Chesterfield First Community Athletic Complex, Chesterfield

Location: 17925 North Outer 40 Road, Chesterfield, MO 63005

Website:
https://www.chesterfield.mo.us/234/Chesterfield-Valley-Athletic-Complex

Playground Ground Cover: Wood Chips & Poured Rubber

The Chesterfield First Community Athletic Complex, formerly known as Chesterfield Valley Athletic Complex (CVAC), is a premier 176-acre sports and recreation facility in Chesterfield, Missouri, designed to accommodate athletes and families of all abilities. Featuring 21 ball diamonds, including the inclusive Catch 22 Miracle Field and 16 synthetic infields, 10 multi-purpose fields for soccer, flag football, lacrosse, and ultimate frisbee, 6 baseball/softball practice fields, 6 lighted sand volleyball courts, 4 concession buildings, 2 playgrounds, 2 entertainment plazas, and ample parking, the complex is a hub for community sports and events.

There is a large playground located right next to the main parking lot. It doesn't have any swings, but there are several slides - all different sizes- and a jungle gym climbing area. The playground was clean and in good condition. During the day, the playground is pretty empty, but it is probably packed when a sporting event is going on.

There is a second playground on the property, a bit to the West of this first one; it's shown at the end of the post. 

The playground is right behind this restroom and concession building. This is the old playground. The new playground was installed in 2024. 

Modified merry-go-round

The second playground is definitely not as nice as the first one. It's just one play structure, and it has a tunnel, a bubble window, monkey bars, and some slides. It's over by the soccer fields to the west. Next to this playground are the sand volleyball courts if your child enjoys playing in sand. 

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. 

Malcolm Terrace Park, Creve Coeur

Location: 11370 St Paul St, Creve Coeur, MO 63141

Amenities: playground, sand volleyball, picnic shelter, trails, restrooms

Website: http://www.creve-coeur.org/index.aspx?nid=284

Playground ground cover: Wood chips

Malcolm Terrace Park is a shaded getaway situated adjacent to a quiet residential street in Creve Coeur.  This park features 25 wooded acres with a mile and a half of nature trails. The park also features a playground, a small picnic pavilion, a sand volleyball court, a barbecue pit, and year-round restrooms. You can also relax in Serenity Grove, a densely planted area with a rock creek and plenty of shaded seating. It's so hard to find a shady playground! And this one is so toddler-friendly! 

Covered pavilion

2 baby swings and 2 sling swings