Kansas City is filled with incredible parks and playgrounds, and several recent renovations and new openings have given families even more places to play. From inclusive playgrounds and toddler-friendly equipment to imaginative climbing structures, walking trails and shaded play areas, these new and updated Kansas City parks offer something for children of all ages.
Whether you are looking for a neighborhood playground, an outdoor adventure or a new destination for your family’s bucket list, these parks across the Kansas City metro are worth exploring.
Newly Renovated Parks and Playgrounds in Kansas City
These popular Kansas City-area parks have received new playgrounds, expanded play areas or other family-friendly improvements.
Homestead Park in Riverside, Missouri
4801 NW Homestead Terrace, Riverside, Mo.
This neighborhood park is small but mighty. You’ll find equipment for a variety of ages, including a toddler-friendly structure where younger children can challenge themselves while still playing safely.
Homestead Park also has unique equipment that may not be found at other Kansas City playgrounds, including a Cliff Rider that is especially fun for older kids. The park provides access to the Line Creek Trail, making it easy to add a family walk or bike ride before or after playtime.
Mohawk Park in Mission, Kansas
6649 Lamar Ave., Mission, Kan.
This bright purple, lime-green and turquoise playground is bound to catch your eye—and for good reason. Mohawk Park includes a toddler-friendly structure, taller equipment for older children and accessible ramps so children of different abilities can play together.
Families will especially appreciate the shade covering the younger children’s play area, which makes it easier to stay and play during Kansas City’s warmer months.
Maple Hills Park in Overland Park, Kansas
8451 Switzer Rd., Overland Park, Kan.
Maple Hills Park is tucked into a beautiful neighborhood setting with foliage that is especially colorful during the fall. The toddler-friendly play structure includes a race car track, while the larger playground gives older children plenty of opportunities to climb and explore.
Large grassy areas and a walking trail surround the playground, providing plenty of room for children to run, play and use their imaginations beyond the play equipment.
Tomahawk Park in Leawood, Kansas
3951 W. 119th St., Leawood, Kan.
This treehouse-themed playground deserves a place on your Kansas City park list. Tomahawk Park features larger, more advanced climbing structures along with a toddler-friendly counterpart, making it a great destination for families with children of different ages.
The playground is surrounded by trees, so families may find natural shade depending on the time of day they visit.
Armstrong Park and Kiki’s Playground in Grain Valley, Missouri
713 Main St., Grain Valley, Mo.
Armstrong Park is home to Kiki’s Playground, an inclusive playground named in honor of Kiki Claphan, a former parks and recreation employee who had a passion for creating safe and enjoyable spaces for all children.
The playground includes multiple play structures, a variety of swings and a rubber surface that makes it easier for children of different abilities to move throughout the play area.
Emerald Ridge Park in Smithville, Missouri
15108 Kelly Dr., Smithville, Mo.
Emerald Ridge Park packs plenty of fun into a smaller neighborhood setting. The larger play structure includes unique climbing features and built-in tracks that are perfect for sending toy race cars down.
Families will also find several swing options, including a double swing that allows multiple children to swing together.
Black Bob Park in Olathe, Kansas
14500 W. 151st St., Olathe, Kan.
Black Bob Park offers a little bit of everything. The main playground structure features climbing elements and several tall slides, while a smaller metal slide works well for younger children.
Inclusive features throughout the playground include an accessible merry-go-round, ramps leading to the play structure and swings designed for a variety of ages and abilities.
Garrett Park in Shawnee, Kansas
22325 W. 47th St., Shawnee, Kan.
Garrett Park is one of the newer parks in the Kansas City metro and is well worth a visit. The in-ground trampoline is a favorite feature, but families will find much more to explore.
Young children can enjoy the toddler-friendly structure and musical instruments, while older children can climb and slide on the larger playground equipment.
