We all know that Forest Park is one of the best parks in the country—and, to have it in our front yard as Washington University students, the park can more than satisfy us. However, there are many other prominent parks in the St. Louis area that provide many opportunities to get away from the Wash. U. grind, so here’s a guide for just a few of those parks, in addition to Forest Park.

Noah Jodice and Maddie Wilson

Shaw Park

Driving time: 10 minutes
Public transit: Take the metro to the Clayton stop

On any given Sunday, there is probably a good chance that you’ve spent half an hour walking through downtown Clayton, Mo. looking for a brunch place that doesn’t have an hour-long wait like Half & Half. Wait, that’s just me? But if you walk far enough, you’ll find that there is an expansive park nearby.

Shaw Park, located just off of Forsyth Boulevard, may be most well-known among students for its outdoor ice-skating rink and aquatic center, but neither are open during the spring. However, it is still a great spot for running and walking or for using one of its four barbecue grills to host a barbecue with friends.

Most importantly, the park has two sand volleyball courts, so you’ll have a backup plan whenever the court on the South 40 is inevitably being used by the same six freshmen. And, if all of that exercise wets your appetite, take a five-minute stroll and order some risotto balls at Pastaria to negate all of those calories you burned.

Tower Grove Park

Driving time: 15 minutes
Public transit: Take the metro to the Central West End stop, then get on the No. 95 bus until the Tower Grove Ave. stop

While it may not be as well-known among Wash. U. students, Tower Grove Park is a beautiful park that’s also designated as a National Historic Landmark—and for good reason.

The park contains well-manicured gardens and a forest and is renowned as a great spot for bird-watchers. You can find statues of William Shakespeare and Christopher Columbus spaced throughout the park, along with marble busts of composers like Mozart and Beethoven at the Music Stand, which hosts concerts in the summer.

If you’re looking to have a midday picnic, Tower Grove Park is the ideal place. With its numerous unique-looking pavilions, such as the Turkish Pavilion and Chinese Shelter, you won’t have a problem finding somewhere comfortable to sit and eat while enjoying your surroundings.

The 289-acre park dwarfs the size of the 169-acre Danforth campus, so, understandably, you may get a little tired of walking. The park also offers horse-drawn carriage rides, so there’s no excuse for not seeing the whole park—provided you reserve your ride at least a week in advance.

If all of this isn’t enough, beginning this weekend, Tower Grove Park will become home to a farmers market and will offer free yoga every Saturday morning.

The park’s greatest selling point of all, though, may be its close proximity to the Missouri Botanical Gardens. Home to thousands of plants, a Japanese Garden and its famous greenhouse dome, the Botanical Gardens is one of the most visited tourist attractions in St. Louis.

Lafayette Park

Driving time: 20 minutes
Public transit: Take the metro to Union Station, then get on the No. 80 bus until the Park Ave. stop

Located just south of downtown St. Louis, Lafayette Park is a compact—yet peaceful—park with a few quirky attractions.

The park lays claim to another statue of George Washington, because, apparently, St. Louis can’t get enough of the guy. To complement the statue, Lafayette Park has three authentic Revolutionary War cannons, but, in case you were wondering, these cannons “cannot be reserved,” according to the City of St. Louis’ website. (Reserved for what? I couldn’t tell). During the spring and summer seasons, Lafayette Park is also home to the Saint Louis Perfectos, a vintage baseball team that plays according to the rules and traditions of the 1860s, meaning that baseball gloves are not allowed, pitches are thrown underhand and the outfield fence is nonexistent.

Of course, the park also has the features of a traditional park. There is a small Lafayette Park Lake with a beautiful iron bridge—perfect for Instagram opportunities—along with walking trails and green space.

The French-style houses on Lafayette Square that surround the park even add a romantic vibe. Plus, Bailey’s Chocolate Bar is right across the street serving decadent—albeit expensive—desserts and cocktails, making it an ideal place to visit with a significant other.

Queeny Park

Driving time: 20-25 minutes
Public transit: N/A

At first glance, Edgar M. Queeny County Park appears to be a fairly standard park with a lot of land and a variety of walking trails. Nestled in Ballwin, Mo., a suburb 25 minutes southwest of campus, it isn’t exactly accessible to Wash. U. students.

But if you look closely, you will find one hidden treasure: the American Kennel Club Museum of the Dog. Featuring 700 paintings, drawings and sculptures of dogs, this museum alone is worthy of a day trip.

Now, you might be afraid that seeing all this dog-themed art may cause you to miss your pet at home, but don’t let that stop you, as the museum brings in a Guest Dog of the Week every Saturday and Sunday afternoon.

Besides the museum, Queeny Park has eight tennis courts and, oddly enough, offers hayrides to large groups, which encapsulates the true Midwestern experience. What’s better than sitting on hay bales as you ride through the park? (Everything, I tell you).

Forest Park

Driving time: 5-10 minutes
Public transit: Take the metro to the Forest Park or Central West End stops

Forest Park is no stranger to Wash. U. students. Home to the Saint Louis Zoo, Saint Louis Art Museum and the Missouri History Museum, it’s no wonder that Forest Park was named the Best City Park by readers of USA Today in 2016. Better yet, all of these attractions are completely free, and sometimes we take that for granted—at least I know I do.

Outside of these institutions, there are still many different ways to spend your days. Art Hill—other than being a great study space—is the prime spot in town for dog-spotting opportunities.

There is also a golf course, the James S. McDonnell Planetarium and the Post-Dispatch Lake, where paddleboats are even available for rent.

It’s easy to spend many hours in Forest Park, so finding a place to eat is a must. Rather than bringing your own lunch or forcing yourself to eat an expensive and mediocre meal at the zoo, consider eating at the Boathouse located near the lake. The restaurant serves fish and chips, sandwiches, soups and salads, all in a relaxing atmosphere.