Although many parks offer accessible parking, sidewalks, and bathrooms, few include playground equipment that is inclusive to those with special needs. Over the past few years, Kansas City area parks and rec departments have addressed this issue by establishing new playgrounds with equipment that all can enjoy. We’ve listed our favorites (complete with a map showing their locations) below.

Adaptive Treehouse at Wonderscope Children’s Museum: 433 E. Red Bridge Rd., Kansas City, MO.

In fall 2020, Wonderscope will reopen at its new location in Red Bridge Shopping Center. The new-and-improved Wonderscope will be an inclusive environment where all children can learn through play. In addition to its accessible parking & bathrooms, wheelchair-friendly play areas, and quiet room, Wonderscope will feature an adaptive treehouse. This treehouse contains ramps, extra space for wheelchair-users, and sensory experiences.

College Boulevard Activity Center Playground: 11031 S. Valley Pkwy., Olathe, KS.

This Variety KC park has a smooth surface with ramps leading to inclusive play equipment. A nearby accessible ball field features the Miracle League, which is a baseball league for children of all abilities.

Field of Dreams: N. 126th St., Bonner Springs, KS

This baseball-themed playground opens August 21st, 2020, in Wyandotte. Children can get their own ticket at the ticket booth, run around the “bases”, and enjoy the wide variety of play equipment-including slides, accessible swings, an accessible merry-go-round, and musical instruments. The park also contains ramps and foam surfacing.  

Jewish Community Center of Greater KC Playground: 5801 W. 115th St., Leawood, KS.

In addition to including low platforms and a mulch-free ground, this fenced play area contains Braille panels. Its other play panels have interesting textures and fragrances. 

Leawood City Park: 10601 Lee Blvd., Leawood, KS.

With ramped play structures leading to slides and saucer swings, Leawood City Park is the perfect place for children and adults to play together, regardless of physical or mental abilities. 

Legacy Park: 1201 NE Legacy Park Dr., Lee’s Summit, MO.

The Joseph A. Dyke Playground in Legacy Park, located in Shelter 3, contains a wheelchair-friendly playground with a variety of play features, including accessible swings.

McCoy Park: 800 N. Bess Truman Pkwy., Independence, MO.

Ramps, adaptive swings, and smooth flooring ensure that this pioneer-themed playground is accessible to all. The park is fenced and contains interactive panels, sensory-rich musical elements, and stainless steel slides for children with cochlear implants. It also includes a Miracle League baseball field, which has a large playing field with an even surface.

Memorial Park: 998 Commercial St., Belton, MO.

This playground includes smooth surfaces and ramps, ensuring that all children can have a good time. 

Playground & Splash Pad at T.B. Hanna Station, 214 S. Washington St., Raymore, MO

Opening in fall 2020, this new playground and splash pad will delight children of all abilities. The playground’s amenities include musical instruments, a merry-go-round, and communication boards. If your children want to cool off, they can head over to the splash pad, which features a train with a tunnel wide enough for wheelchair-users to pass through. The splash pad also contains colorful light-up spray jets, overhead sprinklers, and splash buckets. During the winter months, children can skate at the park’s ice rink!

Recreation Park, 1011 S. Madison St., Raymore, MO

Recreation Park’s newest playground features smooth surfaces, ramps, and shade. Children will love going down the many slides, playing with the musical pieces, whirling on the merry-go-round, and riding the four-person seesaw. 

Shawnee Mission Park Playground: 7900 Renner Rd., Shawnee, KS.

This playground’s star features are its musical toys, colorful pathway, and accessible swings and metal slides. In addition to containing wheelchair-friendly ramps and surfaces, the park is fenced, has accessible bathrooms, and includes a water mister.

Sheila Kemper Dietrich Park: E. 27th Street & Gillham Road, Kansas City, MO.

If you are by Crown Center, be sure to visit this pirate-themed park. Concrete sidewalks and ramps lead to accessible play equipment, including a large sea serpent.

Stilwell Community Park: 6402 W. 207th St., Stillwell, KS.

The grounds at this park provide easy access to adaptive swings, a sensory area, and a water mister.

Sybil Silkwood Nutter Inclusive Playground: Gillham Rd & E. 22nd. St., Kansas City, MO.

Located at Hospital Hill Park in Children’s Mercy, this playground contains plenty of space for children with wheelchairs or IV poles to access the equipment. Its soft foam floor is easy to traverse, and its fence prevents small children from wandering off. A communication board for nonverbal children provides an inclusive atmosphere for all.

Tiffany Hills Park: 9400 N. Congress Ave., Kansas City, MO.

This fenced park contains sensory panels for touch and sound, as well as accessible swings and colorful metal slides. The park is pirate-themed and has ramps leading to different pieces of equipment.

Variety KC Exploration Play: 6800 Zoo Dr., Kansas City, MO.

The Kansas City Zoo holds the honor of being the first zoo to provide an inclusive playground. Located in the Africa section of the zoo, the playground includes a zip line with a companion harness, an accessible swing, and smooth surfacing. There is also a quiet zone area where you can check out weighted blankets and noise-canceling headphones.

BONUS! Indoor Facility:

We Rock the Spectrum: 7601 NW Roanridge Rd., Kansas City, MO.

This indoor playground offers full accessibility for children on the autism spectrum. The open play area includes suspended equipment, swings, and crash mats, all designed to improve balance and motor planning. A zip line provides stress relief, while a trampoline and climbing structures build strength. The facility also features sensory-based toys and a fine motor arts and crafts area. Children can attend various classes here-music, playgroup, storytime, and yoga.

Do you have a favorite inclusive park in Kansas City to add to our list? Please share it in the comments below!