St. Louis is a great family biking city with a load of scenic trails and parks that make for just a fun day out with the kids. Anyone looking for either short or extended rides for younger and older children, can find in St. Louis something for every taste, a place where families can get into nature, do physical exercises, and spend quality time together.
Forest Park
At 1,300 acres, there is no shortage of beautiful sights and activities within its bounds. The park features dedicated bike trails that wind through scenic lakes, historic landmarks, and lush gardens-make it ideal for a leisurely family ride.
The best thing about biking around Forest Park is the irregular attractions one can make along the way. From a picnic on site, visiting the St Louis Zoo, to taking a break at the Missouri History Museum, the biking paths are all well-maintained and wide enough for families with children.
Grant’s Trail
For a longer, more casual ride, try Grant’s Trail. The flat, 10-mile pavement is well-shaded and great for families of any age. The trail is part of the larger Great Rivers Greenway network connected from one trailhead to another throughout the St Louis area.
Grant’s Trail will take you through some beautiful countryside, forest preserves, and even the historic Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site. With plenty of rest stops and benches along the path, it is fairly easy to take breaks if the kids need them. For the most part, it is pretty flat, so with its length, this is a great spot for beginners or families with small children just getting into the groove of riding.
And though not as well known, Grant’s Trail is excellent for wildlife viewing and wide enough for strollers.
Katy Trail
Active families up for a bit of adventure might consider adding the Katy Trail to their itinerary. The nation’s longest rail-trail stretches across more than 240 miles through scenic Missouri, with some of it passing near St. Louis. Obviously, you’ll want to take a smaller piece of it, but some places lend quite well to the ample family rides.
This trail meanders along the Missouri River, with beautiful theatrics of nature, such as rolling hills, bluffs, and vineyards. For a very family-friendly section, try the area around the quaint town of St. Charles, just a short drive from St. Louis. St. Charles offers easy access to the trail with several spots to stop for lunch or explore local history.
Creve Coeur Lake Memorial Park
Get ready for a lakeside adventure at Creve Coeur Lake Memorial Park. This family-friendly park offers a 6-mile paved biking trail that loops around the scenic lake, popular with locals in need of a laid-back cruise. Smooth and flat, the paved trail is ideal for young children still learning to ride or for families with strollers.
With biking, kayaking, fishing, and picnic areas rounding out some of the other activities one can enjoy, this really is the perfect place to spend an entire day of family fun outdoors. Parents can stop by the playground, let the kids run a bit, and then hop back on their bikes to complete the loop around the lake. Scenic views and many types of activities make Creve Coeur Lake Memorial Park an outstanding choice for an outdoor family adventure.
Laumeier Sculpture Park
This is an open-air museum of sorts with a number of different walking and bicycling paths. They take you through some beautiful wooded areas while passing large-scale sculptures and other art installations along the way.
Compared to other parks, the bike trails here are somewhat on the short side, which makes it perfect for those quick rides with younger kids. You could bike and then set off on foot to catch the sculptures, making for a pretty fun and educative experience with your whole family. There are plenty of photo opportunities throughout the park’s various art installations, so remember to take your camera!
Al Foster Memorial Trail
If your family is fond of nature, there is one beautiful secret kept just outside St. Louis. The trail is at Wildwood. It gives a peaceful ride through forested areas and along the Meramec River, perfect for families wanting to get away from the city into the calm feel of nature. Al Foster Memorial is a relatively flat park with easy terrain. Because of this, the trail allows any age and any skill level to hike it.
Safety Tips for Family Biking
While many of the biking options are family-friendly, here are some tips to help keep your family safe out on those new trails: make sure everyone has a helmet properly fitted, and tell the kids about keeping on the paths designed for biking. Bring water, snacks, and sunscreen, particularly for longer rides out on the Katy or Grant’s Trail.
It is also wise to be prepared for the unplanned; this becomes even more critical when biking through the city or public parks. Although these pathways are built for safety, sometimes accidents do occur. If at any time you or your loved one has been part of a bicycle-related accident because of negligence on someone else’s behalf, you should know what your legal options are. A bicycle accident lawyer can help with any questions and represent you should charges be filed.
Have Fun Exploring St. Louis by Bike
Fantastic opportunities for family-friendly bike rides include the famous Forest Park and go all the way to the serene Grant’s Trail. No matter the family’s age or skill level, your group will find something just right for them. Whether you’re looking for a short, easy ride or perhaps a bit longer, more scenic adventure, such trails offer up a safe and enjoyable way to explore the city together.
