A Sport Parent's Guide to Overland Park
As youth sports season kicks into high gear, families from all over are heading to Overland Park for tournaments.
We know tournament schedules can be jam-packed with early games, quick turnarounds, and little time to explore. That’s why we created this guide to help you make the most of your time here, with family-friendly spots to eat, recharge, and have a little fun in between the action.
Coffee, Breakfast & Brunch
Early game? Late start? Either way, these local coffee shops and breakfast spots will keep the whole family fueled and ready for the day.
McLain's Market
In a rush? Swing by the drive-thru at McLain’s Market for coffee, freshly-baked pastries and breakfast on the go. Favorites include the pepperjack burrito, avocado toast and their famous ooey gooey cinnamon rolls. There are two locations in Overland Park: One in South OP and one on 119th Street.
Click here for more spots to get your caffeine fix.
Shack Breakfast & Lunch
If you’ve got time for a sit-down meal between games, you can't go wrong with Shack Breakfast & Lunch. The menu is filled with sweet options like French toast and Belgian waffles alongside hearty skillets, signature plates, and savory omelets. You'll find two locations in the city: one nearby Scheels Soccer Complex and one on the corner of College and Metcalf.
Click here for more places to start your morning off right.
Urban Egg
When the weekend finally comes around, there’s no better place to kick off your Saturday than Urban Egg. This brunch spot is known for its pineapple upside-down pancakes, sparkling mimosas and hearty scrambles that’ll fuel you through a full day of games. It’s family-friendly, fast-moving, and conveniently located near many of Overland Park’s sports complexes, making it the perfect stop before heading to the field.
Click here for more weekend brunch spots.
Lunch
These family-friendly lunch spots are worth taking the timeout. They’re close to the fields, easy to get in and out of, and full of options kids and parents will both love.
Coach's Bar & Grill on 135th
If you're running low on time between games, Coach's Bar & Grill on 135th is next door to Scheels Overland Park Soccer Complex. If you sit on the rooftop patio, you can even watch the action on the field! Plus, they serve the kind of food that all kids love: chicken tenders, cheeseburgers, grilled cheese, and more familiar favorites.
Click here for more kid-friendly restaurants.
Cactus Grill
Cactus Grill is the kind of place that understands the chaos of a tournament weekend. The service is fast, there are plenty of large tables, and there's an incredible patio. Parents can decompress over a margarita while the kiddos get their quesadilla fix, and no one’s judging your post-game appetite. It's also conveniently located right next to AdventHealth Sports Park at Bluhawk.
Click here for more taco spots the whole family will love.
The Mixx
The Mixx is your answer to the eternal sports-parent dilemma: finding something fast that isn’t fried. The menu offers build-your-own salads, grain bowls, wraps, and enough smoothie options to keep everyone happy. It’s tasty, efficient, and feels like a small win for anyone trying to eat clean between games. Bonus: kids can still get mac and cheese. Balance, right?
Click here for more clean and healthy lunch options.
Dinner
You’ve been on the move all day, so now it’s time to sit down and actually enjoy a meal. These dinner spots deliver on flavor, comfort, and a well-earned break.
Q39
You can't come to Overland Park and skip trying Kansas City-style barbecue, and Q39 makes a strong case for your first stop. It’s the kind of place that can handle your whole crew (loud kids, tired parents, hungry teens) and still turn out brisket and ribs that remind you why KC does this better than anywhere else. Stop by for big tables, fast service, and zero patience for mediocre meat.
Click here for more places to try Kansas City Barbecue.
SPIN! Pizza
SPIN! Pizza is made for sports parents who need dinner to be fast and flexible. The menu covers all the bases: Neapolitan-style pies, chopped salads, paninis, gelato, and even beer and wine for mom and dad. It’s casual, fast, and kid-proof, with an order-at-the-counter setup that keeps things moving.
Click here for more pizza spots worth trying.
KC Craft Ramen
KC Craft Ramen is for families who are tired of nuggets and fries and ready for something with a little more edge. It's a Japanese noodle shop serving up rich, flavorful bowls that go way beyond the instant stuff. Some of our favorite dishes are the pan-fried pork gyoza dumplings and KC pork buns. It’s counter service, which means no reservations and a laid-back dining experience perfect for tired kids.
