Playgrounds with food nearby

Is there a playground that also has places you could buy lunch? I'm coming in from the STL airport and heading to St. Charles area (Drury Hotel) in June. I'll have a youth sports team and thought that stopping for a quick lunch and letting them stretch their legs at a playground would be fun on the way to the hotel. Any suggestions?

If you're coming from STL airport and heading to St. Charles with a youth sports team, there are several parks and playgrounds that are convenient for a quick lunch stop while letting the kids stretch their legs. Choosing a location near restaurants or cafes makes it easy to grab food for the team without a major detour.

Some good options in and around St. Charles:

  • Frontier Park – Located in historic downtown St. Charles along the riverfront, this park has open grassy areas and a playground. Within walking distance, you'll find several casual lunch spots including sandwich shops, pizza, and cafes.
  • Hemmingsen Park – Offers playgrounds and picnic areas. It's near some local fast-casual options where you could pick up sandwiches, burgers, or pizza for the group.
  • Boonesfield Park – Features a large playground and open spaces. Nearby on Fifth Street and Main Street, you can find cafes, pizza places, and sub shops to feed a youth team quickly.

Tips for making it work smoothly:

  • Consider calling ahead to local restaurants or delis for a quick pickup order, especially for a larger group.
  • Look for parks with picnic tables so kids can eat comfortably outside if you bring boxed lunches.
  • If your timing is tight, downtown St. Charles is convenient because playgrounds and restaurants are clustered close together, minimizing extra travel time.

With these options, you can combine a quick lunch with some fun outdoor play, keeping the team energized and happy before checking into your Drury Hotel.


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