The Great Outdoors

Kansas City is well known for its museums and stadiums, but locals know the area is also rich in natural beauty. Here are some of the most beautiful nature trails and gardens you can explore with your family.

• Burr Oak Woods Nature Center

  With more than 1,000 acres of woods, prairies and trails, Burr Oaks is the pride of Blue Springs. During the spring and summer, wildflowers grace the trails and meadows. Visitors can scale boulders on the Bethany Falls Trail, and they can spot turtles, catfish and tadpoles in the lakes and ponds. Don’t forget to visit the nature center, where you can see live fish, amphibians and snakes.

• Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead

  In addition to its many animals that children can pet and feed, this farmstead has several gardens. You can see different varieties of apple trees in the orchard, admire the ripening vegetables in the Master Gardens and take a stroll down the nature trail, which leads to a chime garden, a butterfly garden and a repose area. Other attractions include a koi pond, a one-room schoolhouse and the Friends of the Farmstead Plaza, which features farm equipment nestled in planter beds.

• Kauffman Memorial Gardens

  This European-style garden contains bronze sculptures, an abundance of colorful flowers and meticulously trimmed foliage. The stone walls, majestic archways and lively fountains contribute to the garden’s enchanting atmosphere. The scenic Legacy Park is also located on the Kauffman campus. This nature reserve contains trails, native wildlife and a lake.

• Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens

  This beautiful area contains trails, prairies and more than 1,700 types of plants. If you have children, be sure to stop by the Children’s Garden, which has climbable structures, a tunnel and a play area. People of all ages will love the Train Garden, where you can climb aboard a real caboose and admire a miniature train set that weaves through a model of downtown Overland Park.

• Powell Gardens

  With its woods, grasslands and flower-filled meadows, Powell Gardens is the perfect place to explore. Hikers will enjoy the 3-mile trail, which features lush foliage, ponds with water lilies and rugged woods. And, of course, there is an array of gardens. The Heartland Harvest Garden features a variety of fruits and vegetables, the Perennial Garden includes 1,200 types of plants, and the Island Garden showcases the lake's aquatic plants. During the summer months, children can run through the fountains in the Fountain Garden.