McAuley Playground at Hansen Park, Cottleville

Location: 1360 St. Peters Cottleville Rd, Cottleville, MO 63376

Website: http://www.cityofcottleville.com/home/parks-and-recreation/mcauley-park

Playground Ground Cover: Poured Rubber

This playground is finally open and it's amazing! But that's not surprising because it's an Unlimited Play Playground and they are all amazing! The name was chosen in recognition of Sister of Mercy Founder Catherine McAuley, who had special concern for children and women who were poor and underserved. The McAuley Playground, a place where limitations will be forgotten and differences are celebrated, is a partnership between Mercy Kids, Unlimited Play and the city of Cottleville. 

Here is the complete list of Unlimited Play Playgrounds in our area. 

Most of the playground is enclosed by a fence and even has a misting station.

There are 2 saucer swings. There used to be a Liberty swing but it's not there anymore. 

There are also 2 baby swings, 2 adaptive swings, and 2 sling swings.

There are so many different slides including the ever popular "Rolly Slide".

Modified Merry Go Round

I love the castle theme and the shamrocks everywhere

What a cool tunnel!

Musical equipment

Misting station

This park has it all, except a restroom. They haven't been built yet but there is a port a potty. 

Happy Joe's Pizza & Ice Cream, Marlborough- PERMANENTLY CLOSED

Location: 7918 Watson Rd, St. Louis, MO 63119    (314) 961-4074

Website: http://www.happyjoes.com/index.php

Hours:

Saturday	11AM–10PM
Sunday	11AM–9PM
Monday	11AM–9PM
Tuesday	11AM–9PM
Wednesday	11AM–9PM
Thursday	11AM–9PM
Friday	11AM–10PM

This place has sentimental value because I had my 6th birthday here in 1978. They've been around for a long time and they're still going strong. We took the kids here for pizza and games and I was really surprised at how good the pizza was. The salad bar was great as well. It's kind of a small place but that is a good thing to me because I can see my kids and don't have to chase them all over like at Dave & Busters.

They are technically in the Village of Marlborough but they're right on the border of Webster Groves too. It's really centrally located near Shrewsbury, Affton, and the city also.

It's a good place to go grab some dinner with your kids and they can be entertained playing games. Win win!

Home Heights Park, St. John

Location: 2950 McKibbon, St. Louis, MO 63114

Website: http://www.cityofstjohn.org/index.php/city-parks.html

Playground Ground Cover: Poured Rubber

This playground is long and skinny. It's up the hill from the street with plenty of street parking. There is a playstructure with 2 slides and some bars and poles. 

There are 2 baby swings and 2 sling swings on one end, and another identical swing set at the other end. 

There is a smaller play structure with 2 slides and a climbing thing.

There are a couple covered pavilions but I didn't see any restrooms. 

St. John Park, St. John

Location: 3515 Brown Rd, St. John, MO 63114

Website: http://www.cityofstjohn.org/index.php/city-parks.html

Playground Ground Cover: Poured Rubber

This is a great park! It's partly shaded, it's in a nice quiet neighborhood, there's a fitness trail, a pavilion, and a cute little playground.

There are 2 playstructures, one for big kids and one for littles. The smaller one has 2 slides and some bars.

The larger one has 2 slides, and some bars and poles. There are also 2 baby swings and 2 sling swings.

Riverboat Cruises, Downtown St. Louis

 Photo credit: Sign Industry.com

Location: 50 S. Lenore K. Sullivan Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63102

Website: http://www.gatewayarch.com/experience/riverboat-cruises.aspx

There are 2 riverboats cruising down the Mississippi at the Riverfront. The Tom Sawyer and the Becky Thatcher. You have 2 choices of cruises to choose from- the one hour sightseeing cruise (adults $20, kids $10), or the 2 hour dinner cruise (adults $48, kids $20).

There are 2 levels and they serve food on both levels. The restrooms are only on the first floor. They are old and small. There is a 3rd level that is completely outside and the breeze and views are fantastic. There are lots of chairs so you can sit and watch the world go by. 

This is the dock where you wait until it's time to board. They have restrooms here, a gift shop, food, lots of places to sit and relax, and photo ops. You can walk up and buy tickets here or buy them online in advance. They also sell tickets here for the arch, which is about a 10 minute walk away.

 The Tom Sawyer and Becky Thatcher docked next to each other. 

They had jazzy music piped in, it was air conditioned, and the servers were very helpful. I highly recommend this for a fun family activity!