Parks In and Around KC
ParksThe following are descriptions of some of the parks in and around Kansas City. This information will continue to be expanded, so check back often.




  Blue Springs, MO

     Burr Oak Woods Conservation Nature Center

     1401 N.W. Park Road

     Blue Springs, MO            64015

     Phone:  816-228-3766

     Fax:

     Email Contact:

     Website:  www.mdc.mo.gov/areas/cnc/burroak

     Description:  Burr Oak Woods Conservation Nature Center has five great trails that will

                        fill your mind with the wonder of nature and the hiking will make you feel

                        great!  They also have fun workshops and events all year long, like "Little

                        Acorns: Treasure Hunt" for toddlers in the fall.

     Ages:   All

     Hours:  Monday-Saturday, 8 am to 5 pm

     Fees:   Free

     Notes:  Consult the website for more information on upcoming programs and events. 

                Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's.

     Fleming Park

     Woods Chapel Road and Highway 40

     Blue Springs, MO            64015

     Phone:  816-795-8200

     Fax:

     Email Contact:

     Website:  www.jacksongov.org

     Description:  Fleming Park is located 15 minutes east of downtown Kansas City.  The

                        park includes Lake Jacomo and Blue Springs Lake, campgrounds, picnic

                        shelters, hiking trails, soccer fields and a radio-controlled model airplane

                        field.  Kemper Outdoor Education Center and Missouri Town 1855 are

                        located in the park as well.

     Ages:   All

     Hours:  Varies according to program or activity

     Fees:   Varies - See notes

     Notes:  Consult the website or call the office for additional information.  Although

                admission to the park is free, some programs may require registration and

                additional fees.

  Grandview, MO


     Grandview Parks and Recreation

     13500 Byars Road

     Grandview, MO              64030

     Phone:  816-316-4879

     Fax:

     Email Contact:

     Website:  www.grandview.org/city/parks.shtml

     Description:  If your family wants to enjoy the beauty and nature of the outdoors,

                        Grandview's parks have it all.  The city has 13 parks with wildlife,

                        playgrounds, sports fields, trails and picnic areas.  The city also offers

                        recreation classes, aquatics, sports and special events like art shows and

                        family fun nights.  The 'View' Center requires a membership to participate

                        in activities.

     Ages:   All

     Hours:  Varies depending on program or activity.

     Fees:   Varies - See notes

     Notes:  Consult the website or call the office for additional information regarding the

                programs, upcoming events, membership, registration, locations and hours.

  Independence, MO

     George Owens Nature Park

     1601 S. Speck Road

     Independence, MO         64057

     Phone:  816-325-7115

     Fax:

     Email Contact:

     Website:  www.ci.independence.mo.us/parksandrec/owens.aspx

     Description:  George Owens Nature Park is a beautiful park with over 85 acres open year

                         round for visitors.  The park has a lovely lodge that has an aquarium,

                        wildlife exhibits and interesting archealogical finds from around the area. 

                        Four miles of nature trails make it a great place for a family walk.

     Ages:   All

     Hours:  Tuesday-Saturday, 9 am to 5:30 pm

     Fees:   Free

     Notes:  Consult the website for upcoming programs and information.  Hours extended in

                the summer.

  Kansas City, MO


     Lakeside Nature Center

     4701 E. Gregory Blvd.

     Kansas City, MO             64132

     Phone:  816-513-8960

     Fax:

     Email Contact:

     Website:  www.lakesidenaturecenter.org

     Description:  Lakeside Nature Center, part of Swope Park, is a fun place to learn about

                        local wildlife, take an outdoor hike, or participate in one of the Center's

                        special events like "Magic Woods" or Summer Science Camp.

     Ages:   All

     Hours:  Tuesday-Saturday, 9 am to 5 pm

     Fees:   Center is free.

     Notes:  Consult the website for program activities, hours and possible special program

                fees.  Some activities will require registration.

  Kingsville, MO

     Powell Gardens

     1609 N.W. US Highway 50

     Kingsville, MO                64061

     Phone:  816-697-2600

     Fax:  816-697-2619

     Email Contact:  czind@powellgardens.org

     Website:  www.powellgardens.org

     Description:  One of the most outstanding botanical gardens in Missouri, the 915 acre

                        Powell Gardens is a jewel in the area's nature reserves.  The garden

                        presentations change with the seasons and there are fun activities ,

                        exhibits and classes for everyone.  Astronomy, basket making, watercolor

                         painting and many other classes are available as well.

     Ages:   All

     Hours:  Monday-Sunday, 9 am to 5 pm

     Fees:   Varies - See notes

     Notes:  Consult the website for upcoming programs and activities.

                Some programs and activities may require registration and additional fees.

                Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's.

