There’s always so much to do in Kansas City, but sometimes the simple things win the day. Pick up a coffee, grab the kid snacks, and head over to one of the (in this case, one of the BEST) playgrounds that’s been mom recommended and approved.
Meadowbrook Park — Best Overall
If you want a playground that feels worth packing everyone into the car for, Meadowbrook Park in Prairie Village is an easy yes. The big draw is Treeline Adventure, but there’s also The Grove playground and a separate inclusive playground, so there is plenty to keep different ages happy. And when everyone needs a break from climbing and sliding, the park has paved trails, lakes, and LOTS of open green space to wander. This is one of those places where you can easily show up for the playground and accidentally stay half the day. The kids will love the playgrounds, you’ll love the walking trails.
Visit the Meadowbrook Park website
Black Hoof Park — Best Nature Playground
Black Hoof Park in Lenexa is for the kids who want a little more adventure than a standard playground can give them. The play area is tucked into a wooded setting and leans into nature with logs, boulders, sand, climbing areas and even a seasonal play stream. There are separate structures for younger and older kids, plus bridges, swings and a hanging zip line. Add Lake Lenexa and miles of trails, and this one feels less like a quick playground stop and more like a little outdoor adventure. Choose this one when the weather is perfect and you have time to linger.
Visit the Black Hoof Park website
Strang Park — Best Inclusive Playground
Strang Park in Overland Park is one of those playgrounds that gives kids a LOT to do. It was designed as an inclusive play space, with features for different ages and abilities, including a 30-foot tower and slide, sensory tunnel, climbing nets and in-ground trampolines. There is even a separate toddler playground with a Farmers’ Market theme, which is just delightful. Add in a nature play area, lawn games and a loop trail, and this is a really good pick when you are juggling kids in several different ages and stages. Perfect for your after school stop to get the wiggles out and reconnect!
Penguin Park — Most Iconic Kansas City Playground
A bucket list park in KC, Penguin Park is pure Kansas City nostalgia. The giant penguin has been around since the 1960s, and over the years it has been joined by other enormous animals, including a giraffe, elephant and kangaroo. Kids can climb, slide and play among the oversized sculptures, which makes the whole park feel a little quirky and memorable. It may not be the newest or fanciest playground in town, but that is not really the point. Generations of Kansas City kids have played here, and there is something fun about taking your own kids somewhere people have loved for decades.
Visit the Penguin Park website
Antioch Park — Best for Imaginative Play
Antioch Park in Merriam has something newer playgrounds do not always have: a little bit of old-school charm. The park is best known for Dodge Town, its miniature Old West-inspired play area where kids can run around, pretend and invent their entire wild west back stories. There is also a traditional playground, two fishing lakes, picnic areas and miles of paved walking trails. If you have a kid who would rather make up an adventure than simply move from slide to slide, this one is especially fun.
Visit the Antioch Park website
Enjoy connecting and making some memories at a great playground with your kids! I’m a photographer in Kansas City, and when you’re ready to have this family season photographed, let’s talk. And yes, I have photographed on playgrounds before, if you find one you’d love to revisit for photos. Makes for a fun session!
