Best Picnic Spots & Picnic Areas in Kansas City (Lunch in the Park)
Find the best picnic spots in Kansas City with our complete guide to picnic areas. There are parks for picnics, dedicated picnic areas AND unique picnic spots for families – plus, a map for easy navigation.
Stop asking Google where are “the best places for a picnic near me” and explore the best picnic areas throughout KC:
The Best Picnic Spots in Kansas City
Find the best picnic spots near you with our complete guide to picnic areas in Kansas City. There are parks for picnics, dedicated picnic areas, AND unique picnic spots for families.
Throw a picnic or two… or three… or several and that is the cherry on top of a great summer. So, pack up some food, and head out to enjoy the best picnic areas in the metro!
We’ve also gathered the Best Trails & Parks in Kansas City, so you can explore the outdoors even more…
Kansas City Picnic Areas and Spots (MO)
Crown Center Square
2425 Grand Blvd Kansas City, MO 64108
Located right outside downtown KCMO, Crown Center Square is a great place to have a picnic. With attractions like LegoLand, Shops, and the famous Kaleidoscope, your family can make a whole day of it!
Dagg Park
701 E.21st Ave Kansas City, MO 64116
Another great place to picnic in Kansas City is at Dagg Park! Located in North Kansas City, just minutes from the River Market, Dagg Park is a great park for enjoying a picnic! With plenty of grassy areas and a few picnic tables, you and the family can enjoy a splash pad and 2 parks suitable for a wide range of ages.
Nelson Atkins Lawn: Donald J Hall Sculpture Park
4525 Oak St Kansas City, MO 64111
Soak up the sun and some iconic art while you picnic at the Nelson Atkins Art Museum! One of the best picnic spots in Kansas City, the Nelson Atkins Museum of Art has many iconic sculptures and vast open spaces with plenty of room for a family picnic! Once you are done enjoying a nice picnic take a stroll inside as it is always FREE!
Gillham Park
3915 Gillham Rd Kansas City, MO 64110
Equipped with a playground, athletic fields, and sprayground, Gillham Park is located right outside Westport!
Happy Rock Park
600 NE Antioch Rd, Kansas City, MO 64119
This large park is one of the best picnic spots because it has tons of room to eat, play & run around with your kids. There are tennis courts, a walking trail (no bikes allowed), basketball courts, soccer fields, more than one playground & picnic areas with tables.
Kansas City Zoo
6800 Zoo Drive Kansas City, MO 64132
Located inside Swope Park, the Kansas City Zoo is another great place to have a picnic. Whether you are just arriving, getting ready to leave or need a quick lunch break from exploring, the Kansas City Zoo has plenty of shaded areas for a great family picnic!
*Pro Tip* Grab a Get Out pass for a free visit to save some dough!
Kauffman Memorial Garden & Kauffman Legacy Park
4800 Rockhill Rd Kansas City, MO 64110
With beautiful flowers and tranquil fountains, this small garden is great for having an intimate picnic in the park. You can also visit the Kauffman Legacy Park right next door! It features 2 acres of park area (perfect for picnics) in the middle of downtown.
**Great for a lunch picnic while you’re at work!
Kessler Park
Chestnut Trafficway, Kansas City, MO 64123
Kessler Park has a playground with 2 big slides, basketball courts, a picnic table & a bike trail. This playground is very inclusive – if you have a child in a wheelchair, and need assistance it is a great fit. There is also a disc golf course nearby!
Your children will be playing on the GIANT slides for hours…then be ready for a nap!
Longview Lake (Swim Beach Area)
11100 View High Drive Kansas City, MO 64134
Longview Lake is located south of Kansas City and has plenty of space for an enjoyable picnic. Parkgoers can enjoy bike trails, fishing, hiking trails, and more while enjoying a family picnic in one of their many picnic shelters!
There is also a swimming beach for you to enjoy during the summer months.
Loose Park
5200 Wornall Rd Kansas City, MO 64112
One of the most popular places to picnic in Kansas City, Loose Park is right in the heart of the city. Parkgoers can enjoy a wide variety of shaded and non-shaded grassy areas, picnic tables, gardens, and a playground!
Macken Park
1002 Clark Ferguson Dr Kansas City, MO 64116
Located in North Kansas City, MO, Macken Park is a great picnic spot for families of all sizes! This park is 60 acres and includes athletic fields, shelters, ample grassy fields, and two playgrounds!
