The first yellow leaves have begun to fall. The smell of pumpkin spice and apple cider donuts can be detected around every street corner. This can only mean one thing; to the delight of all Kansas City moms, and the horror of their children and partners, it is officially time to capture fall family photos! Unbox those plaid shirts and matching sweaters, and grab your tickets because the one-way trip to the greatest Midwest season is now boarding, and there are memories to be captured with fall family photos in Kansas City.
We have rounded up the most beautiful and unique spots around the city, in hopes to take one thing off your plate during this busy season of parenting. Thankfully our hometown provides a beautiful backdrop around almost every corner.
Parks
There’s no shortage of lush parks in our area, and are an obvious choice for those wanting the traditional scene of falling leaves and picturesque Midwest landscape.
Loose Park
Arguably Kansas City’s most photographed park, this is a tried and true destination for pictures during any season. You will not have to wander far for a lovely spot. Our favorite happens to be the rose garden.
James A. Reed Memorial Wildlife Area
Lakes. Trails. Rolling hills. Wildlife. This park has it all, and if you hit at the right time, there could be a chance you might capture a deer or turkey for your holiday photo!
Unity Village
The red maples, the pretty, red-roofed architecture, spewing fountains and the well maintained hiking trails provide ample opportunity for fall inspired images.
Overland Park Arboretum
The arboretum offers a multitude of canvases. From well planned hardscapes, bridges, and soft waterfalls to a picturesque children’s garden, you will most likely have a harder time choosing your favorite spot than you will coaxing your children to smile for the camera. Entrance is free for six and under. $1 for ages 6-12, and $3 for 13 and up. Leave enough time to truly enjoy this wonderful resource afterward the photos commence!
Meadowbrook Park
A relatively new spot in Prairie Village, this park is an easy destination with lots of room to roam. Highly recommend letting the kids explore the impressive playground equipment once the photoshoot concludes, and hitting up the Market at Meadowbrook for a sweet treat and coffee!
Antioch Park
Filled with impressive large trees, Antioch Park in Merriam, Kan., provides a traditional autumnal background. Bring a plaid blanket and big smiles, and the pictures will practically take themselves.
Lake Olathe
Thanks to newly added plants, landscaping and renovations, Lake Olathe would be a great area to hit. Not to mention the lake, the stream, and the vast open spaces are perfect for adventure snaps and capturing kids being kids.
Heritage Park
A preferred spot for many KC moms, Heritage Park provides ample opportunity for an autumnal portrait. Bonus points if you can catch the sunflowers in bloom!
Parkville Nature Sanctuary
Developed as a wildlife preserve and educational site, this 115 acre park is a beautiful gem located in the Northland. Tree canopies, impeccably maintained trails and waterfall should tempt you to choose this spot.
English Landing Park
Another vote for Parkville, English Landing Park is easily accessible, within walking distance to their charming downtown, and provides a lush backdrop. The tree-lined, riverfront trail, is a must for at least one photo. Before heading to the car, take at least one snap in their charming and eclectic downtown!
Urban Attractions
Looking for something a little more modern? We have got you covered there as well. Luckily, Kansas City has countless urban destinations that provide a bright and stunning setting.
Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
The yellow leaves of the resident ginkgo trees are absolutely breathtaking in the fall, as are the grounds of this KC landmark. And what is more iconic to Kansas City than the Nelson’s shuttlecocks? Stop at the grand stairs at the front entrance or wonder up toward the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art for a more stark and subtle locale.
City Market Farmer’s Market
With pumpkins, mums and the hustle and bustle of farmer’s market shoppers in the background, the River Market is a charming place to consider!
Kauffman Center for Performing Arts
The tall grasses swaying against the beige of the building during sunset will make for a magical portrait.
Liberty Memorial Tower
Show off your love of Kansas City with a view of its downtown in your family picture! Whether you choose the top of the memorial or play amongst the grounds, you will not be disappointed.
Community bookshelf at the Kansas City Public Library
The colors are vibrant, the location distinctly apparent. Try to capture a few of your kids enjoying the streetcar on the way there!
Crossroads Art District
The alleyways are unique and artist inspired and provide a beauty not found in other parts of our area. Known as the cultural hub of KC, just simply walk amongst the few cross streets and you will bump in to murals, colorful walkways and ivy growing on old brick buildings. The time spent exploring might be just as meaningful as the pictures that come from it.
Don’t shy away from one of the many artist rendered murals for a tried and true Kansas City photograph. A few favorites include the #KCLOVES mural, the Buck O’Neil mural at 18th and Vine and the Power and Light District Mural.
West Bottoms
Tall buildings amongst the hustle and bustle of First Friday shoppers, makes the West Bottoms a go-to place for those wanting a uniquely urban photograph.
Kansas City Area Jewels and Icons
Still not convinced? How about choosing a place where you can take part in what my family refers to as a the four F’s, a fun, fall, family festivity and capture your holiday photo all in one setting?! It’s a two for one deal!
Weston Red Barn Farm
This place is peak fall fun family festivity! Not to mention, the namesake red barn is simply adorable. There’s not a corner that lacks in being photogenic. Do not neglect the homemade donuts on the way out!
Alldredge Orchards
Perfect for small children to explore and then pose in front of their whimsical playhouses, Alldredge Orchards is a great place for those located in the Northland.
Arrowhead Stadium
Grab your jerseys, fire up the tailgate grill and feel the the magic Patrick Mahomes has brought back to KC football! Then cheer your hearts out at the country’s loudest stadium.
Powell Gardens
The grounds are vast and plentiful. The charming chapel and the efforts taken to capture the beauty of the different season makes Powell Gardens a one-of-a-kind place. Take advantage of their Harvest Days for unique snaps or rent one of their new yurts for a trendy prop!
Johnson Farms Plants and Pumpkins
What better place to take fall family photos than when surrounded by all of the fare that makes the season so fun? Walk along the rows of corn stalks or apple trees. Pick sunflowers and pumpkins. Throw your little ones in a wheelbarrow and your holiday picture is complete!
Museum at Prairiefire
After standing in front of the fall-hued stained glass façade amongst the tall, whispering grasses, take the kids inside to wander around the Discovery Room and main exhibit.
Now that the location is narrowed down, the hard part begins, figuring out how to bribe the kids to all smile at the same time. If you ever figure it out, send it our way, because it has been a mystery since the beginning of time!
