Family & Kid Friendly Hikes in St. Louis: Paved & Natural Trails You’ll Love

When you’re a parent, “hiking” can look a little different. It’s less about miles logged and more about snacks, playground breaks, and seeing who can spot the first squirrel. Still, hitting the trail is one of the best ways to spend quality time together, get fresh air, and let kids burn off energy. If you’re looking for the best family & kid friendly hikes in St. Louis, here’s a guide to both paved paths (perfect for strollers and new bikers) and natural trails that give kids their first taste of off-road adventure.

Paved Family-Friendly Trails in St. Louis

These trails are stroller-friendly, and perfect for families with kids of all ages.

Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center (Kirkwood, MO)

Powder Valley is a favorite for families thanks to its wide, paved trails that wind through the woods. The 3 loop trails on the property are short (0.3–1.4 miles), shaded, and easy for little legs. Don’t miss the nature center, which has interactive exhibits, aquariums, and spotting windows for watching birds and wildlife. In Fall, you’ll often see deer and wild turkeys along the trails. And don’t be afraid to go without kids – I’ve visited a several times without mine and combine all 3 trails into a 1 for a total hike of about an hour.

• Broken Ridge Loop – This 0.7 mile loop is scenic and accessible for all levels. Journey thru wooded areas and bask in this suburban forest.
• Tanglevine Loop – A 0.4-mile loop is paved and fairly level. Great for those with strollers looking for a scenic Fall stroll.
• Hickory Ridge Trail – Choose your own adventure with this hike! There is a short loop (0.5 miles) & a long loop (1.2 miles). Both paths are paved & shady but have some steeper points that take you thru the trees, and a few steps on/off bridges might make it more challenging for strollers.

PERKS: Indoor bathrooms, picnic spots, and a kid-friendly education center make this a stress-free option.

WORD TO THE WISE: Dogs are not allowed in this park. Check the hours of the indoor nature center, if you intend to go in.

Fallen Oak Nature Trail (O’Fallon, MO)

Located in O’Fallon, in the August A Busch Memorial Conservation Area, this 0.7 mile short but scenic trail features tall trees & plenty of shade that provide great habitat for wildlife in the surrounding area. This was the perfect length hike for my youngsters (age at first visit 5, 5, 7) giving them a chance to explore the woods without being too long or difficult. In Fall, the canopy of trees makes for a colorful, shaded walk that feels tucked away from the bustle of the city.

PERKS: The trail connects to nearby picnic areas, making it a great spot to pack a lunch. Keep your eyes open—you may spot deer, squirrels, or plenty of birds along the way.

Longview Farm Park (Town & Country, MO)

This hidden gem has a 1-mile paved loop that circles a small lake, open fields and tree-lined paths. It’s a quiet, neighborhood park that feels peaceful in fall. If you are feeling more adventurous, there are options here to go off the beaten path into mulched walkways in the forest that lead to a creek.

PERKS: This park boasts horses with an open stable and pasture. Stop by the stables and say hello. You can also enjoy a newly renovated playground and a pavilion for snack breaks or picnic.

Millennium Park Loop (Creve Coeur)

This 0.7 mile paved park loop offers a mix of shade and sun + a nice blend of hills and level terrain. The path is great for walking, running or biking. You wouldn’t believe how peaceful it feels given its close proximity to Barnes Jewish West Hospital and many Creve Coeur businesses.

PERKS: The incredible playground and splashpad will have your kids stoked to go here. Plus, the shaded pavilions and historic Tappmeyer House make this a great park to spend the afternoon.

Central Park (Chesterfield)

Right in the heart of Chesterfield, Central Park has 0.8 mile trail that’s wide, paved path loops around a lake and gazebo. It’s stroller-friendly, especially the lower portion around the water, which is flat, making it easy for young bikers. I recommend parking near the YMCA and letting little legs walk or bike around the lake. After your adventure, head up the large hill to the newly remodeled playground or stop by the creek and walk up the rocks. You can easily extend your trip with some nearby connecting trails, including the Riparian Trail.

PERKS: In summer months, enjoy swimming and splashing at the Chesterfield Aquatic Center. Also walking distance from the park is the Samual Sachs branch of the St. Louis County Library.

Conway Park Loop (Creve Coeur)

This local park has a paved walking path that passes tennis courts, a playground then loops around a pond. You will pass wildflower & native planting areas. The 1.1-mile trail is hilly, especially around the pond & will get your heartrate up. In addition to bringing my kids here, I often come here without kids and loop several times for a nice outdoor workout.

PERKS: Bring some bread to feed the ducks or stop by the playground on your way out! There is a dog park here so bring your furry friends too!

Laumeier Sculpture Park (Sunset Hills, MO):

The Laumeier Central Pathway is 1.3 mile paved path that’s the most accessible route in the park. It makes a perfect fall stroll and mixes art & hiking with kid-friendly exploration. Laumeier Sculpture Park has 60 outdoor sculpture works of are on 105 acres. It’s free to enter and open daily. If you up for an unpaved adventure, there are additional paths for exploring.

PERKS: Check their website for a downloadable scavenger hunt to make your adventure more exciting!

