12 Places to Enjoy Family Fun in Overland Park, Kansas
Overland Park consistently tops many best places lists, including Livability’s Top 100 Best Places to Live in the U.S., WalletHub’s Best Places to Raise a Family and Fortune’s Best Places to Live for Families. It’s no wonder Kansas’ second-largest city ranks highly, given its safe, affordable and welcoming environment and family-friendly activities. If you’re looking for things to do in Overland Park with kids, below are just a few fun places that families can enjoy together.
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1. Activate Kansas City
Activate is an active gaming facility. Participants can jump, climb and problem solve while moving among hundreds of challenges. Whether you think of it as an obstacle course, an immersive arcade or a real-life video game, it’s a great adventure for all.
2. AdventHealth Sports Park at Bluhawk
AdventHealth Sports Park at Bluhawk is a vast indoor sports and entertainment complex being built in phases. It currently includes an NHL-regulation ice rink, eight basketball courts that also allow for volleyball and pickleball, a turf field, a world-class sports performance training center, and Hawk’s Outpost, a family entertainment center with arcade games, bowling, laser tag, esports, a virtual reality ride and sports simulators.
Developed by Overland Park-based real estate development and management company Price Brothers, Bluhawk is a mixed-use district offering shopping, dining and entertainment.
3. Andretti Indoor Karting and Games
At Andretti, you can enjoy 100,000 square feet of thrilling entertainment under one roof, like adrenaline-pumping, high-speed karting, gaming, VR simulators, laser tag and bowling.
4. Blue Valley Recreation Commission
Through programs, classes, activities and sports leagues, the Blue Valley Recreation Commission provides a wide range of recreational opportunities for residents of the Blue Valley School District. Swim, dance, tumble or take a class for personal enrichment at the activity center. The recreation center boasts fitness classes, an open gym, a basketball court, paddle sports courts and an indoor track. Plus, youth sports leagues and camps reign at the sports complex.
5. BRKTHROUGH
Grab your team of two to four players for this social gaming venue that offers mental, physical and skill-based challenges. Each of its 40 individual challenge rooms have a theme, including jungles, prisons, trivia, spaceships and submarines, to name a few. Between challenges at BRKTHROUGH, choose from a list of about 20 craft beers, ciders and wine (if you’re 21), plus snacks from the in-house restaurant.
6. Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center
The Johnson County Museum, Theatre in the Park productions, Fine & Performing Arts Program, Public Art Program and numerous arts classes and activities are central parts of the Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center. All ages can find programs, classes, public performances and exhibits to enjoy.
7. Johnson County Library System
Of course, you can check out a book or magazine, but you can also stream movies, watch recorded concerts or theater, or learn a new language via one of the Johnson County Library system’s 14branches.
Additionally, the Central Branch’s MakerSpace allows you to reserve equipment that ranges from 3D printers to CNC routers to sewing machines. It’s the perfect place to get creative. Those who are interested can also sign up for a free class to learn a variety of skills, from metal casting to papermaking at jocolibrary.org/makerspace.
8. Scheels Overland Park Soccer Complex
“We consider Scheels Overland Park Soccer Complex to be a community asset that helps bring visitors to Overland Park,” says Meg Ralph, director of strategic communications for the City of Overland Park. With 12 regulation-size lighted fields with synthetic turf, a fieldhouse, concession stands, playgrounds, basketball and tennis courts, and a skate park for kids, the Scheels Complex serves both local teams and regional tournaments.
9. SERV
This indoor/outdoor entertainment venue serves up food, drinks and fun. It features pickleball courts, four street food-inspired concepts, live music, some of the biggest screens around and a seasonal skate rink.
10. Strang Park
Strang Park now boasts Overland Park’s first inclusive playground, part of a recent major overhaul to the decades-old park.
“After receiving feedback from neighbors and park visitors, the inclusive playground includes sensory tunnels, a 30-foot tower and slide, climbing nets, in-ground trampolines – really anything kids of any age and ability would want,” Ralph says.
A separate toddler playground features farmers market-themed play structures and a nature play area. Family-friendly restrooms, greenspace and a loop trail were also part of the overhaul.
11. Tap Ins at the Green House
Enjoy two 18-hole miniature golf courses along with multiple food and beverage options inside this 30,000-square-foot temperature-controlled greenhouse.
12. Urban Air Adventure Park
Bumper cars, virtual reality, a drop zone, a sky rider, climbing walls, a tube playground, a runway track for tumbling runs, trampolines, dodgeball and the famous warrior course are part of the fun at Urban Air Adventure Park. The indoor playground has been voted “Best Gym in America for Kids” by Shape magazine.
Get to Know Overland Park
Want to learn more about living and working in Overland Park, KS? Check out the new edition of Livability Overland Park, Kansas.