Outdoor Activities in Kansas City

Parkville Nature Sanctuary

Open from dawn to dusk, Parkville Nature Sanctuary is only 20 minutes away from downtown Kansas City! It's a 115-acre preserve with three miles of trails. You'll see diverse ecosystems, old forests, and waterfalls in this sanctuary. You might also come across deer, wild turkeys, and many species of birds. If you need a rest, you can take a break at the Girl Scout Cabin. But keep in mind that pets are not allowed in this sanctuary to preserve wildlife.

Shawnee Mission Park

Another park that is only 20 miles from downtown Kansas City is Shawnee Mission Park. Here, you'll find a number of outdoor activities. There's a 120-acre lake where you can go swimming, boating and fishing. There are also 11 picnic shelters and various other outdoor spots, which are great for a picnic. The nature trails go on for 6.5 miles, and there's an archery range, an off-leash dog area, and an 18-hole golf course. Don't forget about the theatre in the park where you can see a number of outdoor performances in the summer months. There's truly something here for everyone.

Swope Park and Kansas City Zoo

If you don't want to get out of the city, you can always go to Swope Park—an urban park which covers 1,805 acres. You will love the Kansas City Zoo, which is located in the park. It has over 1,700 animals, including polar bears, penguins, and stingray sharks. It also features a 650,000-gallon aquarium. Additionally, Swope Park has the Starlight Theater, with 8,000 seats, where you can see musicals and concerts in the summer months. There are also two golf courses, a number of sports facilities, and scenic hiking/biking trails in the park.

The Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Garden

Another great and cost-effective outdoor space that will fascinate you with its variety of plants is the Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Garden. For only an entrance ticket, you'll get to see 1700 species of plants in various themed gardens, such as the Monet Garden, inspired by the artist Monet's paintings and his own gardens in France. There's also the Children's Discovery Garden, the Erickson Aquatic Garden with its aquatic plants and flowers, and the Cohen Iris Garden, which is dedicated to various types of irises.

Loose Park

If you're fond of roses (and who isn't?), you might enjoy a day out at Jacob L. Loose Park. The main attraction of the park is the Laura Conyers Smith Municipal Rose Garden, which has 4,000 rose bushes with roses of different colors. Additionally, you'll also find walking trails around the park, tennis courts, a children's playground and picnic areas with tables and grills around the park.

Outdoor Concerts and Movies

In the summer months, you'll find a number of outdoor concerts and movies in Kansas City. For example, there are the Zona Rosa Summer Concerts in the Park, located in the Central Park at Zona Rosa; these are free concerts featuring local bands every Friday. There's also the Lenexa Outdoor Concerts Series in Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park, which features the Kansas City Latin Jazz Orchestra and others. The Park Place Summer Concerts Series takes place in Barkley Square and features pop, rock, and tribute bands. If you'd rather go for an outdoor movie, then check out the schedule at Swope Park, Loose Park, or Shawnee Mission Park.

Farmers' Markets

If you want a fun outing that will also improve your health, why not check out one of the myriad farmers' markets in Kansas City? At the City Market, every Saturday and Sunday, you'll find fruits, veggies, baked items, flowers, and crafts. The Brookside Farmers' Market, every Saturday, features local vendors. There's also the Overland Park Farmers' Market on Saturdays and Wednesdays and the Independence Uptown Farmers' Market which is outdoors when the weather is nice but moves indoors in the colder months.

Fun Outdoor Activities in Kansas City

If you want to explore outdoor activities in Kansas City, you might want to consider living at Arbors of Grandview. Conveniently located, near shopping and dining, and only 25 minutes away from Kansas City, Arbors of Grandview has a number of amenities. Those who love the outdoors will enjoy the saltwater swimming pool, the picnic area with barbecue, and the playground. In addition, you'll find many more conveniences, such as a carport, WiFi, and laundry facility. Plus, Arbors of Grandview is pet friendly, with no breed or weight restrictions.