Visiting Fortopia at Powell Gardens

If you have been reading my work for KC Parent for a long (or even just a week) you may have noticed somewhere along the way that I have a few "especially favorite" places in the Kansas City area that I love to write about and mention often (making certain new readers discover these much-loved gems!). Powell Gardens is one of those places.

I adore Powell Gardens. Many of my fondest childhood memories were formed at Powell Gardens (I still remember catching the "First Fish" at a fishing derby when I was in elementary school - an event they no longer host). My daughters consider it to be one of the most beautiful and magical places in the area to explore and they love to bring their cameras and sketch pads on the adventure. We love the Heartland Harvest Garden, Rock & Waterfall Garden, and wooded paths. Every year we attend the Festival of Butterflies (which lands close to my oldest daughter's birthday - an extra-special tradition as she is a butterfly aficionado having memorized the characteristics of dozens of butterfly species as she studies her books, posters, and documentaries). For our family, Powell Gardens is a beautiful place to simply enjoy nature, fresh air, and the great outdoors... and on more than one occasion I have found myself wandering in the woods at Powell Gardens to rejuvenate my creative juices and resolve writer's block. 

This summer, Powell Gardens brings an expansion to last year's ... FORTOPIA (included with admission, on display thru Sept. 4, 2023! Last year brought the installation of seven forts, this year they added four more.

Forts are the stuff of childhood dreams. Gathering pillows and blankets to create an indoor fort, or tarps, sticks, and rope to build forts in the backyard is a favorite way for children to explore their creativity. There's something special about having a little nook or hiding place of your own. Powell Gardens' Fortopia captures that bit of magic and whimsy beautifully!

Many forts are now on display having been designed by educators, architects, horticulturalists, and fabricators. Each of the forts encourages a love of nature and the outdoors, and each is unique and creative. This year’s fort designers include a team of preschool children, artists, landscape designers, architects, and more local creators. We loved seeing their creative ideas.

In the summer, after exploring Fortopia, you may explore more of Powell Gardens. When it's hot outside, my girls especially appreciate cooling off in the fountain.

The chapel at Powell Gardens is iconic for its masterful design, beautiful windows, and elegance as its surrounded by nature:

As we walked to the Heartland Harvest Garden, we had to explore the Greenhouses.

The Heartland Harvest Garden is gorgeous. We love going up in the silo to see the "quilt blocks" below:

The Children's Garden (just past the quilt blocks in the Heartland Harvest Garden) offers a fence maze, giant play pieces inspired by gardening, and sculptures of giant bugs! Kids love this fun and creative space. You may also cool off in the education center where there is air-conditioning and educational materials including activity sheets for kids.

In addition to these gardens, you may visit the Woodland & Stream Garden, the Island Garden, and the Prairie.

Tips for Your Visit to Powell Gardens

• Check their calendar in advance for wonderful events including Festival of Butterflies, Festival of Lights classes, and family programs.
• We usually spend a half-full day exploring the gardens. Memberships are a great investment so you may enjoy special events and come throughout the year. Our favorite way to visit is to explore one-half of the gardens on each visit as there is so much to see.
• Bring refillable water bottles and remember to drink plenty of water throughout the day. I set an alarm on my phone as a reminder on especially hot days.
• You will be outside walking, so wear comfortable clothes, a hat for shade, and walking shoes. Check the forecast and dress for the weather.
• In the summer, remember sunscreen and bug spray and reapply throughout the day.
• Bring strollers or wagons for little ones.
• Bring snacks and picnics. There are tables to enjoy a picnic outside the visitor's center. Consider hydrating snacks like fruit and cucumbers in the summer.
• Food is available in the gift shop inside the visitor's center. This includes box lunches, drinks, and ice cream.
• Tram Rides are available to offer a break from walking. During our visit, the trolley was in for repairs and golf carts were running (limited space and availability)
• Kids LOVE to cool off in the splash pad located in the fountain garden - dress with that in mind. Bring towels to dry off.
• Take photos!