Family-Friendly Natural Trails in St. Louis

Ideal for families past the stroller phase or for those who don’t mind dirt paths, these natural trails give kids more room to explore while still being manageable for young explorers.

Riparian Trail (Chesterfield)

Located near Central Park in Chesterfield, this canopy covered nature trail offers a quiet escape. There are lots of wooden bridges to cross and benches for breaks. The shady walk is perfect for my now 6-year-olds and offers plenty of chances to spot birds and critters. If you listen closely, you can hear the water running down the creekbed near the path. I like to park near the Parq apartment building and walk down the back hill to access the trail, which then pops out onto Lydia Hill Drive. You can cross the street and keep going (the path continues to Wild Horse Creek Road) or turn around and head back.

PERKS: Bring a picnic and enjoy Central Park’s playground or Aquatic Center afterward for the perfect outing.

River’s Edge Park (Chesterfield)

River’s Edge Park is tucked away behind the bustle of Chesterfield Valley, near the western edge of The District. The almost 2 mile gravel and mulch trail loop trail is flat and leads you around a beautiful lake that’s surrounded by trees. You can catch a glimpse of the Missouri River from a small trail offshoot on the northwest side of the loop. On the way back to the car or for a shorter route, take the wooden boardwalks on the south side of the loop. These elevated walkway offers a change of scenery through the wooded area and a bit of fun for the kids.

BONUS: This is a quiet spot to try your hand at fishing, kayaking or canoeing.

Emmenegger Nature Park (Kirkwood, MO)

The 1.5-mile loop here climbs into the woods and offers a peaceful escape without leaving the suburbs. It’s especially beautiful in Fall, with tall trees, plenty of leaf cover and wildlife. Part of this trail is paved & flat and part is natural and offers a climb up some steep rocks. On my last visit, we saw a black snake cross our path – so keep your eyes open for nature and wildlife abound!

PERKS: The park is very close to Powder Valley Conservation Center if you are looking to continue your nature adventure.

Cuivre River State Park (Troy, MO)

This is large, Missouri state park is about an hour from St. Louis and has over 45 miles of trails for hiking. My then 5-year-olds and I camped overnight here and enjoyed a portion of the Lakeside Trail that accesses a small beach along Lake Lincoln. In its entirety, Lakeside Trail is 3.6 miles and follows the shoreline with multiple spurs to campground sites. It’s mostly flat, picturesque and full of wildlife.

BONUS: Swim in Lake Lincoln or pack your bags for an overnight camping experience here.

Castlewood State Park (Ballwin, MO)

Once your kids are a little older (and less whiney) try your hiking boots at Castlewood State Park. Castlewood is famous for its bluffs overlooking the Meramec River. An easy start for kids would be to do the River Scene Trail (1.7 miles) but do it backwards – starting on the level part along the Meramec river and turning back before the steep staircase. If you kids are up for the challenge, keep going up the stairs to the rocky cliffs and you will be rewarded with some of the best Fall views in St. Louis.

PERKS: Multiple trails options in Castlewood mean you can customize your hike. The park also has picnic areas and a playground.

Governor Bates Trail at Faust Park (Chesterfield, MO)

My nine year old and I love this short but steep trail in Faust Park, but my 6 years olds are definitely not ready for it. It’s become my go-to quick hiking challenge without leaving West County and I frequently visit without my kids. The super tall trees make this walk so scenic and it’s a favorite in all seasons. Governor Bates Trail is tucked away down a gravel road in Faust Park. It’s approximately 2 miles long and has enough elevation changes to make this a challenging workout. The natural path is part rocks, part grass, and winds through the woods, offering shade in the summer and vibrant color in the fall. There are some loose rocks are parts of the trail. I typically go out and back in about 35-40 mins. You can easily extend by walking the entire circle of Faust Park, winding around the vast parking lot and playground – but I prefer to stick to the trail and bask in the beauty of nature.

PERKS: Faust Park is packed with extras. After your hike, check out the fairy garden, historic village, the St. Louis Carousel, or even make a stop at the Butterfly House—all located right in the park.

Tips for Hiking With Kids

Proper planning and a playful mindset go a long way toward happy feet and fewer complaints. For more ways to make hiking go smoothly with kids, check out this guide on The Blog.

• Keep It Playful – Make it a scavenger hunt, play “I Spy,” or race to the next tree.
• Bring Snacks & Water – The #1 rule of happy hikers!
• Pack Bug Spray & Sunscreen – Missouri woods = mosquitoes, chiggers, ticks and more.
• Add Fun Incentives – Pick parks with playgrounds, picnic areas, or find a nearby ice cream shop for a cool treat after!
• Use the AllTrails App to filter and sort by whats important to you, read reviews, & make yourself aware of any trail changes.

Final Thoughts

Family hikes don’t have to be epic adventures—sometimes it’s about the little things: a squirrel sighting, a snack on a bench, or giggles on a playground after the walk. With these family & kid friendly hikes in St. Louis, you’ll have plenty of options to keep your weekends full of nature, laughter, and memories. My family & I are always looking for new adventures; please share any other family friendly trails in the comments at the end of the article.

Do you love Outdoor Fitness? Be sure to check out the Guide to Outdoor Fitness Classes in St. Louis and our Fitness Events Calendar for more opportunities to sweat in nature.