I find it special that beyond the jazz halls and barbecue joints, Kansas City’s parks are full of wonder. I love how this city brings together historic boulevards, shady trails, and hands-on adventures that let kids explore and unwind. I look forward to days that start with duck ponds and end with skyline views at sunset.
To me, Kansas City parks mean picnicking by the lake at Loose Park, playing hide-and-seek under the trees at Swope Park, and riding scooters through art-lined paths at Mill Creek Park. We always bring the bikes to English Landing Park in Parkville, where the river trails and wide lawns keep everyone moving. Ernie Miller Nature Center is a favorite across the state line, with trails, wildlife exhibits, and naturalists who bring the woods to life. Jacob L. Loose Memorial Park bursts into color in spring with its rose garden, while Penn Valley Park offers views, play areas, and room to roam in the heart of the city. Whether it’s a paddleboat ride, a splash pad afternoon, or a trail through golden leaves, Kansas City’s parks offer outdoor fun for every kind of family adventure.
Unique Kansas City Parks
1. Anita B. Gorman Park
The Anita B. Gorman Park is named by the Missouri Department of Conservation after philanthropist Anita B. Gorman in commemoration of her support with the state’s conservation programs. The historic park in Kansas City features a number of artistic exhibitions, such as the grand display of the Clay County Veterans Memorial and the Bridge of Friendship Statue. The bronze eagle sculpture in the park and the surrounding stone stadium have become an iconic landmark of the city. Anita B. Gorman Park is a sprawling green meadow measuring approximately forty-five acres with fields and stately trees.
Anita B. Gorman Park, N Holmes St at NE Vivion Rd, Kansas City, MO 64116, Phone: 816-513-7500
2. Antioch Park
Antioch Park is the most popular and oldest park in the Johnson County Park and Recreation District. The park consists of forty-four acres and boasts an array of amenities for visitors, including charcoal grills, paved parking, a playground, restrooms, a basketball court, picnic shelters, tennis courts, walking paths, and two ponds for catch-and-release fishing. The South Pond has walking stones and water fountains, while the North Pond is a more wetlands environment. Dodge Town is a play area for children that includes a schoolhouse, general store, faux cows and horses, a train station, shaded seating, and more.
Antioch Park, 6501 Antioch Rd, Merriam, KS 66202, Phone: 913-831-3355
3. Berkley Riverfront
The Berkley Riverfront in Kansas City is located along the Missouri River, continuing the historic relationship between the city and the vital natural resource. The riverfront area provides a scenic oasis with the urban city landscape, a spot for relaxation, entertainment, activity, and community. The park at the Berkley Riverfront includes period lighting, a walking trail two miles in length, scenic landscapes, picnic tables, bike racks and lockers, and parking. The Riverfront Heritage Trail, a fifteen-mile pedestrian and bicycle path that traverses the city’s urban core, can be found here as well, with art installations along the way.
Berkley Riverfront, 1298 E Riverfront Dr, Kansas City, MO 64105, Phone: 816-559-3750
Romantic Kansas City Parks
4. Bloch Cancer Survivors Park
The Bloch Cancer Survivors Park in Kansas City is one of the twenty-four Richard and Annette Bloch Cancer Survivor Parks located throughout the country, as well as in Canada. Each park has a similar theme but a different design. The park includes a positive mental attitude walk featuring fourteen bronze plaques with ten instructional messages and four inspirational messages. There are also eight bronze life-size figures that are shown passing through a maze, which represents cancer treatment, and then the “Road to Recovery,” which is made up of seven plaques about cancer and actions to overcome it.
Bloch Cancer Survivors Park, W 48th St & Roanoke KCMO, Kansas City, MO 64112, Phone: 816-513-7500
5. Blue Valley Park
The Blue Valley Park originally began in 1943 as the city’s Bales Lake Park project and became the Blue Valley Park in the year 1945. The city park now includes a public frisbee golf course, a ballfield, a playground, and picnic areas. There is also a concession stand that provides snacks and is named in honor of Donna and Larry Van Dyke, who founded the Optimist Athletic Association promoting youth baseball at the park. Children particularly love the water playground in the Blue Valley Park, offering splashground for kids to play in during warm weather.
