Posted by Sabina Hearty
On The Move: Kid-Approved St. Louis
Parenting young kids means you’re always on the move — between naps, snacks, school pickup, and the constant search for places where kids can explore and parents can breathe. On the Move: Kid-Approved St. Louis is a monthly feature we’re introducing by Sabina Hearty, a mom and realtor on our team, sharing parent-tested places and ideas for enjoying St. Louis with babies, toddlers, and young kids. From free indoor favorites to outdoor spots that help little ones burn off energy, this series highlights places that truly work for real family life — no overplanning required. This is about rediscovering the city through a parent’s eyes, building simple routines, and making the most of the places that make St. Louis such a great place to raise kids. Enjoy the first installation of our series!
Where Do Parents Actually Go With Kids in St. Louis
One of the most common questions I hear from families is simple but important:
“Where do you actually go with kids around St. Louis?”
Before I had my son, I thought I knew St. Louis. But becoming a parent changes how you see a city entirely. It had been a while since I let my inner kid run free around St. Louis. But now that I usually have a toddler in tow, we’ve been re-discovering some of my favorite places together—and finding new ones that actually work for real family life.
And they’re all free, with outdoor space too if your littles need to burn off some extra energy.
1. The Saint Louis Science Center
Why it works:
The Saint Louis Science Center is one of those rare places that works for almost every age. Babies take in the visuals, toddlers roam without judgment, and older kids spend hours exploring without getting bored.
What families love most is that it’s:
- Free
- Indoors (huge for winter and summer)
- Easy to revisit without feeling like you “wasted” the day
- It’s also a great early outing because there’s no pressure to “do it all.” You can pop in for 30 minutes or stay for two hours and both feel like wins.
2. Clark Family Branch Library
Why it works:
Libraries are underrated gems, and after a recent remodel, the Clark Family Branch is my go-to recommendation. There are entire rooms dedicated to children and teens, plus meeting rooms, quiet spaces, and even a short trail on site for a quick stroll.
For different ages:
- Babies and toddlers: story times, pretend play areas
- Preschool and early elementary: books, puzzles, and quiet activities
- Parents: a breather that still feels productive + a chance to mingle with other adults
For families new to St. Louis, this kind of space helps establish a rhythm. It’s not overwhelming, it’s free, and it starts to feel like your neighborhood pretty quickly.
3. Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center
Why it works:
When families want something slower-paced and outdoors, Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center is my go-to recommendation. The Nature Center itself is small but engaging, especially for curious little ones, and the surrounding trails are manageable, with options that are stroller friendly and others that provide a little more of a challenge when you need it.
Best for:
- Toddlers who love animals and exploring outdoors
- Preschoolers who want to explore without crowds
- Parents who are just as curious and excited to be outside
It’s peaceful without being boring and gives families a feel for how much green space is woven into everyday life here.
Ready to Find Your St. Louis Neighborhood?
When families move to St. Louis, they’re not just choosing a house, they’re choosing Saturday morning routines, school pickups that don’t stress them out, and the parks their kids will grow up remembering.
I help families find the RIGHT neighborhood for their lifestyle, not just the right house. Whether you’re relocating, outgrowing your current space, or just starting to think about where you want to raise your family, let’s talk about what living here actually looks like. Reach out to me anytime.
