Kirkwood Park Playground

Two separate play areas mean the toddlers aren’t getting steamrolled by the big kids, which parents around here genuinely appreciate. The splash pad gets absolutely packed on hot St. Louis summer days — umbrella fountains, water jets, the whole deal — so go early or just accept that you’re waiting. Older kids have the climbing structure and slides to keep them busy while younger ones have the sandbox and swings at their own pace. The pond nearby gives the whole place a relaxed feel, and there’s enough open grass and shade trees that you can actually sit on a bench and decompress while the kids run themselves out. Restrooms are on-site, which, if you’ve got a newly potty-trained toddler, you already know that’s non-negotiable.