More than 80 parks span across almost 1,000 acres within Overland Park, coupled with miles and miles of well-maintained scenic trails! These amazing public resources can be found in every corner of town, meaning there’s no excuse not to get outside and play. The beautiful playgrounds keep kids busy for hours, walking paths are wide and paved, multiple splash pads provide a place to cool off on a hot day and quaint fishing spots allow for a quiet place to land on a sunny afternoon. There truly is an outdoor destination for every age and stage.
Here’s a guide to some of the very best trails, parks, and playgrounds in Overland Park for those looking to get outside.
Best Trails, Parks and Playgrounds in Overland Park
Best Trails
Indian Creek Trail
If there’s one trail every Overland Park family should experience, it’s Indian Creek. Stretching more than 25 miles through Johnson County, the fully paved trail (almost ten feed wide!) winds through neighborhoods, parks and wooded areas, making it ideal for walkers, runners, bikers and families with strollers. The ten mile Overland Park portion of the Indian Creek Trail starts at Foxhill South Park and follows Indian Creek south and west to Forest Creek Park.
The abundance of shaded sections allows for summer outings to be more comfortable, and its connection to several parks makes it easy to have play stops along the way. A popular section of the trail is located in Corporate Woods Founders Park at 9300 Indian Creek Parkway, perfect for parking the car and hopping straight on the trail.
Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens Trails
Families looking for a more nature focused adventure will love the trails at the Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens. There’s beautiful scenery in every season and almost five miles of trails through woods, gardens and limestone bluffs. Always stop at the Children’s garden for interactive play areas! See our full guide to the Overland Park Arboretum here.
Tomahawk Creek Trail
This peaceful trail follows Tomahawk Creek through wooded areas and connects parks and neighborhoods in southern Overland Park and nearby Leawood. It also has heavily shaded sections, which makes it great during warmer months. Being relatively flat ensures family bike rides are pleasant, as does the plentiful spots to stop and enjoy nature.
For a complete list of all walking, hiking and biking trails in Overland Park, visit the city’s more comprehensive list here.
Best Parks
What constitutes a great park? With so many to choose from in the area, the standards are high. It must go beyond the basics. A great park features age appropriate play structures, well-maintained green spaces and shade, just to name a few attributes! A beautiful shelter house, usable body of water, walking trails and a splash pad are amazing bonuses. A few in Overland Park even have all of the above!
Cobblestone Park
New equipment installed in 2025 revived this neighborhood favorite, and now invites kids to stay and play. The play structures are appropriate for different ages and abilities. Adjacent are five acres of open space that allows for a great game tag or throwing a ball. Families can utilize the nearby trail for walking or biking. It’s a great choice if you want all of the modern amenities of larger parks but a quieter experience away from the crowds on a nice day.
Kingston Lake Park
For families who enjoy spending time by the water, Kingston Lake Park is an excellent choice. The stocked fishing lake means little ones will easily catch a perch, with no more effort than a hook on a worm. It’s quiet and lovely, with room for little legs to run and explore. Pack those poles, a few chairs and enjoy an evening near the water!
Roe Park
The most versatile park award goes to Roe Park, as it truly has something for everyone. The impressively large playground, flanked by a plethora of upscale amenities make this a one-stop-shop for families of all ages. The baseball/softball fields are available on a first come, first serve basis; as are the lighted tennis/pickleball courts and beautiful shelters. The location is also a trailhead to jump on Indian Creek trail for walkers, runners and bikers.
The highlight for many visiting Roe Park, however, is the free to use splash pad, where spray features can be activated by pressing or stepping on large buttons on the ground. Who doesn’t love an opportunity to cool off on a hot day in Kansas?!
South Lake Park
This hidden, neighborhood centered, gem of a park offers one of the prettiest lake settings in town. It is a family favorite for fishing, feeding geese, utilizing the playground and enjoying the shade without throngs of people around.
Thompson Park
Located in downtown Overland Park, Thompson Park combines play and community in one beautifully designed space. It’s walkable to downtown restaurants and shops, has shady gathering spaces, a performance stage, wonderful play structures and stunning shelters to rent. The highlight in the dog days of summer is the splash pad and nearby open lawn that gives kids and parents room to play and relax.
Best Playgrounds
Brookridge Park
Brookridge Park is a neighborhood treasure that gives kids plenty of room to climb, swing and burn energy. The spacious area, shady spots for parents, tennis courts and open grassy lawn lend itself to being suitable for families with children of different ages. Stop here for an outing any time of day! 
Nall Hills Park
Nall Hills is a thoughtfully laid out space, where the playground flanks a large grassy area. Kids can play, while parents and little ones relax in the shade. The 28 acre amenity runs along Indian Creek, featuring a flat portion of the biking/hiking trail that takes you through the Nall Hills neighborhood. Newer play structures and a relaxed atmosphere, along with open fields encourages everything from pick up soccer games to family picnics.
Pinehurst Estates Park
Pinehurst Estates recently received exciting playground updates, making it one of the city’s must visit destinations. It is situated within a beautiful natural setting with room to spread out. The updated equipment encourages imaginative and active play designed for multiple ages. Bring a soccer ball or football, take a walk around the paved path and play until the kids are worn out! 
Strang Park
Strang Park’s modern equipment, inclusive play features and plentiful green space makes it a popular choice for park visits. It also highlights portions of the original Strang Line railroad and national historic trail signage. A “words walk” lets visitors experience many of their favorite children’s books as they move throughout the park’s loop trail. Pair a library visit (conveniently located next to the park) with a playground visit and picnic for an easy and inexpensive outing any time of the year!
One of the best things about living in or visiting Overland Park is that adventure is never far away. You can bike miles along Indian Creek Trail, teach your kids to fish at South Lake or Kingston Lake, cool off at the splash pads at Roe and Thompson Parks, or spend an afternoon discovering one of the city’s wonderful playgrounds. This town was made for making family memories!
