Steve and Will Smith know a thing or two about creating memorable family experiences. The father-son duo was the driving force behind City Foundry STL, the mammoth manufacturing center-turned-entertainment hub, replete with a sprawling food hall; local shops; and such draws as Alamo Drafthouse, Puttshack, City Winery, and Sandbox VR.
“Whether it’s parents with young kids or adults with their parents, we wanted a place where the St. Louis community could come together,” says Will, president of investment firm New + Found, which made the project possible alongside The Lawrence Group, where Steve is CEO and co-founder.
With that sentiment in mind, the Smith family shared some of the top spots where families can make memories.
Park Place
St. Louis offers ample public parks and green spaces where families can take in the fresh air. Will loves Tower Grove Park for its bustling farmers market, where families can spend all morning shopping, trying locally produced fare, and bumping into friends old and new.
Steve mentions Citygarden, which recently underwent a refresh, complete with additional sculptures and landscaping. For tykes, its splashpad is a draw during the summer. Farther east, Kiener Plaza has also received a face-lift in recent years and now hosts frequent events—all with a tremendous view of the Old Courthouse and the Gateway Arch.
Another highlight in the heart of the city: Lafayette Park, “the oldest park in St. Louis,” Steve says. Although it’s smaller than popular parks like Tower Grove Park and Forest Park, it has a charming pond with swans—and it’s within walking distance to Clementine’s Naughty & Nice Creamery. “I took my kids [to the park] when they were little,” Steve adds.
Beloved Attractions
Among the city’s newer offerings, Will is quick to mention Energizer Park, home of St. Louis’ new Major League Soccer team, CITY SC. “The soccer stadium is an incredible experience,” he says. “They have a block party before every game.” The Purina Incredible Dog Challenge dazzles crowds with the canines’ high-flying moves, and there’s typically a DJ or performer. “It’s a very family-friendly atmosphere, great for multiple generations.”
Several blocks away is another must-experience attraction: City Museum, a one-of-a-kind destination that’s less a museum and more an interactive art installation where kids are encouraged to discover and explore. “Any visitor with kids has to go,” Steve says. “It’s fantasy gone wild—terrific for all ages.”
Another favorite is the Missouri History Museum. Situated on the north edge of Forest Park, the museum features more than 175,000 artifacts and engaging exhibitions, including a recently updated 1904 World’s Fair gallery. “It’s the largest exhibit about the fair I’ve ever [seen],” Will says. “And like everything, it’s free to visit.”
Likewise, the Saint Louis Zoo in Forest Park is a perpetual draw for families and free to enjoy year-round. “It’s just a great thing to do together,” Will says. “You can go there for four hours or 45 minutes because it’s free. And you never have to feel like you get everything in this next trip because you can just come back the next day or week.”
