Top 10 Toddler Parks for Ages 1-5 in Kansas City Metro
Kansas City is home to a plethora of parks, making it the perfect place to take your little ones for some outdoor fun. With a variety of play areas, playgrounds, and open spaces, there are endless opportunities for toddlers to explore, learn, and have fun. From swings and slides to sandboxes and splash pads, the city has parks that cater specifically to the needs of toddlers aged 1-5. In this blog, we will explore some of the best parks in the Kansas City metro for toddlers, targeting Johnson County, KS for it’s extensive directory of quality parks. Whether you're a local or just passing through, this guide will help you find the perfect spot for your toddler to play and make memories.
Best Parks in the Kansas City Metro for Toddlers
Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park (Lenexa)
Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park has multiple playgrounds, perfect for children of all ages, including toddlers. The toddler playground by Rose’s Pond is specifically geared for children ages 2-5 and features a variety of equipment such as swings, slides, climbing structures, and more.
A few other toddler friendly features at this park include:
Basketball court (full court), Sand volleyball courts (two), Tennis courts (two; push-button lighting)
Pond to introduce fishing or just to throw pebbles into
Playgrounds: Swings and three playgrounds, one geared toward ages 2 to 5, one geared toward ages 2 to 12, and one geared toward ages 5 to 12
Indian Trails Aquatic Center
Restrooms
Shelters for picnics, snacks, or to catch some shade
Trails that are perfect for a stroller walk
Legler Barn Museum (admission is free)
Park hours: 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Parking: Parking available in parking lots on each side of the park.
Address: Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park, and West 87th Street Parkway, Lackman Rd, Lenexa, KS 66215
2. Black Hoof Park (Lenexa)
If you're looking for a fun outdoor activity for the whole family, look no further than Black Hoof Park in Lenexa, Kansas. This beautiful park spans over 200 acres and features a wide range of activities that are perfect for children of all ages. The main playground area has three unique play structures as well as a nature playscape. The playground next to the restrooms is perfect for toddlers and features slides, tot swings, small-scale monkey bars, and bridges.
Other toddler-friendly features at Black Hoof Park:
Natural play stream (May-October)
Sand pit (bring your own toys)
Nature playscape with stepping logs, stones, and hide-and-seek opportunities
Tot-swings
Restrooms
Multiple shelter houses
Trails all around the lake
Large spillway and dam to observe
Total of 5 playgrounds!
Park hours: 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Parking: Parking lots on the west side of park, off of Monticello Road.
Address: Black Hoof Park, 9053 Monticello Rd, Lenexa, KS 66220
3. Kathryn Lyon Flora Park (Fairway)
Kathryn Lyon Flora Park is a small, charming park located in Fairway, Kansas. Despite its small size, the park offers several amenities, including a playground, tennis courts, and a walking trail. This playground features a small climbing structure, swings, and other play equipment that is perfect for toddlers and younger children. Overall, Kathryn Lyon Flora Park is a lovely spot for a quick outdoor adventure or a family picnic.
Other toddler-friendly features at the charming Kathryn Lyon Flora Park:
Garden and bridge
Beautiful landscaping
Small shelter house perfect for lunch, snacks, or picnics
Tennis courts
Tunnels, slides, ropes, nature playscape all on soft turf
Walking trail for a lovely nature walk
No restrooms
Parking: Street parking only
Address: Kathryn Lyon Flora Park, 6030 Cherokee Dr, Fairway, KS 66205
Photos used with permission: Kate @jocoparkmom
4. Antioch Park (Merriam)
One of Johnson County’s oldest and most loved parks, and for good reason! This lovely park features multiple fun play structures and “Dodge Town.” My kids love playing in this mock-Wild West inspired town. Toddlers will love running through these tiny buildings! The trains at the depot in Dodge Town are perfect for toddlers for easy climbing, interactive panels, and slides. There is a playset near the main shelter that is perfect for toddlers as well!
More toddler-friendly perks at Antioch Park in Merriam:
Toddler swings
Three miles of walking trails
Two lakes with fishing
Lovely bridge around the lake for adventuring
Lots of picnic tables and shelter houses
Restrooms
Two tennis courts, one bocce ball court, and one newly renovated full-length basketball court
Hours: 6 a.m. - 10 p.m. (summer/spring/fall) 7:30 am - 8 pm (winter)
Parking: Multiple parking lots
Address: Antioch Park, 6501 Antioch Road Merriam, KS 66202
5. Indian Creek Library Park (Olathe)
My family and I love this inclusive playground right outside of Indian Creek Library! It’s perfect for a morning at storytime and then heading outside to play and burn some energy. This playground features swing sets with adaptive seats, lots of slides, turf, and a music pod. We love this park because it can be used all year round since we can always warm up or cool off inside the library.
The best toddler features at Indian Creek Library Park:
A shelter with tables
Nature playground area and shade area with trellis
1/4 mile walking trail
Amphitheater area for outdoor storytime
Storywalk trail loop
ADA accessible and shade umbrella over the main playground
A ground-level whirl, music pod, exploration area underneath with tunnels, multi-passenger swings
State-of-the-art library!
