When the heat is on and the pools are crowded, a parent's go-to strategy for finding the perfect summer activity that keeps kids happy and cool is to find the nearest splash pad. St. Louis is full of them, ranging from small neighborhood parks with pop jets, to sprawling water features with fountains and wading pools.
Here are some to explore across the St. Louis area, and most are free:
Tower Grove Park. The Muckerman Children's Fountain & Pop Jets at Tower Grove Park are open daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. starting June 14. The park also has two playgrounds. Visit on Friday mornings when you can also see free performances by some of St. Louis' best-known children's entertainers. All activities are free.
Forest Park. Visiting the 17-acre Anne O'C. Albrecht Nature Playscape is a cool adventure just by itself, with its sand play areas, willow tunnels, stump steppers, boulders, rocks and lots more. In the warm months, play is taken to the next level with the water features

The Children's Garden at the Missouri Botanical Garden. The Splash Area in the Children's Garden turns on when temps reach 70 degrees and are included in Children's Garden admission. Hours are Tuesdays through Sundays from 9 am. to 4 p.m. It's free on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon for St. Louis City & County residents.
Kiener Plaza. Cool off in the city's Kiener Plaza, where you'll find a fountain garden with a splash pad, and a fantastic playground as well.
Citygarden.
Photo credits: Forest Park Forever,
The Preschool Science Series is an open exploration learning lab for young scientists - ages 18 months to 5 years - and their families. Activities are designed around research that shows children learn best through play, inquiry and shared experiences with their parents and caregivers.
Free outdoor concerts are back at the Missouri History Museum. The May series of concerts features favorite bands, food trucks, and exhibits inside the museum that are open to the public on concert nights. Concerts are held from 6-8 p.m.
Is it time to potty train your toddler? The St. Louis County Library is offering Potty Training 101 to parents of children ages 2-3. This free workshop for parent and child includes a potty-themed storytime, and parents & caregivers will receive information to get them started on the potty training process. Attendees will also receive a potty seat, step stool, training pants and a potty-themed board book.
Visit The Magic House for Toddler Time, a special early-morning program for toddlers. Children age 1-4 can take part in exhibits and exclusive interactive activities designed just for little ones. There are new themes every week!
Take part in a free yoga session just for kids! Children's yoga, presented by Complete Harmony, is held at the Brentwood Public Library on Thursdays from 9:30 to 10 a.m. Classes include stories, movement and mindfulness and are geared for children up to age 5. Bring a yoga mat or towel.