Perfect Parks for Every Occasion
There’s an intoxicating aroma around town when the sun is shining and the weather fine. People bustle from place to place, taking in the greenery that can be found in so many pockets throughout the metro area. Whether spending a full day on the water or a short jog in the park, KC has ideal outdoor spots for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Here are some great parks for every occasion:
Day-Trip Nearby
Sometimes, it’s good to leave the hustle and bustle of the city and clear your mind. Thankfully, Shawnee Mission Park has exactly what you need.
Less than 30 minutes outside Downtown KC and lush with greenspace and plenty of hiking trails, you’re sure to tap into your inner-Thoreau, if even for just an afternoon.
Pack a Picnic
Beautiful and historic, Loose Park has the greenery, fresh air and views essential for an ideal picnic.
Situated just south of Country Club Plaza, the 75-acre park offers an eclectic mix of environments to lay a blanket down and break out the basket. While you’re there, stroll over to the Loose Park Rose Garden for some of the most beautiful scenery in town.
Hit the Bike Trail
A huge hit among mountain bikers, Swope Park is the perfect playground for riders of all skill levels to hit the trail and work up a sweat.
The urban park features an 4.6-mile bike route (among others) as well as group camping grounds, nature trails and even cross-country skiing space in the winter.
Carve Up the Concrete
Built entirely by local skaters, the Harrison Street skate park in Columbus Park offers boarders a unique space to ride.
Only a few blocks away from River Market, both novices and experts can skate in bowls, ramps and platforms crafted and designed by other local skaters, making for a wholly unique Kansas City experience.
Entertain the Kids
Always a winner with little ones, Penguin Park in The Northland is a delightful play area decorated with friendly animal figures, including a 26-foot kangaroo slide and 23-foot penguin kids can play inside.
The historic park, which has been a popular destination for children since the mid-1960s, is the perfect venue to host a youngster’s birthday party.
Lace Up the Running Shoes
No matter the weather or time of day, you’re likely to see someone on the jogging trail at Mill Creek Park, which offers one of the most scenic running routes in all of Kansas City.
Adjacent to Country Club Plaza, the urban park is home to the Mill Creek Fountain and hosts anything from pickup volleyball games to wedding ceremonies.
Play in a Pooch Paradise
Among the many wonderful public parks in North Kansas City, dog owners will find Waggin’ Trail Off-Leash Dog Park to be a blast for their canine companions.
Complete with a walking trail, agility course, benches, three tunnel runs and two ADA water fountains, the space is one of the best places in town to let your dog run wild.
Break Out the Swimsuit
Spend an entire day out on the water at Longview Park and Lake, an outdoor getaway less than a half hour southeast of Downtown Kansas City.
With more than 930 acres of water entertainment available, visitors can relax with a morning of fishing or turn up the excitement by cruising the lake on a power boat.
Toss the Disc Around
A Northland staple located near Briarcliff Village, Waterworks Park is home to one of the most popular disc golf courses in the city.
Golfers play here year round thanks to the course’s challenging, downhill 18-hole structure and beautiful views of both the Downtown Kansas City skyline and the Missouri River.
Parks in KC
Celia Dayton Park
Region: Johnson County/South, Kansas
Phone: (913) 592-3664
Visit WebsiteCity of Independence Parks & Recreation Dept.
Region: East
Phone: (816) 325-7370
Visit WebsiteCraig Crossing Park
Region: Johnson County/South, Kansas
Phone: (913) 477-7100
Visit WebsiteElectric Park
Region: Johnson County/South, Kansas
Phone: (913) 477-7100
Visit WebsiteFleming Park
Region: South KC, East
Phone: (816) 503-4800
Visit WebsiteFriendship Park
Region: Johnson County/South, Kansas
Phone: (913) 952-3664
Visit WebsiteGeorge Owens Nature Park
Region: East
Phone: (816) 325-6254
Visit WebsiteKill Creek Park
Region: Johnson County/South, Kansas
Phone: (913) 888-4173
Visit WebsiteLoose Park
Region: Midtown
Phone: (816) 513-7500
Visit WebsiteMelvin Murry Park
Region: Johnson County/South, Kansas
Phone: (913) 592-3664
Visit WebsiteMill Creek Park
