Kansas City Parks Guide

With hundreds of parks to choose from in Kansas City, it can be hard to know where to start! Here’s our guide to our favorite parks in the metro with details to help you pick which ones will be the best fit for your kids.

We broke it down by region and included information about the best features each park has to offer, and maybe the most important detail: Is there a bathroom?

Kansas Parks

Gardner

Veteran’s Memorial Park
121 W Pawnee Way, Gardner, KS

  • Best features: Inclusive playground with zip lines, ramps, slides, accessible merry-go-round, lots of swings, and a farmers market themed toddler area. There are sun shades over the equipment and the playground is fenced in for safety.
  • Indoor bathrooms

Kansas City

Wyandotte County Lake Park
9100 Leavenworth Rd, Kansas City, KS

  • Best features: Huge park with lots of trails to explore, wildlife, and of course the lake. Playground is not the newest but it is the biggest in Wyandotte County. You’ll find old school playground equipment like metal slides and a merry-go-round as well as newer plastic equipment.
  • Indoor bathrooms

Lenexa

Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park
87th and Lackman Rd. Lenexa, KS

Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park in Lenexa
  • Best features: Very tall slide, tons of play equipment for kids of all ages, next to the pond with a paved path around it, great trees for climbing nearby, multiple shelters available to use and rent
  • Indoor bathrooms

Blackhoof Park
9053 Monticello Rd, Lenexa, KS

  • Best features: Three separate playgrounds suited for different ages/stages and a sandbox (bring your own toys). A shaded nature playground including a small creek in the summer. Lots of paved trails good for walking/biking.
  • Indoor bathrooms

Leawood

Gezer Park
13251 Mission Rd, Leawood, KS

Gezer Park in Leawood
  • Best features: A sandbox with diggers (bring your own toys), shaded play structure with tall slides, man-made stream to play in that is available year-round
  • Indoor bathrooms

Leawood City Park
10601 Lee Boulevard, Leawood, KS
Check out our full park tour here!

  • Best features: This is a Variety KC playground that boasts tons of accessible features including a zip-line. The park is separated into an area for smaller kids and bigger kids and is almost entirely fenced in.
  • Indoor bathrooms

Merriam

Antioch Park in Merriam

Antioch Park
6501 Antioch Rd, Merriam, KS
Check out our full park tour here!

  • Best features: Three separate playgrounds, including a newly renovated Dodge Town, a mini town for kids. There is also a pond with a nice walking path around it. You can fish and observe lots of wildlife
  • Indoor bathrooms

Olathe

Indian Creek Library Playground in Olathe

Olathe Indian Creek Library Playground
16100 W 135th St. Olathe, KS

  • Best features: This playground just opened in 2020 and is fun and accessible. My daughter loves the tall slides and the swings and I love that it is partly shaded and there is plenty of seating for parents in the nearby shelter. The playground is part of the large outdoor area the new library has to offer, including a story walk
  • Indoor bathrooms when library is open

Lake Olathe
191 N. Ward Cliff Dr. Olathe, KS

  • Best features: A destination playground as well as a huge spray ground area with a creek. Playground is best suited for older kids that aren’t scared of climbing. Check out our Lake Olathe guide here.
  • Indoor bathrooms by the playground

Overland Park

Roe Park
10400 Roe Ave. Overland Park, KS
Check out our full park tour here!

  • Best features: Large playground with areas for kids of all ages as well as a nature playground and Johnson County’s first splash pad! There are multiple shelters with adult and kid size picnic tables. This large park also has walking and biking trails, nice new tennis courts, and plenty of green space. Check out the new playground on the south side of the park for a shady spot!
  • Indoor bathrooms

Strang Park
9879 W. 88th Terr. Overland Park, KS
Check out our full park tour here!

  • Best Features: This is arguably the best playground in the metro area with features you won’t find elsewhere like trampolines built into the ground, a small kid’s farmer’s market area, a 30 foot slide, turf hills, and plenty of shade to keep you cool. The playground is fully fenced in and there are plenty of picnic tables and adirondack chairs where adults can relax.
  • Indoor bathrooms

Thompson Park
8045 Santa Fe Dr. Overland Park, KS

Thompson Park in Overland Park
  • Best features: The is a relatively small playground but there is plenty for kids to do between the unique climbing structure, various swings, and water play area. Walkable to downtown Overland Park, Strang Hall, and the Overland Park farmer’s market.
  • Indoor bathrooms

Prairie Village

Franklin Park
8706 Roe Ave, Prairie Village, KS
Check out our full park tour here!

