Free Nature Centers around Kansas City
Experience the wonders of nature in the Kansas City metro area with a visit to a free nature center! One of the greatest advantages of nature centers is their ability to simplify the process of exploring the great outdoors. Equipped with amenities such as restrooms, drinking fountains, parking lots, hiking trails, and captivating animal exhibits, these centers eliminate the guesswork and make exploring the forest environment more accessible than ever. Don't let the idea of venturing into nature overwhelm you; opt for a visit to a nature center in Kansas City instead!
Pictures: Anita B. Gorman Discovery Center
Disclaimer: The hours shown are subject to change and may only reflect the nature center building, not the trails. Some nature centers charge for special classes, programs or events.
1.Anita B. Gorman Conservation Discovery Center | Kansas City, MO
Located near the Country Club Plaza in Midtown, the Anita Gorman Nature Center offers a variety of attractions to enhance your outdoor experience. Explore its outdoor paved walking trail, nature playscape, and birdwatching opportunities. For families with young ones, the center hosts weekly Little Acorns nature classes, providing engaging activities for children to learn about the natural world. Inside, discover the indoor exploration area where you can cozy up with a book in the kids' corner, observe fascinating reptiles and fish, or marvel at the collection of fossils on display.
Address: 4750 Troost Ave, Kansas City, MO 64110
Nature Center Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM || Saturday, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
2. Burr Oak Woods Conservation Area | Blue Springs, MO
Burr Oak Woods is the perfect free nature center for rainy and cold days. The indoor nature center has a play area with toys, a treehouse, and slide! You can also view fish and learn about conservation inside. Explore the outdoor nature area with a picturesque forest, walk along Burr Oak Creek, view restored prairies and woodlands, and walk the trail throughout. This is a popular and beautiful Kansas City area nature center!
Address: 1401 NW Park Rd Blue Springs, MO 64015
Nature Center Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
3. Ernie Miller Nature Center | Olathe, KS
One of our family’s favorite nature centers in the KC metro is Ernie Miller Nature Center in Olathe. The indoor nature center has a discovery room with fossils, interactive sensory items, a little tunnel, and some reptiles and amphibians to view. Head to the bird-watching room where you have a great view of outdoor bird feeders where many birds come to eat. There is a corner with books, puzzles, and toys for young kids and even some more snakes to view. When you venture outside you may see the barn owl before you hop on a trail that loops through the nature center. My kids love all the wooded areas to play and the creek to cross over.
Address: 909 N Highway 7 Olathe, KS 66061
Nature Center Hours: Monday - Saturday, 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM || Sunday 1:00 - 4:30 PM
4. George Owens Nature Park | Independence, MO
The George Owens Nature Park in Independence features three miles of hiking trails and one is paved making it stroller friendly. Explore the butterfly garden, fishing lakes, nature programs, and aquariums. The indoor nature DeWitt Center is the perfect place to explore with kids! There are multiple nature exhibits, animals to view, and a children’s play area.
Address: 1601 Speck Rd., Independence, MO 64057
Nature Center Hours: Tuesday - Saturday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Photos from Ernie Miller Nature Center in Olathe
5. Lakeside Nature Center | Kansas City, MO
Located in Swope Park, the Lakeside Nature Center is a Kansas City staple. Great wildlife and education programs are going on throughout the year. The outdoor Fox Hollow trail is beautiful, rocky, and great for an adventure. There are gardens, habitats, native wildlife viewings, and educational animals on display in the nature center. Inside the nature center is a children’s play area, a small library, and free scavenger hunts.
Address: 4701 E Gregory Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64132
Nature Center Hours: Tuesday - Sunday, 9:00 AM– 4:00 PM
6. Martha Lafite Thompson Nature Sanctuary | Liberty, MO
Inside the Martha Lafite Thompson Nature Sanctuary in Liberty you will find animal exhibits, classrooms, and amenities like restrooms and drinking fountains. Venture outside on one of the hiking trails which span over 4 miles. If you have a stroller or wheelchair, stick to Rush Creek Trail for the paved ADA accessible path.
Address: 407 N. La Frenz Rd. Liberty, MO 64068
Nature Center Hours: Tuesday – Saturday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Looking for more fun things to do outside in spring? Check out Everyday Outdoor Family’s list of 25 Spring Activities for Kids!
BONUS Nature Centers
Parkville Nature Sanctuary | Parkville, MO
A beautiful nature retreat with a special “nature play” area, trails, and events. While this nature center doesn’t have a central building with animal exhibits or accommodations, it’s a great, free spot to explore if you hope to spend time amongst the trees. The shelters are the perfect spot for a picnic and they have events all year long at Parkville Nature Sanctuary. Restrooms and a water fountain can be found on south end of the 12th Street parking lot. There are three main trails to hike and then two quick passes. Beginners or more advanced hikers are welcome, including kids!
Address: MO Highway 9 And 12th St, Parkville, MO, United States, 64152
Hours: Sunrise to sunset
Prairie Park Nature Center | Lawrence, KS
This one didn’t make my list above simply because it falls further outside the Kansas City metro, but Prairie Park Nature Center in Lawrence is the perfect, free spot if you venture west of KC! Visit the five-acre lake, wetlands, and prairie. There are trails to explore where you may see some Kansas native wildlife. The indoor educational center features exhibits, animals, and the unique “birds of prey” display.
Address: 2730 Harper St. Lawrence, KS 66046
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
What nature center in the Kansas City metro are you going to visit first? Bookmark this blog for easy access to all the details you need for you next outdoor nature day in KC with kids!
4/4/2024 - Gabrielle Isom
