20 Fascinating Things To Do In Overland Park, Kansas

1. Annual Luminary Walk At The Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens

This walk marks the beginning of a holiday event. During the evening there will be music playing as the guests freely explore the forest equipped with candles.

There are fairy and gnome villages, holiday trains, and even a photo with Mr.Santa. The park has arranged with the Arts and Recreation Foundation of Overland Park to give one complimentary ticket to each of its visitors.

These are on November 29 and 30 and the first week of December. For more information please visit the official page of the Arts and Recreation Foundation of Overland Park or the Overland Park on the social media site.

2. Delve Into Various Activities At AdventHealth Sports Park

This huge complex of 420,000 sq ft is aimed at entertaining and exercising visitors and offers quite several sports courts and facilities.

8 basketball courts are multipurpose for volleyball games as well as an NHL-sized skating rink for skating and ice hockey. And, a huge indoor turf field is suitable for soccer and other sports.

It also has a family fun park with games, a bowling lane, Laser Tag Arena and it has a video games arcade. Further, there are restaurants, cafes, bars, and grills too. All this makes it a great place to spend time with your friends or to eat something after a game.

3. Spend Saturday Morning At Overland Park Farmers Market

Overland Park in Kansas has a great farmers market with everything from fresh flowers to grain-fed meats. Local vendors hawk their wares from Spring to Fall with an ever-changing array of fruits and veggies.

It is in the middle of downtown Overland Park right around the corner with lots of local shops to peruse. Visit on Saturday morning for an enjoyable experience. Parking can be an issue since it is located in a busy area, so go early and make a day of it.

You will also find produce from Missouri. Small musical groups perform on Wednesdays and Saturdays. The main attraction here is the fresh produce and farm-raised food. It is a great community-feeling place.

4. Shop At Oak Park Mall

Oak Park Mall is the place to shop in Overland Park. It is a super clean and well-maintained facility.

They have a retro arcade, a retro game store, a huge Barnes, Noble inside the mall, and a Skittles machine where you can create your own Skittles flavor. Be sure to ride the old-fashioned carousel while you are there and stop for Italian ice too.

The two-story mall has a lot of smaller shops including bath and body works and zales. Nice food court with more than half a dozen places to choose from. Check out the kiosks for some fresh nuts, and a soft pretzel.

5. Learn About Animals From Museum at Prairiefire

The overall cost makes this place one of the super adventurous overland park things to do with kids and family. Entry to the Great Hall is free with tickets only required for the Discovery room and exhibits.

The first floor features a dinosaur skeleton display and the second floor has divisional rooms with constellation exhibits. Another room is dedicated to interaction sessions and the other one deals with reptiles and amphibians.

The discovery room is a blast, offering all kinds of educational fun with great little critters and animals for kids to see. They also have some amazing exhibits to learn about space.

6. Enjoy Relaxing Time At Vintage '78 Wine Bar

Vintage '78 Wine Bar is located in the Overland Park downtown area. Walk in and take advantage of a relaxed environment and a large selection of wines.

They offer a large list of wines that are offered by the glass. This means you have an opportunity to taste different wines without having to buy the entire bottle. The menu has delicate appetizers that go well with wines such as cheese boards and traditional American cuisine.

Whether you are in the process of searching for a suitable venue for a party and entertainment with friends, this place allows one to have good food and drinks in the process. The staff is friendly and ready to help you choose the perfect wine or dish.

7. Pay Respects At Overland Park 9/11 Memorial

The Overland Park 9/11 Memorial is the best place to pay some respect. It is free and worth the time.

The memorial is in front of the Overland Park, Kansas Fire Training Center. You will see a weeping wall with water flowing, floor tiles, and a steel girder from the World Trade Center. A panel lists the names of the victims.

When you see the twisted metal from the actual building, it just takes your breath away. The place has a timeline that allows you to get an idea of everything that was going on around the nation that day.

8. Take Your Kids To Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead

It is so nice for the kids to get closer to farm animals and have a physical touch experience with them. You can bottle-fee the goats, stroll through the butterfly garden, and ride the horse-drawn carriage.

There are so many animal exhibits and playgrounds that the kids will have fun for hours. Moreover, you can also attend the holiday lights. Simply pull in and find a parking spot, turn off your lights, and watch the 30+ minute show.

Everything inside costs a few dollars more but you can skip all that and still have a good time. At 5 dollars a ticket, it is not expensive and you can bring food. Here are some more things to do in Kansas City with kids.

9. Spend Time At Johnson County Museum

This museum tells the history of Johnson County through the years. The highlight is an actual all-electric 1950s house.

Besides the history of this country, the temporary exhibition of 1960 fashion is another highlight. If you are in the Overland Park area, this is among the best Overland Park activities to do.

Admission is affordable and they have a lot of rotating displays as well. There is also a nice play area that kids will love. Make sure to allot at least two hours for that part alone. Once hungry, visit the eateries nearby and sit anywhere between indoor and outdoor areas.

10. Taste Brews At Parisi Artisan Coffee

The place beautifully presents the image of a contemporary European cafe in the heart of downtown Overland Park. It is a perfect place for an afternoon get-together or to fuel your day before heading to the OP farmer's market.

One of their go-to drink is the Cup of Excellence. It is believed that they only make a select number of batches for this drink. If you do have a chance to taste it, it is the most flavorful coffee.