  • Best features: SHADE! There is a nature playground with a stream (turned on in the summer), tire swing, and multiple playground structures. This playground has a large sandbox that is full of toys to play with so you don’t need to bring your own. The playground equipment was replaced a couple of years ago and a music garden area was added.
  • Indoor bathrooms

Meadowbrook Park
9101 Nall Ave. Prairie Village, KS

Meadowbrook Park in Prairie Village
  • Best features: When they call this a destination playground they are not kidding. The elevated treehouse climber, the huge playground, the unique play structures and features, there is no other park in the metro like it. As a result it can be pretty busy but there is tons to do and another small playground with a sandbox and musical instruments nearby. There are lots of walking trails, pickleball courts, and in the winter a really great sledding hill. Don’t miss the new inclusive playground located on the other side of the park! It is fully fenced in and perfect for younger kids.
  • Indoor bathrooms

Roeland Park

R Park
5535 Juniper Dr, Roeland Park, KS

  • Best features: Inclusive playground with an in-ground merry-go-round, musical elements and lots of slides and climbing areas as well as swings. Unique to R Park is the “traffic garden” where kids can ride their bikes and scooters over bumps, around mini round-a-bouts, crosswalks, and stop signs. The goal is to teach kids about bike safety when they are young.
  • Indoor bathrooms

Shawnee

Gum Springs Park
11524 W 67th St. Shawnee, KS

  • Best features: This is a brand new park with a hot air balloon play structure, the first of its kind in the U.S.! There are in-ground trampolines, a modern see-saw, in-ground merry-go-round, a toddler play structure, ropes course, and lots of swings for kids of all ages.
  • Indoor bathrooms

Shawnee Mission Park Inclusive Playground
7900 Renner Rd. Shawnee, KS (North Walnut Grove area of park)

Inclusive Playground at Shawnee Mission Park
  • Best features: This is another accessible playground with many similar features to Stilwell Community Park (both are JoCo Parks and Rec parks). The park is fully fenced with a smooth rubbery surface. There is a big metal slide built into the hill (thrilling for moms and kids, and lots of fun play areas for kids of all ages and abilities. Shawnee Mission Park itself is huge and there is another playground within the park, tons of walking trails, a dog park, disc golf, and of course the lake with its beach and marina. Check it all out here.
  • Indoor bathrooms

Wilder Bluff
24200 W. 55th St. Shawnee, KS

  • Best features: This park opened in summer 2021. It is a fantastic addition to the JoCo park scene when it opens with a treehouse climber, splash pad area, and lots of beautiful green space and trails.
  • Indoor bathrooms

Stilwell

Stilwell Community Park

Stilwell Community Park
6402 W. 207th St. Stilwell, KS

  • Best features: This is JCPRD’s first inclusive playground. It’s a bit of a drive but totally worth it. The park’s smooth surface has hills and valleys and tons of unique and accessible play features. The playground is fenced on but beyond the fenced area you’ll find walking trails and green space.  This playground has NO shade though so best to visit in the early morning, evening, or during the cooler months.
  • Indoor bathrooms

Missouri Parks

Belton

Memorial Park in Belton

Memorial Park
998 Commercial St. Belton, MO

  • Best features: A new accessible playground with a fire engine and train theme. Shade umbrellas over the play structures and a pond and walking trails. Situated next to the outdoor aquatic center.
  • Indoor bathrooms

Blue Springs

Burrus Old Mill Park
112 NW Woods Chapel Rd. Blue Springs, MO
Check out our full park tour here!

  • Best features: A new jungle themed inclusive playground and a splash pad that is open in the summer. There is also a walking trail and a skate park.
  • Indoor bathrooms

    Burrus Old Mill Park in Blue Springs

Wilbur Young Park
1100 SE Adams Dairy Pkwy, Blue Springs, MO

  • Best features: A new space themed playground with three separate play areas for kids of different ages and abilities. There is also a small fishing pond and a disc golf course.
  • Indoor bathrooms

Grandview

Mapleview Park
12511 Winchester St, Grandview, MO

  • Best features: A light and sound game, lots of shade, and a fun playground for kids of various ages.
  • Indoor bathrooms

Meadowmere Park
13610 Byars Rd, Grandview, MO
Check out our full park tour here!

