Spring is in the air! Head outdoors for an afternoon of educational play at these nature-themed playgrounds.
Nature Playground at Beaver Shelter, Lake Olathe Park, Olathe. Built from the trees, rocks and other natural materials removed during the park’s construction, this area encourages creative play. The playground contains loose building materials that children can use to create their own forts. Your kids will be as busy as beavers as they climb over logs, explore the rock cave, coast down the long blue slide and fly across the zip line. Other highlights include a splash creek, a water play area and a looped trail.
Treeline Adventure Playground, Meadowbrook Park, Prairie Village. This park features three treehouse-shaped towers connected by rope bridges, which lead to a tall, twisty slide. Climbing nets are suspended across the playground, held aloft by poles resembling enormous blades of grass. If you’re looking for more ways to reach new heights, check out the swings and climbing boulders. Lastly, gather the family for a picture by the giant sunflower sculpture.
Waterfall Park, Independence. Located next to Bass Pro Shops, Waterfall Park boasts a stunning 70-foot waterfall. In keeping with Bass Pro’s outdoorsy theme, the playground contains a log tunnel, a climbing boulder and an earth-toned play set with slides. An 18-acre lake stretches out beside the playground, and a looped trail provides a pathway to additional outdoor adventures.
Meadowmere Park, Grandview. Meadowmere Park celebrates the flora and fauna that have graced our land over millennia. The playground features a tree-shaped tower, complete with a large sloth sculpture. Other fun touches include giant mushrooms, a large dodo bird statue and a sculpture of a prehistoric mammal (Paraceratherium). In addition to these unique elements, the park contains slides, swings and a climbing rock.
Woods Chapel Park, Blue Springs. Woodsy design elements complement this park’s slides, swings, tower and climbing structures. I particularly love the giant caterpillar sculpture, the vine-covered log steps and the colorful rubber surfacing that depicts various insects. For a chance to view real wildlife, visit the park’s pond and walking trail.
