Photo: Barbara Loeb
Photo: Barbara Loeb
Photo: Barbara Loeb
Rodes Park
★4.0(11 reviews)FreePark
🕑 1.5-2.5 hours👶 Best for ages 1-12. The playground equipment accommodates both toddlers and elementary-aged children, while the open spaces and trails work well for families with kids of varying ages who want to play together.
About
Rodes Park in Ladue is a wonderful neighborhood gem offering families a perfect blend of active play and peaceful relaxation. With well-maintained playgrounds, scenic walking trails, and plenty of open green space, it's an ideal spot for everything from toddler playtime to family picnics and outdoor games.
Highlights
- ✓Well-equipped playground structures for multiple age groups
- ✓Scenic walking trails perfect for stroller walks or family hikes
- ✓Large open fields ideal for running, sports, and active games
- ✓Shaded picnic areas for family lunches and gatherings
- ✓Peaceful neighborhood setting with a safe, community atmosphere
Pro Tips
- 1.Arrive early on weekends (before 10am) to snag one of the shaded picnic tables, especially during summer months
- 2.Bring a soccer ball or frisbee to take advantage of the spacious open fields that are perfect for active play
- 3.Pack bug spray during warmer months, especially if you plan to explore the walking trails
- 4.The parking lot is small, so consider walking or biking from nearby neighborhoods if you live locally
- 5.Bring a blanket for impromptu picnics on the grass,there are plenty of beautiful spots under the trees
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings or late afternoons offer the most peaceful experience with fewer crowds. Spring and fall provide the most comfortable weather for extended outdoor play, with beautiful foliage and moderate temperatures perfect for trail walks and picnicking.
What to Know
This is a free public park with limited parking available on-site. No restrooms or food vendors are available, so plan accordingly and bring your own snacks, drinks, and any necessary supplies.
Seasonal Notes
Best visited spring through fall when weather is pleasant. The park is beautiful during autumn with changing leaves. Trails may be muddy after rain, and playground equipment can be hot during peak summer afternoons. Winter visits are possible but facilities remain basic year-round.
Nearby Eats
Head to Sauce on the Side (about 5 minutes away) for customizable calzones that kids can build themselves, or visit Protzel's Delicatessen for family-friendly sandwiches and a casual atmosphere perfect for post-park hunger.
More Activities Near Ladue
Park
Tilles Park Road
Free
Tilles Park Road winds through one of St. Louis County's most beloved family parks, offering access to an impressive splash pad that's a summer favorite, multiple age-appropriate playgrounds, and scenic walking paths perfect for stroller walks or family bike rides. The park's combination of active play areas, shaded picnic spots, and open green spaces makes it an ideal destination for everything from quick afternoon outings to full-day family adventures.
Park
Old Bonhomme Road
Free
Old Bonhomme Road offers families a peaceful escape in Ladue with plenty of space for little ones to explore. This neighborhood gem features playground equipment suitable for younger children, shaded walking paths perfect for stroller walks, and a relaxed atmosphere that makes it ideal for casual family outings without the crowds of larger parks.
Park
Ladue Chapel Presbyterian Church (USA)
★4.9Free❤️10
While primarily a place of worship, Ladue Chapel Presbyterian Church opens its beautiful grounds to the community during office hours. Families can enjoy peaceful walks around the well-maintained property and green spaces, though this is more suited for a quiet outdoor break than an active play destination.
Park
Conway Park
★4.6Free❤️33
Conway Park is a well-maintained neighborhood gem in the Ladue area that delivers exactly what active families need: tennis courts for older kids learning the game, modern playground equipment for the little ones, and sprawling open green spaces perfect for soccer, frisbee, or impromptu picnics. With its impressive 4.6-star rating from nearly 200 reviews, this park has earned its reputation as a local family favorite.