  • Best features: Lots of fun climbing features, a whimsical animal theme, a tall grass maze, and across the street from the skate park
  • Indoor bathrooms
Valley Park in Grandview

Valley Park
4000 E 123rd Terr, Grandview, MO

  • Best features: Massive climbing structures, a 55 ft long tube slide, large disc swing, zip-line, and a music play area.
  • Indoor bathrooms

Independence

McCoy Park
800 N Bess Truman Pkwy, Independence, MO

  • Best features: A western themed inclusive playground that is fenced in and a spray ground that is open in the summer.
  • Indoor bathrooms

    Waterfall Park in Independence

Waterfall Park
4501 S Bass Pro Dr, Independence, MO

  • Best features: A well-shaded modern playground, trails, lots of wildlife (geese, ducks, turtles), and a fishing pond.
  • Indoor bathrooms

Lee’s Summit

Lea McKeighan Park
125 NE Chipman Rd, Lees. Summit, MO

  • Best features: Climbing structures great for big kids, a zip-line, sand area, walking trail, and across street from the skate park.
  • Indoor bathrooms
Lea McKeighan Park in Lee’s Summit

Legacy Park (Joseph A. Dyke Playground)
1201-1501 NE Legacy Park Dr. Lees Summit, MO

  • Best features: An inclusive playground with multiple play structures as well as a paved path that goes under large tunnels (bring bikes/scooters!) There’s also a small lake and a disc golf course.
  • Indoor bathrooms

Lowenstein Park
1901 NW Lowenstein Dr, Lees Summit, MO
Check out our full park tour here!

  • Best features: Well shaded, a children’s butterfly garden, walking track, and playground structures for small and big kids.
  • Indoor bathrooms

Midtown/Plaza

Gillham Park
Gillham Rd between 39th St and Brush Creek Blvd, KCMO

Gillham Park in KCMO
  • Best features: A nice walking trail and a large playground with a nearby wading pool and fountain open in the warmer months.
  • Indoor bathrooms

Loose Park
5200 Wornall Rd, KCMO

  • Best features: Large playground with swings, climbing areas, and a large sand box. In the park you’ll also find a duck pond, rose garden, walking trails, tennis courts, and a free spray ground in the summer.
  • Indoor bathrooms

15 and Mahomies Playground at Martin Luther King, Jr. Park
MLK Jr. Blvd & Woodland Ave., KCMO

  • Best features: Climbing net structure, seesaw with benches, accessible swings and wheelchair spinner, concrete hill slide, turf mound with climbing steps.
  • Indoor bathrooms

Roanoke Park/Karnes Playground
3601 Roanoke Rd, KCMO

Sheila Kemper Dietrich Park in KCMO
  • Best features: The Karnes playground features huge climbing structures, metal slides built into a hill, a sand area, and a zip-line. There are lots of walking trails throughout the park.
  • No bathrooms

Sheila Kemper Dietrich Park
2601 Gillham Rd, KCMO
Check out our full park tour here!

  • Best features: This park has a fun pirate ship and dragon theme and several unique play features for kids to enjoy. The park is ADA accessible.
  • Indoor bathrooms

Historic Northeast KCMO

The Concourse
200 Benton Blvd. KCMO

  • Best features: This park has two huge slides built into the hill above the playground (bring a blanket or towel to make sliding easier!) There’s also a fun playground and a nearby play fountain that is open year-round.
  • No bathrooms

Northland

Dagg Park
701 E 21st Ave, North Kansas City, MO

  • Best features: This playground is completely fenced in with various climbing structures and two splash pads open in the summer: one for small children and another for bigger kids.
  • Indoor bathrooms
EH Young Park in Riverside

EH Young Park
1001 Argosy Parkway, Riverside, MO

  • Best features: A nicely shaded new playground with a three-story climbing structure and slides, pickleball courts, a dog park, and walking trails.
  • Indoor bathrooms

Hobby Hill West Park
7601 N. Broadway, Gladstone, MO

  • Best features: New playground in 2018 with a zip-line, large climbing structure, and a tall metal slide. There is also a walking trail and a disc golf course.
  • Indoor bathrooms

Hodge Park
7000 NE Barry Rd. KCMO

Hodge Park in KCMO
  • Best features: A four-story climbing structure and a zip-line as well as plenty of other play equipment for kids of all ages.
  • Port-a-potties only

