Here is your roundup of Kansas City playgrounds that are great for kids of all ages. Whether you have a toddler who’s just starting to explore or an older child who’s looking for new challenges, there’s something for everyone. Almost all of the parks on this list feature rubber surfaces or artificial grass. Your kids are guaranteed to have a great time at any of these parks!
1. Strang Park | 9879 W. 88th Ter., Overland Park, Ks.
Strang Park is such a fun spot with an inclusive playground structure that makes it easy for all kids to climb and play. Toddlers have their own farmers market-themed playset, and the in-ground tunnels and trampolines are a unique feature that my son loves. There’s plenty of green space to run around, plus picnic tables and benches when it’s time for a snack. The entire playground is fenced in, which makes it even easier to relax while the kids play.
2. E. H. Young Riverfront Park | 1001 NW Argosy Pkwy., Riverside, Mo.
E. H. Young has so much to offer, with multiple playgrounds (including one just for toddlers) as well as a ropes course that would be a fun challenge for bigger kids. One of my son’s favorite things about this park is the big metal slide; he loves driving his toy cars down it over and over again. There’s also a paved walking path that leads down to the river, and if you’re lucky, you might catch a train passing by. The trees provide some nice shade, which is always a bonus. It’s also the only park on this list with wood chips, so keep that in mind if you have a preference!
3. R Park | 5535 Juniper Dr., Roeland Park, Ks.
R Park is such a fun spot, especially if your kids like riding their bikes and scooters. The traffic garden is a huge hit, giving kids the chance to practice biking while getting familiar with road signs and basic driving etiquette. My son loves riding his bike on the hills! The playground is inclusive and has a toddler-friendly side, plus there are plenty of swings to enjoy. The beautiful pavilion with tables is the perfect place for a snack break or a picnic.
4. Basehor Civic Campus Playground | 15774 Whitney Ct., Basehor, Ks.
Basehor Civic Campus Playground is a great spot with a huge playground structure that’s still easy for younger kids because of its inclusive entrances. There are smaller slides that are perfect for little ones, but my son was all about the big concrete slide. In the warmer months, the splash pad adds even more fun and is the perfect way to cool off after playing.
5. Antioch Park | 6501 Antioch Rd., Merriam, Ks.
Antioch Park is one of those parks where you can spend hours because there’s so much to do. With multiple playgrounds, there’s something for every age, but Dodge Town is my son’s favorite. The kid-sized buildings make for the best pretend play, and the train-themed play structure is always a hit. Beyond the playgrounds, there’s a large paved trail and two lakes where you can even do a little fishing. With all the trees around, there’s plenty of shade, which makes it a great park to visit on a warm day.
6. Liberty City Park | 970 Rte. 291, Liberty, Mo.
Liberty City Park has a fun woodland theme and multiple playground structures, including one designed just for toddlers and younger kids, so there’s something for everyone. My son loves all the climbing opportunities throughout the park. The two covered pavilions are great for a picnic or a break in the shade, and in the warmer months, the splash pad is the perfect way to cool off after running and playing.
7. Shawnee Mission Inclusive Playground | 7900 Renner Rd., Shawnee, Ks.
As it says in the name, Shawnee Mission Inclusive Playground is an inclusive park where all kids, no matter their abilities, can play together. There are rope courses and large metal slides that are great for older kids, but there are also several toddler-friendly climbing and play areas as well. One of the coolest features is the giant hill with multiple ways to climb, which always keeps my son busy.
8. Arno Park | 1200 Arno Rd., Kansas City, Mo.
Arno Park features an iconic large blue slide that is always a favorite, as well as a toddler-friendly playground structure, which makes this a great park for kids of all ages. My son loves the large hill with multiple ways to climb. You’ll also find a tunnel to crawl through and a few musical instruments scattered around the park.
9. Oak Grove Park | N. Troost Ave. & NE 76th St., Gladstone, Mo.
Oak Grove Park has a large playground that is perfect for both older and younger kids, and there are plenty of swings to enjoy. When we’re done playing, my son likes to walk down to the nearby pond to see what he can find. There’s also a 0.5-mile paved walking trail that’s great for a stroll or a bike ride. The covered shelter with picnic tables is perfect for snack time.
10. Diamond Crest Park | Diamond Ln., Smithville, Mo.
Diamond Crest Park features a large playground structure with unique ways to climb, as well as a smaller slide that is great for younger kids. There are also hills and tunnels to explore, which makes for fun playtime every time we visit. The open green space is perfect for running and playing, and the whole park is fenced in, which gives me peace of mind. In the warmer months, the splash pad is a great way to cool off and have some extra fun.