Fountains, sports, farmers markets and flowers—spring in Kansas City is nothing short of spectacular! Celebrate the season Kansas City-style as vibrant outdoor activities, local flavors and beautiful landscapes come together to create unforgettable experiences.
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Fountains Flow
Every April, we celebrate our city’s signature structures with Fountain Day—this year, all 48 publicly-operated fountains spring back to life on April 19. While you may know that we are the City of Fountains, you may not know that our first fountains were utilitarian rather than ornamental—they were constructed to provide water for horses, dogs and birds. The city’s first fountain was built in 1904 at 4th & Minnesota. Since that time, it is said we have added more fountains than Rome!
Step into Nature
Spring is the perfect time to explore in Kansas City’s scenic walking trails, which offer everything from urban views to peaceful natural escapes. Loose Park is a springtime favorite, with paved paths winding around the pond and through the stunning rose garden (which blooms later in the season). Our family loves bringing a picnic and bikes or a stroller to Shawnee Mission Park and spotting wildlife in the skies, trees or pond. The inclusive playground and pirate ship-themed playground are great for burning off energy. (Shawnee Mission Park also holds special meaning for our family—my husband and I got engaged there!) For a more adventurous outing, visit Parkville Nature Sanctuary, where paths like the Old Kate Trail wind through waterfalls and wooden bridges, creating a storybook setting for spring hikes.
Sprout Success
The warmer weather and longer days of spring create the perfect conditions to breathe new life into your garden. Start by assessing your space and choosing plants that thrive in the Kansas City area, such as native perennials, vibrant annuals or even edibles like tomatoes and herbs. If you're unsure where to begin, Family Tree Nursery is a valuable resource for gardeners. With an extensive plant selection and knowledgeable staff, they offer guidance on everything from soil preparation to plant care. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, spring is a great time to experiment with new plants and gardening techniques—and local nurseries can provide the expertise to make it a success.
Pro Tip: I began my gardening journey with planting pots—they’re low-maintenance and ideal for beginners! Each Mother’s Day, my family gives me time to visit the local nursery and pick out easy-to-grow, colorful flowers to brighten our front porch and back patio. Watching my green thumb grow over the years has been so rewarding!
Markets in Bloom
In the Kansas City metro, spring brings an array of bustling farmers markets offering fresh produce, handmade goods and a chance to connect with local growers and artisans. These markets provide a perfect outing for families to enjoy the fresh air while supporting local businesses and indulging in seasonal flavors. Explore one of the markets in your area:
- Kansas City Market (Downtown Kansas City)
- Downtown Overland Park Farmers Market
- Independence Farmers Market
- Brookside Farmers Market
- Lenexa Farmers Market
Spring Sports
Spring marks the beginning of professional sport seasons in Kansas City and provides perfect opportunities to enjoy games as a family. Since 1969, Royals fans have cheered for the boys in blue, celebrating two World Series Championships along the way. The home opener was March 27, and April is full of America’s pastime at Kauffman Stadium.
Meanwhile, the Kansas City Current women’s soccer team kicked off their season on March 16. With a dynamic and family-friendly atmosphere, KC Current matches give fans of all ages the chance to enjoy theme nights, participate in fun activities and create memories.
Don’t forget Sporting Kansas City, KC’s beloved Major League Soccer team. Matches at Children’s Mercy Park are known for their high energy, passionate crowds, and special events. A fan-favorite tradition returns on May 4 with Sporting KC’s Star Wars Day, where fans are encouraged to dress in costume and enjoy themed entertainment throughout the evening—a perfect night for soccer-loving Jedi of all ages.
Ride a Roller Coaster
Worlds of Fun opens each April and features seven world-class roller coasters, including the Mamba, with a 205-foot drop, and the Patriot, an inverted coaster that hits 65 mph. Families can also ride Spinning Dragons or enjoy the classic Timber Wolf together. Don’t miss the live shows, Planet Snoopy for kids and the dozens of other thrilling attractions for all ages.
Pro Tip: We like to plan our day around our youngest family member’s needs. We start with Planet Snoopy, where shorter lines and kid-friendly rides set a fun tone for the little ones. We bring the stroller for rest breaks (even for older toddlers) and pack our own snacks to save time and money. We also enjoy the park’s family shows for a midday breather!
Spring Festivals
Spring is the perfect season for families to get outdoors and enjoy KC’s vibrant festivals that blend art, culture and nature. Here are two events you won’t want to miss:
Brookside Art Annual: The charming Brookside neighborhood transforms into an open-air art gallery from May 2–4. This festival showcases over 180 artists offering unique works, from paintings and ceramics to jewelry and sculptures. Families can explore the vibrant art displays, enjoy live music and sample delicious food from local vendors. There’s even a kid-friendly activity area, making it a welcoming event for all ages.
Powell Gardens Painted Garden: From April 26 –June 15, this exhibition celebrates the arrival of spring with vibrant botanical displays, blooming flowers and art installations. Artist Kate Clements’ nature-inspired kiln work will feature in the glass-domed Conservatory and the Perennial Lounge, inviting you to imagine the garden as a dynamic gallery space.