If you are expecting open spaces, fresh air, comfortable places to relax, and the splendor of…read morenature, then the Lawrence Rotary Arboretum is just the place. The arboretum is set in the southwest corner of the Lawrence area and nestled up against the (finally) evolving Lawrence Youth Sports Complex and the dam of Clinton Lake. A lovely pond is encircled with a wide walking path, a broad variety of native trees and grasses, and a gazebo that overlooks the water. Each different tree species is marked and identified, helping young and old to appreciate the vagary differences of the flora. There is also an area designated as a 'butterfly habitat' in conjunction with another Lawrence attraction called Monarch Watch. Who doesn't love watching the majestic and delicate beauty of butterflies? There is a sidewalk that leaves the arboretum and winds through a grassy meadow along the dam and terminates out at Clinton Lake. Pro tip: from the parking lot of the arboretum to the dam is right at 1.5 miles, so if you have an hour or so to kill, it makes for a leisurely three-mile walk. Bikers, dog walkers, and others frequent the arboretum and the path. It's really one of Lawrence's 'hidden' treasures and it will continue to evolve.

Everytime I'm in the area I go here and truly enjoy a walk. The garden and fountains and walking…read morepaths make for a wonderful sight to see.

Great little neighborhood park in the older Farley area of western OP. Plenty of open space, a…read morewalking path, upgraded play equipment for the littles, and two pickleball courts - what's not to like? If you're in the SM West area(s), then you're privy to some of the preserved gems of the early Kansas-side suburbs. Sure, things have migrated wayyyy out west and wayyyyyyyy out south, but these older neighborhoods are chock-full of charm. Maple Hills Park butts up against a Family Tree Nursery (yay! for Family Tree, because I met my wife at one!) and has been updated in several areas. The grass is cared for and mowed regularly, the ball field is free of clumps & divots that wreak havoc with a ground ball, and the path adds up to about 1/3 of a mile. The pickleball courts have been re-done from being tennis courts and they are a wonderful amenity. The play equipment is upgraded with soft landing areas so your littles can play safely. And there are even a pair of electric car charging ports for all you futuristic environmentalists. All of those items point right at the focus that the city/county have placed on re-energizing green spaces by adding a modern touch(es) to existing open space. If you're a JoCo denizen, then you know that we gots lots o' space out here, and it's a win to see those areas used and modernized. Like the cool kids say, 'touch some grass'!

I brought my grandson to this park today because I heard that it had been updated. It's a very…read morequiet and relaxing park. It has nice new bathrooms, a tennis court, a baseball/softball field, a large parking lot with two electric charging stations and a new playground with Astroturf that is soft. It also has a loop to walk around that half of it is shaded. We went to the park today around 4 PM and we were the only ones there.

I absolutely love the Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead! There was so much more to do than I…read moreexpected, and both my elementary-age son and toddler had a fantastic time. We spent a lot of time riding the toy tractors, fishing, mining for gold, playing with the goats, and--of course--washing our hands over and over. We also took a hayrack ride with the famous Budweiser horses, which was a real treat. There are various buildings with eateries, small museums, and interactive exhibits. I was pleasantly surprised--and happy--that they sell healthy (and not-so-healthy) kid-friendly food. The Farmstead is also incredibly affordable. Admission is only $5, and most activities and food options are very reasonably priced. The size is perfect--big enough to explore without feeling crowded, but manageable enough to see most activities in a couple of hours. Plus, it's all outdoors with live animals, which makes it extra fun. The Farmstead depicts a Kansas family farm in the early 1900s, with over 250 animals, a country schoolhouse, and plenty of hands-on activities. Highly recommend for families looking for an educational, fun, and affordable day out!

Deanna Rose is good ole family fun! Truly there is so much to do here! From fishing to…read morefeeding/petting certain animals, the fun is endless! If you go right at opening, you can catch the running of the baby goats! They also have great seasonal activities like their extensive light show during the holidays, which has been added to our family traditions! They have a hay ride to a pumpkin patch in the fall and outdoor movies during the summer! Some everyday activities are extra money, but you can definitely have fun without spending more than the entrance fee! One down side is you can't bring your own food for lunch, but they have some tables outside of the area so you could still bring a lunch. Deanna Rose is definitely worth bringing your kids to!

