10 Overland Park Adventures Under $10
Planning a fun family day doesn’t have to mean draining your wallet. Overland Park, Kansas, is packed with activities that are exciting, educational, and (best of all) affordable.
Looking for hands-on learning, outdoor adventures, or spots where the kids can burn off energy? You’ll discover plenty of options here for $10 or less per person.
Here’s your ultimate guide to budget-friendly family fun in Overland Park.
1. Museum At Prairiefire
Cost: $5 admission (or included with a Pogo Pass)
The Museum at Prairiefire is a favorite for kids and adults alike. Little explorers can get hands-on in the Discovery Room, while dinosaur lovers will be awed by the massive fossil displays. The building’s exterior is worth a visit on its own, featuring a colorful, gemstone-like surface made of dichroic glass, a material first developed by NASA that reflects and transmits different colors depending on the angle of light. And don't forget to take a family photo out front (or out back, depending on the time of day)!
2. Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens
Cost: $3 ages 6-17, $7 ages 18+, free for ages 5 and under
The Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens is a year-round beauty. Wander scenic walking trails, admire colorful blooms, and let the kids explore the Children’s Garden and Train Garden. It’s a peaceful place for a picnic or a nature-filled stroll. Plus, admission is free on the first Tuesday of every month!
Insider Tip: Visit in spring for peonies, poppies and tulips, in fall to admire the changing leaves and attend Terra Luna, and in winter for peaceful snowy trails and the Luminary Walk.
3. Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead
Cost: $5 admission or FREE Monday-Thursday after 2PM
Step back in time to historic Kansas farm life with more than 200 animals, gardens, and interactive exhibits at Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead. Kids can feed goats, ride a pony, fish using an old-fashioned cane pole, or simply enjoy the multiple playground areas. This spot blends fun and learning, making it a go-to for families year after year.
Insider Tip: Bring quarters to purchase animal feed. Trust me, your kids will love it!
4. Scheels Overland Park
Cost: $1 per Ferris wheel ride, $1 per arcade game, $1 per shooting gallery game
Scheels isn't your average sporting goods store, it's a one-stop destination packed with family-friendly activities for every age! Start your adventure by taking a ride on the giant Ferris Wheel located in the middle of the store. Make a whole day out of it and check out the arcade, indoor play area, shooting gallery, and miniature bowling alleys. Don't forget to say hi to the colorful schools of fish in the 16,000-gallon saltwater aquariums located near the front of the store!
5. Nerman Museum Of Contemporary Art
Cost: FREE admission
Located on the campus of the Johnson County Community College, the Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art is packed with fascinating art that sparks curiosity. Currently, the featured exhibit is A Match Made in Heaven, which pairs hundreds of couture garments by American fashion designer Jeremy Scott (including outfits once worn by Katy Perry) with pop-culture inspired paintings by contemporary artist Katherine Bernhardt.
6. Strang Park, Roe Park & Thompson Park
Cost: FREE
These three parks are playground paradise – and yes, they all have bathrooms. Roe Park features a large splash pad, an impressive playground structure, and multiple reservable shelters. Thompson Park, located in Downtown Overland Park, is perfect for toddlers with its smaller splash zone, unique play structures, and easy access to nearby restaurants and shops. Strang Park stands out with giant climbing features, accessibility-forward structures, an in-ground trampoline area, and even a miniature Farmers' Market where kids can step into the role of a vendor for the day.
7. Johnson County Museum & KidScape
Cost: $4 ages 1-17, $6 ages 18+, free for ages 1 and under
Your family could easily spend an entire day at the Johnson County Museum without getting bored. Explore engaging exhibits that trace the history of suburban growth in Johnson County, including a walk through the 1950s All-Electric House. Then head to KidScape, where kids can immerse themselves in a hands-on, kid-sized city complete with a hospital, diner, schoolroom, and farmstead. It’s the perfect mix of fun and learning, making the museum well worth the price of admission.
8. Tomahawk Ridge Aquatic Center
Cost: $8 admission
Tomahawk Ridge Aquatic Center goes far beyond your average pool. Along with lap lanes and plenty of space to swim, you’ll find twisting slides, an inflatable adventure course, and a splash zone designed just for toddlers. Families love the sand play area, where kids can dig, build, and play between swims, giving it a beach-day feel right in the middle of Overland Park. With activities for every age, it’s the kind of place where you can easily spend the whole afternoon.
Insider Tip: Check seasonal hours before you go, especially toward the end of summer when schedules may shift.
9. Indian Creek Hike & Bike Trail
Cost: FREE
Stretching for miles through the entire Kansas City Metro, Indian Creek Hike & Bike Trail is ideal for biking, walking, or scootering with the family. We especially love the creekside section at Corporate Woods Founders' Park for its shady paths, hidden miniature waterfall and easy parking.
Insider Tip: Be sure to download a map of the trail online and check for trail closures before heading out on your outdoor adventure!
10. Overland Park Farmers' Market
Cost: FREE
Looking for an easy way to get the kids out of the house on a Saturday or Wednesday morning? Head to the Overland Park Farmers’ Market. Strolling through the rows of local vendors is completely free, and you’ll find plenty of live music to keep little ones entertained. Of course, you can also grab a treat or pick up fresh produce while you’re there. Kid-approved favorites include mangoes on a stick from Just Enough Heat, cinnamon rolls from Dolce Bakery, and Italian ice from Neon Palm Ice.
The market is open 7:30 AM to 1 PM on Saturdays, April 19 to September 27, and on Wednesdays, June 4 to September 3. Starting October 4, Saturday hours shift to 8 AM to 12 PM.
Dinosaur bones, splash pads, and biking trails all prove that Overland Park offers plenty of fun without a big price tag. These activities are perfect for weekend outings, school breaks, or even spur-of-the-moment weekday adventures.
Save this list for later and share it with friends who enjoy affordable family fun!
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