Excited to update my prior review now that this trail has been rolling for a few years. This is a…read morestretch of thirteen car-free miles of trails to bike, walk, run and explore. Some portions are wooded and some open, there are bridges throughout, and then the highlight of the trail, the 100+ year old Vale Tunnel. Techinically, you can park in the Truman Sports Complex, Lot L, if you want to start on the western end. My advice if you're coming from downtown/midtown/Plaza area is to simply plug Crane Brewing into your GPS and make that your start and end. It's a wonderful local brewery, there's parking everywhere, and it's literally right on the trail. More reasons to skip the Truman Sports Complex: busy on game days, tough to navigate, and the stretch of trail between there and Crane is very forgettable. Now the trail itself is really nice. It's often wooded and bucolic, and the crushed limestone trails are similar to the Katy Trail, Trolley Track Trail, rails-to-trails etc. (You probably can ride a road bike on this, but you'll be more comfortable with a hybrid, cross, or gravel bike that has at least 32mm tires). At some points, there are boulders lining the outer edge of the trail that cut the wind very nicely. More trees, bridges, creeks and scenery keep unfolding in the mid-points of the trail. The bulk of this was an old railroad line so much of it is nice and flat, and scenic, especially in the fall. Speaking of the railroad line, about 6 miles from Crane, you'll come across the Vale Tunnel. This train tunnel was forged from dynamite around 1903, and nicely restored and bolstered over the past decade for this recreational trail. If I could change one thing, I'd love for them to build out a little trail spur so you could ride into downtown Lee's Summit. My friend and I did this but had to ride some busy sidewalks to get there which worked but was just OK. Job well done by all involved to help KC along for nature lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, cyclists, runners, walkers, kids (what kid doesn't love a gigantic tunnel to explore) and more. Stray notes to add: - I found water fountains (warm months only) at the Hartman trailhead near Lee's Summit, and there are also Port-a-Potty's throughout the trail. - This trail has always felt very safe to me, with lots of people out on a beautiful day. Vibes are good! - There's good signage to know you're on the trail, as well as etiquette (call out when passing via bike on the left, etc.) - This could *potentially* connect to the larger, more rural Rock Island Spur (Pleasant Hill, MO to Windsor, MO) which already connects directly to the Katy Trail. So you could conceivably ride all the way to the outskirts of St. Louis via trails. There's currently a gap in Greenwood of 8 miles that might be trails in the future. - Here is the best trail map I've found, and they have this marked along some trailheads as well: https://www.makeyourdayhere.com/files/assets/parksrec/trails/documents/ri-trail-map-1-and-2.pdf

This is a great trail. There are several entry points to this trail and the views are nice. I like…read morewalking near riding star ranch because you may get to see a horse.

This park is large and has many beautiful venue areas and trails with frisbee golf, basketball, and…read moremultiple play areas. The park is not very clean as broken glass, smells of weed, and cigarette butts are normal around the park. The part definitely gives a vibe or you should not be here past dark as there are many people drinking alcohol and playing loud music combined with seeing use of play areas as night shelters.

I'm a fan of Swope Park, and especially the original vision when the city was planned. This…read moreexpansive space acts like a potential Central Park of KC, equipped with Starlight, the Zoo, dog parks, hiking trails and golf courses. There have seen times there where I've been bullet casings littered around when I park, along with broken glass everywhere. It's too bad that is the case sometimes, because the potential here is a 5 out of 5 weekend park, but I have to dock it based on that. I like hiking and jogging the trails around here, they're surrounded by gigantic rocks, plenty of trees and even a good view or two as you make your way up. It's nice to have something like this that's not far from the city. I also love the Shawnee Mission Park trails, although they take some time to get out to for me.

This park is spacious, but tucked back into a residential neighborhood…read more Pros: - Two playgrounds (with wood chips) - Multiple tennis courts - Two baseball diamonds - Paved walking path between the playgrounds - Restrooms available - Fenced-in dog park - Covered picnic table area - Nature trail Cons: - As always, I wish people would clean up their trash - The restrooms are often locked - The park is a little run down - There is a lot of "through traffic" that makes it feel a little less safe Overall, this is a nice park. The playground equipment is nice enough, but definitely old. I can't speak to the nature trail, because I didn't walk it. I'll probably return to this park when my toddler is a bit older.

