Top 10 Outdoor Activities to Enjoy This Summer in the Kansas City Metro

From Your Local KC Event Pros Since 1985

At Show-Me Live Event Production, Kansas City isn’t just where we do business—it’s where we live, raise our families, and make memories. Since 1985, we’ve helped bring live events to life across the metro, and when the lights go down and the stages are packed away, you’ll find us out enjoying the same parks, concerts, and family-friendly fun as you.

Looking for the best ways to enjoy the sunshine and fresh air this summer? Here are ten can’t-miss outdoor activities across the KC metro—perfect for locals, newcomers, and families alike.

1. Explore the Kansas City Zoo & Sobela Ocean Aquarium

Located in the heart of Swope Park, the Kansas City Zoo has always been a go-to destination for family fun—but now, with the addition of the Sobela Ocean Aquarium, it’s an absolute must-visit.

Wander through lush outdoor trails, spot giraffes, elephants, and tigers, then cool off inside the immersive, state-of-the-art aquarium. Kids love the penguins and touch tanks, while parents appreciate the educational exhibits and shady walking paths. Pro tip: Visit early to beat the crowds and heat!

2. Catch a Royals Game at Kauffman Stadium

Nothing says “summer in Kansas City” like a night at The K. Whether you're a lifelong fan or a first-time visitor, the atmosphere at Kauffman Stadium is electric. Enjoy fireworks shows on Fridays, family-friendly Sundays with kids’ giveaways and base-running, or just soak in the sunset with a cold drink and hot dog in hand. For many families in KC—including ours—this is a summer tradition that never gets old.

3. Picnic & Paddle at Shawnee Mission Park

With more than 1,600 acres of beautiful scenery, Shawnee Mission Park is a dream for outdoor lovers. Bring a picnic basket, rent a kayak or paddleboard on the lake, or take a scenic walk along the paved and dirt trails.

The beach area is perfect for sunbathing or splashing with younger kids, and the dog park means even your four-legged family members get in on the fun. It’s the kind of place where hours slip by without even realizing it.

4. Walk the Nelson-Atkins Sculpture Park

Sure, the art inside the Nelson-Atkins Museum is world-class—but the lawn outside is a destination all on its own. Lay out a blanket, snap photos by the giant shuttlecocks, or stroll the grounds with a coffee from nearby Thou Mayest. The open space makes it perfect for toddlers to roam freely or for teens to chill out in the shade with a sketchbook or a good book. It’s one of KC’s best spots to blend art, nature, and community.

5. Discover Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead

If you have little ones, Deanna Rose is pure magic. Step back in time to a 1900s-style family farm complete with goats, chickens, gardens, fishing ponds, and even a one-room schoolhouse.

Kids can bottle-feed baby animals, ride ponies, or dig in the mining area. And for parents? It’s affordable, easy to navigate, and filled with heart. It’s a nostalgic, hands-on experience that’s become a rite of passage for families in the metro.

6. Bike the Katy Trail Extension

The Katy Trail is famous across Missouri, and parts of it extend into the Kansas City region, offering scenic rides through woods, farmland, and small-town charm. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing afternoon cruise or a longer ride with the family, this is a fantastic way to get moving and unplug from screen time. Bike rentals are available in several spots, and local cafes along the trail make great pit stops.

7. Ride, Slide & Scream at Worlds of Fun

If you're looking for a full day (or weekend!) of thrills, Worlds of Fun is a Kansas City staple. From roller coasters like Mamba and Patriot to the kid-friendly Planet Snoopy, there's something for every age and adrenaline level.

Don’t forget to cool off at Oceans of Fun, the adjoining water park packed with slides, lazy rivers, and wave pools. With one ticket granting access to both parks, it’s an unbeatable value for families looking to beat the heat and make epic summer memories. Bonus tip: go mid-week to avoid the bigger crowds.

8. Tour the City on an Electric Scooter

For families with older kids or couples looking for a unique date idea, KC’s electric scooters make urban adventure easy and fun. Hop on and explore downtown, the Crossroads, the River Market, or the Plaza at your own pace. Discover hidden murals, grab street tacos, or stop at a local boutique. It’s a thrilling way to rediscover the city through a new lens—and yes, helmets are recommended!

9. Cool Off at a Splash Pad

Sometimes the best way to beat the heat is the simplest: a run through the splash pad. Kansas City has dozens of splash zones in neighborhoods, parks, and community centers—including Penguin Park, Loose Park, and Legacy Park. They’re free, safe, and guaranteed to cool the kids down fast. It’s also an ideal low-pressure option for parents with toddlers who may not be ready for a pool just yet.

10. Attend an Outdoor Concert or Summer Festival

Live music is our thing—so you know we had to end on this note. Summer in Kansas City is packed with concerts in the park, community block parties, and local festivals, many of which we’re proud to help produce. From jazz nights in the Crossroads to neighborhood BBQ fests and multicultural celebrations, there’s always something happening. Bring a lawn chair, meet your neighbors, and enjoy a summer evening the way it was meant to be.

From Our Family to Yours…

At Show-Me Live Event Production, we’ve spent nearly four decades helping Kansas City celebrate. Whether it’s a gala, a corporate conference, or a city-wide festival, we put heart into everything we do—because this isn’t just our market, it’s our home.

So this summer, take the time to get outside, try something new, and make memories with the people you love. We’ll see you out there.