It’s October in Kansas City. Brisk mornings, sunny afternoons. Maybe a little bit of rain here and there, but all in all— fantastic weather. The leaves are at their peak and many trees have already dropped theirs for the winter.
What better time to get the kids outside! The Kansas City area has several fabulous nature centers with walking trails. We love the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens in south Overland Park. Stop in at the visitor’s center for a fun scavenger hunt list for the kids to take on your walk.
For an easy stroll, there is a paved path of decent length. The Arboretum also has non-paved, mulched walking trails through the woods. The walk is beautiful and full of things to see, especially for little eyes that like to spy critters and “perfect” leaves.
Other similar spots to check out around town include:
- Ernie Miller Park & Nature Center in Olathe – check their schedule for fun storytimes and exhibits at the Nature Center in addition to their gorgeous prairie walking trails
- Anita B. Gorman Discovery Conservation Center in Kansas City – just a hop, skip and a jump from the Plaza, Midtown and Brookside, can you believe it? The Discovery Center has FANTASTIC Saturday programming for kids and it’s all usually FREE! Don’t miss BIG BROWN BATS on Halloween–Oct. 31, 2009!
- Burr Oaks Woods Conservation Nature Center in Blue Springs – four great trails to walk and super programs for kids and babies.
- Martha Lafite Thompson Nature Sanctuary in Liberty – several walking trails (several are handicapped accessible) and wonderful kids’ programs and events. The annual Fairy Tale Forest just concluded, but you’re sure to find fantastic programming in November, too!
- Lakeside Nature Center in Kansas City – in Swope Park near the Zoo, you can hike the trails with a naturalist.
- Wilderness Science Center in south Overland Park – this nature preserve is owned by the Blue Valley School District. Located behind Blue River Elementary School and Blue Valley Middle School, its building is primarily intended for use by school groups but the trails are open to the public after school hours and on weekends. A lovely walk in the woods.
- Kemper Outdoor Education Center in Blue Springs – located in Fleming Park, you’ll find everything from fossils, reptile and wildlife displays, gardens, walking trails and more!
Many parks around town also have great walking trails if you’re not looking for the formal educational offerings of a nature center. Pack some water, some snacks and a kid or two or four and head to:
- Kill Creek Park, Olathe
- Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park, Lenexa
- Longview Lake Park, Kansas City
- Weston Bend State Park, Weston, MO
- George Owens Nature Park, Independence, MO
For more ideas:
Get outside and enjoy the beautiful fall! The city has so much to offer— better yet, it doesn’t cost a thing!!!
Hey there – I was just over on our Facebook page and reader Brenda Mott suggested these cool spots as well:
Cave Springs Interpretive Center http://www.cavespring.org
Any age
Kansas City, MO
Free. Hiking trails with natural features of a cave and wildlife habitat pond are enjoyed by all ages. The trails will also take you on a historical trip along the Santa Fe Trail. Don’t forget to see the live animals in the nature center…. Read More
F.L. Schlagle Library http://www.kckpl.lib.ks.us/schlagle
Under 12
Kansas City, KS
Admission cost for programs. This isn’t a library as you know it. It is actually an environmental learning center. With a valid KCK library card, you can check out binoculars and audio tours while you hike around the lake. The programs are engaging or children 12 and under. Located in Wyandotte County Lake.
Baker Wetlands http://www.sierraclub.org/greatoutdoors/kansas
Any age
Lawrence, KS
Free. The wetlands are undergoing major changes to increase the amount of wetlands. This environment is filled with over 200 species of birds as well as amphibians, reptiles, fish and mammals. Not only is this an ecological habitat it is also considered a spiritual place for Native Americans.