Playground Adventure and Hike at O'Day Park

O’Day Park in O’Fallon, Missouri, features a unique adventure playground with a web-like ropes course, a climbing wall, and paved trails.

*Playground area with a large ropes course*

Playground Fun at O’Day Park

After parking, my son and I headed to the artificial turf play area, which includes a roller slide, hammock, and a rope climbing area anchored by poles.

Located nearby are baby and toddler swings.

Water play area at O'Day Park — *Water play area at O’Day Park*

A splash pad features flowing water from concrete squares into a creek bed during the summer. We visited in November and plan to return to enjoy this feature in the summer.

He found a saucer-style swing that we went back and forth on.

My son slid down a long, bright orange slide from the top of a cement walkway that featured a climbing wall.

Beneath a cement walkway with openings lies a web-like ropes course. Kids can access it from either the top or the bottom. The course stretches from wall to wall and reaches from floor to ceiling. My son particularly enjoyed making his way from the top to the bottom.

There is a turf area with wooden poles supporting a rope bridge that kids can climb up. They can then tumble down onto the soft turf.

My son balancing on a log. — *My son balancing on a log*.

Nearby in the grass, logs are spread out that you can walk across, going from one to another like an obstacle course.

A wooden swing set is on the hill to the right of the cement walkway for older kids.

Back down the hill, we found a teeter-totter that two kids could hang out on, going up and down.

Also, kids can feel the rush of going across on a ziplline.

Map of the trail system at O'Day Park — *Map of the trail system at O’Day Park*

Start the Walk

We began our walk from the playground parking lot, heading west along the park road.

We first passed the Teen Overlook, which is high above a creek.

Metal Elephant

As we walked, we encountered an elephant sculpture. It features gray metal front legs, a trunk shaped like an exhaust pipe with an open mouth, and rusty, saucer-shaped ears. We paused for a moment to appreciate it all. My son loved the sculpture.

By the Lodge

We followed the path to the right to O’Day Lodge, a venue for weddings and special events. The trail loops around the right and left of the lodge.

I chose the left path, passing by a prairie restoration project on my left. On the other side was the parking lot.

Then, the trail goes by a small pond created by water run-off. It is too cold today for frogs or snakes to be out.

After the pond, we pass an amphitheater that blends into the hillside, featuring a covered stage.

A sign points to the group camping area further to the back of the park. The paved trail does not go by this area.

Then, we walked back to the front of the lodge, taking the sidewalk through the parking lot to the blacktop trail again.

*Walking around the playground area and by the rope ladder area.*

Heading Back

We walked back to the parking lot. The paved trail continues around the playgrounds on the backside, which we followed. It eventually leads to the steep side of the rope ladder area. You can walk down there to pick up the trail again, but be careful; it descends quickly.

This final walk let us walk around the playground one last time before going home.

Final Thoughts

We walked approximately 1.3 miles with an elevation gain of 59 feet. If you want to do more than just visit the playground, the path here allows you to explore other park areas.

*We walked a short ways that led to this board across a ravine. Know that exploring the off trails is along unmaintained paths.*

A notice on the park map states that exploring unmarked trails is allowed, but you should pay close attention to property markers.

*Sign when you enter the park points to the different areas of the park.*

DETAILS

Drive: Take Interstate 64 to Exit 6 and go west on Missouri Highway D. Look for the entrance to the park on the right and then take the park road on the right to start at the playground.

Hours: 6 a.m.- 11 p.m.

Address: 1000 O’Day Park Drive, O’Fallon, MO 63368