My cousin is on a mission to find the best parks in the KC metro and had this one her list. So, one…read moreSaturday after dance class we made the trek (and it is a bit more of a trek from OP than I was expecting!) out to Wilder Bluff Park, and I have to say, this is a pretty great spot to bring the kids. I got the feeling that it's still a bit of a hidden gem, probably because it's in a bit of an out of the way location, because there weren't a ton of cars, and while there were plenty of kids playing, it didn't feel crowded like other parks do on a nice Saturday morning in June. This park boasts a ton of great amenities for kids, and our kids really enjoyed the tree houses that they could climb through, which entertained them for about an hour. There is also a really cool splash playground adjacent to it, which had we known about in advance we may have brought some swim gear so the girls could really enjoy it. The park itself I think is much bigger than just the playground area, as I saw some trails nearby that might would have been fun to explore had we been there longer, or with kids that were eager to walk rather than climb and run! I'll close by adding that this park is new-ish and super well maintained. We used the restrooms and they are really clean for a park. Overall, this park is a gem for the folks that live right around it. I'm sure we'll return on another nice weekend morning when we want a change of pace.

Today I brought my granddaughters to this lovely park. We had our sack lunches under their large…read morecovered picnic area. Then my granddaughters played in the splash park which they thoroughly enjoyed! Afterwards, they tried out all the neat equipment and they especially liked the long rope bridge and sliding down the slide. The park also has a trail and is kept up well and a large parking lot. The bathrooms were clean and overall very nice park. The only thing is I wish there was a little bit more shaded seating for the parents to watch the children during the splash park play.

We, mostly my dogs, love this park! We call it Squirrel Park because of all the trees and obviously…read morethe critters. This park is massive with so much space! Multiple playgrounds, picnic areas, soccer field, a lake and lots of grass mowed paths to explore. Never crowded, always well maintained! Even saw a photographer taking snaps of loved ones during the spring and fall when the scenery really shines! Add it to your park rotation!!

This is a lovely park. While on a cross country trip, my friend and I were around in the morning to…read morewitness a beautiful Midwest sunrise (y'all have absolutely gorgeous skies).

Johnson County has been working hard at turning its western edge into a wilderness oasis. Mill…read moreCreek Streamway Park is a striking example of how that hard work is paying off. This little slice of heaven will transport you away from the surrounding suburban sprawl and into an outdoor playground that provides an up close and personal look at what an undisturbed Kansas countryside would look like. I usually park on the east side of the park, around Mill Creek Parkway and Ridgeview, and walk the nearby trail. It's about a two-ish mile loop that you'll share with other walkers, joggers and some bikers. It takes you through a wooded stream area, then through swamp and finally through a field of native grasses. You also get to walk through a tunnel that will take you underneath a local railway. If you're lucky, you'll get to see some local wildlife. Pets are welcome, as long as they're well behaved and on a leash. If you're biking, the trail does extend both to the north and to the south. I haven't partaken either way, so I'm not much help, however I have heard that the northern trail will take you close to Shawnee Mission Park. You might want to double check this, but it sounds like like fun. Regardless, my biking friends say this is one of their favorite places to ride. I highly recommend for walkers and bikers of all ages, especially when the Kansas City weather is right.

This trail is fantastic. Free of cars, enshrouded in nature and especially beautiful in the warmer…read moremonths, this is one of my happy places around the metro. I've taken my family there just to walk/hike around the paved trails which are seemingly endless with a dog and toddler. When I go on my own or with friends to bike, you'll find the end a lot faster, but it's still 17 miles or so of wonderful trail along the creek. On countless trips here, we've seen deer, heard coyotes, saw a sneaky copperhead snake, a beaver scurrying back to the water, owls and hawks, and the most memorable, an open field with more fireflies flickering than I've ever seen in my life. You'll also find big Kansas sunsets out here year round, along with more hills than one might expect. I'll say this, if you're a cyclist, it's enjoyable to fly around here but be aware this is primarily a walking/jogging path for everyone else so throw a little bell on, slow down a bit when approaching people and or call out as you come around. Most do, but some don't and it's kind of jarring especially when we're out with our almost-two-year-old toddling around. (Side note, I got a bike trailer for my daughter and this is the perfect, safe place to try it out.) In warmer months you'll find enough water and bathroom stations around, but as expected it can be difficult to find on those winter warm up days. Shoutout to the Parks & Rec team of years past, along with Gary Haller who shares the name of this popular trail for his dedication to making it a reality. I feel like nature is often forgotten and overlooked in our world, but a simple, beautiful trail like this has people eager to be out exploring their peaceful surroundings.