Mulkey Square Park
Kansas City, MO 64105
Do your children ask about the “flying” cow in downtown KC? The cow is high up on the platform in East downtown KC is in Mulkey Park! Enjoy a picnic in the large grassy area, or next to the kid’s playground. This is one of the best picnic spots because it is a hidden gem – including a KC staple. (the cow) There is also a baseball diamond if your children like to play sports.
National WWI Museum and Memorial (Liberty Memorial)
2 Memorial Dr. Kansas City, MO 64108
With a huge lawn and a great location, the National WWI Museum is a great spot for a pick in Kansas City! After your picnic, enjoy learning about WWI history and the views of downtown!
Penguin Park
4124 NE Vivion Rd Kansas City, MO 64119
Deemed one of the best places to picnic in Kansas City, this iconic North Kansas City park is known for its giant penguin and kangaroo slides as well as varying play structures that are suitable for multiple ages!
Richard Berkley Riverfront Park
1298 Riverfront Rd Kansas City, MO 64120
Located right in the Kansas City River Market area, enjoy a scenic view of Downtown KCMO, the Missouri River and more! This riverside park is perfect for everyone, including pets!
Swope Park
3999 Swope Pkwy & E. Meyer Blvd Kansas City, MO 64132
With plenty of shelters and open spaces, Swope Park is another great place for a picnic in Kansas City. This park also has trails for hiking, designated fishing areas, and a cool pool to beat the heat!
Theis Park
Kansas City, MO 64110
Next to the Kauffman Memorial Garden, Theis park will give you a fun picnic backdrop…the Nelson-Atkins Museum! There is a large grassy area to play & set up a picnic, as well as a jogging trail next to Brush Creek. You can also visit the Kauffman Legacy Park…the 2 parks are feet away from each other.
Westwood Park
47th St.and Wyoming St. Kansas City, MO 64112
Located at the corner of 47th St. and Wyoming, Westwood Park is another great place to have a family picnic! Westwood Park has plenty of picnic tables with shelters as well as a play structure for the kids!
Vineyard Park
E. 40th Terr. & Vineyard Dr.
This beautiful park is great for a picnic and play time. Set up your picnic near the play area to let the kiddos burn off some energy before they fuel up again.
Kansas City Picnic Areas and Spots (KS)
Boulevard Drive-In
1051 Merriam Lane Kansas City, KS 66103
One of my favorite places to have a picnic is the Drive-in! Not only do you get to enjoy a double feature at a super low price, but the kiddos can play on the playground beforehand as well. The Boulevard Drive-In is a great picnic spot near me, but there are other drive-in options in Kansas City.
** Honorable Mention, check out Twin Drive-In located in Independence**
Kaw Point Park
1403 Fairfax Trafficway Kansas City, Ks 66115
Located between the Kansas and Missouri Rivers in Kansas City, Ks, Kaw Point Park is a great place for a picnic! This park is over 10 acres and hosts many summer events on the river, making it a great place for a picnic in the park!
Pierson Park
Douglas and 55th St. Kansas City, KS
Pierson Park has over 125 acres of space for parkgoers. You can enjoy a nice picnic in one of the three shelters or in a grassy area surrounded by trees. Pierson Park has a playground, tennis courts, and sprayground, perfect for pre and post-picnic play!
Rosedale Park
4100 Mission Rd Kansas City, KS
Rosedale Park has several softball fields, tennis courts, a skate park, a playground, and picnic tables!
Wyandotte County Lake
Leavenworth Rd. and 91st St. Kansas City, KS
With over 1500 acres of space, the Wyandotte County Lake can host a picnic of any size! This lake has plenty of picnic tables, shelters, and playgrounds.
Lee’s Summit Picnic Areas & Spots
Charles David Hartman Memorial Park
700 SW Pryor Rd, Lee’s Summit, MO 64081
The Charles David Hartman Memorial Park is great for an afternoon of exploring & a picnic. There is easy parking & access to the bike trails. Take a nature walk, or set up a picnic near one of the small waterfalls.
Lea McKeighan Park – South
125 NE Chipman Rd, Lee’s Summit, MO 64063
This might be your best picnic spot because you can cool off in the splash park during your picnic. There are picnic areas, a playground, a skate park, baseball fields & a large climbing area. Your children are sure to be ready for a nap after an afternoon picnic at this park.
Lowenstein Park
2050 NW Lowenstein Dr, Lee’s Summit, MO 64081
Your children will have 18 acres to play on the playground, open fields & other play equipment. There are also picnic shelters, so you can have a shaded picnic with your family. Plus, get some exercise after your outdoor meal on the 1-mile walking trail.