On top of that, the friendly baristas add to the experience. They have a couple of baked goods to go along with your coffee. Overall, the shop has an upscale feel, a quieter ambiance, and fancy machines.

11. Watch An Artful Film At Glenwood Arts Theater

The theater offers a curated selection of stunning independent films alongside a vintage charm and cozy atmosphere.

It does not play all the big A-list movies but any time there's an artfully made film it is sure to be here. Also, the screen isn't as big as the top chains and the seats don't recline with the press of buttons but there is something special about this place.

The prices are accessible and the staff seem genuinely happy to be there which truly contributes to the glee of going to the movies. While the decor is dated, it has a time capsule feeling of a childhood home excursion because it feels well taken care of.

12. Play And Eat At Topgolf Overland Park

Topgolf Overland Park is a great place either for a seasoned golfer or beginners. The staff is super friendly and helpful and the bays are heated throughout the year for enjoyment.

The food here is seriously delicious and it is a spot for a night out with friends or even a casual work outing. Many people love the fact that they can mix a fun game with great food, drinks, and a peaceful atmosphere.

It is highly recommended for someone looking for something different and entertaining things to do Overland Park. Popular dishes that are served include pulled pork, cheese dip, potato skins salsa gravy, and chicken sandwiches.

13. Try iFLY Indoor Skydiving - Kansas City

This indoor space guarantees a very fun experience. You dress up in a jumpsuit and go inside the turbine room.

Most people might think that it is a little pricey but completely worth it. Also, you'll get an opportunity to buy a return package at the end for a discount. You might get 10 flights that can be used at any iFLY in the US at any time.

The staff do a great job explaining what you should expect and also suggests an upgrade to at least 4 or 5 flights per person. They also let you know how high flights are included. Take a look at some more fun things to do in Kansas City.

14. Axe Throwing At Bury The Hatchet

Bury The Hatchet KC is a fantastic experience the whole way through. Upon entering the establishment, you will be greeted warmly and promptly directed to the waivers you read, fill, and sign.

They explain safety first and take it very seriously. There is adequate seating, and the atmosphere promotes fun and adventure. The coach explains the rules of safety within the throwing lanes.

Once you understand the rules, you will be taught how to throw the axes, and after about 20 minutes of practice, you will practically be an expert. You will be given a variety of games, which are all equally fun.

15. Explore The Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art

This is a self-guided beautiful museum located at Johnson Community College. There are multiple floors where you can see all the sculptures and paintings.

It's a great place to explore and is open and free to the community. The galleries are beautifully curated with local artists while also incorporating more diverse artists in their collections.

Small enough to get through quickly if you don't have all day to explore a larger museum. There's also other art around campus to visit as well outside the museum collection. Check the Nerman Museum website for running and upcoming exhibitions.

16. Biking At Indian Creek Greenway

The trail is a popular place for biking. It is around 17- miles long, is asphalt-paved, and runs on the banks of Indian Creek most of the time.

There are many community parks along the trail. Some spots have steep hills, and some low spots may be flooded or muddy in wet conditions. The trail runs most of the time through the woods, but being in an urban area, highway noise is not too far off.

The trail is also used by walkers and for running. It connects with two other beautiful trails, the Blue River Greenway and Tomahawk Creek Greenway.

17. Enjoy Baseball Game At Kauffman Stadium

Kansas City is undoubtedly a sports town. While you are in Overland Park there are several stadiums and things related to sports close by so you can easily get involved.

One such spot is the Kauffman Stadium. It is a very nice venue with a beautiful field and great views from the outfield seats. The fountains, scoreboard, and great sight lines make this a great place to see a ballgame.

The food and drink options highlight the local food specialty nicely. There are numerous chances to have some Kansas City BBQ. Moreover, the stadium is best for kids as well.

18. Exciting Games At Activate

A super fun place you should visit in Overland Park is Activate. This is a massive fun area where you roll and slide, and do cool stunts that require the use of your hands, feet, head, and anything around you as you solve puzzles.

Every game room is full of stunning technologies that interact with everything that is done. You can shoot lasers, solve puzzles, and run against the clock making it enjoyable for all ages.

Besides games, people visit the facility to celebrate birthdays or any other team building as it compels people to engage in physical activities.

19. Browse Collections At Monstera's Books

Most importantly this shop focuses on enhancing an environment that is friendly to the community.

Once inside, expect a fusion of over 5000 books, from new arrivals and vintage pieces ideal for all ages. In addition to books, they sell house plants, stationery, and other adorable little home accessories that make your house unique.

It is relaxed and cozy with cheerful customer service who are happy to show you good books and plants. Plus, they like to throw awesome parties and always come up with something for people to do.

20. Stop By Overland Park Convention Center

People usually visit the Overland Park Convention Center for craft shows and holiday shows every year. This hidden gem is underrated.

From the free parking to the welcoming staff, everything is designed for the guest. Most of the time convention centers can be tedious but this place is designed to engage visitors with its great artwork, and relaxing space.

The in-house cyber cafe offers reasonable prices for tasty food. Furthermore, many escalators, elevators, entryways, and exits mean that it is easy to cover large distances with minimal effort. There are no excessive objects in the halls; the halls are rather wide, and the seats are comfortable and spacious.