I can't believe I've lived in KC for so long, and I just found Wyandotte County Lake…read more This is a 12 minute drive from where we live in Parkville MO, so we can be paddling or hiking within 10 minutes from leaving our house. A few things to know: 1. Kayaking or Paddleboarding- you must have a permit (sticker) displayed on your craft. You purchase this at the marina office - and they are closed Tuesday/ Wednesday. It's $60- season. We hear they are strict about enforcing this. The launch spot is very close to the marina office- and is amazing. The launch point is zero entry and it has a parking lot- so you don't have to drag your craft very far. It's great! We kayaked on a Saturday and only saw a couple of boats. We love the calm quiet water and the beautiful nature experience. 2. Hiking- there are over 10 miles of hiking trails around the lake. They are maintained by Urban Trail Co- and their site is where they post trail closings (they are closed after big rains). The trails are pretty hilly-and we have been using them for Colorado Backpacking training. It's perfect! Bring bug spray- and I wouldn't recommend going alone since they are very isolated in the woods. There don't seem to be clearly marked trail heads- we parked at the spillway parking lot or the shelters seem to trail entry points as well. Go get outside! Enjoy! ‍

I went there to hike the West Dam and Vulture Ridge Trail so that's what I'll be reviewing…read morespecifically. The trail is about a 5 mile loop. It's not well marked and there's spots where it's not maintained very well. I would suggest a trail app that you can download a map from because cell service is also spotty in areas along the trail. We went off trail several times due to those two reasons. It was also difficult to find the trail head. The trail itself has lots of shade. It's not the most difficult trail but you do have to watch your step due to rocks and uneven ground. There are lots of bugs, highly recommend bug spray because the mosquitoes are plentiful. There were quite a few mountain bikers and a few trail runners. There were also a couple of pups and children. If you bring a pup, make sure to keep an eye on the ground. It seems there's quite a few inconsiderate individuals who leave trash everywhere that frequent the park. So that's disappointing. Overall it was an ok trail. I'll return in the fall because I'm sure the leaves look pretty. But it's not a trail I'm super eager to return to.

I came here for a hike with the dog and fell in love with the trails. Easy to park and find the…read moretrails. once on the trails they are well marked and there are qr codes where you can download maps. Hiking, ATV, horse, and bike trails are all available. you can get in several miles of hiking here easily.

Was lost for two hours. Had to ditch the trail and just walk through the unbeaten path to get back…read more Lost my. Jordan 4 patch works out there tryna to get over the two lil river creeks. Smh no I'm not going back for the trail.

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.

The overseer of the property is sweet as can be and was extremely helpful in the whole process of…read moregetting set up

Lots of long term residents. Was able to do a short stay. Clean restrooms and laundry. Friendly…read morefolks.

This is such a lovely hidden park. A wonderful trail that has shade and sun with two bridges. The…read moreplayset is kept up well and is shaded mostly. There is a picnic area with restrooms next to it. Just a nice peaceful park.

Next stop on the endless parade of Mill Creek streamway parks is the Barker access! Like most Mill…read moreCreek streamway parks, this one has top quality jungle gym facilities, a shelter or multiple somewhere, and a restroom full service! The bike path is a continuation through all streamway parks, so you can spend all day on that - which I would remark is a beautiful way to spend an afternoon on a bicycle. The wonderful paving of this path must have cost a fortune! There is ample flat area to do family activities, and reasonable access to the streamway or any number of fishing activities can be underway. I'm really liking this entire streamway Park system throughout the city. Each of these parks is not particularly noteworthy, just a good small Park to enjoy an afternoon. More succinctly however, when considered as a whole unit, I would say this might be the biggest park in the city! Rates are reasonable for renting shelters, and this park particularly - tucked down nicely inside of a valley of sorts - blocks the wind, with an almost estate sort of feel. Very nice indeed!

This is a nice little hidden park it's quaint, well kept, & has beautiful foliage. Choose to walk…read morethe trails or use the track.

What a lovely neighborhood playground next to Indian Rocks Beach Preserve! Large play structures to…read moreentertain toddlers and older kids. Water fountain for hot days and direct access to the boardwalk by the preserve. There is also a few workout machines for adults as well.