Miller J. Fields Park
1301 SE 3rd Terrace, Lee’s Summit, MO 64063
This picnic park features a full playground as well as a splash pad with fun water features for kids to play in. There is even a GIANT bucket that pours water on the kiddos once it fills up. Be sure to check out this park to cool off and enjoy a picnic lunch in Lee’s Summit!
Liberty Picnic Areas and Spots
City of Liberty Parks & Open Space
970 MO-291, Liberty, MO 64068
This Liberty Park has a playground with multiple slides & activities, as well as a water park splash pad. Cool off in the water, then enjoy a picnic lunch with your family!
Ruth Moore Park
401 Grover St, Liberty, MO 64068
Enjoy lunch in one of the picnic areas, then play on the playground & splash park. There are many things for kids to do here.
Stocksdale Park
901 S La Frenz Rd, Liberty, MO 64068
This large park features a large grassy area to play, playground, trails & sports fields for kids to practice. There are also fun summer events for kids like Popcorn in the Park – a free summer movie series in Liberty. Combine movie night & a picnic dinner into a fun family night.
Merriam, KS Picnic Areas and Spots
Antioch Park
6501 Antioch Rd Merriam, KS 66202
Newly updated, Antioch Park is a fan favorite when it comes to picnics! With ample walking space and grassy areas, Antioch Park is one of the best picnic spots in Kansas City!
Brown Memorial Park
5040 Booker St. Merriam, KS 66203
This historic park has walking paths, playground equipment, basketball courts, and picnic tables. Enjoy your picnic in the grassy areas or in the picnic shelters!
Quail Creek Park
7025 Grandview Ave. Merriam, KS 66203
Nestled in the Antioch Hills neighborhood, this quaint park is great for playtime and a quick picnic!
Shawnee Parks for Picnics (& Mission Picnic Areas and Spots)
Neale Peterson Park
6136 Mission Rd Fairway, KS 66205
This hidden gem has playgrounds, tennis courts, and plenty of grassy areas to enjoy a picnic with the family.
Shawnee Mission Park
7900 Renner Rd Shawnee, KS 66219
This large park is great for a family picnic! After you eat, enjoy the playground, fishing, or take a nice hike!
Turkey Creek Trail: Streamway Park
I-35 & Metcalf Ave. (just off the highway)
The Streamway Trail is long, so there are many picnic options near me along it. For most of the ride, you are under the trees, so it is a nice shaded picnic option for summer. You can find small parks for picnics as well as designated picnic areas. There are also playgrounds along the trail, so bring a bike to explore more! You will even run into the Merriam Farmer’s Market if you ride long enough.
Mohawk Park
6649 Lamar Ave Mission, KS
From pickleball to spacious trails. Make Mohawk Park your next picnic destination.
Olathe Picnic Areas and Spots
Ernie Miller Park and Nature Center
909 North KS-7 Olathe, KS 66061
Turn your Picnic into a nature escape! Enjoy a picnic at one of the picnic tables and shelters or in the grassy meadows!
Frontier Park
15501 Indian Creek Pkwy Olathe, KS 66062
The park shelters here are first come first served but there is plenty of space for a family picnic around this 20-acre park! Frontier Park has playgrounds, athletic fields, and hiking trails
Overland Park Picnic Areas and Spots
Overland Park Arboretum
8909 W. 179th st Bucyrus, KS 66013
The Overland Park Arboretum is open all year round which makes this a perfect place to picnic near Kansas City! With 13 gardens and plenty of acres to watch wildlife and admire wildflowers, the whole family would love it here!
Maple Hills Park
8451 Switzer Rd Overland Park KS
This park in Overland Park will allow you to take your picnic up a level with barbeque grills, plenty of space, tables and a multi use field.
Santa Fe Commons Park
8045 Santa Fe Dr. Overland Park, KS 66204
This newly renovated park is located in downtown Overland Park! It has shelters, seating areas, a water feature, a playground, and plenty of grassy areas!
Prairie Village Picnic Areas and Spots
Harmon Park
77th Pl and Delmar St. Prairie Village, KS 66208
Another great place for a picnic is Harmon Park in Prairie Village! This park offers a skate park, picnic tables, a playground, and more!
Meadowbrook Park
Prairie Village, KS 66207
Best picnic spot in Overland Park…hands down.
This park is brand-new to Overland Park, with an awesome playground that features TONS of play areas & different kids’ activities. Kids of all ages can play here. While this picnic park is still adding phases, it will include a destination playground, grove playground (sandbox, climbing net & outdoor instruments), paved trails, 3 picnic shelters, 3 fishing ponds & a grand pavilion with an outdoor living room, grilling island & fire pit.
