Five Musical Parks in Kansas City

These local playgrounds bring out the inner musician in your child.

• Hospital Hill Park

  This park in front of Children’s Mercy Hospital in Downtown Kansas City is a charming and fully accessible playground perfect for children coming to the hospital. The park’s signature is the Big Walking Piano, designed by artist Remo Saraceni, who was also responsible for the piano from Tom Hanks’ film Big. In 2019, Variety KC oversaw renovations of the park, including repair to the piano so that it plays when walked, danced or wheeled on so that even children with wheelchairs or leg braces may play it. The park is home to more musical instruments and traditional features including climbing tunnels and slides.

• Strang Park

  The first inclusive playground in Overland Park, this delightful park is home to a 30-foot tower and slide, a sensory tunnel, climbing cargo nets, in-ground trampolines and more. The toddler playground is beloved for its farmers market themes and nature play area. Teens love to play cornhole, checkers or giant chess, and young musicians enjoy the many playable instruments, including a giant xylophone.

• Valley Park - Grandview

  Valley Park is a favorite for climbing. With a 55-long slide, rope climbing structures, zip line, Cloud 9 swings and a soft surface, this is a top pick for local children. The giant nature-inspired musical instruments and shade canopies are favorites for creative play.

• Ad Astra Pool and Park

  Another accessible park, this playground features a play set for children ages 2-5 with slides and a climbing wall. The play equipment for ages 5-12 features bridges, climbing walls, boulder climbing and slides. The swing set includes an ADA-accessible swing. The music-making station features multiple percussion instruments.

• William B. Howard Station Park

  This small park is a meeting place in Downtown Lee’s Summit with access to the Lee’s Summit History Museum (housed in the depot), an old caboose, benches, a fountain and giant playable percussion instruments. Make music with the drums and xylophone at this quaint park.