What was an open field is now the beautiful and ever-expanding Lenexa City Center – a walkable hub of activities, shopping, and dining for the whole family. Located off 87th and I-435, you can park once (for free!) and walk to all the attractions and events. Here are some family friendly favorites to help plan your next visit to downtown Lenexa.
This guide is sponsored by AdventHealth. The new full-service hospital – AdventHealth Lenexa City Center – is now open and brings whole person care to the heart of Lenexa. Equipped with the most advanced robotic surgery technology in Kansas City, this new facility also offers heart care, orthopedics, and around-the-clock emergency care for life’s unexpected moments. Learn more about care that’s always centered on you at AdventHealthKC.com/LenexaCityCenter.
Family Friendly Spots at Lenexa City Center
Lenexa City Center Library
The Lenexa City Center Library is the newest in the Johnson County Library system and includes 40,000 square feet of space. There are entrances on both levels, and there is free parking in the garage and on the street. Not only can you check out or return books, there are community meeting rooms, study rooms, computers and copiers, access to wi-fi, and much more. Additionally, the entire upper level is dedicated to kids and has a dedicated storytime room. Browsing the books and finding gems to borrow is a great outing for all ages, especially for harsh weather days.
Mom Tip
You don’t even have to be a Johnson County resident to get a free library card! Anyone can get one by filling out an application, and if you’re under 16, you just need a parent or legal guardian.
Lenexa Farmers Market
Who doesn’t love fresh produce, meat, baked goods, and other fun finds – especially when it’s locally grown or made? Visit the Lenexa Farmers Market on Saturdays and Tuesdays during Market season to find items that were grown or raised within 250 miles. The booths are located on the bottom floor of the parking garage facing the Lenexa Rec Center.
Hours of Operation:
Saturday (April 26-Oct. 25, 2025) – 8 a.m.-noon
Tuesday (May 27-Aug. 26, 2025) – 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Mom Tip
Keep an eye out for a stuffed bug throughout the vendors. If you spot it, visit the information booth and tell them where you found it to win a prize!
Lenexa Rec Center
The Lenexa Rec Center is over 100,000 square feet filled with everything from fitness equipment and gyms, to a year-round pool and birthday party spaces. To utilize the center, you can either sign up for a membership, or purchase a one-day pass. The pool is one of the main attractions and includes a deep water well, kiddie pool, lap pool, lazy river, slides, and a warm water wellness pool. Single day passes are $9 for a Lenexa resident, and $12 for a non resident. Parking is free in the civic campus parking garage across from the entrance. (This is the same garage that the Farmers Market is located in, and also serves nearby access to the library.)
Hours of Operation:
Monday – Friday: 5 p.m.-9 p.m.
Saturday: 7 a.m.-6 p.m.
Sunday: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Mom Tip
If you aren’t a member, you can save 10% on day passes by purchasing a 10-visit punch card. It’s $81 for Lenexa residents, and $108 for non residents.
City Hall Art Gallery
The Lenexa City Hall Art Gallery is located within City Hall and features local and regional artists. Shows have a wide variety of styles and rotate monthly. Find upcoming exhibits here.
Mom Tip
You can download a City Hall Art Gallery printable Kids Activity Book and tips on how to explore the gallery with kids here?
Special Events at Lenexa City Center
Friday Night Sound Bites: Free live music on Friday nights during select times of year.
Family Night: Especially for families, food specials, balloon artist, board games, coloring pages, yard games, and more weekly on Wednesday nights.
Board Game Demonstrations: Lenexa Public Market/Cardboard Corner Cafe – Monday nights 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Bring your own game or borrow one to play.
Sip, Mingle, & Jingle: Start your holiday season with music, shopping and food and drink specials. Held later in November.
Kid Makers Market: Held several times per year, you can purchase goods crafted by creative local youth.
Noon Year’s Eve Pajama Party Countdown: Ring in the new year at noon! Wear pajamas and enjoy board games, giveaways, activities, and balloon drop.
Holiday Farmers Market: Find holiday gifts at more than two dozen vendors and artists featuring meat, pies, jam, body care products, pet treats, and more. November and December.
Dining Options at Lenexa City Center
Lenexa Public Market
The Lenexa Public Market is a vibrant food hall that has a variety of culinary vendors, as well as having some non-food merchants and numerous tables and spaces to gather and connect. Merchants can be found here and include everything from donuts to African cuisine. The Market also includes regular live music, family nights, board game demonstrations, and cultural events.
Additional Restaurants:
- Cactus Grill
- Enjoy Pure Food + Drink
- Grand Street Cafe
- Jack Stack
- Martin City Brewing Company
- Saints Pub + Patio
- Silo Modern Farmhouse
- Tupelo Honey
- Zhoug Mediterranean
Fitness and Wellness
If you’re seeking an exercise or wellness outlet, in addition to the Rec Center, there are other fitness options available within City Center.
- City Center Fitness
- OrangeTheory Fitness
- Pure Barre
- Body 20
- Life Time
- Perspire Sauna Studio
- Massage Heights
Whole Person Care at AdventHealth
Lenexa’s first and only hospital also resides in City Center. AdventHealth Lenexa City Center opened in July 2025, and provides general and specialized surgery services, digestive care, advanced imaging, 24/7 emergency care, and more. The hospital team aims to provide whole-person care for the greater Kansas City community.
Tips and reminders for your visit to Lenexa City Center
- The area is extremely walkable, so plan on being able to park once and explore.
- Things to consider bringing:
- Johnson County Library card
- Swimsuits and towels for the Lenexa Rec Center
- Sunscreen and sunglasses if you plan to hang out outdoors
- Reusable tote back for Farmers Market finds or library books
- A stroller for little ones if you plan to explore a bit more or utilize the nearby walking paths
- There is ongoing construction, as well as new roads, so be extra cognizant of equipment and drivers that aren’t as familiar with navigating the newer parts.
- Don’t miss Made in KC for a huge variety of Kansas City made/designed products. It’s great for gifts or to treat yourself!
- It really is a place you can spend one hour or a whole afternoon. There are fun little finds around every corner, so take a moment to really look at the plants, art, and other interesting installations, as well as soaking in some sunshine.
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