                Admission fees April through October: Adults - $8, Seniors (60+) - $7, 
                Children (5 to 12) - $3, and children 4 and under
are free.

                November through March: Adults - $6, Seniors (60+) - $5, Children (5 to 12) - $2, 
                and children 4 and under 
are free.

  Lawson, MO


     Watkins Woolen Mill State Park

     26600 Park Road North

     Lawson, MO                   64062

     Phone:  816-580-3387

     Fax:

     Email Contact:  watkins.woolen.mill.state.historic.site@dnr.mo.gov

     Website:  www.watkinsmill.org

     Description:  Watkins Mill, the only surviving woolen mill in America that dates from the

                        1860's, is open from April to the end of October.  Enjoy family activities

                        such as the living history program and the kids scavenger hunt.  Special

                        events such as "Spring on the Farm" and "Fall Music Fest" are also held.

     Ages:   All

     Hours:  Monday-Saturday, 9:30 am to 5 pm

     Fees:   Varies - See notes

     Notes:  Consult the website for additional information on programs and upcoming events.

                 Some activities may require registration and additional fees.

                Admission fees:

                Adults - $2.50,

                Children (6-12) - $1.50

                Children 5 and under, free

  Lee's Summit, MO

     Lee's Summit Parks and Recreation

     220 S.E. Green Street

     Lee's Summit, MO          64063

     Phone:  816-969-1500

     Fax:

     Email Contact:  lspr@lees-summit.mo.us

     Website:  www.lees-summit.mo.us

     Description:  Lee's Summit has a new recreation center filled wit fun activities for the

                        entire family.  They even have camps during school breaks!  Activities

                        include:  athletics and aquatics, an enrichment component for children,

                        classes and programs for older youth, adults and families.

     Ages:   All

     Hours:  Varies by activity

     Fees:   Varies - See notes

     Notes:  Consult the website or call the office for additional information regarding the

                programs, upcoming events,  registration, locations and hours.

  Liberty, MO


     Liberty Performing Arts Theatre

     1600 Withers Road

     Liberty, MO                    64068

     Phone:  816-792-6130

     Fax:  816-792-6148

     Email Contact:

     Website:  www.LPAT.org

     Description:  The Liberty Performing Arts Theatre is part of the Liberty Community

                        Center.  It is recognizes as the only professional live performance venue in

                         the northland that regularly features multi-disciplined events .  Concerts.

                        Musicals, dance performances, competitions, theatre, festivals, stand-up

                        comedy and puppet shows have all been held here.

     Ages:   Pre-school and up

     Hours:  Varies according to program or activity

     Fees:   Varies - See notes

     Notes:  Consult the website for additional information on programs, upcoming events,

                registration and fees.

     Martha Lafite Thompson Nature Sanctuary

     407 N. La Frenz Road

     Liberty, MO                    64068

     Phone:  816-781-8598

     Fax:  816-781-7210

     Email Contact:  info@naturesanctuary.com

     Website:  www.naturesanctuary.com

     Description:  The Martha Lafite Thompson Nature Sanctuary is available for children and

                        adults to experience nature and relax in its beauty.  At the Sanctuary you

                        can hike, study native birds, draw, paint, and take photos.  Fun, seasonal

                        events for children are also offered.

     Ages:   All

     Hours:  The Center:

     Fees:   Varies - See notes

     Notes:  Consult the website for additional information on programs, upcoming events,

                registration and membership fees. Some activities may require additional fees.

  North Kansas City, MO


     North Kansas City Parks and Recreation

     1999 Iron Street

     North Kansas City, MO    64116

     Phone:  816-300-0545

     Fax:

     Email Contact:

     Website:  www.nkc.org

     Description:  North Kansas City's outdoor activities are focused around Macken Park. 

                        The park features picnic facilities, a walking trail, tennis courts, ball fields

                        and playgrounds.  Organized softball and soccer games are popular

                        pastimes at this park.

     Ages:   All

     Hours:  Sunrise to Sunset

     Fees:   Free

     Notes:  Consult the website for additional information on programs, upcoming events,

                and registration.  Although entrance to the park is free, some activities may

                require additional fees.

  Raytown, MO

     Raytown Parks and Recreation

     5912 Lane

     Raytown, MO                 64133

     Phone:  816-358-4100

     Fax:

     Email Contact:

     Website:  www.raytownparks.com

     Description:  The City of Raytown works to provide the community with well-maintained

                         parks, recreational facilities and equipment at reasonable cost.  Besides

                        youth sports, an ABA BMX track and the Super Splash USA facility for

                        residents, there are community events for the entire family lkie the annual

                         fishing derby and "Santa Calls".

     Ages:   All

     Hours:  Varies by activity

     Fees:   Varies - See notes

     Notes:  Consult the website for additional information on programs, activities, locations,

                 registration and fees.