Madison County Parks & Play Guide
Find parks with splash pads, shade, trails, and fenced play areas.
Ackerman School Inclusive Playground
(Florissant, MO)
Located at Ackerman School, a Special School District campus serving students with significant disabilities. The playground was designed with accessibility in mind and includes adaptive play equipment, accessible surfacing, and opportunities for sensory exploration. The space supports children with a wide variety of physical, developmental, and sensory needs. 1550 Derhake Rd, Florissant, MO Airplane Park (Edwardsville)
Features two separate play areas. One is designed for younger children and one for older. It has climbing structures, slides, swings, and fields. The park includes a real airplane display, multiple shaded pavilion areas, drinking fountains, and accessible restroom facilities. A paved trail runs alongside, making it easy to combine playtime with walking or biking. Note: Not dog friendly
Cahokia Mounds
(Cahokia)
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and the remains of the largest pre-Columbian Native American city north of Mexico. The site features walking paths, grassy areas, interpretive signs, and ancient earthen mounds. Visitors can climb the 154 steps of Monks Mound for views of the site and the St. Louis skyline. The grounds are open dawn to dusk. Most paths are wide and stroller friendly, though shade can be limited in some areas. Leashed dogs are welcome outdoors.
Emmenegger Park
(Kirkwood)
Shaded hiking trails through forest and along a rocky creek. Great for summer water play and exploring. Small picnic area near entrance. Trails vary in length and difficulty. No playground or restrooms—bring what you need. Can get muddy after rain. Finger Lake State Park(Boone County, MO)
One of two ATV parks in the state parks system. Spacious campground, leafy trees, and hilly terrain. Also has a 2.75-mile Kelley Branch Mountain Bike Trail and a 4.5-mile water trail. (About 2 hours)
Fugitive Beach(Rolla, MO)
Waterslides, beach, jumps, & games. Play area for toddlers, beach volley ball. Shade Rentals on website only. Generally Opens Memorial Weekend (About 2 hours drive from Madison County) Great for families with a range of ages.
Cost: Entry $13.75 ages 10 & younger, $15.75 for 11 & up. 10am-6pm. Cash/CC Gardens at SIUE(Edwardsville)
is a botanical garden featuring a half-mile paved walking path with lots of shade. A great place for photos. Pet friendly. Don't Miss the bridges over the train tracks. Can get crowded on beautiful weekends. Well labeled trails are mostly paved with lots of shade, educational placards, and beautiful art.
Glazebrook Parks and Splash Pad(Alton)
has two ponds, two playgrounds, concession stands, three restrooms, shelters, a gazebo, soccer fields, a splash pad, and over 3 miles of walking trails. The splash pad has a large dump bucket, smaller buckets, sprayers, picnic tables with umbrellas, and a fence with a child lock. Chairs aren't comfy. Bring your own for a longer stay. Located at 1401 Stamper Lane.
Hannah's Playground
(Breese)
A fully inclusive playground designed so children of all abilities can play together. Features accessible surfacing, adaptive equipment, wide ramps, sensory-friendly activities, and play areas designed for children with mobility challenges. The playground was created in memory of Hannah, a local child with cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and developmental disabilities. Every area was designed with accessibility and inclusion in mind. Horseshoe Lake (Pontoon Beach)
Large natural lake area with fishing, hiking, camping, and picnic shelters. Known for birdwatching with 287+ species recorded, including bald eagles and migrating geese. The lake is managed and partially drained each year . Quiet, wide-open space with minimal development. Jake's Field of Dreams
(Wentzville, MO)
One of the premier inclusive playgrounds in the St. Louis region. This sports-themed destination playground was designed to exceed ADA standards and allows children of all abilities to play together. Features include ramp systems reaching the highest levels of the playground, adaptive swings, accessible surfacing, specialized seating, climbing elements, tunnels, and interactive play features. Nearby amenities include restrooms, pavilions, and walking trails. Kade's Playground
(Herculaneum, MO)
One of the most unique inclusive playgrounds in the region. The centerpiece is a giant accessible volcano inspired by Mount Vesuvius, complete with climbing features, slides, and accessible routes. The playground includes poured rubber surfacing, integrated shade, sensory activities, ground-level play features, and fully accessible equipment designed for children of all abilities. Korte Recreation Center (Highland)
Full recreation complex with indoor pool, lazy river, toddler pool, hot tub, and water slide. Outside includes playgrounds, walking paths, gardens, and lake views. Family day passes available with tiered pricing. Indoor water area makes it a strong year-round option. Cost: $4.50–$23 depending on age/pass
Lake Lou Yaeger
(Litchfield, IL)
Milnot Beach at Lake Lou Yaeger offers lifejackets, water apparatus, diving boards, and a guarded swimming area. Hours vary seasonally. Family season passes available. Perfect for families with a range of ages. Can get crowded. Pulling onto floating equipment can be tricky. Cost: $7 adults, $5 children (5-17), under 5 free. Family season pass includes 10 members.
