Kade's Playground in Herculaneum Has a Volcano

My son had an awesome time at a playground that includes a volcano surrounded by lava at Kade’s Playground in Herculaneum, Mo. Yet, the story of how it came about is inspirational.

Kade’s Playground

The playground was made in memory of Kade who had been a wheelchair-bound child due to multiple medical conditions. Kade could not use any of the playgrounds in Jefferson County. The parents made an effort to get an accessible swing installed in an existing playground, but before they succeeded, Kade passed away at the age of three.

The town and the parents worked together to build this playground with accessibility as a key element.

*My son standing up on the fake lava field with the volcano in the back.*

Volcano Theme

In the middle of the playground is a volcano that kids can play inside it and slide down. It is tall and brown with red streaks on it like lava. The playground has the same streaks like lava washing over it.

*Entering the playground through the Herculaneum entrance.*

The town playground is in Herculaneum. Named after the Italian city of Herculaneum was destroyed by an eruption by Mt. Vesuvius in 79 AD. The name came from the founder Moses Austin who said the limestone strata along the Mississippi River resembled seats in the Roman amphitheater in Rome. Also, both towns were once suppliers of lead.

*Andrew climbing on the Herculaneum ruins wall*

OUR TIME HERE

Around the Volcano

I took my son here and first off he climbed up on a blackened mound that creates the remains of the imagined Herculaneum. In it are Roman ruins, pottery, and water pitcher.

Then he climbed around the volcano before going inside it and looking up at the mouth. At the front, he slid down the multi-colored slide. (Main blog photo)

After the volcano, we checked out the different xylophones. We came to one that included letters on it and you could use a sheet of music above it to play it following the letters.

Exploring Boards

Look for boards that kids can interact with. My son found one labeled Sounds of Water where you could press a button for the sound of rain, a creek, a waterfall, and splashing. Also, there was a maze board and a Tic Tac Toe board.

Attention to Detail

At each of the Roman-like entrances to the playground boardwalks were the two names of the cities that were destroyed, one was, of course, Herculaneum and the other was Pompeii.

Swing Set

There is a baby swing, adaptive swings, sling swings, an Expression Swing, and even a saucer swing.

Other Activities

The playground also includes spinning chairs, rings, a rope ladder, a roller slide, a bumpy slide, along with poles and bars, and steps that lead up to the boardwalk.

Splash Pad

A splash pad is available here during the summer times. It has a pirate theme with the pad done in blue, dark rocks around it, flags, and even a treasure chest. A white disk in the middle includes water manipulation devices.

Added Activity

My son enjoyed playing Hide and Seek and the playground has plenty of places to hide in and out of the volcano.

*Check out how to say hello in different languages at the playground.*

KADE’S PLAYGROUND DETAILS:

Note: Restrooms are located to the north of the parking and the playground.

Drive: Take Interstate 55 south of St. Louis to exit 178 and make a left onto McNutt Street then a left onto U.S. Highway 67 then a right onto Joachim Avenue and then a right into the park

Hours: Sunrise to Sunset

Address: 374 Station St, Herculaneum, MO 63048

Lunch Stop: The Kozy

We had lunch at The Kozy.

I had a huge chicken fried steak, red beets, and broccoli with cheddar. The complex also includes a bar and grill called the Dew Drop Inn.

Hours:
The Kozy –6 a.m. – 7 p.m., Sunday- Thursday; 6 a.m. – 8 p.m., Friday- Saturday
Dew Drop Inn — 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. Sunday-Thursday; 11 a.m. – 1 a.m.; Friday-Saturday.

Address: 710 US-61, Bloomsdale, MO 63627