Region: Country Club Plaza, Midtown
Phone: (816) 513-7500
Visit WebsitePenguin Park
Region: Northland
Phone: (816) 513-7500
Visit WebsitePenn Valley Park
Region: Crown Center, Downtown
Phone: (816) 513-7500
Visit WebsiteRose Garden
Region: Northland
Phone: (816) 784-5300
Visit WebsiteSpring Hill City Park
Region: Kansas, Johnson County/South
Phone: (913) 592-3664
Visit WebsiteSpring Hill City Lake
Region: Johnson County/South, Kansas
Phone: (913) 837-2826
Visit WebsiteSwope Park
Region: South KC, Swope Park
Phone: (816) 513-7500
Visit WebsiteWaterfall Park
Region: East
Phone: (816) 325-7843
Visit WebsiteCoffee Creek Streamway Park
Region: Johnson County/South, Kansas
Phone: (913) 888-4713
Visit WebsiteOppenstein Park
Region: Downtown, Power & Light
Phone: (816) 503-4800
Visit WebsiteAd Astra Park
Region: Johnson County/South, Kansas
Phone: (913) 477-7100
Visit WebsiteAntioch Park
Region: Kansas, Johnson County/South
Phone: (913) 888-4713
Visit WebsiteCamp Branch Glade
Region: Kansas, Overland Park, Johnson County/South
Phone: (913) 888-4713
Visit WebsiteCity of Lenexa, Kansas
Region: Kansas, Johnson County/South
Phone: (913) 477-7500
Visit WebsiteFlat Rock Creek Park
Region: Kansas, Overland Park, Johnson County/South
Phone: (913) 477-7100
Visit WebsiteBar K Dog Bar
Region: Downtown
Phone: (816) 474-2275
Visit WebsitePort KC
Region: Downtown
Phone: (816) 559-3750
Visit WebsiteBlack Hoof Park
Region: Kansas, Johnson County/South
Phone: (913) 477-7100
Visit WebsiteLongview Equestrian Park
Region: South KC
Phone: (816) 503-4800
Visit WebsiteErnie Miller Nature Center
Region: Johnson County/South, Kansas
Phone: (913) 826-2800
Visit WebsiteBuffalo Meadows Park
Region: Kansas, Johnson County/South
Phone: (913) 477-7100
Visit WebsiteLongview Park & Lake
Region: South KC
Phone: (816) 503-4800
Visit WebsiteBlue River Parkway
Region: South KC
Phone: (816) 503-4800
Visit WebsiteCity of Grandview, MO
Region: South KC
Phone: (816) 316-4800
Visit WebsiteHeritage Park
Region: Kansas, Johnson County/South
Phone: (913) 888-4713
Visit WebsiteJackson County Parks + Rec
Region: South KC, East
Phone: (816) 503-4800
Visit WebsiteMeadowmere Park
Region: South KC
Phone: (816) 316-4998
Visit WebsiteMill Creek Streamway Park
Region: Kansas, Johnson County/South
Phone: (913) 888-4713
Visit WebsiteKill Creek Streamway Park
Region: Kansas, Johnson County/South
Phone: (913) 888-4713
Visit WebsiteBlue Springs Lake & Beach
Region: South KC, East
Phone: (816) 503-4800
Visit WebsiteThomas S. Stoll Park
Region: Kansas, Overland Park, Johnson County/South
Phone: (913) 888-4713
Visit WebsiteKemper Outdoor Education Center
Region: South KC, Westport, East
Phone: (816) 229-8980
Visit WebsiteValley Park
Region: South KC
Phone: (816) 316-4998
Visit WebsiteSwope Soccer Village
Region: South KC
Phone: (816) 513-7500
Visit WebsiteKansas City Parks & Recreation
Region: South KC
Phone: (816) 513-7500
Visit WebsiteJackson County Parks + Rec Campgrounds
Region: South KC, East
Phone: (816) 503-4800
Visit WebsiteSpring Hill Kansas - Historic Downtown
Region: Kansas, Johnson County/South
Phone: (913) 592-3664
Visit WebsiteLake Jacomo
Region: South KC, East
Phone: (816) 503-4800
Visit WebsiteJohn Anderson Park
Region: South KC
Phone: (816) 316-4998
Visit WebsiteTheis Park
Region: Midtown
Phone: (816) 513-7500
Visit WebsiteStilwell Community Park
Region: Kansas, Overland Park, Johnson County/South
Phone: (913) 888-4713
Visit WebsiteSunflower Nature Park
Region: Kansas, Johnson County/South
Phone: (913) 888-4713
Visit WebsiteShawnee Mission Park
Region: Johnson County/South, Kansas
Phone: (913) 888-4713
Visit WebsiteLittle Blue Trace Park
Region: East
Phone: (816) 503-4800
Visit WebsiteLandahl Park
Region: East
Phone: (816) 503-4800
Visit WebsiteLexington Lake Park
Region: Johnson County/South, Kansas
Phone: (913) 888-4713
Visit WebsiteLine Creek Community Center Ice Arena
Region: Northland
Phone: (816) 513-0760
Visit WebsiteSar-Ko-Par Trails Park
Region: Kansas, Johnson County/South
Phone: (913) 477-7100
Visit WebsiteBig Bull Creek Park
Region: Kansas, Johnson County/South
Phone: (816) 888-4173
Visit WebsiteMeadowbrook Park
Region: Johnson County/South, Kansas
Phone: (913) 826-2975
Visit WebsiteArthur and Betty Verhaeghe Park
Region: Johnson County/South, Kansas
Phone: (913) 888-4713
Visit WebsiteCedar Niles Park
Region: Johnson County/South, Kansas
Phone: (913) 888-4713
Visit Website