There are plenty of fun things to do with kids in St. Charles, like feeding koi fish at GlenMark Farms in New Town, getting a scoop of freshly made ice cream on Main Street, or playing at a local playground. Dozens of playgrounds call the City of St Charles home, from popular favorites to neighborhood pocket parks, find playgrounds with a variety of slides, swings, climbing walls, and even an interactive play stream to help cool off in the hot summer months.
We’ve highlighted a few of the best playgrounds in St. Charles to help you choose your next family outing. Each one has bathrooms that are open seasonally from April 1st to November 14th. Add these playgrounds to your itinerary the next time you’re planning a family trip to St. Charles.
DISCOVERY PLAYGROUND AT JAYCEE PARK
2805 Elm St, St Charles, MO 63301
A giant red apple with a built-in bench welcomes families to the accessible Discovery Playground at Jaycee Park. Uniquely built into the hillside, the playground sits in a natural “pit,” keeping kids safely contained. Plus, it’s fully fenced in to prevent kids from running off.
Discovery Playground sparks imagination at every turn. Kids can play music at the outdoor instruments, pretend to be superheroes as they zoom down the tube, roller, and metal slides, or soar through the air on the swings. There are separate play areas for children ages 2 to 5 and 5 to 12 years old, ensuring age-appropriate fun for all.
In the spring, blooming wisteria drapes the border of the park in a soft purple, creating a shaded space where parents and caregivers can relax while keeping an eye on their little ones. Additional shade structures provide sun protection throughout the playground. From May through September (weather permitting), a nature-inspired water play area offers a perfect place for kids to splash around in and cool off. Discovery Playground at Jaycee Park really is a must-visit destination during a family trip to St. Charles.
MCNAIR PARK
3100 Droste Rd, St Charles, MO 63301
Spanning 98 acres, McNair Park has three different playgrounds and a wide variety of outdoor activities in St. Charles for families to enjoy. The park is divided into two main areas by a creek and wooded landscape: the Main Area and the Day Camp area. In the Main Area, visitors will find two playgrounds. The first one sits between a ball field and a pavilion surrounded by shady trees. Kids will have a blast playing on the slides and swings, crawling through tunnels and climbing a tall faux-wood wall. The second playground is slightly smaller and an obstacle course that adventurous kids will love. With a rope wall, rolling log, and various balance features, it’s perfect for kids who dream about being on “American Ninja Warrior.”
On the Day Camp side of the park, a third playground includes several slides, tall ladders, and swings, plus a dedicated area for younger children. McNair Park is surrounded by open fields with plenty of space for kids to run and play. The park boasts a range of amenities, including a Braille Trail, an in-line hockey rink, a full-size basketball court, a sand volleyball court, four tennis and pickleball courts, softball diamonds, soccer fields, and a disc golf course, all connected by a network of trails. With so much to offer, whole family will love McNair Park.
BLANCHETTE PARK
1900 W Randolph St, St Charles, MO 63301
Blanchette Park was the first park acquired by the City of St. Charles in 1914 and it remains a beloved community hub more than a century later. Its large, multi-level playground is perfect for jungle gym enthusiasts. It features a towering three-story platform, where kids can descend at their own pace, or take the fast route down via a twisty tube slide. A giant rope web offers a climbing challenge to see who can make it to the top first. When kids get tired of climbing, there’s a seesaw, swings, and other engaging features to explore.
Spend the dog days of summer at the outdoor Blanchette Aquatic Facility in the park or take advantage of the park’s sports amenities including baseball and softball diamonds, tennis and pickleball courts, and horseshoe pits. A trail winds through the park, offering a quick escape into nature. In the winter, a popular sledding hill comes to life, while spring brings vibrant blooms to Rau Garden. If you get hungry and need a snack, concession stands are open seasonally from April 1 through November 14 and the restrooms near the aquatic facility are open year-round.
BOONE’S LICK PARK
1000 Rose Brae Dr, St. Charles, MO 63301
Just a five minute drive from historic Main Street, Boone’s Lick Park features a freshly upgraded playground as of spring 2025. The vibrant purple and orange structure stands tall, with several fast, winding slides for kids to race down. A unique merry-go-round adds a fun twist. The playground also has a variety of swings, including a special two-person swing that allows parents and babies to swing together. In addition to the playground, you can find two baseball and softball diamonds, picnic shelters, four pickleball courts, and a half basketball court to play pickup games on.
DUSABLE PARK
French August Regot Area, 2006 N Main St, St Charles, MO 63301
Tucked away in Frenchtown, DuSable Park offers a series of hidden gems with several entrances that may be easy to miss, but are worth the visit. Located off the Katy Trail, the park’s playgrounds make a good stop for families biking or exploring the area. One of the playgrounds blends into the surrounding woods with its green and beige tones. This quiet spot features slides, climbing walls, swings, and a merry-go-round, creating a nature-inspired play experience.
A second, larger playground has a tall twisty tube slide, a metal slide, bridges, and climbing structures. It also includes a designated play structure for kids ages 2 to 5. A short trail system loops around the park, with scenic river views.
FOX HILL PARK
3400 Kister Dr, St Charles, MO 63301
Located at the top of a hill near New Town, Fox Hill Park has sweeping views of the surrounding area and plenty of space for families to play and explore. This brightly colored St. Charles playground has fun climbing walls, monkey bars, slides, and swings for kids to play on. A separate play area designed for younger children includes small stepping-stones and a short slide, making it safe and fun for toddlers.
Fox Hill Park also has a half basketball court, ideal for a quick game of “horse” and a paved walking trail that goes throughout the park. Along the trail, families can find a storybook walk that winds around two lakes, adding a literary twist to an outdoor adventure.
SKATEBOARD PARK AT FOUNTAIN LAKES
3740 Huster Rd, St. Charles, MO 63301
Skaters will have a blast at the Skateboard Park at Fountain Lakes. This 13,000 square foot concrete park has rails, ramps, and obstacles for skateboard and roller blade enthusiasts to practice their skills. From flat to steep areas, there are challenges for all levels of skaters, including three interconnected deep bowls for daredevils. Just don’t forget your safety gear! In addition to the skate park, Fountain Lakes Park also has three annually stocked fishing lakes, one pond, and a fishing dock. Try your luck and see what bites! There are also hiking trails that wind around the water.