The more kids move, exercise, and play, the healthier they’ll be physically and emotionally. Taking your child to parks, gyms, and other places where they can run, romp, jump, and dance will help boost their moods and let them make social connections. When looking for places to take your kids, use this handy guide our team at Crème de la Crème of Ellisville, Missouri, put together for you to reference. 

Olympia Gymnastics

A young girl on a balance beam during a gymnastics class in Ellisville, MO

Image by Niels Olson is licensed with CC BY-SA 2.0

Do you have aspiring gymnasts in your family? If so, they’ll learn the best tips and techniques when attending a class at Olympia Gymnastics. The team at Olympia Gymnastics offers classes for kids of all ages, from those just beginning to walk to those in their teenage years. Youngsters who want to participate in sports leagues or competitions in the Ellisville area can join teams such as the U.S.A. Junior Olympic, the Boy’s Team, and the National Level.

Another way kids can burn off energy is by taking one of Olympia Gymnastics’ ninja classes. Ninja Kids classes are for ages 4 to 6, and the instructors teach them strength, coordination, and agility. In this class, kids will warm up and tackle the age-appropriate obstacle course with bars, beams, and specialized ninja equipment. Children in the first grade and up can take the School-Age Ninja classes with five levels, all building on the basics of ninja skills.

Location: 16112 Westwoods Business Park, Ellisville

Contact: 636-230-9496

Ellisville Athletic Association

Young sports enthusiasts in your family can join a baseball or softball team when they sign up at the Ellisville Athletic Association. Their staff team coaches training league baseball and softball for kids ages 4 to 6. Older kids aged 7 to 14 can attend the youth spring baseball program from April through July or the fall sessions open from August through October. Youth softball leagues are also available for the same ages and time frames. Kids involved with organized sports learn essential team-building and social skills and strengthen coordination and motor skills.

After you pick up your child from the Ellisville Athletic Association, take them to any of these vegetarian restaurants in the Ellisville area to refuel their bodies.

Location: 2301 Westhills Park Drive, Ellisville

Contact: 636-821-1656

Castlewood State Park

When you’re looking for free places to take your kids in the Ellisville, Missouri, area where they can burn off some energy, bring them to Castlewood State Park. This gorgeous park straddles the lush valley of the Meramec River and offers visitors miles of hiking and mountain biking trails, equestrian trails, and places to go fishing.

Anglers can cast their lines along the miles of Meramec River frontage to catch fish like walleye, crappie, bass, and bluegill. Kids with lots of energy can play ball or run freely in the open spaces within Castlewood State Park, and after a busy day, your family can enjoy a picnic under a shady tree.

Location: 1401 Kiefer Creek Road, Ballwin

Contact: 636-227-4433

The Pointe at Ballwin Commons

You don’t need to live in Ballwin to take advantage of the fitness and recreation opportunities offered at The Pointe at Ballwin Commons. For a small daily fee, access this fitness facility’s state-of-the-art fitness room. It features cardio equipment, strength machines, free weights, an aerobics room, and an indoor walking/jogging track. 

Kids will enjoy the indoor pool, where they can use the two-story water slide, lazy river, vortex, and water playground. If you’d like your kids to take swimming lessons, you can sign them up for private or group lessons at The Pointe at Ballwin Commons. If you want a break to take an aerobics class, work with a personal trainer, or swim laps in the pool, you can drop off your children at the Pointe Play Center for up to two hours of child-care services. They designed this service for kids from 3 months to 8 years old.

Location: #1 Ballwin Commons Circle, Ballwin

Contact: 636-227-8950

Miss Kelly’s Gym

Kids can get exercise and burn off energy when they stop by Miss Kelly’s Gym, which is a short 20-minute drive away from Ellisville. The owner of this gym designed the facility and programs for youngsters from 10 months to 12 years old. Preschoolers can take specific classes focusing on basic gymnastics skills, and grade school-age kids can take gymnastics classes designed for beginner, intermediate, or advanced tumblers.

If your young child enjoys moving to music, they’ll love the dance classes at Miss Kelly’s Gym that coordinate tap, ballet, and gymnastics in a fun and nurturing environment. Besides scheduled classes, kids can join in for playtime during open gym times. Periodically, the team at Miss Kelly’s Gym has Parents Night Out. The staff will take care of your children with fun activities, so you and your partner can have an evening for yourselves.

Location: 12802 Olive Blvd., Creve Coeur

Contact: 314-439-1100

Wildwood Family YMCA

The Wildwood Family YMCA offers several youth sports programs to keep children busy and engaged. They can sign up for basketball, soccer, or T-ball in eight-week courses. For the kids who love to dance, you can sign them up for dance classes. Children ages 2 to 6 can take ballet and tap, and children 7 to 12 can engage in tap and musical theater dance. Dancers will enjoy having small class sizes taught by professional instructors and participating in two recitals a year.

Once a month during the school year, parents can drop their children, aged 5 to 12, off at the Wildwood Family YMCA for Kid’s Night Out. The team at this YMCA keeps your children entertained with swimming, games, arts and crafts, and other fun activities while you enjoy an evening out.

Location: 2641 Highway 109, Wildwood

Contact: 636-458-6636

That’s a wrap for our team at Crème de la Crème of Ellisville’s list of places where your kids can burn energy around the city. Where do your kids enjoy running around or playing sports the most around Ellisville, Missouri?  If you have a spot or establishment we missed here, let us know. We would love to check out your recommendation.