North Hanley Station
About
North Hanley Station offers families a unique blend of transportation and community space in the Carsonville area. This MetroLink station provides easy access to St. Louis attractions while the surrounding area includes small green spaces where kids can watch trains come and go,a simple but exciting activity for young train enthusiasts.
Highlights
- ✓Watching MetroLink light rail trains arrive and depart from the platform
- ✓Taking a short affordable train ride to nearby stations and back
- ✓Easy access to Forest Park, the St. Louis Zoo, and downtown attractions
- ✓Free parking with convenient public transit connection
- ✓Safe, clean platform with good visibility for supervising children
Pro Tips
- 1.Purchase Metro passes in advance through the mobile app to make boarding with kids smoother and faster
- 2.Visit during off-peak hours (mid-morning or early afternoon on weekdays) to avoid crowded trains and get window seats for the best train-watching
- 3.Bring snacks and entertainment for the ride, as this station serves as a jumping-off point for attractions throughout St. Louis
- 4.Let kids help validate tickets and hold onto poles,simple tasks that make the transit experience more engaging for young riders
- 5.Park in the free station lot and use this as your gateway to explore Clayton, the Loop, or downtown St. Louis without city parking hassles
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mid-mornings (9:30-11:30am) or weekend late mornings offer the best experience with lighter crowds and more comfortable boarding. Spring and fall provide pleasant weather for the short walk between parking and platform.
What to Know
MetroLink fares are $2.50 per adult (kids under 5 ride free), with day passes available for $7.50. Free parking is available at the station lot. No food vendors on-site, so bring water and snacks for your journey.
Seasonal Notes
Open year-round with covered platform areas providing shelter from rain and summer sun. Winter visits can be chilly while waiting for trains, so dress warmly. Service runs daily with slightly reduced frequency on weekends and holidays.
Nearby Eats
Head to nearby Sauce on the Side (comfort food with excellent kids menu and free cookies) or visit The Loop entertainment district just a few MetroLink stops away for dozens of family-friendly restaurants including Fitz's Root Beer and Mission Taco Joint.
More Activities Near Clayton
Endangered Wolf Center
The Endangered Wolf Center offers families a rare opportunity to observe and learn about critically endangered wolf species and other wild canids in a natural setting. This non-profit wildlife refuge combines education with conservation, giving kids an up-close look at these magnificent animals through guided tours and educational programs that make wildlife conservation come alive.
Shaw Park
Shaw Park is Clayton's crown jewel for family fun, offering something for every age across its beautifully maintained grounds. From the popular aquatic center with splash features to multiple playgrounds, tennis courts, and scenic walking paths, this park delivers endless entertainment options. Parents love the variety of year-round festivals and events that make every season special.
Concordia Park
Concordia Park is a delightful neighborhood gem in Clayton that offers families a peaceful escape without the crowds of larger parks. With its well-maintained playground equipment, ample green spaces for running and games, and tennis courts for active older kids, it's perfect for a relaxed afternoon of outdoor play and family picnics in a safe, friendly environment.
Centene Community Ice Center
The Centene Community Ice Center is a top-notch ice skating facility that welcomes families year-round with dedicated public skate sessions and family-friendly skating times. With its excellent 4.7-star rating from over 660 reviews, this spacious complex offers everything from casual recreational skating to structured lessons, making it perfect whether your kids are first-timers wobbling on the ice or aspiring figure skaters and hockey players.