Go ahead and put it on the calendar while you’re thinking about it, because it’s too easy to let the one or two family evenings at home slip into survival. I get the drill. Kids are at sports, there’s youth group, you have book club one of the other evenings. So when everyone’s magically home on a Thursday night it’s tempting to collapse into exhaustion and veg on the couch (no shame for when that’s needed, too!). But if, like so many parents, you find yourself wanting to reclaim the time but drained of inspo in the moment, take a park walk. Find one close to you or drive the extra 20 minutes to feel the calm of fresh surroundings while you intentionally connect this week. I’m curious which one you’d go for?
Loose Park — Best Overall Scenic City Walk
Loose Park is one of my favorite city spots when you want a peaceful walk and need some ducks to feed. You can wander past the pond, under huge mature trees, and through the rose garden, which is especially lovely when everything is blooming. Built for the evening stroll factor, Loose Park is easy enough to do with kids in tow. Bring the stroller for the toddler near the water features to catch a break yourself!
Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens — Best Garden Walk
If flowers, winding paths, bridges and lovely hidden nooks are your thing, put the Overland Park Arboretum on your list. There are miles of trails, but you can just as easily wander through the gardens and take your time. This one feels more like a little outing than just getting your steps in, which I can absolutely get behind. Be sure to wander over to the Monet Garden while you’re here.
Visit the Overland Park Arboretum website
English Landing Park — Best Riverfront Walk
English Landing is such a good choice when you want something a little different. The trail runs along the Missouri River with big trees, open space and plenty of room to walk without feeling crowded. Bonus: downtown Parkville is right there, so coffee or lunch afterward seems pretty natural at this point. Enjoy your time!
Visit the English Landing Park website
Shawnee Mission Park — Best Lake Walk + Hilltop Sunsets
Shawnee Mission Park is where I would head when I want to feel like I escaped the suburbs without actually driving very far. The lake is the standout here, with plenty of trails and wooded areas surrounding it. You can keep things easy or make the walk a little more adventurous depending on the kids and how much energy everyone has that day. The hilltop trails offer some of the best sunsets around, with beautiful walking paths.
Visit the Shawnee Mission Park website
Meadowbrook Park — Best Easy Family Walk
Meadowbrook is such an easy yes for families. The paved trails wind past lakes and wide-open green spaces, and everything feels pretty and peaceful without being difficult. And if you need a little motivation for the kids, the Treeline Adventure playground makes a very convincing reward at the end of the walk.
Visit the Meadowbrook Park website
Parkville Nature Sanctuary — Best Wooded Walk
This one is for the days when you actually want to feel like you went hiking. Parkville Nature Sanctuary has wooded trails, creeks, rocky paths and a small waterfall, so there is plenty to keep the walk interesting. I would save this one for older kids rather than a stroller, and then head into Parkville afterward for lunch.
Visit the Parkville Nature Sanctuary website
Powell Gardens — Best Walk When You Want to Make a Day of It
Powell Gardens is a little farther out, but worth it to the core. You can wander through beautiful gardens, prairie areas, water features and changing seasonal displays, so there is always something to look at and appreciate. Pack some time (and maybe a lunch!) for this one because it is much more fun when you are not rushing through it.
Visit the Powell Gardens website
Enjoy the journey, or the walk. I’m Joanna, a family and senior photographer in Kansas City. I believe in celebrating intentional connection with your family. If you decide you’d love to have those genuine connections photographed, I can help with that, too.