Leclaire Park(Edwardsville) 5.8 acres of land within the local historic district. The small park features a bandstand gazebo, a picnic pavilion, small children's playground areas, and a two-acre fishing lake. There is plenty of trees and shade. Pet Friendly. There is a sidewalk around the lake that closely borders the road at some points. Don't Miss the geese, ducks, turtles, and great fishing.
Leon Corlew Park and Splash Pad(Edwardsville)
has a splash pad, workout area, large pavilions, bathrooms, barbecue grills, a concessions area, large playground, and younger children's playground. The splash pad has features for young and older kids, and shaded benches. Can get crowded. Adjacent playground\slides can be slick when wet.
Mastodon State Historic Site
(Imperial, MO)
Mastodon State Historic Site has a long shallow creek with many shady wading areas. To get to the creek, park near the playground, go past the bathrooms, and cross the bridge! The creek is ideal for splashing around. It can be crowded on weekends and holidays but usually has enough space to spread out. Pet friendly. No place to sit at the creek. Bring your own chairs. There are deep areas of the creek, so keep an eye on kids. Great trails with beautiful views and lots to discover. Don't Miss: Finding crayfish, snakes, and turtles!
The Nature Institute (Godfrey)
The Nature Institute has a number of shallow creeks to play in. Our family explored the Rock trail and Beaver Falls, which is small but worth the walk! It’s a relaxing spot for all ages to enjoy nature. NOT dog friendly. Closed Mondays and during winter. Restrooms close at 4 pm on weekdays and weekends.
O'Day Park
(O'Fallon, Missouri)
Nestled in the countryside just off Highway DD. The 57-acre park offers the area's first adventure playground. Kids can climb an obstacle course with netting, swings, rock walls, and much more. There is a creek with a movable damn and stepping stones. There are also miles of paved and natural paths. Watch out for grass burns if rolling down the hill.
O’Fallon Splash Pad(O’Fallon, IL)
Features two manmade creek areas with trickling water, a traditional splash pad with various sprayers and 3 small buckets. Kids can alternate between creeks, splash pad, and two playgrounds. Shade and benches available. Splash pad is not fenced and near the parking lot.
Rinderer Park(Highland, IL)is a fully fenced, handicap-accessible community park. The playground includes two zip lines, musical play instruments, a wide variety of swings, wheelchair-accessible play areas, climbing structures, slides, and sensory-friendly equipment designed for children of all abilities. The park also offers walking trails, outdoor fitness equipment, picnic areas, and a dog park. Very little shade. Bring Sunscreen, sunglasses, umbrellas, and lots of water!
Schnuck's Park(Collinsville)
a small, peaceful park with a lake, open green space, and a gazebo right by the water. The surrounding trees are make the whole area feel shaded and calm. It would be a great spot for fishing while enjoying the views. The playground has some unusual structures and is well suited for 2nd-5th grades.
Silver Lake (Highland)
Silver Lake runs along the shore of a lake with a 4+ mile wooded trail that is not stroller friendly. Leashed pets are welcome. The family enjoys playing in the water at the top of the hill and in the small waterfall/creek. There is a nice small playground. Careful! Fishing lines are often discarded in water. Local ordinance doesn’t allow swimming.
Swansea Kingdom Playground
(Swansea)
One of the most unique playgrounds in the area, featuring a giant castle-and-dragon themed play structure filled with towers, bridges, climbing areas, slides, and hidden passages. Across the park is a fenced splash pad that make it easy to cool off on hot summer days. The park also offers walking paths, open green space, benches, picnic areas, restrooms, and a dog park.
Tri Township Park(Troy)
has a large pond with fish, ducks, and swans. Also has a toddler sized playground and a larger playground north of the lake or next to the skate park. Also has fishing, a pedestrian bridge, benches, covered picnic areas, grills, paved stroller friendly trails, fields, fields, tennis courts, sand volleyball, gaga ball, frisbee golf, a remote control car park, restrooms, and a skate park. Parking can get difficult and some parks have very little shade. There are small trails around the site. Don't Miss: The adorable little zoo near the playground.
