Playground Fun and Hike by a Rocky Stream at Crestwood Park

Take a hike crossing back and forth over a pebble-filled creek, and then let the kids play on a unique playground at Crestwood Park.

This is a 0.8-mile walk in Crestwood, Mo., on a paved surface with 56 feet of elevation gain. It is stroller and kid-friendly.

Start of the Walk

I parked in the lot off of Meadowfern Drive. Paved trails go throughout the park, and I am doing the outermost one.

Next, I walked towards the north end of the lot, where I headed west on a sidewalk. A picnic pavilion is to the north.

Nearby is a tot playground with slides.

Then I made a right onto an asphalt trail that went north. As I continued, I passed by a woodland habitat before the trail intersected with a connector trail to a neighborhood street.

By the Creek

I cross a bridge over a rocky stream, which is surprisingly scenic, so far into the metro. After crossing the bridge, I make a right, following the trail as it runs alongside the creek.

The trail then crosses over a small brook.

*The nearby creek crossing could be used to re-enter the middle of the park and hike on the other side of the creek.*

Shortly after, another paved trail crosses the creek. You could use the trail to connect to another trail that follows along the creek on the other side.

Going South

Next, the trail curves to the south and crosses the creek again.

Now, as the trail passes by open fields in the park, it remains shaded by trees.

Soon, I arrive near a playground with boardwalks, slides, swings, and a large climbing wall.

A connector trail leads into a neighborhood, where it is flanked by a small free library.

Heading Back

As the trail curves north again, I pass by a large enclosed home base—probably to keep baseballs from hitting nearby houses.

Before long, the trail brings me back to the parking lot.

Final Thoughts

At 0.8 miles, you can do several loops for longer walks. I like that the trail has plenty of tree cover, considering it’s a suburban park walk. This is a great walk for the kids, featuring a large playground and scenic creek crossings.

DETAILS

Drive: Take Interstate 44 to the Big Bend Boulevard and make a left onto it, and then make a right onto Sappington Road. Next, make a right onto Watson Road, then a left onto Glenwood Drive, a right onto E. Watson Road, a left onto Crest Oak Lane, and then a last left onto Meadowfern Drive, which ends at the parking lot.

Hours: 6 a.m. – 9 p.m. (September – April); 6 a.m. – 10 p.m. (May- August)

Address: 9700 Meadowfern Dr, St. Louis, MO 63126