The park itself was great and spacious (except for the mud but that's okay since it's winter time…read morewith snow melting) but there was no sense of ownership with dogs owners. When two dogs meet for the first time, you need to make sure you are by the dogs LEASHED until you know they are okay with each other.... We are visiting family in the area and brought our dog to enjoy the park and I'm all for dogs interacting and playing together. But when someone else's dog starts "playing" with yours and it's doing guttural barking sounds, that's not playing that's too much. The other dog would not back down and the owner was across the park just watching. I was holding my dog and the other dog kept biting his legs and my dog would cry out. I tried picking him up, but golden retrievers are a little big and heavy, so I could only hold his two arms as he was trying to get away from the other dog. The other dog missed my dogs arm and got me instead. This is NOT "playing". At all... only will go back to the park when there are not any other dogs there.

This is a cool park named after Dr Martin Luther King We…read morecame here and had lunch, sat in the pavilion Park is clean and well landscaped Nice playground structure for the kids to play at, restrooms are available and my friend said they were clean Lots of parking available

Often times, a park is a park. But this park, dedicated to the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King,…read moreJr., stands for so much more. There is green space and walking trails, tennis courts and a playground, shelters and areas to explore. But there are also consistent reminders of the thoughts and legacy left to us all by the late Dr. King. The playground is a recently renovated space done in partnership with the '15 & the Mahomies' Foundation, the community-focused group backed by the Chiefs' Patrick Mahomes. Safe, new equipment with a soft surface makes for all kinds of playtime fun for the littles. Getting outside, with cooperative weather, has always been a wonderful way to spend family time and this playground offers exactly the kind of fun atmosphere in which to enjoy that time. The area is lined to the south with paved walking paths and sidewalks, plenty of space and very accessible. You are just a mile or so from the Plaza, the UMKC campus, and more. This is a green space tucked in a beautiful area with lots of historical and cultural significance. We should all be so fortunate to not only use the space but remember of the legacy of the man who inspired its name.

I took my two grandkids to this nature center, and we all really enjoyed it! We did not do the…read moretrails outside because it was cold, but we still really enjoyed the whole indoor experience. The kids enjoyed learning about the various reptiles and birds and other creatures. It's a nice spacious building and it was not crowded at all. We were able to have a leisurely walk throughout the facility and engage with the displays, reading them and talking about them. It's free, which is a wonderful value for the community. The staff and service at the facility was friendly and I believe they have nature story hours different times of the month. The animals looked wealth cared for, and all the displays were clean. I also really enjoyed the reading nook with nature books that overlooked an area of birdfeeders. They also have a couch for parents to sit on to watch the kids play with puzzles, coloring, pages, a kitchen set and some nature themed displays. We especially enjoyed watching the bald eagle! We will definitely go back when it is sunnier and try out the trails. We did not request any service so I can't comment on classes or hikes.

Our experience. My daughter reached out to Lakeside Nature Center after we found rabbits in our…read morebackyard. We were seeking education and guidance. She drove 35 minutes from Liberty to bring them in, and within 5 minutes, the rabbits were euthanized. The staff member told her afterward that they were emaciated, but no one explained beforehand that this would be the outcome. This left my daughter heartbroken, as she was not prepared for such an immediate decision. Even if euthanasia was the only option, there should have been clearer communication and compassion in explaining the process. At the very least, an opportunity to understand why this step was necessary before it happened. I later spoke with a manager who was kind enough to discuss the situation with me. However, the conversation also included some deflection and left me feeling that more training is needed for staff in handling sensitive situations like this. She kept speaking that we needed a permit, I guess that tells me since we didn't have a permit, it was their right to put them down. I hope Lakeside can improve communication and compassion when dealing with the public, especially with young people who are trying to do the right thing by bringing in wildlife.

Our new favorite park!…read more Complete with toddler friendly play equipment, a 9 hole disc golf course, a creek, and a splash pad, Howard Park is our favorite place to play. Tucked into a quiet neighborhood, this park has never been busy the handful of times we've been there. It's like our very own secret splash pad. So happy to have found it.

Paved blacktop parking and small walking trials. Nine holes disc golf. Splash park. Large and small…read moreplayground. Clean bathrooms.

Glendale park is easily accessible and has a paved walking track surrounding two playgrounds…read more Pros: - paved walking area - park bathroom - two playgrounds - both wood chips and rubber flooring on play areas - well maintained and mowed - picnic tables, grills and trash cans available - wide open, grassy area for playing - safe for little kids Cons: - people leave trash a lot - noisy from street (if that's an issue for you) - there are almost always cars parked here without exiting their vehicles. No problems so far, though. I love this park and go often. I just wish it was cleaner.

My kids go to camp at the Community Center and are having a great time. They have a pool, walking…read moretrack, basketball court, outdoor playground area, and a gym (membership needed). The staff is always helpful and courteous. And it's clean and well kept. Glad to have a nice place for the community in KC!

Good for the community. The people are generally nice and warm. There are plenty of. machines and…read moreare kept up and maintained.