Brookridge Park in Overland Park, Kansas
10100 Lowell Ave., Overland Park, Kan.
Newly updated Brookridge Park is a great neighborhood destination for Kansas City families. The expanded playground has a soft turf surface and separate areas that work well for toddlers and older children. The smaller play area is manageable enough that my toddler can even go down the little-kids slide by himself.
Families will also appreciate the swings, covered picnic area, large grassy field, tennis and pickleball courts and restrooms.
Rotary Park in Blue Springs, Missouri
600 NW Vesper St., Blue Springs, Mo.
A brand-new playground recently opened at Rotary Park, earning it a spot on your family’s summer bucket list. Rotary Park has long been a family favorite because it offers two playgrounds connected by a paved walking trail that loops around a small pond. The trail works well for strollers, scooters and bikes.
The new playground features a massive climbing structure with multiple large slides, soft turf, swings for different abilities, climbing rocks and nets, unique floating hangout circles and plenty of shade.
The train-themed playground across the pond is also still open. Parent tip: Its slides can get hot during the summer, while the new shaded playground remains surprisingly comfortable even on a hot day.
Brand-New Parks and Playgrounds in Kansas City
In addition to recently renovated playgrounds, the Kansas City metro has welcomed several completely new parks. These destinations feature modern designs, imaginative themes and unique equipment for children to explore.
Bietigheim-Bissingen Park in Overland Park, Kansas
11750 W. 159th St., Overland Park, Kan.
Bietigheim-Bissingen Park, also known as Bi-Bi Park, is named in honor of Overland Park’s sister city in Germany. The bright and colorful playground includes bilingual language panels, images representing both Overland Park and Bietigheim-Bissingen and an interactive water table.
Accessible ramps provide easier access to the playground and allow children of different abilities to enjoy the play space.
Keystone Park in Blue Springs, Missouri
2214 SW Keystone Dr., Blue Springs, Mo.
Keystone Park may be one of the most whimsical playgrounds in the Kansas City metro. It features several unusual climbing structures and creative ways for children to explore.
Although the playground may initially appear to be designed primarily for older children, younger kids can enjoy the grassy hills, built-in tunnel and swings.
Green Street in Downtown Lee’s Summit, Missouri
209 SE Green St., Lee’s Summit, Mo.
Green Street is the new home of the Downtown Lee’s Summit Farmers Market, but the development also includes a brand-new playground.
Located in the heart of Downtown Lee’s Summit, the playground features accessible ramps, shade throughout the play area and a large artificial-grass space nearby. It is a convenient place to stop and play while enjoying coffee, shopping or a family meal downtown.
Michael Gunn Park at Platte Meadows in Kansas City, Missouri
5380 N. Northwood Rd., Kansas City, Mo.
Michael Gunn Park is a brand-new Northland playground that is well worth a visit, especially for children who enjoy imaginative play. The castle-themed playground offers equipment for different ages to climb, slide and explore.
A large shelter house makes it easy to pack a picnic and stay awhile.
Parent tip: The large slide is fast, the park can become busy on sunny days and permanent restrooms are not available yet.
River Forest Park in North Kansas City, Missouri
2400 Vernon St., North Kansas City, Mo.
River Forest Park is a new nature-themed playground in North Kansas City. It includes a large climbing structure with a tall slide as well as a smaller play area that works well for younger children.
Families will appreciate the clean bathrooms, picnic shelters, benches and paved walking trail for a short walk or bike ride.
Parent tip: Parking is limited, and the metal slides can become hot when they are in direct sunlight.
More New Kansas City Park Projects to Watch
More playground and park projects are underway throughout the Kansas City area. Construction schedules can change, so visit the official project pages for the latest updates.
- Marty Park in Overland Park, Kansas
- Brody’s Boundless Playground in Overland Park, Kansas
- Founder’s Park at Current Landing in Kansas City, Missouri
- Roy Blunt Luminary Park in Kansas City, Missouri
Kansas City’s growing collection of new and renovated parks gives families plenty of opportunities to get outside, try a different playground and explore another part of the metro. Save this guide for your next family outing and see how many of these Kansas City parks your kids can visit.