Looking for the perfect way to pair your toddler’s playtime with your favorite cup of coffee? These five parks around the Kansas City metro are toddler-friendly, mom-approved and located just minutes from wonderful local coffee shops. If you ask me, there’s no better way to treat your toddler and yourself than with a park-and-coffee morning.
Neale Peterson Park | 6136 Mission Rd., Fairway
Located in the adorable town of Fairway, Neale Peterson Park has so much to offer for all ages. The first thing my son wants to do when we get there is go straight to the firetruck-themed toddler play set. Between the steering wheel to turn, the tunnel to climb through and the slide to go down, this park is a hit each time we visit. On the other side of the toddler play set, you’ll find the cutest farmers market-themed play area. Older, more confident toddlers will enjoy the treehouse-themed play set as well. My son loves running across the bridge, climbing the stairs and going down the big slide. When you’re ready for a break, you can take a seat at the tables under the covered pavilion.
Before or after your trip to the park, you have to stop by Front Range Cafe. Not only will you find a delicious iced latte waiting for you, but you can choose from several games. My son always has fun playing the four-in-a-row game, and we always have a great time connecting with each other after a fun morning at the park. If you happen to be there on a nice day, you can take your coffee date outside to their patio area.
Mohawk Park | 6649 Lamar Ave., Mission
One of the newest parks in the Kansas City metro, Mohawk Park, needs to be on your list of parks to visit. My son would be the first to tell you the eye-catching playground equipment is just as fun to play on as it is to look at. For toddlers specifically, they have a smaller play set with easy-to-climb stairs, ladders and rock walls, as well as a smaller slide. If your toddler loves riding a bike or scooter as much as mine does, make sure you bring it with you, because there is a concrete sidewalk that goes around the perimeter of the park. As a toddler mom, I also appreciate the a rubber surface throughout the playground area, the nice restrooms and the pavilion with picnic tables.
A few blocks away you’ll find Urban Prairie Coffee. Not only does this coffee shop have delicious lattes, pastries and breakfast burritos — it’s also connected to Mission Board Games. That means you can go choose a game from their shelves to play while you enjoy your coffee and treats together — my son’s favorite is Blokus.
Emerald Ridge Park | 15108 Kelly Dr., Smithville
Emerald Ridge Park is the newest park in Smithville and it has a lot to offer, especially for toddlers. This is another park with a toddler-friendly surface — the entire playground is covered with artificial grass, which makes it a perfect spot for crawlers as well. There is a toddler play set that features easy-to-climb stairs, a tunnel and a slide, but my son’s favorite part is the built-in race car. Make sure you bring your favorite Hot Wheels cars, because your toddler is going to have so much fun sending them down the track.
Lucky for you, there are two wonderful coffee shop choices while you’re in Smithville. If you want to sit and stay awhile, check out Cornerstone Coffee in Downtown Smithville. If you’re in more of a time crunch, swing by Sunshine Coffee, the most adorable coffee trailer ever. You can quickly drive up, order and be on your way. Both these local spots have delicious coffee, and my son loves that he can get a homemade Pop-Tart at either place.
Gum Springs Park | 11524 W. 67th St., Shawnee
At first glance, you might wonder if Gum Springs Park is a toddler-friendly option, but don’t you worry — not only does it have a rubber surface throughout, automatically making it easier for toddlers, but it has several toddler-friendly features to play on. The entire park offers a variety of climbing opportunities, and the same is true of the toddler play set. There is a smaller slide as well as a rope bridge that toddlers can walk or crawl across. In addition to the toddler play set, there are two in-ground trampolines that any toddler would love to jump on — I’d say it’s my son’s favorite part of the park.
While you’re in Shawnee, you have to stop by Cafe Equinox inside Family Tree Nursery. Not only can you grab your caffeine while you’re there, but you can enjoy it in the greenhouse surrounded by plants. My son and I love going there because it always makes us feel so calm and relaxed. Make sure you bring a quarter for some fish food, because your toddler will love feeding the fish in the pond.
Burrus Old Mill Park | 112 NW Woods Chapel Rd., Blue Springs
If you’re looking for a park in Blue Springs, look no further than Burrus Old Mill Park. This park has a toddler-friendly play set that features easy-to-climb stairs, a small slide and a little table with stools where you and your toddler can play pretend. My son also loves the variety of musical instruments, and we can’t leave without sitting on the seesaw together.
Before heading home, you must stop by Scout Coffee in Downtown Blue Springs. This coffee shop is located in the most adorable old house that has been restored into the coziest spot to sit and enjoy a coffee and a treat. They even have a kids’ menu featuring a few kid-friendly drinks.