Kansas City has so many amazing toddler-friendly parks, and it’s time to start exploring them! From accessible ramps to easy-to-climb structures, these parks offer a variety of features that both toddlers and parents will love.
Neale Peterson Park
6136 Mission Rd., Fairway
The first thing my son runs toward at Neale Peterson Park is the fire truck play structure. He loves steering and pretending he’s driving. As toddlers crawl through the tunnel to the other side, they end up in the farmers market play area. The toddler playground provides so many opportunities for climbing, sliding and entertainment for young kids, and there are several swings they can use as well. This park has multiple covered shelters with picnic tables that are perfect for snack time, as well as a large grassy area for kids to run around.
Arno Park
1200 Arno Rd., Kansas City, Mo.
Arno Park is known for its iconic large blue slide, but it also has a great toddler-friendly play set. The structure has easy-to-climb stairs, a rock wall and two small slides that are perfect for young kids. In addition to the toddler play structure, there are hills and tunnels for kids to explore. My son loves driving his cars through the tunnel; he also likes lying down on the disc swing. The rubber surface and artificial grass make this park even better as a toddler-friendly spot.
Lea McKeighan Park
120 NE Chipman Rd., Lee's Summit
One of the first things my son noticed at Lea McKeighan Park was the built-in racetrack for small cars on the play structure. When he wasn’t racing his cars down the track, he was busy climbing and sliding throughout the toddler-friendly play set. As a toddler mom, I appreciate that this entire playground is covered in artificial grass; it makes me feel better knowing my son is playing on a comfortable and safe surface. If your toddler is looking for something else to do after playing on the playground, she can head over to the built-in musical instruments or, in the warmer months, go play in the splash pad. When it’s time for a snack, there’s a large, beautiful pavilion with plenty of seating.
Meadowbrook Park Inclusive Playground
9101 Nall Ave., Prairie Village
The toddler-friendly playground at Meadowbrook Park (near the Roe Avenue entrance) has everything you could want in a toddler-friendly playground. From the accessible play structure with ramps to the rubber surface and artificial grass, this playground makes it so easy for toddlers to explore, play and build their confidence. My son’s favorite feature is the roller slide because it’s so bumpy as he slides down. As a mom, my favorite features are the clean bathrooms, pavilions and picnic tables. I also appreciate the fence that wraps all the way around the playground and is secured with a gate; this gives me peace of mind as my son plays.
Liberty City Park
970 Rte. 291, Liberty
This nature-themed playground has so many toddler-friendly features. The toddler play structure is just the right size for younger kids, with multiple slides, several ways to climb and a tunnel to crawl through. The toddler area is covered in artificial grass, and there’s even a log tunnel for extra fun. As a parent, you’ll appreciate the fenced-in playground and the pavilions for when your toddler needs a snack or a break. There’s also a splash pad in the warmer months, so your toddler will have even more fun.
Harmon Park
W. 77th Pl. & Delmar St., Prairie Village
From built-in musical instruments to a play set designed for pretend play, Harmon Park has so many great features for toddlers. There are multiple types of swings, but my son’s favorite part is the zipline! It has a seat with a harness, so it’s perfectly safe for toddlers. The accessibility ramps on the larger play structure makes it easy for young kids to play on it too.
Shawnee Mission Inclusive Playground
7900 Renner Rd., Shawnee
As the name suggests, Shawnee Mission Inclusive Playground truly is designed to allow everyone to play. My son and his friends had no trouble exploring the smaller structures throughout the park, including a toddler-friendly slide, a tunnel and built-in musical instruments. There are also swings with harnesses to keep toddlers safe and secure. With a soft rubber surface and a fence that wraps around the entire playground, this is the perfect spot for toddlers.
Variety KC: Tiffany Hills
9400 N. Congress Ave., Kansas City, Mo.
Any Variety KC park is going to be perfect for toddlers, and Tiffany Hills Park is no exception. This pirate ship-themed park has so much for toddlers to explore, including an under-the-sea play structure with an accessible ramp, easy climbing options and a couple of slides. There are several types of swings, but my son’s favorite is the adult/kid combined swing. This park has a rubber surface and is fenced in to give you peace of mind.
Have a toddler-approved park we missed? We’re always on the lookout for great spots to add to the list! If your family has a favorite that’s not featured here, email Halley at halley@kcparent.com—we’d love to hear about it!