Frank Vaydick Park (formerly Line Creek Park)
5940 NW Waukomis Dr. KCMO

  • Best features: Along with a playground this park is most well known for the miniature train ride that runs from May-September. There is also an extensive walking trail and easy access points to wade into the creek and play.
  • Port-a-potties by the playground

Fred and Shirley Pryor YMCA Challenger Sports Complex
2100 NW 87th Terr, KCMO

  • Best features: Park has ramps and accessible equipment. Play pods specifically designed for children on the autism spectrum. Unique aero glider equipment and smooth rubber ground covering.
  • Indoor bathrooms

City Park
970 Rte 291, Liberty, MO 64068

  • Best Features: This park recently got a makeover with all new equipment, resurfacing with turf, and even a splash pad.
  • Indoor bathrooms

Macken Park
1002 Clark Ferguson Dr.  North Kansas City, MO

  • Best features: There are two different playgrounds in this large public park along with a walking trail, a track, and multiple courts for sports like pickleball, tennis, and hand ball.
  • Indoor bathrooms

Penguin Park
Intersection of NE Vivion Rd and N Norton Ave, KCMO
Check out our full park tour here!

Penguin Park in Kansas City
Penguin Park
  • Best features: Giant fiberglass animals, including a gigantic penguin (of course). You’ll also find a giraffe, kangaroo, and an elephant as well as other zoo animals. Young kids will love the fire truck and school truck that they can pretend to drive. There is an old school merry-go-round, lots of slides, swings, and other fun equipment for kids of various ages. Great article about the history of the park here.
  • Indoor bathrooms

Rising Star Park
1009 2nd St, Platte City, MO

  • Best features: Large climbing structure, merry-go-round, lots of musical instruments, and a splash pad during the summer.
  • Indoor bathrooms

Tiffany Hills Park
9400 N. Congress Dr, KCMO

  • Best features: A pirate themed Variety KC playground with ramps and smooth surfaces for accessibility as well as musical instruments and sound games. The playground is fenced in with only one entrance/exit point. Also on site is the Tiffany Springs Aquatic Center and a sports complex.
  • Indoor bathrooms

Raymore

Hawk Ridge Park
701 Johnston Pkwy, Raymore, MO

  • Best features: This is an inclusive playground with smooth surfaces, ramps, musical elements and educational panels for all kids and all abilities to enjoy. There’s a large spinning merry-go-round, slides, swings, shaded play equipment, and fencing around much of the park.
  • Indoor bathrooms

Recreation Park
1011 S. Madison St. Raymore, MO

Recreation Park in Raymore
  • Best features: A new inclusive playground that opened in 2020 and a nature playground called “The Fort” with a wooden pirate ship and natural play features. There is also a skate park, fishing pond, and a walking trail.
  • Indoor bathrooms

TB Hanna Station
214 S. Washington St. Raymore, MO

  • Best features: A Variety KC playground that is accessible for all kids. There is a fun play structure, merry-go-round, musical instruments, and communication boards throughout. During the summer, there is an accessible train themed splash pad (the first accessible splash pad in the metro!)
  • Indoor ADA accessible bathrooms open year-round

This is by no means an exhaustive list of all the parks in Kansas City. However, these are the top parks that have been given the KCMC stamp of approval. If we left a park off the list that you think is one of the best, please share the details in the comments section!

Julia Willhite
I'm Julia and I live in Olathe with my husband of 18 years, my 12 and 8 year old daughters, and our rescue pug Mabel. I’m a social worker turned SAHM and love Dr. Pepper, thunderstorms, and talking to other adults. I hate coffee, diet culture, and washing dishes. I'll talk your ear off about the best local parks and which restaurants have wronged me by changing their long-standing menu items. I try to walk the line between knowing a lot of stuff and not being a know-it-all. Some days I'm better than others.

4 COMMENTS

  1. We are coming to Kansas City for vacation next week and are looking for parks to take our girls to. They are 2.5 and 1. Our hotel is on Liberty so we would like to stay within 30 minutes or so from our hotel. Do you have any recommendations? Thanks

    • Krystal, there are several great options within 30 minutes of Liberty! Consider the Fred and Shirley Pryor YMCA Challenger Sports Complex (mentioned in this guide) or Stocksdale Park in Liberty. Penguin Park (also mentioned in this guide) has a nice toddler playground for kids your age! Enjoy your visit. 🙂

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