A little escape in the middle of the city. With a large lake with fishing , boat rental, swim beach…read moreand more (even scuba diving with permit) Hiking and biking trails. Disc Golf and a dog park. There is plenty of stuff for everyone. Rent a shelter and have a party, take the kids to one of the many playgrounds. Catch one of the Theater in the Park shows or go sky gazing. This park has a lot to offer.

I love this place I have been here a-half dozen times with the dogs and the dog park is awesome…read more Ive walked around the lake also with a fishing pole and didn't catch anything but its a nice lake

You wouldn't necessarily know this place exists except maybe an Internet search or Yelp, perhaps,…read morebecause the entrance to the park and Cedar Lake isn't very noticeable; it's brown and seemingly small compared to other parks in Johnson County Kansas. That being said though, it's not a bad little out of the way place with a park for the kids and a lake for fishing or enjoying a sunset. You'll likely see some cool birds too--like the great blue heron, kill deer, and the ubiquitous Canada geese and mallard ducks. They have a couple sand volleyball courts, 3 shelters and a few Johnny-on-the-spots. There's a play area for kids with the typical playground equipment. There is a "special surprise" from the other access road, south of the main entrance. There's a stone building to the right and if you go left to the end turn around you'll have access to Cedar Lake Falls!

Fun park with plenty of space for family events and your typical park activities for the kids. Fun…read morelittle trails where you can find yourself next to a calming waterfall. Definitely a nice spot to avoid some of the busier parks.

Wifey and I like coming here to walk. Well, she likes the walk and I like to play my Pokemon Go…read moregame. There's plenty of gyms and pokestops. The scenery is nice & people are as well. You can bring your leashed pets to walk. People that have dogs that poop usually tend to pick up after them. Very courteous... thank you! Families come here to play on the playground set. There's also a lil area that has a small garden. A Hui Hou!

Nice park with a .5 walking trail in a loop. Kids play set and a variety of benches, plus a lovely…read moregarden area to admire!

This park has tennis courts, a walking trail, covered picnic tables, a play set (though some areas…read moreneed to be repaired on the steps). It has bathrooms and a nice garden area near the street and I believe another area that is enclosed that is a sports area.

The playground is not as new as others in the area but it's perfect for toddlers. The playground is…read moremade for younger explorers between 2-3 year olds in mind. The park tends to be quiet and it allows them to explore without getting trampled on by older kids. The playground is right next to the parking lot and there's a gazebo where I see parties during the summer. The tennis court has moveable pickle ball net for which ever you might prefer.

Long-time user of the George Latham Hiking Trail on the back side of Clinton Lake. This fairly well…read moremaintained but rugged trail is just over 4 miles long and is usually hiked counter-clockwise. The first half mile is all decent with plenty of well used camping areas just off the trail in either direction. Unfortunately (but not the fault of the trail design) lots of folks leave too much trash in the areas designated for fires. At about the half mile point the lake is visible pretty much for the next 2-3 miles before you start the climb out towards the parking lot. Expect: rugged rocky trails, decent markings on the trees, and lots of rocks. Be warned: go on this walk during tick season minus long pants and be prepared to pay a dear price--this from experience. Wear long pants with ties around the ankles and you might be OK. My advice is avoid this hike during those times as parts of the trail go through grassy areas where plenty of opportunities exist for the little critters. Around the 1 mile mark is a great, perfectly placed bench with a great view of the lake. Nice place to stop if you're just in no hurry and want to enjoy the scenery. If you go: the last half mile to the area is dirt road, and poorly maintained. If it's been raining you'd better be in four-wheel drive. Otherwise if it's dry, it's just a very rough road. Drive slow. Snow... forget it. As always, take your trash with you and pack it out on the hike. Trash barrels and an outdoor toilet once you get to the parking lot. Moderate elevation change that shouldn't be a problem: expect to take around 2 hours unless you're in a hurry. Wear hiking shoes as the rocks can be rough, although I have done it in sneakers, but not recommended.

Loved hiking the George Latham trail and will definitely going to have to camp out there sometime!…read moreThe George Latham Trail is a 4.5 mi loop with random camping spots scattered throughout. An interesting stone wall that I wonder what it was for, and the trail stops by the waterside on a couple of occasions. CHECK YOURSELF FOR TICKS. I didn't get any but we found 8 ticks total on my boyfriend after we finished the trail. For how close the trail is to Lawrence it really feels like you're further away.