The Village Playground
(New Baden)
A community-built inclusive playground designed so children of all abilities can play side-by-side, the playground features accessible routes, adaptive equipment, and activities that encourage cooperative play. Modern equipment and accessible surfacing make it easier for children using mobility devices to participate throughout the playground. Watershed Nature Center (Edwardsville)
A 40+ acre outdoor learning center featuring wetlands, lakes, prairie, forest, and both paved and natural trails. Visitors can explore elevated boardwalks, observation towers, an observation blind, and several scenic overlooks throughout the property. The visitor center often features exhibits, educational programs, and seasonal activities. Leashed pets are welcome on the trails. Don't Miss: FREE Discovery Days, observation towers, and the boardwalk through the wetlands.
Willoughby Farm(Collinsville)
A 30 acre farm with rest rooms, picnic shelters, a large garden, hiking trails, an intricate play area with ride on toys, a wheel chair accessible swing, and kids' wheelbarrows. Also has cows, goats, ponies, bunnies, chickens, tractors, free ranging guinea hens, and a farm house. Trails with fun hidden gems that are not stroller friendly.
Wilson Park(Granite City)
is a 74-acre park featuring a stroller-friendly paved walking trail with plenty of shade. Amenities include multiple shelters, restrooms, basketball and tennis courts, baseball fields, a skate park, playgrounds for younger children, and a decorative fountain. Pet friendly. The Wilson Park Pool is nearby with water slide and wading pool. There's also an ice rink, formal gardens, and over 1,000 native and rare trees. Flat, paved trails loop around the park.
Woodland Park(Collinsville)
A large community park with three playgrounds, ball fields, a disc golf course, and a scenic lake with ducks and geese. Plenty of benches and pavilions to rest, with gentle hills and bridges to explore (trails are not very stroller-friendly).
Located at Ackerman School, a Special School District campus serving students with significant disabilities. The playground was designed with accessibility in mind and includes adaptive play equipment, accessible surfacing, and opportunities for sensory exploration. The space supports children with a wide variety of physical, developmental, and sensory needs. 1550 Derhake Rd, Florissant, MO Airplane Park (Edwardsville)
Features two separate play areas. One is designed for younger children and one for older. It has climbing structures, slides, swings, and fields. The park includes a real airplane display, multiple shaded pavilion areas, drinking fountains, and accessible restroom facilities. A paved trail runs alongside, making it easy to combine playtime with walking or biking. Note: Not dog friendly
Cahokia Mounds
(Cahokia)A UNESCO World Heritage Site and the remains of the largest pre-Columbian Native American city north of Mexico. The site features walking paths, grassy areas, interpretive signs, and ancient earthen mounds. Visitors can climb the 154 steps of Monks Mound for views of the site and the St. Louis skyline. The grounds are open dawn to dusk. Most paths are wide and stroller friendly, though shade can be limited in some areas. Leashed dogs are welcome outdoors.
Emmenegger Park
(Kirkwood)Shaded hiking trails through forest and along a rocky creek. Great for summer water play and exploring. Small picnic area near entrance. Trails vary in length and difficulty. No playground or restrooms—bring what you need. Can get muddy after rain. Finger Lake State Park(Boone County, MO)
One of two ATV parks in the state parks system. Spacious campground, leafy trees, and hilly terrain. Also has a 2.75-mile Kelley Branch Mountain Bike Trail and a 4.5-mile water trail. (About 2 hours)
Fugitive Beach(Rolla, MO)
Waterslides, beach, jumps, & games. Play area for toddlers, beach volley ball. Shade Rentals on website only. Generally Opens Memorial Weekend (About 2 hours drive from Madison County) Great for families with a range of ages.
Cost: Entry $13.75 ages 10 & younger, $15.75 for 11 & up. 10am-6pm. Cash/CC Gardens at SIUE(Edwardsville)
is a botanical garden featuring a half-mile paved walking path with lots of shade. A great place for photos. Pet friendly. Don't Miss the bridges over the train tracks. Can get crowded on beautiful weekends. Well labeled trails are mostly paved with lots of shade, educational placards, and beautiful art.
