The state-of-the-art therapeutic play and social area is one of only 17 nationwide
ST. LOUIS (April 29, 2026) – Thanks to the ongoing generosity of donors, St. Louis Children’s Hospital opened its Child Life Zone–a dedicated state-of-the-art area created for immersive play, tech exploration, social activities, and as a retreat from the typical hospital routine. The new space, which was made possible through community donations and philanthropic support from the Garth Brooks Teammates For Kids Foundation, is one of only 17 Child Life Zones nationwide. The new area is expected to enhance the patient experience in a meaningful way, ultimately leading to better health outcomes.
“Patients and families use play to cope with fear, anxiety, and time away from family and friends,” said Trish Lollo, president of St. Louis Children’s Hospital and group president of BJC East Region. “Whether a child is with us for a single afternoon or for a months-long journey, our goal remains the same: to support their growth, their development, and their right to simply be a kid. And there is no better place to do that than right here.”
The new Child Life Zone more than doubles the size of previous play spaces and provides more than 3,000 square feet dedicated to therapeutic play. Every inch of the Zone was thoughtfully designed for all ages and abilities within a safe, medically supported environment. The space features a broadcast studio, virtual reality experiences, sensory room, spa, photo booth, and more. Zone staff include child life specialists, certified professionals who help children and their families cope with difficult medical challenges through play, education, and self-expression. In addition, the Zone connects the Hospital to a national network of resources and experts to ensure patients have the very best tools to cope, create, and heal.
The Child Life Zone project took more than three years to complete. It was brought to fruition through contributions to the hospital’s “I Am Proof” fundraising campaign, which prioritizes Patient and Family Experience as one of the hospital’s top areas for support.
“At St. Louis Children’s Hospital, our commitment to clinical excellence extends to whole-person and whole-family care,” said Lollo. “We have talented and dedicated clinicians, staff, and volunteers to enhance the patient and family experience at all levels of care. But we can’t do it alone–philanthropy is often the difference-maker for programs and projects such as the Child Life Zone. We rely on the generosity of our community and philanthropic partners, like the Teammates For Kids Foundation, to ensure St. Louis Children’s delivers exceptional, compassionate care that ultimately leads to healthier futures.”
Information about the St. Louis Children’s fundraising campaign is outlined on the “I Am Proof” website, which shares stories of patients, families, care teams, physicians, and donors. To learn more or to make a gift, visit StLouisChildrens.org/IAmProof or contact Tanya Waskiewicz at 314-286-0971.
In 2025, U.S. News & World Report again recognized St. Louis Children’s as one of America’s Best Children’s Hospitals, ranking St. Louis Children’s as No. 1 in Missouri, No. 1 in St. Louis, and No. 3 in the Midwest region.
About St. Louis Children’s Hospital
St. Louis Children’s Hospital is part of BJC Health, one of the largest nonprofit health care organizations in the United States and has provided exceptional care for children from all 50 states and 80 countries around the world for more than 140 years. With its academic partner, WashU Medicine, St. Louis Children’s is consistently ranked among the nation’s best pediatric hospitals by U.S. News & World Report and earns national distinction for comprehensive services that include heart, cancer, neurology, and orthopedics. St. Louis Children’s is among an elite group of pediatric hospitals worldwide that have achieved a fifth consecutive, four-year Magnet Distinction® designation by the American Nurses Credentialing Center. St. Louis Children’s is also one of the few pediatric hospitals in the Midwest nationally recognized by the American College of Surgeons as a Level 1 Pediatric Trauma Center, which is the highest classification of trauma care.
