Photo: Paul Furrer
Photo: Paul Furrer
Photo: Nancy P
Meramec Greenway
FreeAdventure
🕑 1.5-3 hours depending on how far your family bikes or walks👶 Best for all ages. Toddlers enjoy the smooth path for early bike riding with training wheels, while older kids and teens appreciate longer rides and the chance to explore nature independently. The flat, paved surface makes it perfect for families with infants in strollers too.
About
Meramec Greenway offers families a scenic, stroller-friendly paved trail perfect for introducing kids to outdoor adventures along the beautiful Meramec River. With relatively flat terrain and easy access points, it's ideal for family bike rides, scooter outings, or leisurely nature walks where kids can spot wildlife and explore the riverbanks safely.
Highlights
- ✓Smooth, paved surface perfect for learning to ride bikes
- ✓River views with opportunities to spot turtles, fish, and water birds
- ✓Multiple access points allowing families to customize distance
- ✓Shaded sections providing relief on warm days
- ✓Safe, car-free environment for kids to explore
Pro Tips
- 1.Park at the Fenton City Park trailhead for easiest access with restrooms and playground facilities nearby
- 2.Bring binoculars for kids to spot herons, turtles, and other wildlife along the river,early morning offers the best viewing
- 3.Pack bug spray during summer months, especially near the river sections where mosquitoes can be active
- 4.Consider bikes with tag-alongs or bike trailers for younger children who can't ride the full distance yet
- 5.Download an offline map as cell service can be spotty along certain trail sections
Best Time to Visit
Spring and fall offer the most comfortable temperatures and stunning scenery with wildflowers or fall foliage. Weekday mornings are less crowded than weekends, and early morning visits (before 10am) provide cooler temps and better wildlife spotting opportunities.
What to Know
The trail is completely free to use with multiple access points and parking areas throughout Fenton. There are no food vendors on the trail itself, so pack snacks and water, though restrooms are available at main trailheads.
Seasonal Notes
Trail is open year-round, but spring and fall offer the most pleasant conditions. Summer can be hot and humid, so visit early morning or evening. Winter is walkable but can be icy after storms,perfect for cross-country skiing when conditions allow.
Nearby Eats
Stop by Imo's Pizza on Gravois Road for St. Louis-style pizza the whole family will enjoy, or grab burgers and shakes at Steak 'n Shake, both within a few minutes' drive from the trailheads.
More Activities Near Fenton
Ice Cream
Ollie's Frozen Custard
$
Ollie's Frozen Custard has been a Fenton family tradition since 1986, serving up rich, creamy frozen custard that's denser and smoother than regular ice cream. Kids love choosing from the colorful array of concretes (custard blended with mix-ins), while parents appreciate the quality ingredients and reasonable prices at this locally-owned stand that captures that classic summer treat experience.
Park
Fenton City Park
★4.7Free❤️351
Fenton City Park is a sprawling community gem that offers something for every family member, from energetic toddlers to adventurous tweens. With multiple playgrounds, spacious walking trails perfect for stroller walks or bike rides, and plenty of open green space for impromptu soccer games or kite flying, this park has become a go-to destination for St. Louis area families seeking outdoor fun without the downtown drive.
Trampoline Park
Sky Zone Fenton
★4.3$$❤️129
Sky Zone Fenton is an indoor trampoline park that transforms active play into an extreme adventure for the whole family. With wall-to-wall trampolines, challenging ninja warrior courses, foam pits for safe aerial tricks, and high-energy dodgeball courts, this climate-controlled facility keeps kids bouncing and burning energy rain or shine. The variety of activities means there's something exciting for every skill level and personality type.
Sports
RiverChase YMCA
★4.2$❤️120
RiverChase YMCA is a family-friendly recreation hub in Fenton offering far more than your typical gym. With indoor pools, thrilling water slides, a challenging climbing wall, and extensive youth programming, it's a one-stop destination for active families looking to swim, play, and explore together year-round.