My toddler may or may not have checked on me during our last run because of some huffing. Sorry, buddy! Postpartum, I obsessed over jostling him. Now that I’ve found a smoother path or two, I’m able to focus on my miles. I’d like to pass that gift along to you.
Below is a list of trails you and your little running mate(s) can head to for some exercise. These paved trails are mostly flat, as well as wide enough to accommodate passing foot or bike traffic. All offer wildlife, bridges and playgrounds to keep your tagalong happy and engaged en route.
Riverfront Heritage Trail | City Market (20 E. 5th St.) to Westside, Kansas City, Mo.
Take a walk by the riverside! Connecting to the River Market and Berkley Riverfront, this path bridges urban scenery with views of the Missouri River.
KC Parent Pro Tip: Begin your day with the breakfast of champions by picking up a coffee or treat at City Market.
Line Creek Trail: Meadows Park |Meadows Park, 8889 NW Line Creek Pkwy., Kansas City, Mo.
A winding pavement leads to a small waterfall, woods and meadow. You may want to toss kid-sized binoculars in the stroller for a closer look at shy creatures or amateur birding. Even though the trail is over 11 miles in length, multiple access points allow you to end your route.
Tomahawk Creek Trail | Leawood City Park (10601 Lee Blvd.) to Amesbury Lake Park, Overland Park
Shaded by towering trees and following Tomahawk Creek, this trail is ideal for paved nature walks or peaceful runs. You’ll pass through several parks along the 12.2-mile stretch with bathrooms. It connects to Indian Creek Trail near Leawood City Park.
KC Parent Pro Tip: Find easy parking at the new Tomahawk Park. Once you’ve logged your steps for the day, play with your kiddo at the park.
Ironwoods Park Trail | Ironwoods Park, 14701 Mission Rd., Leawood
This quiet loop is a great balance of sunlight and shade, flat and inclines. The trail wraps around a beautiful 1-acre lake and through the Rotary Tree Grove. It’s busy enough to feel safe and secluded enough to feel peaceful.
Heritage Park | 16050 Pflumm Rd., Olathe
Take in natural beauty at Heritage Park. Through the wooded or wetland areas, it’s easy to see why many find this path relaxing and easy. Since most of the pavement is in direct sun, bring sunglasses and hats if you intend to stay awhile.
Burr Oak Woods Conservation Area | 1401 NW Park Rd., Blue Springs
Step lively into nature at Burr Oak. The conservation area has two paved paths that are stroller-friendly: Discovery Trail ( (0.5 miles) and Missouri Tree Trail (0.75 miles) as well as the loop around Lake Remembrance.
KC Parent Pro Tip: Learn about your surroundings before you hit the trails. The visitor center offers interactive exhibits, live animals for observation and a 3,000-gallon aquarium.
Family-Friendly Runs/Races in Kansas City
Run for the Lions | September 20, 2025 | Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium, 6800 Zoo Dr, Kansas City, Mo.
You can zoo it! Walk the 4-mile main loop at 8:30 or 1-mile fun run at 9:45 and partake in animal-themed activities with your herd. Strollers must line up with the walkers and are not allowed to run due to safety concerns.
KC Parent Pro Tip: Lions, tigers and bears aren’t the only predators you’ll spot along the way. Life-size animatronics are stationed throughout the zoo as part of The Dinosaurs of the World exhibit, which ends September 28. Enjoy one of its final days with your free race-day admission as part of registration.
Dad and Daughter 5K | September 27, 2025 | North Kansas City
Daddy-daughter quality time! This 5K at 8:30 invites dads and daughters to strengthen their relationship with a shoulder-to-shoulder run. A Zumba warm-up, crafts, face painting and a Hula-Hoop contest are included in the event.
Donut Dash 5K | October 11, 2025 | 1202 Penn St., St. Joseph
Routed through the streets of historic Downtown St. Joseph, runners and walkers are treated to donut holes from Gold-N-Glaze Donut & Coffee Shop at designated water stations. Register children 12 and under for $15; adults for $35 (before noon on September 26, or $45 after).
Turkey Trails | November 22, 2025 | Kansas City, Mo.
This is the perfect pre-Turkey Day event for Thanksgiving Day travelers. Register for the 5K, 1-mile or kids’ dash (ages 10 and under).
KC Parent Pro Tip: Most runs offer early-bird pricing! But you can really gobble-gobble up savings with Turkey Trails — kiddos can run for free if you forgo registration for them and the accompanying swag (bib, youth shirt and medal).
Ward Parkway Thanksgiving Day Run | November 27, 2025 | 8600 Ward Pkwy., Kansas City, Mo.
Thanksgiving dinner will taste even better with the sweet accomplishment of a morning run. Revel in a brisk fall morning by registering for the 5K, 1-mile walk, downhill mile run or Tiny Turkey Trot (ages 12 and under). Instead of a traditional finisher’s medal, all participants will receive a 6-inch Tippin’s pie!
Westport Santa Dash 5K | December 13, 2025 | 4050 Pennsylvania Ave., Kansas City, Mo.
Count down another day closer to Christmas with a memorable holiday run! This event offers three races: the Santa Dash 5K, the Reindeer Trot 1K and the Elf Dash 200M (ages 12 and under).
KC Parent Pro Tip: Deck the whole family out in ugly Christmas sweaters or merry accessories for race day! Be sure to take a group photo before and after.
Nichole Parks completed the 2021 Garmin marathon (one and done!) and welcomed a new running buddy last year. She jogs with her toddler in Overland Park.