1. Home
  2. Cities & Towns
  3. St. Louis

Parks & Outdoor Activities in St. Louis

The St. Louis area offers plenty of opportunities to get out and enjoy nature. The City of St. Louis has more than 100 parks alone, including Forest Park, one of the largest urban parks in the country. Or, visit the rolling hills, state parks or wine districts of eastern Missouri or southwestern Illinois. Here are some of the St. Louis area's best places to get back to nature.
Favorite Winter Activities in the St. Louis Area
St. Louis winters can be harsh, but there are many ways to enjoy the cold and snowy months. Here's a list of the St. Louis region's favorite winter activites, including ice skating, snowboarding, sledding and even skiing!
Top Ten Things to Do and See in Forest Park
Forest Park could be called the heart of St. Louis. The 1,300 acre park is home to the city's top cultural institutions and plays host to many of the region's favorite events and pastimes. Here are ten Forest Park attractions that shouldn't be missed.
Pea Ridge Puts the Magic Back in Christmas Trees
Nothing beats a real Christmas tree, and Pea Ridge Forest outside St. Louis is great place to choose and cut your own tree. Make a trip to Pea Ridge part of your family's Christmas tradition.
The Shaw Nature Reserve
Go to the Shaw Nature Reserve for peaceful hikes and to see Missouri nature at its finest. Just 30 minutes from St. Louis, the reserve is great for kids and families.
Pick a Day to Spend With the Kids at Eckert’s
Take your kids to Eckert's Orchards for a fun day picking berries, apples, peaches or pumpkins. Just 25 minutes from St. Louis, Eckerts is a fun destination for families spring, summer or fall.
Catch a Show at The Muny in Forest Park
The Muny Theater in St. Louis is the nation’s oldest and largest outdoor theater. Catching a world-class musical in majestic Forest Park is a must-do activity during summers in St. Louis.
Hike or Bike the Katy Trail
The Katy Trail is a great place to hike or bike. The trail, which was once part of the Missouri-Kansas-Texas rail line, runs some 225 miles across mid-Missouri. Recently, plans were announced to extend the trail an additional 50 miles. Here are details on the extension, and what you can expect during a day on the Katy Trail.
Enjoy Missouri's Unique Geology
Find information about Missouri geology: its rocks, landforms and deep history. Plus links and information on Missouri fieldtrips, paleontology and the state's best campgrounds and scenic roads.
Route 66 State Park
Route 66 is one of the most famous highways in America and a colorful part of our national history. You can see some of that history at Route 66 State Park in St. Louis County. There is a free museum of memorabilia or you can enjoy a picnic or hike in the 419 acre park.
Up Close with the Butterflies
The Butterfly House in Faust Park is a unique opportunity for children and adults to learn more about butterflies and their natural habitat. The 8,000 square foot conservatory is home to dozens of species of butterflies from all over the world. The Butterfly House also offers classes and lectures about these beautiful creatures.

Explore St. Louis

About.com Special Features

On the National Mall in Washington, DC

Take a look at the capital's best sight-seeing spot. More >

Oktoberfest in Phoenix

Find the best places to celebrate and join the festivities. More >

  1. Home
  2. Cities & Towns
  3. St. Louis
  4. Parks & Outdoor Activities

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.