl Prowls, and so much more!