Parkville Picnic Areas and Spots
English Landing Park
8701 McAfee St Parkville, MO 64152
English Landing Park is a 68-acre park that hosts a playground, trails, picnic shelters, and athletic fields.
Parkville Nature Sanctuary
This nature sanctuary is another great place for your nature lovers! Enjoy a picnic in the middle of nature then head off on a trail or two!
Independence Picnic Areas and Spots
McCoy Park
800 N. Bess Truman Pkwy
This park located in Independence has plenty of grassy areas for having a picnic as well as picnic tables and a playground!
Other Picnic Areas & Spots:
Weston Bend State Park
16600 MO-45, Weston, MO 64098
While this park is a little further from Kansas City, it’s one of the best spots for picnics…it is huge so you can explore all day! There is an overlook as well as many trails to explore. You can find grassy areas for a picnic all over the park.
Cave Springs Park
8701 E Gregory Blvd, Raytown, MO 64133
Cave Springs in Raytown is a unique picnic place in the metro. There are many different “areas” you can explore including the cascades, a cave & abandoned chimneys. You can learn more about Cave Springs Park too!
Fleming Park
22807 SW Woods Chapel Rd, Blue Springs, MO 64015
Fleming Park is the largest park in Jackson County, so there is plenty of room to play & explore. Find the best picnic spot in the park while you explore with your family! There is fishing, hiking, biking & fun kids’ activities. You can also visit animals at the Native Hoofed Animal Enclosure or Missouri Town 1855.
Keystone Park
2214 SW Keystone Dr Blue Springs, MO
This huge park will ensure you have ample space to have your next picnic. Take a walk after on the trail.
Homestead Park
4803 NW Homestead Rd Riverside MO
This beautiful park in Riverside has a playground, basketball court and beautiful views.
Civic Campus Park
15774 Whitney Ct Basehor, KS
This great park is home to a fun play area, splash pad and plenty of space to set up a picnic.
Picnic Pro Tips:
• Invest in a Tupperware-like container with individual compartments. That way it’s one thing to carry but the juice from the pickles won’t get on the pretzels (“GROSS MOM!”).
• Just set the spread of food out and give your kids the freedom to come and go from the picnic table to the playground as they please. If you try and force (sorry, “encourage”) them to eat first, they won’t eat much because they’ll be too excited about playing.
• Skip the paper products and bring heavy plastic plates or bowls instead that won’t blow away.
• Bring a container of baby wipes instead of napkins because, again, wind.
• Pack the kids’ water bottles. They are earth-friendly, you can add ice, and they hold more water than a plastic bottle of water so no one goes thirsty. Plus, there is no confusion (or mental breakdowns) over the owner of each water bottle. (Heaven forbid your little brother accidentally takes a sip out of yours.)
• Each week introduce a new fruit (mangos, kiwi, or apricot slices) to mix things up and expand taste buds. It’s amazing what kids will try after they’ve built up an appetite.
• Save dessert for the car ride home. How else are you going to convince them it’s time to go home?
• If you aren’t up for finding new parks every week, take one new activity to the same park with you each week to mix things up: Balls, sidewalk chalk, bikes, bubbles, etc.
Best Picnic Food Ideas:
• Baby dill pickles
• Baby carrots
• Celery sticks
• Cherry tomatoes
• Cucumber slices
• Zucchini slices
• Cheese slices or sticks
• Pepperonis
• Salami
• Turkey or Ham slices
• Dinner rolls
• Pretzels
• Dried apricots
• Grapes
• Strawberries
• Blueberries
• Pineapple
• Cherries
• Watermelon slices
• Bananas
• Nuts
Basically, anything that Charlie Brown would serve for Thanksgiving is perfect.
You can also get snack ideas from Taste Bud’s Kitchen…everyone needs a little inspo!
This Summer, once a week, our family will have a Park & Picnic night. After work/preschool/camp, we’ll all head to a new picnic park near me to play, explore and eat dinner together.
This is fun for our kids because dinner is always better when surrounded by slides and swings.
This is fun for parents because it means NO cooking and—even better—NO clean-up required! Plus, a big bonus: The kids burn up all their extra energy for the day so they go to bed like champs.
It’s a very easy and cheap family fun night. We hope your family can try out a few of the best picnic spots around town together – they make affordable, fun summer activities for kids.
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From our family to yours, iFamilyKC.
