On the hot summer days when your kids need to run off some energy, playgrounds can still be a great option if you pick one with shade (or one with a splash pad!) We’ve put together a list of our 10 favorite shaded parks in Kansas City to help you plan a fun day while staying cool.
Top 10 Shaded Parks in Kansas City
Lenexa, KS
Electric Park
9305 Loiret Blvd., Lenexa, KS 66219
- Best features: Large shade umbrella over main playground structure. Climbing and spinning structures. Separate shaded structure for small kids.
- Indoor bathrooms
Merriam, KS
Antioch Park
6501 Antioch Rd, Merriam, KS
Check out our full park tour here!
- Best features: Three separate playgrounds, including 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
Overland Park, KS
Strang Park
9879 W. 88th Terr. Overland Park, KS
Check out our full park tour here!
- Best features: 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
Prairie Village, KS
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.
- Indoor bathrooms
Shawnee, KS
West Flanders Park
10920 W 55th St Shawnee, KS 66203
- Best features: Mature trees offer shade over a castle themed playground structure. There’s even a pretend dragon! Great for pretend play.
- Indoor bathrooms
Gladstone, MO
Happy Rock Park
7600 NE Antioch Rd Gladstone, MO 64119
- Best features: Well shaded modern playground structures with slides and climbing opportunities as well as a light and sound game.
- Indoor bathrooms
Grandview, MO
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
Independence, MO
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
Lees Summit, MO
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
Riverside, MO
EH Young Park
1001 Argosy Parkway, Riverside, MO
- Best features: A nicely shaded playground with a three-story climbing structure and slides, pickleball courts, a dog park, and walking trails.
- Indoor bathrooms