Blue Valley Park, East 23rd St & Topping Ave, Kansas City, MO
6. Case Park
Case Park, located adjacent to the city’s West Terrace Park, is a somewhat small city park named after Ermine Case. The land for the park was donated to the City of Kansas City by George B. Case in 1944 with the condition that the park be named after his father. The main highlight of Case Park is the Lewis and Clark Lookout, which features a statue and a marker that commemorate the night the Voyage of Discovery spend in Kansas City on September 15th of 1806. This sculpture depicts Clark, Lewis Sacagawea, York, and Lewis’ dog, Seaman
Case Park, 803 Jefferson St, Kansas City, MO 64105, Phone: 816-513-7500
Kansas City Parks for Families
7. Happy Rock Park
Happy Rock Park is a large, rather unassuming public park encompassing nearly eighty acres and is considered to be the pride of Missouri’s Gladstone Parks System. Surrounded by neighborhoods, the Happy Rock Park is a diverse park with plenty to offer, including a 1.3 trail circling the park, walking trails drinking fountains, restrooms, picnic areas, parking with chargers for electric cars, three playgrounds for children, a basketball court, four tennis courts with lights, four soccer fields, and five lighted ball fields. The park contains two running trails, one of which doubles as a bike trail as well.
Happy Rock Park, 7600 NE Antioch Rd, Gladstone, MO 64119, Phone: 816-436-2200
8. Harry S. Truman National Historic Site
The Harry S. Truman National Historic Site offers visitors with a chance to experience the place that President Harry Truman called home. Along with a guided tour of the Truman Home or a quiet walk through the grounds, guests can also explore the family farm just a little ways away or Truman’s hometown, just outside of Kansas City in Independence, Missouri. There are several activities for visitors to enjoy at the Harry S. Truman National Historic Site. Guided tours are available for a small fee and are offered on a first-come, first-serve basis. There is also a film in the visitor center.
Harry S. Truman National Historic Site, 223 North Main St, Independence, MO 64050, Phone: 816-254-2720
9. Hidden Valley Park
The land for the Hidden Valley Park in Kansas City was donated during the 1950’s, Supposedly, the “Hidden Valley” name was selected for the park due to the lands deep, but hidden ravines within the “Natural Area between Russell Road and the M-210 Highway. The park spans across close to two hundred acres, one-third of which is the mowed “North Area” and the rest being the “Natural Area.” Hidden Valley Park now includes lighted and paved walking trails, rain gardens, a state-of-the-art playground, and a nine-hole disc golf course. A shelter house can be reserved with grills and picnic tables.
Hidden Valley Park, 4029 Bellaire Ave, Kansas City, MO 64117, Phone: 816-513-7500
10. Ilus W. Davis Park
The Ilus W. Davis Park features a shallow, yet large reflecting pool and a fountain that flows into the reflecting pool, shrubs, flower beds, and over three hundred and fifty trees, including ginkgoes, large red oaks, and flowering crab. Four granite pillars in the park act as memorials to employees of Kansas City who have given their lives while on duty, primarily police officers and firefighters. The “First Amendment Podium” provides a speaker’s corner and there is a Bill of Rights monument in the Ilus W. Davis Park’s northeast corner. The park is named after the city’s mayor during the 1960’s.
Ilus W. Davis Park, 1000 Locust St, Kansas City, MO 64106
📔 I get asked this a lot so I decided to include it:
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What are some of the best parks in Kansas City, Missouri?
- Kansas City, Missouri is home to numerous beautiful parks where friends and family can enjoy a day outdoors. Many of these parks feature ponds, lakes, open grassy fields, and lush gardens, making them some of the most scenic in the country.
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What activities can visitors enjoy in Kansas City parks?
- Visitors can take advantage of hiking trails, walking paths, picnic areas, and open spaces for recreational activities. Many parks also offer playgrounds, fishing spots, and scenic areas perfect for relaxation.
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Are there hiking trails in Kansas City?
- Yes! Kansas City features many hiking trails and walking paths spread throughout the city, providing excellent opportunities for exploration and outdoor adventure.
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Why should I visit Kansas City parks?
- Kansas City’s parks offer a perfect blend of natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and family-friendly spaces, making them great destinations for locals and tourists alike.
Best Time to Visit Kansas City Parks
- April to June – Pleasant spring weather, ideal for picnics, hiking, and outdoor fun.
- September to October – Mild fall temps, perfect for exploring nature and enjoying scenic foliage.
- July & August – Warm summer months with lively events and family-friendly activities.
- November to March – Cooler months offering peaceful trails and fewer crowds.
- Late April – Best time for blooming flowers and comfortable outdoor conditions.
Plan Your Trip