10 Best Outdoor Activities in St. Louis!

St. Louis is a city that blends history, culture, and outdoor fun. Known as the “Gateway to the West,” it has always been a place where people gather, explore, and enjoy life along the Mississippi River. For travelers, St. Louis is not just about museums and landmarks — it’s also about fresh air, green spaces, and outdoor activities that make the city lively. In this guide, we’ll share 10 best outdoor activities in St. Louis, that show why the city is a great destination for anyone who loves being outside.

1. Forest Park

Opened in 1876, Forest Park has grown into one of the biggest city parks in the United States, covering more than 1,300 acres, which makes it larger than Central Park in New York City. Inside, visitors can enjoy free attractions such as the Saint Louis Zoo, Saint Louis Art Museum, Saint Louis Science Center, and The Muny outdoor theater. It also has golf courses, tennis courts, a skating rink, lakes, streams, and more than 30 miles of trails for walking, biking, or jogging. Visitors today can rent paddle boats at the Boathouse, relax in open fields, or explore the Jewel Box greenhouse filled with plants.

2. Boating in Mississippi River

Boating on the Mississippi River is a fun way to enjoy the water and see St. Louis from a different view. One of the most popular choices is the Gateway Arch Riverboats, which leave daily from the cobblestone levee near the Arch. These boats are designed like old paddle wheelers and offer one‑hour sightseeing trips, dinner cruises, and special rides with food and live music. Seating is available both inside and outside, so guests can enjoy the river in any weather. Some cruises are even led by National Park Service rangers, who share stories and facts about the river’s history and importance.

3. St. Louis Riverfront

The St. Louis Riverfront sits along the Mississippi River right next to downtown, making it one of the city’s most visited outdoor areas. The Gateway Arch rises nearby, marking the place where Lewis and Clark began their famous journey west. This stretch of riverfront has roots going back to 1763, when Pierre Laclede chose the spot for a trading post that later grew into St. Louis. Today, visitors can enjoy rides on the Gateway Arch Riverboats, and the Riverfront Trail runs for about 12 miles, giving walkers, joggers, and cyclists a scenic path along the edge of the Mississippi with beautiful views.

4. Kayaking in Creve Coeur Lake

The Creve Coeur Lake is part of a large county park in Maryland Heights and is well known for its 320 acres lake that families enjoy year‑round. Visitors can rent kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards from Creve Coeur Lake Rentals near Dripping Springs Road. The lake has two main launch points, and one of the favorite routes is paddling from Sailboat Cove to the levee that separates the lakes. It’s also a good spot for birdwatching, with plenty of chances to see wildlife while you’re out on the water. Beyond boating, the park offers biking and walking trails that circle the lake, giving you more ways to explore after kayaking.

5. Go Ape Treetop Adventure

The Go Ape Treetop Adventure at Creve Coeur Park is a fun outdoor activity that lets you explore the forest from above with ropes, bridges, and zip lines set high in the trees. The main course, called the Treetop Adventure, includes five long zip lines, two Tarzan swings, and more than 30 different obstacles that challenge balance and coordination. It usually takes about 2 to 3 hours to finish and for those who want something easier, there is a smaller option called the Treetop Journey, which has lower platforms, fewer obstacles, and a shorter course that is perfect for beginners or children.

6. Lafayette Park

Opened in 1851, Lafayette Park is one of the oldest public parks west of the Mississippi River and covers about 30 acres of green space. Inside, visitors will see two statues, one of George Washington and another of Thomas Hart Benton, which highlight the park’s historic character. The area also features a small lake, a rock garden, and a playground with sculptures and alongside, children especially enjoy climbing on three old cannons that once belonged to a British warship from the 1700s. Managed by the Lafayette Park Conservancy, the site offers guided walking tours that share stories about its history and natural surroundings.

7. Jefferson Barracks Park

The Jefferson Barracks Park is a large public space with deep military roots, first used by the U.S. Army in 1826 and active all the way through World War II. Famous figures such as Ulysses S. Grant and Robert E. Lee spent part of their early careers here. Today, the park covers more than 400 acres and offers picnic areas, sports fields, and several buildings like the Laborer’s House and Ordnance Stable, which now serve as museums that share stories about life at the barracks. The park also hosts special events and history programs that make learning fun and engaging for families and groups.

8. Tower Grove Park

Covers about 289 acres, Tower Grove Park is a large public space stretching between Kingshighway Boulevard and Grand Boulevard. Visitors will find 32 pavilions scattered across the grounds, most of them built in the late 1800s, and these can be rented for gatherings and events. The park also offers tennis courts, soccer fields, a wading pool, and paths for walking or biking. One of the oldest features is the Piper Palm House, a glass building that is still used for special events today. Concerts, festivals, and neighborhood events are held throughout the year, making the park a lively place for families and friends.

9. Carondelet Park

The Carondelet Park has been part of St. Louis since 1875 and is one of the city’s oldest and largest public parks, covering nearly 180 acres of land. It sits close to neighborhoods like Carondelet, Bevo Mill, and Holly Hills, making it a popular gathering spot for locals. The park has two lakes where visitors can fish, and a small boathouse stands near one of them. Paved trails run through the grounds, giving people space for walking, biking, or jogging. One of the oldest structures here is the Lyle House, while families with kids often come to enjoy picnics, and others spend time exploring the trails or relaxing by the water.

10. Willmore Park

Covering over 100 acres, Willmore Park gives visitors plenty of outdoor choices. Two fishing lakes sit inside the grounds, with North Lake often visited by anglers looking for bass. Walking paths cut through open grassy areas, making it easy for people to enjoy a stroll, exercise, or simply relax outdoors. The park also has tennis courts, softball fields, a disc golf course, and even a roller hockey rink for sports lovers. Several pavilions with tables and grills can be rented for gatherings, making it a popular spot for family picnics and community events. Fishing is enjoyed year‑round, while the paved trails give space for biking or jogging.

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