Boathouse Forest Park & Restaurant050

Leisurely rowboat and paddleboat rides on Post-Dispatch Lake in Forest Park is a quintessential weekend - or any day - activity in St. Louis.

An expansion of the lake created new boating lagoons, an island devoted to wildlife conservation, and easier passage to the restored Grand Basin at the foot of Art Hill. Life jackets are provided with boat rentals.

The Boathouse also rents out nifty Schwinn bicycles for use in the park (weekends only). Adults (16 & older) can rent the bikes, and older children who fit the bicycles are welcome to ride when accompanied by a parent or caregiver. Groups of eight or more can call ahead and reserve bikes.

When limbs are tired and thirst reigns supreme, row back to the Boathouse Restaurant, which features family-friendly fare of burgers, hand-tossed pizzas, sandwiches, and salads, plus signature hearty soups and chili during winter months. The restaurant's hours can be found online. Next door, the Boathouse Annex is available to rent for birthday parties or family get-togethers.