Creve Coeur Park Spray Pool and Playground

The spray pool here is the move on a hot St. Louis summer day — and the shade from the big trees actually makes it bearable for the adults stuck watching. Kids 2 through 12 have plenty to work with between the climbing structure, slides, and swings, and the toddler area means you’re not constantly chasing little ones away from the big-kid stuff. After you dry off, the walking and bike paths give everyone a reason to keep going, and the lake nearby makes the whole setting feel like more than just a typical park stop. Picnic tables, benches, restrooms, and solid parking mean you can actually stay a while without scrambling for the basics.