Hours: Sunrise to sunset
Parking: Ample parking in the library lot
Address: Indian Creek Library, 16100 W 135th St, Olathe, KS 66062
6. Osage Park (Overland Park)
Every bug lover’s dream park! My kids love these large ride-on insects. The playground does have a tall slide and bars to climb up that is better for older kids, but my two and four-year-olds can manage it. There is a large green space that is perfect for a blanket picnic or bringing a kickball. We love this small park for an easy afternoon of outdoor play.
Other toddler-friendly features at Osage Park:
Shelter house with picnic tables
Restrooms
Swings
Walking path
Large fish tunnel
Big insect ride on seats
Hours: 5 AM - 10 PM
Parking: Parking lot off 87th St.
Address: Osage Park, 6300 W 87th St, Overland Park, KS 66212
7. Arthur and Betty Verhaeghe Park (Overland Park)
Do you have a farm-obsessed kiddo? They will love a visit to Verhaeghe Park in Overland Park! My kids adore the large tractor to sit on and climb inside. If you have been to Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead, this tractor will look very familiar! This newer park is on 11 acres with walking trails and lots of green space to run and play. It does not have indoor restrooms, so just come prepared.
Toddler-friendly features at this farm-inspired park:
Paved parking lot right by the park
Community garden
Tot swings and adaptable swings
Portable restroom
Coffee Creek Steamway trail access
Two playsets with one that is perfect for toddlers
Shelter house with picnic tables
Parking: Paved lot
Hours: Sunrise to Sunset
Address: Arthur & Betty Verhaeghe Park 11401 W. 167th Street Overland Park, KS 66221
Photos used with permission: Kate @jocoparkmom
8. Listowel Park (Shawnee)
Another fun, themed park for toddlers in the KC metro, Listowel Park is one of my kids’ favorites. Featuring a pirate ship and dragon at the playground, this park has endless imaginative play opportunities. We often drive by in the summer and see birthday parties going on at one of the shelter houses. My kids love to run off to look for “treasure” on the paved loop trail for an extra adventure.
Fun features for toddlers at Listowel Park:
Pirate ship theme
Low-level tunnels to climb through
Large globe, treasure map, captain’s steering wheel, and bridge
Slides
Tennis/pickleball courts, outdoor roller hockey or soccer courts, ball field
Paved loop trail (0.4 miles - perfect for toddlers!)
Grassy area to run around and a perfect climbing tree
Indoor restrooms
Parking: Paved parking lot that can get full when there are parties going on
Hours: 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Address: Listowel Park, 12003 W. 71st St. Shawnee, KS
9. Franklin Park (Prairie Village)
My kids also love Franklin Park in Prairie Village! It is perfect for children of all ages, but especially great for curious toddlers. It features two playscapes, a large sandbox, swings, and tons of grassy space to run around. It also has a paved trail around this large park that would be perfect for bikes or scooters. My kids especially love the natural elements at this park including the running water stream to float little boats down. One of my favorite features for summer visits is all the natural shade from the trees!
Great outdoor play features at Franklin Park for toddlers:
Multiple benches and picnic tables including a shelter house
Large sandbox (bring shovels or toys!)
Two playscapes, each with toddler access
Tot swings and a tire swing
A roller slide, spinning chairs, ride on spring animals, music pod
Nature play area with a running water stream (spring/summer)
Walking path perfect for stroller rides, trikes, or scooters
Year-round restrooms
Parking: Paved lot as well as street parking
Hours: 7:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Address: 8706 Roe Ave. Prairie Village, KS
10. Shawnee Mission Park Inclusive Playground (Shawnee)
One of our most frequently visited parks is Shawnee Mission Park’s Inclusive Playground. My kids love it for all the fun, accessible elements and I love that it is completely fenced in! With two levels, kids of all ages and abilities can find something to do at this park. It has a rope climber, swings, toddler-specific slide, music pod, chalk wall, and so much more. It is located within the giant, 1,500-acre Shawnee Mission Park so you can imagine all the green spaces, walking trails, shelter houses, and more this park has to offer. Check out this entire blog post about it HERE.
Toddler-friendly features at Shawnee Mission Park Inclusive Playground:
Adaptive swings, tot swings, and saucer swing
Spinning buckets, ride-on rocker, two-tier spinning orb, chalkboard
Toddler-sized zone in the lower section
Water mister
Picnic tables
Large, single-stall restrooms
Parking: Big paved lot
Hours: 5:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Address: Shawnee Mission Park Inclusive Playground 7900 Renner Road, City Shawnee, Kansas 66219
There are TONS of toddler parks in the Kansas City metro! We love visiting parks all year round and trying new ones out. Check out my other blog posts about Kansas City parks that you may enjoy as a family.
Strang Park Inclusive Playground
Shawnee Mission Park Inclusive Playground
Not park weather? Check out this blog about Cheap Indoor Toddler Friendly Activities in Kansas City
4/12/2023 - Gabrielle Isom
