Deer Creek Park — Attraction in Maplewood

Kids LOVE this playground. AND it's not for under 5 unless the parents can climb around after them. The ladder from the middle level to the top of the rocket slide is where they all want to go, and it takes a certain amount of kiddo coordination to climb up that part and/or not get clobbered if the kid above you slips on the rungs and falls onto you. From the top is a tunnel spiral slide and inevitably a kid is hanging out at the bottom while another kid slides down, making for a chance at a nasty collision if your kid is at the bottom and not paying attention. The rest of the park is great for kids of all ages -- swings, other slides and walkways, small climbing wall option, benches for adults to watch, sand play area, etc. There are bathrooms but a bit of a walk, about 100 yards away from the playground; sketchy if you're trying to potty train. There's a paved path around the park for walking, dogs, etc. Restaurants and shopping nearby. Large pavilion near the playground, smaller one near the bathroom side. LARGE fields for soccer, kites, etc. A stream runs along the parking lot closest to the playground, fun to throw rocks into, but not safe for several reasons (asbestos tile in the water shores, sewer warning about the water...

Affectionately called "The Rocket Park" this is my kids most favorite park in all of the Greater St. Louis area. It has an amazing rocket ship themed playground that is 3 levels high with lots of seating for parents to sit back and watch. There is a 4 seat moon car and things to do on the lower level for little ones. The second level has several ways to get to including a rock wall, two ladders, and you can walk right onto this level from the parking lot. The third level can only be accessed from climbing up a ladder in the center of the "rocket" and has a tall tube slide as the way back down. (Yay!) There are some small spaces that extend from the rocket with control panels and looks outs. There are plenty of swings in two areas of the playground and there is an are of digging in the rocks. While the "rocket" is on colored AstroTurf the swings and digging are small playground rocks. So be prepared to empty everyone's shoes before leaving because the rocks get everywhere. There is a snack stand with restrooms that sells snack food in the summer and there is also two pavilions for birthday parties. There seem to be some ball fields there too but we have never ventured past the playground. At the end of the day, this is an A+ park...

yes, yes, I know it is Deer Creek Park, but my family knows it as Rocket Park due the the playground that prominently features a rocket ship shaped main area. My kids are now 10 and 7, but they have enjoyed this park since they could walk. There is enough on the playground for all ages. They have great tall swings that allow you to go high (just don't see that so much anymore). Additionally, this park has a decent concession stand that has tropical sno types of snow cones, fairly well kept bathrooms and even a restaurant nearby. The softball/baseball fields are kept in great shape and there is a large open area with soccer goals that move around. The sand volleyball court always has great, fine sand. There are two nice pavilions for events. The path that runs through the park goes over a bridge to an area that has another softball/baseball filed as well as the bottom of 'suicide hill' - a local favorite for sledding when it snows. At the top of that hill is yet an other small playground - primarily appropriate for kids under 10. This park is kept in great shape, has areas for for all kinds of activities, and is close to a bar/grill as well as a shopping area...