Glazebrook Parks and Splash Pad(Alton)has two ponds, two playgrounds, concession stands, three restrooms, shelters, a gazebo, soccer fields, a splash pad, and over 3 miles of walking trails. The splash pad has a large dump bucket, smaller buckets, sprayers, picnic tables with umbrellas, and a fence with a child lock. Chairs aren't comfy. Bring your own for a longer stay. Located at 1401 Stamper Lane.
Hannah's Playground
(Breese)A fully inclusive playground designed so children of all abilities can play together. Features accessible surfacing, adaptive equipment, wide ramps, sensory-friendly activities, and play areas designed for children with mobility challenges. The playground was created in memory of Hannah, a local child with cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and developmental disabilities. Every area was designed with accessibility and inclusion in mind. Horseshoe Lake (Pontoon Beach)
Large natural lake area with fishing, hiking, camping, and picnic shelters. Known for birdwatching with 287+ species recorded, including bald eagles and migrating geese. The lake is managed and partially drained each year . Quiet, wide-open space with minimal development. Jake's Field of Dreams
(Wentzville, MO)
One of the premier inclusive playgrounds in the St. Louis region. This sports-themed destination playground was designed to exceed ADA standards and allows children of all abilities to play together. Features include ramp systems reaching the highest levels of the playground, adaptive swings, accessible surfacing, specialized seating, climbing elements, tunnels, and interactive play features. Nearby amenities include restrooms, pavilions, and walking trails. Kade's Playground
(Herculaneum, MO)
One of the most unique inclusive playgrounds in the region. The centerpiece is a giant accessible volcano inspired by Mount Vesuvius, complete with climbing features, slides, and accessible routes. The playground includes poured rubber surfacing, integrated shade, sensory activities, ground-level play features, and fully accessible equipment designed for children of all abilities. Korte Recreation Center (Highland)
Full recreation complex with indoor pool, lazy river, toddler pool, hot tub, and water slide. Outside includes playgrounds, walking paths, gardens, and lake views. Family day passes available with tiered pricing. Indoor water area makes it a strong year-round option. Cost: $4.50–$23 depending on age/pass
Lake Lou Yaeger (Litchfield, IL)
Milnot Beach at Lake Lou Yaeger offers lifejackets, water apparatus, diving boards, and a guarded swimming area. Hours vary seasonally. Family season passes available. Perfect for families with a range of ages. Can get crowded. Pulling onto floating equipment can be tricky. Cost: $7 adults, $5 children (5-17), under 5 free. Family season pass includes 10 members.
Leclaire Park(Edwardsville) 5.8 acres of land within the local historic district. The small park features a bandstand gazebo, a picnic pavilion, small children's playground areas, and a two-acre fishing lake. There is plenty of trees and shade. Pet Friendly. There is a sidewalk around the lake that closely borders the road at some points. Don't Miss the geese, ducks, turtles, and great fishing.
Leon Corlew Park and Splash Pad(Edwardsville) has a splash pad, workout area, large pavilions, bathrooms, barbecue grills, a concessions area, large playground, and younger children's playground. The splash pad has features for young and older kids, and shaded benches. Can get crowded. Adjacent playground\slides can be slick when wet.
Mastodon State Historic Site (Imperial, MO)
Mastodon State Historic Site has a long shallow creek with many shady wading areas. To get to the creek, park near the playground, go past the bathrooms, and cross the bridge! The creek is ideal for splashing around. It can be crowded on weekends and holidays but usually has enough space to spread out. Pet friendly. No place to sit at the creek. Bring your own chairs. There are deep areas of the creek, so keep an eye on kids. Great trails with beautiful views and lots to discover. Don't Miss: Finding crayfish, snakes, and turtles!
The Nature Institute (Godfrey)The Nature Institute has a number of shallow creeks to play in. Our family explored the Rock trail and Beaver Falls, which is small but worth the walk! It’s a relaxing spot for all ages to enjoy nature. NOT dog friendly. Closed Mondays and during winter. Restrooms close at 4 pm on weekdays and weekends.
O'Day Park(O'Fallon, Missouri)
Nestled in the countryside just off Highway DD. The 57-acre park offers the area's first adventure playground. Kids can climb an obstacle course with netting, swings, rock walls, and much more. There is a creek with a movable damn and stepping stones. There are also miles of paved and natural paths. Watch out for grass burns if rolling down the hill.