Click here for more must-try international food.
Sweets & Treats
Long day? You deserve a cookie. Or maybe a donut, a scoop of ice cream, or whatever makes the kids stop asking for snacks every five minutes.
The Golden Scoop
The Golden Scoop serves up homemade ice cream with purpose. This locally-owned ice cream shop creates jobs for very talented individuals who happen to live with a disability, and serves up all your favorite flavors of ice cream. By grabbing a sweet treat at The Golden Scoop, you're helping build a more inclusive community one scoop at a time.
Click here for more of Overland Park's top cold treats.
Kate Smith Soirée
Kate Smith Soirée is what happens when a pastry case becomes a work of art. This tiny bakery turns out glossy tarts, pastel macarons, and cakes so pretty they feel almost too fancy for a Saturday in cleats. But that’s the charm, it’s a quick detour into something sweet and elevated after a day of chaos.
Click here for more of our favorite bakeries.
LaMar's Donuts and Coffee
LaMar’s Donuts and Coffee has been serving game-day fuel since before there were travel teams. The donuts are big, warm, and the kind of treat that shuts down complaints at 7 a.m. and buys you a little peace before the first whistle. Grab a dozen on the way to the fields and suddenly, you're the MVP of the morning.
Click here for seven more places to grab a donut.
Shopping
While the kids are at warm-ups, sneak in a little browsing. Overland Park’s shopping scene has everything from local boutiques to national chains, because you deserve more than another lawn chair.
Oak Park Mall
When the schedule gives you a break, head inside for some retail therapy that actually feels worth it. Oak Park Mall has the essentials: Nordstrom for a wardrobe upgrade, The LEGO Store to keep the kids happy, and Sephora for a five-minute escape that smells like self-care. It’s spacious, easy to navigate, and a great way to reset without needing a full game plan.
Click here to view a list of all the stores at Oak Park Mall.
Town Center Plaza
Nearby in Leawood, Town Center Plaza checks all the boxes. Dick’s Sporting Goods is your backup plan for forgotten gear, Lululemon has what you wish you wore to the tournament, and Kendra Scott is the jewelry equivalent of a mood boost. These stores are close to plenty of food options, and offer just the right amount of distraction before you’re back on the sidelines.
Click here for more information on Town Center Plaza.
Corbin Park
Corbin Park is where practicality meets the impulse buy. Stock up on snacks and sideline chairs at Scheels, grab mascara or dry shampoo at Ulta, then wander through REI convincing yourself this is the year your family gets into hiking. Plus, it's conveniently located near Scheels Overland Park Soccer Complex and Blue Valley Sports Complex.
Click here to view a list of all the stores in Corbin Park.
Things to Do
Tournament weekends don’t come with much downtime, but when they do it’s nice to have something lined up that doesn’t involve scrolling in the car. These activities are close to the action, low-stress, and perfect for filling that awkward gap between games.
Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead
Just across the street from the Scheels Overland Park Soccer Complex, Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead turns downtime into hands-on learning. Kids can bottle-feed baby goats, try cow milking, and immerse themselves in early 1900s Kansas farm life. It's the perfect place to go for no screens, minimal lines, and pure discovery.
Click here for more hands-on history activities for kids.
BRKTHROUGH
BRKTHROUGH is the ultimate indoor fix for teens and tweens who need to burn off energy between games. This 22,000-square-foot venue features 40 high-tech challenge rooms—each a fast-paced mix of physical, mental, and skill-based games. The best part? It’s indoors, air-conditioned, and just the right level of chaos to keep everyone happy (and off their phones).
Click here for more indoor fun for the whole family.
Tomahawk Ridge Aquatic Center
Tomahawk Ridge Aquatic Center is the city’s biggest pool, and a go-to for families looking to cool off between games. It’s got everything: a zero-depth entry for little ones, a 60-foot family slide, a twisty slide for thrill-seekers, and shaded cabanas that feel like a vacation moment.
Click here for a full list of pools and splash pads.
Sports weekends come with a lot of moving parts, but Overland Park makes it easier to find your rhythm. You’ll find great food, simple ways to relax, and plenty of places that keep both kids and parents happy. The games might bring you here, but the experience can make it a weekend worth repeating.
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