Powell Gardens is a delightful blend of beauty and fun. If you’re looking for an easy place to take your little ones, make a point to visit Kansas City’s botanical garden. There are events and attractions to visit throughout all the seasons, wide open spaces for kids to run, interactive gardens and even a splash pad. It truly is the perfect way to enjoy nature while making memories with your family.
Powell Gardens, The Perfect Nature Escape for Parents and Kids
Plan Your Visit to Powell Gardens
Powell Gardens is a family-friendly destination that offers an immersive outdoor experience about 20 minutes outside of Kansas City. The stunning landscapes, engaging children’s areas and seasonal events keep nature lovers engaged throughout the year. The changing of the landscape means there’s always something new to discover. Plus, it’s stroller-friendly, accessible and welcoming for all ages.
Daily Hours of Operation
- March 5 – June 8, open Wednesday through Sunday. 9 am – 5pm.
- June 9 – September 6, open Tuesday through Sunday. 9 am – 5pm.
- September 9 – November 1, open Wednesday through Sunday. 9 am – 5pm.
Points of Interest
There’s no shortage of places to explore at Powell Gardens, but if you are wanting to focus on those designed to cater to little ones and their parents, stick to the following:
Children’s Garden
One of the biggest hits for families is the Children’s Garden, where kids can dig, plant and play. Follow a stone path through tunnels, walk on garden tool balance beams, plant your own garden and climb up in oversized chairs. Don’t miss the colorful maze leading to the water court to learn about water-loving plants and insects or the goldfish by the rain garden.
Shaded picnic tables can be found near the Sensory Garden, making a great spot for snack time or lunch.
Fountain Garden
In the summer, the Fountain Garden splash pad is a fun escape from the heat where little ones can cool off while parents relax nearby. Its 56 spray heads create the impression of an opening flower, a nod the botanicals surrounding visitors at every turn. Low walls surround the area and act as garden seats for parents. Expert tip: bring a towel and change of clothes to avoid wet swimsuits on the car ride home!
Regenerative Agricultural Learning Lab
Constructed as an edible garden, located just past the Visitor Center, this particular spot has evolved to become the heart of Powell Gardens. Formerly known as the Heartland Harvest Garden, it is undergoing some changes and will soon be known as the Regenerative Agriculture Learning Lab! It connects patrons to the various gardens and is the main attraction during seasonal displays. Wander under the pergolas, weave through the vines and even stop on one of the benches for a rest in the shade.
The Missouri Barn and Silo is just past this area and is a must stop, as it includes an expansive structure where snacks can be purchased and little legs can relax. A climb to the top of the silo (or a ride in the elevator) will reward onlookers with a great view of quilt patterns planned within the beautiful gardens below. 
Memorial Garden
The most picturesque chapel (officially named the Marjorie Powell Allen Chapel) sits above the Memorial Garden’s path. Admirers will meander through native wildflowers, lofty oaks and native prairie while taking in a trickling fountain. Expect to see birds, butterflies and small wildlife enjoying the fruits of the trees and plants.
Scenic Trails
The Family Discovery Loop is the shorter hike, and rated easy. Hikers can build nature boats, search the pond for seasonal residents, play nature games and construct gnome and fairy homes among fallen trees and waterways on the loop.
Prairie Ridge Trail is a moderate 3.25 mile hike where one can experience flatlands, steep hillside and rocky glades. Hikers will pass through woods of Osage orange and honeylocust into a field of meadow flowers. This would be more appropriate for adults and older children. Although a harder trail than the family loop, the reward for completing is an eyeful of beauty. This trail is closed for the 2026 season.
Bonus: A “secret trail” in the David T. Beals III Woodland and Stream Garden. It’s a dirt path through the woodlands that goes over a stream!
Tips when hiking at Powell Gardens
- Use insect repellent. Midwest landscape produces ticks and mosquitos!
- Don’t forget water or sunscreen.
- Always stay on the trail to avoid harming the landscape.
Visitor Center
The Visitor Center is where you will begin each visit. It offers seasonal rotating installations and serves as the centerpiece for the surrounding gardens. It is set amongst the most manicured of gardens, with paths perfect for little feet to wander, spot hummingbirds and butterflies or sit in the shade. Visit the gift shop (known as The Marketplace), grab some snacks, take a reprieve from the heat in the air conditioning or enjoy the displays of the conservatory.
The Exploratory Lab in the Visitor Center has rotating crafts, science experiments, and hands-on learning activities. Included with admission!
Don’t miss the Young Explorer backpacks available to check out in The Marketplace. These backpacks have nature activities, games, and more to enhance a family visit to Powell Gardens! Offerings rotate seasonally.
Picnic Areas & Food Options
Bringing a small cooler of snacks is no problem! While food and drink options are available at The Marketplace (located in the Visitor Center and sometimes within the Missouri Barn), visitors are also welcome to bring picnics or outside food to enjoy in the beautiful outdoor spaces.
Nursing Room Information and Accessibility
While Powell Gardens doesn’t have a dedicated nursing room, you’ll find restrooms with comfortable spaces for nursing in the Visitor Center, Missouri Barn and Marjorie Powell Allen Chapel. Plenty of shaded seating areas also make for peaceful spots to feed your baby.
All the grounds feature ADA-compliant pathways making it easy for strollers, wagons and wheelchairs to navigate throughout the park. If you or a family member need assistance, wheelchairs are available at the front desk on a first-come, first-served basis.
Workshops and Classes
Workshops and classes are a great way to engage with nature and learn a new skill or trick. The offerings are open to all ages, provide a wide-range of topics and happen often! Children’s workshops include story time, a craft, snack and garden adventure while adult workshops are about incorporating blooms and beauty in your everyday life. Also, consider one of their teas or brunches! Bring a sister, mom or friend and enjoy drinks, snacks and camaraderie in a beautiful setting.
Seasonal Festivals
Powell Gardens offers incredible events throughout the year that make each visit unique. Here are some of the most exciting ones to check out with your family:
Painted Garden. May 2– June 21, 2026. Watch as Powell Gardens comes to life with vibrant floral displays and artistic installations that turn the landscape into a living masterpiece.
Dragons and Fantastic Beasts. May 23-September 24, 2026. Embark on a magical journey through Powell Gardens where life-size dragons and magnificent creatures await around every turn at Dragons and Fantastic Beasts. Guests are invited to explore, play, and imagine as they follow clues, complete quests, and discover the wonders of nature through an immersive fairytale adventure. Designed for families and young explorers, this summer experience celebrates curiosity, outdoor play, and unforgettable memories. Admission to Dragons and Fantastic Beasts includes interactive stations, educational displays, and hands on activities rooted in adventure.
Festival of Butterflies. July 16 – August 2, 2026. One of the most magical experiences at Powell Gardens, this event lets visitors see thousands of butterflies up close, learn about their life cycles and even walk through butterfly-filled enclosures!
Festival of Lights. November 20, 2026 – January 3, 2027 (select evenings). Walk through millions of lights and numerous displays that will no doubt get you in the holiday spirit.
Powell Gardens is the destination Kansas City parents gravitate to again and again. The themed gardens, seasonal events or just the simple chance to let kids roam free in a safe and scenic environment, makes it an easy choice. There’s always something special waiting to discover, so pack a picnic, grab the stroller and get ready to explore.