O’Fallon Splash Pad(O’Fallon, IL)Features two manmade creek areas with trickling water, a traditional splash pad with various sprayers and 3 small buckets. Kids can alternate between creeks, splash pad, and two playgrounds. Shade and benches available. Splash pad is not fenced and near the parking lot.
Rinderer Park(Highland, IL)is a fully fenced, handicap-accessible community park. The playground includes two zip lines, musical play instruments, a wide variety of swings, wheelchair-accessible play areas, climbing structures, slides, and sensory-friendly equipment designed for children of all abilities. The park also offers walking trails, outdoor fitness equipment, picnic areas, and a dog park. Very little shade. Bring Sunscreen, sunglasses, umbrellas, and lots of water!
Schnuck's Park(Collinsville)a small, peaceful park with a lake, open green space, and a gazebo right by the water. The surrounding trees are make the whole area feel shaded and calm. It would be a great spot for fishing while enjoying the views. The playground has some unusual structures and is well suited for 2nd-5th grades.
Silver Lake (Highland)Silver Lake runs along the shore of a lake with a 4+ mile wooded trail that is not stroller friendly. Leashed pets are welcome. The family enjoys playing in the water at the top of the hill and in the small waterfall/creek. There is a nice small playground. Careful! Fishing lines are often discarded in water. Local ordinance doesn’t allow swimming.
Swansea Kingdom Playground
(Swansea)One of the most unique playgrounds in the area, featuring a giant castle-and-dragon themed play structure filled with towers, bridges, climbing areas, slides, and hidden passages. Across the park is a fenced splash pad that make it easy to cool off on hot summer days. The park also offers walking paths, open green space, benches, picnic areas, restrooms, and a dog park.
Tri Township Park(Troy)has a large pond with fish, ducks, and swans. Also has a toddler sized playground and a larger playground north of the lake or next to the skate park. Also has fishing, a pedestrian bridge, benches, covered picnic areas, grills, paved stroller friendly trails, fields, fields, tennis courts, sand volleyball, gaga ball, frisbee golf, a remote control car park, restrooms, and a skate park. Parking can get difficult and some parks have very little shade. There are small trails around the site. Don't Miss: The adorable little zoo near the playground.
The Village Playground
(New Baden)A community-built inclusive playground designed so children of all abilities can play side-by-side, the playground features accessible routes, adaptive equipment, and activities that encourage cooperative play. Modern equipment and accessible surfacing make it easier for children using mobility devices to participate throughout the playground. Watershed Nature Center (Edwardsville)
A 40+ acre outdoor learning center featuring wetlands, lakes, prairie, forest, and both paved and natural trails. Visitors can explore elevated boardwalks, observation towers, an observation blind, and several scenic overlooks throughout the property. The visitor center often features exhibits, educational programs, and seasonal activities. Leashed pets are welcome on the trails. Don't Miss: FREE Discovery Days, observation towers, and the boardwalk through the wetlands.
Willoughby Farm(Collinsville)A 30 acre farm with rest rooms, picnic shelters, a large garden, hiking trails, an intricate play area with ride on toys, a wheel chair accessible swing, and kids' wheelbarrows. Also has cows, goats, ponies, bunnies, chickens, tractors, free ranging guinea hens, and a farm house. Trails with fun hidden gems that are not stroller friendly.
Wilson Park(Granite City)is a 74-acre park featuring a stroller-friendly paved walking trail with plenty of shade. Amenities include multiple shelters, restrooms, basketball and tennis courts, baseball fields, a skate park, playgrounds for younger children, and a decorative fountain. Pet friendly. The Wilson Park Pool is nearby with water slide and wading pool. There's also an ice rink, formal gardens, and over 1,000 native and rare trees. Flat, paved trails loop around the park.
Woodland Park(Collinsville)
A large community park with three playgrounds, ball fields, a disc golf course, and a scenic lake with ducks and geese. Plenty of benches and pavilions to rest, with gentle hills and bridges to explore (trails are not very stroller-friendly).
Madison County offers an incredible variety of playgrounds and parks for kids of all ages.
Search below to find parks with shade, trails, fences, and playgrounds. For those bad weather days, visit Inside play. Planning a party? Check our Celebrations Guide. Explore more on the Madison County Kids play page or pair an outing with food for kids.
FAQ
Q: Which playgrounds have bathrooms?
A: Many larger community parks include restrooms — use the search below.
Q: Are there toddler-friendly playgrounds?
A: Yes! Many include low climbing structures and fenced areas.