12 of the Best Kid-Friendly Hiking Trails in Kansas City: Get Out & Exercise with Your Family!
If you’re looking to get outdoors with your family, hiking with the kids is a great endeavor you can enjoy together!
There are multiple kid-friendly hiking trails that are perfect for your whole family.
Explore short walking paths, long hiking trails, and everything in between.
Don’t get stuck inside all day with your kiddos! Head out hiking together to get active while enjoying each other’s company.
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Be sure to check out these resources for more outdoor fun in and around KC too:
Complete Guide to Float Trips Near KC
Kid-Friendly Hiking Trails Around Kansas City for Kids & Families
No matter what part of town you’re in, you can find hiking trails near you! Pro tips: don’t forget the water bottle! Stay hydrated. Insect repellant is probably a must too. You can always wait to see if you come across pesky insects before you decide whether to apply it.
Nature Trail At Unity Village
1901 NW Blue Pkwy Unity Village, MO 64065
Length: 2.6-mile loop
This shady hiking trail is great for kids. If they get tired, it’s a loop so you don’t have to walk all the way back!
Animals on leashes are permitted to walk on the path and there are many birds to see while walking.
James A. Reed Hiking Trails
12405 SE Ranson Rd. Lee’s Summit, MO 64082
Length: 8.6-mile loop
This hiking trail is at Jackson County Nature Reserve. There is beautiful scenery to enjoy while walking, as well as outdoor activities. There are many ponds and creeks for fishing.
Winterset Park Nature Area
700 SW Pryor Rd. Lee’s Summit, MO 64081
Length: 1-mile loop
This nature area includes a walking trail, in addition to other things to do. It’s fun for kids to swim in the creek and enjoy the waterfall. There is also a playground nearby for kids to play on during your outdoor day!
Lake Vista Trail
Travels along the lower portion of Blue Springs Lake Near Blue Springs, Missouri
Length: 6.3-mile trail
While this hiking trail is long, it is good for all skill levels. Their terrain is easy so small children can keep up. Pets are allowed on the trail as long as they are on a leash.
Blue River Parkway Trails – River Trail
South KC with several trailheads
Length: 12+ miles
This nature trail is long and easy to hike. It’s perfect for hiking with kids! The trail is well-maintained, so you don’t have to worry about overgrown bushes or walkways.
Enjoy walking along the river with your family here! This is a well-maintained trail that goes along the river
Larry Mattonen Memorial Trail
Cyclone Rd. Lee’s Summit, MO 64086
Length: 2.1 mile loop
This trail is also easy to hike and well-graveled so you don’t have to trek hard through the woods! On-leash pets are permitted to walk the trails with you.
Cave Spring Trails
8701 E. Gregory Kansas City, MO
Length of 3 trails: .5 mile, 1.5 miles & almost 3 mi
These hiking trails are dirt paths, all connected together. You can also explore the cave, creek, and ponds at the park. You can find more information about this trail here.
Wyandotte County Park Trails
White Tail Loop Trail Kansas City, KS 66109
Length: 9.7-mile loop
This 1500 acre park includes a long hiking trail, as well as a lake. Consider bringing your fishing gear to take a break from walking around! The loop circles around the park and connects to other trails in the area. Some of the trails are rocky and there are a few hills.
Loose Park Trails
51st & Wornall KCMO
Length: 1-2 miles
This 75-acre park in downtown KC includes 2 loops, each about 1 mile. The trails are paved sidewalks, so this is a great walk for small children.
There is also a playground and large green spaces for a picnic after your walk! You can also enjoy the rose garden, pond, and several historical structures. Pets are allowed if they are on a leash.
White Tail Trail
White Tail Trail Kansas City, KS 66109
Length: 2.6 miles
This walking trail in Kansas City, MO is near Riss Lake. There are lots of shady trees on the trail, so if you’re worried about the heat, consider walking here!
Parkville Nature Sanctuary
100-198 E 12 St. Parkville, MO 64152
Length: 3 miles of hiking trails
This woodsy 115-acre nature sanctuary includes a long hiking trail. You can also find a waterfall and wildlife while you’re walking around!
** There are NO pets allowed here.
Kansas City Riverfront Heritage Trail
500-598 W 4th St. Kansas City, MO 64105
Length: 15 miles
This long hiking trail winds through the oldest historic parts of bi-state KC, so you can ride your bike, walk, run, or jog! There are also beautiful water views you can take in while you’re getting exercise!
No matter where you choose to go hiking with your family, KC has multiple places to enjoy. We hope you find time to explore the trails! Depending on where you are hiking you might want to keep a survival kit and a first aid kit on hand, just in case!
Know of a place we should add that provides kid-friendly hiking in or around the KC metro? EMAIL us the scoop at [email protected] We’re constantly updating all of our guides to family fun, events, and resources in KC. Be sure to sign up for our eNews so you don’t miss a thing!
From our family to yours, iFamilyKC
