With sprawling parks, serene gardens, mighty rivers and sandy beaches (yes, even in the Heart of America), Kansas City offers ample opportunities to get outside and connect with nature.
Explore the great outdoors that make the region an urban oasis, and while you’re there, embrace your sense of adventure as you zip through the treetops, race along trails and cruise down the Mighty Mo.
Kansas City
Kansas City, Missouri, is home to 222 parks made up of over 12,000 acres of land, including 158 miles of trails and bikeways and 29 lakes. No matter where you are in Kansas City, you can experience the great outdoors.
GO:
One of the largest urban parks in the country, Swope Park is a timeless Kansas City tradition located just 17 minutes southeast of Downtown KC.
Limestone bluffs and bike-carved trails populate this 1,805-acre park, originally purchased in 1896, where you’ll find ambitious landscapes for mountain biking on the Swope Park Mountain Bike Trail, an easier hike on Fox Hollow Trail, and everything in between.
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Swope Park is also home to the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium, Starlight Theatre, two golf courses, a state-of-art soccer facility and more for outdoor adventures and recreation of all levels.
LEARN:
The Lakeside Nature Center, one of Missouri’s largest wildlife rehabilitation centers, is also located in Swope Park.
Here, you’ll find hands-on exhibits, local conservation projects and wildlife education programs featuring live animals. The center houses approximately 60 animals, including bald eagles and other birds of prey, mammals, reptiles, amphibians and fish.
The Lakeside Nature Center offers free admission, weekly events and volunteer opportunities.
EXPERIENCE:
Ready to unleash your wild side? Go Ape Zipline & Adventure Park combines a zip line canopy tour with a treetop obstacle course for an adventurous way to experience the outdoors in Kansas City.
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The obstacle course, which is suspended among the trees, is split into five different sections, each with unique crossings that allow you to swing, zip and step your way to the end, all while secured to a safety harness.
Parkville
Located just north of the Missouri River, historic Downtown Parkville, Missouri, offers multiple ways to get outside and enjoy nature. From chasing waterfalls to walking along the Mighty Mo, it’s easy to stay active in Parkville.
EXPERIENCE:
English Landing Park and the adjacent Platte Landing Park combine for over 200 acres of park land and 5 miles of trails, providing impressive views of the Missouri River. Catch a sunrise or sunset on the riverfront at either park for a breathtaking experience.
English Landing Park also features a sand volleyball court and a disc golf course for more recreation opportunities. Both parks also offer boat ramp access to the Missouri River. Groups like Paddle KC and KC Kayak & Canoe organize a variety of events on the river for more skilled boaters.
GO:
Wildlife is abundant at Parkville Nature Sanctuary, located less than 20 minutes north of Downtown KC. Three trails populate this popular hiking destination, each different in makeup and accessibility.
Old Kate Trail, which receives the most foot traffic, features natural waterfalls that you’d be ashamed not to photograph. Meanwhile, the White Tail Trail gives hikers a bit more of a challenge with rocky ridges and steeper inclines. Then there’s the Bluebird Trail, the mildest of the three, which includes an ADA-accessible trail spur to accommodate a wider variety of hikers.
DINE:
Refuel at Stone Canyon Pizza in Downtown Parkville where diners will find an extensive menu of gourmet pizzas, sandwiches and appetizers made with locally sourced ingredients. This casual dining environment is just the place to relax before more outdoor fun.
Shawnee
Shawnee, Kansas, might be known for its vibrant downtown, but it’s also a top destination for outdoor rectreation. From sports facilities to premier parkland, Shawnee has it all, including one of the Kansas City metro’s most popular outdoor attractions.
GO:
Adventure awaits at Shawnee Mission Park in Shawnee. The top attractions at this 1,655-acre park are the 120-acre lake and marina, prime for fishing and boating, plus the multiple nature trails, including routes for mountain biking and horseback riding.
For those looking for new ways to get active, there’s also an 18-hole disc golf course and an archery range. If the family or four-legged friends are part of your travels, Shawnee Mission Park has a large off-leash dog park and a new inclusive playground.
DINE:
Less than 10 minutes away, find multiple restaurant concepts in one space at Lenexa Public Market. Guests can enjoy everything from Pakistani food and West African fare to fresh salads and quick breakfast bites.
If you’re looking for a taste of Kansas City’s signtaure cuisine, stop in at Fiorella’s Jack Stack Barbecuein Lenexa, Kansas. Enjoy a plate of KC’s famous burnt ends or pork spare ribs on the outdoor patio at this popular barbecue restaurant.
Overland Park
In Overland Park, Kansas, outdoor fun is low-key, accessible and just the right mix of fresh air and discovery. Visitors can soak in the energy of this Kansas suburb while still finding easy ways to unwind.
EXPERIENCE:
Although parts of the Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens are dedicated to the preservation and restoration of natural ecosystems, there are also 5 miles of paved and woodchip paths — an Overland Park favorite when it comes to hiking. Wind your way through the botanical gardens at any time of the year for beautiful sights.
Your 2-Day Itinerary
Here’s how to spend two days experiencing some of the Kansas City area’s top outdoor adventures.
This itinerary allows you to depart from and return to Kansas City each day if desired. Some destinations on this route are not easily accessible via public transportation. If you plan to follow this itinerary, a rental car/private vehicle is strongly recommended.
Day 1: Parkville and Kansas City
- Drive to Downtown Parkville and enjoy the morning at English Landing Park.
- Walk or drive to Parkville Nature Sanctuary for a morning hike.
- Dine at Stone Canyon Pizza for lunch.
- Drive to Swope Park and visit the Lakeside Nature Center.
- Enjoy an afternoon of hiking, mountain biking, ziplining and more.
Day 2: Shawnee and Overland Park
- Drive to Shawnee Mission Park for a morning hike or boating.
- Have lunch at Lenexa Public Market or Jack Stack Barbecue in Lenexa.
- Drive to the Overland Park Arboretum to explore the gardens.
