Citygarden

The area now known as Citygarden was once a lonely stretch of undeveloped park land. No more. Since opening in July 2009, it's become one of St. Louis' biggest downtown attractions--two square blocks of sculpture, fountains, play areas and native plants that tease you into interacting with everything you see. And that does mean everything--the water is meant to be played in, the statues are meant to be touched and the flowers are there to be smelled. The park attracts a crowd as varied as the 24 sculptures that call it home. Kids splash around in fountains and climb all over oversized white rabbits. Art-lovers study the huge sculpted head that lies on its side and view video art on monitors built into a limestone wall. Gardeners inspect the trees, flowers and shrubs that fill three landscaped levels. There's no admission fee, making it attractive to those looking for something kid-friendly that won't break the bank or for folks seeking a respite between tours of Gateway Arch and Anheuser-Busch Brewery. Parking's easy, even on a busy Saturday, and you might just find your planned half-hour visit turning into an afternoon in the park. Want a spectacular view of the entire panorama? Check out Terrace View restaurant, which overlooks Citygarden and boasts floor-to-ceiling windows and an al fresco dining area.