Thanksgiving is the perfect time to connect with family, enjoy great food, and reflect on all you’re thankful for. And Overland Park is the ideal place to celebrate and make new memories with the people who matter most. 

With cozy dining spots, family-friendly activities, and all the charm of a Midwest getaway, OP makes the perfect backdrop for a holiday filled with gratitude and relaxation. Read on for the top five reasons to visit this Thanksgiving!

#1 Quality Time with Family

In Overland Park, families can slow down and enjoy time together, whether they’re gathered around the table for a Thanksgiving meal or exploring fun things to do. 

Take the family out to Prairiefire, where everyone will love the natural history exhibits at the Museum at Prairiefire. Afterward, catch a movie at the AMC Theater and visit Fat Brain Toys for gift ideas to put in your letter to Santa.

Looking for some extra excitement? Activate Kansas City will put your group in the game. Test your skills through multiple game rooms, each featuring a different challenge that will have you jumping, problem solving and laughing the whole time.

#2 Restaurants that Feel Like Home

Overland Park offers a variety of cozy, family-friendly restaurants open on Thanksgiving. Pick a traditional feast or opt for something unexpected, whatever your choice, these spots let you focus on the conversation without worrying about cooking.

Need somewhere to host a large group? We’ve got options. For elegant events of every kind, explore Strang Reserve or Fiorella’s. For more laid-back environments with fun and games, look into venues like Chicken N Pickle or Pinstripes. No matter your group, there’s a space in OP to gather this year.

#3 Seasonal Events to get in the Holiday Spirit

Overland Park offers the perfect setting to get into the holiday spirit with your family. Head to the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens to stroll through the enchanting Luminary Walk. Walk along the illuminated pathways, admire the magical Gnome and Fairy Villages, enjoy musical performances and watch the trains glide through the Train Garden. 

If you'd rather stay out of the cold, the Holiday Lights on Farmstead Lane at Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead is an excellent alternative. Drive to Deanna Rose and enjoy a mesmerizing light show synchronized with your favorite holiday and movie tunes while staying cozy in your heated car.

For an extra special holiday treat, check out these holiday pop-up bars in Overland Park for family-friendly and 21+ experiences.

#4 Jump Start Holiday Shopping

Overland Park is a shopper’s dream, making it the perfect place to kick off your holiday shopping during Thanksgiving weekend. From unique boutiques in Downtown Overland Park to the upscale stores at Hawthorne Plaza and the largest mall in Kansas at Oak Park Mall, there’s something for every style and budget. 

Plus, Black Friday deals add an extra layer of excitement, with opportunities to snag gifts (or a little something for yourself) while enjoying the festive atmosphere. Shopping here isn’t just about checking off your list—it’s an experience the whole family can enjoy, complete with local coffee shops to recharge along the way.

#5 Fresh Air, Sports, and Family Fun

Overland Park is a playground for families who love to stay active, especially over Thanksgiving. Head to the AdventHealth Sports Park at Bluhawk for brand new, top-notch recreational facilities where you can play, compete, or cheer each other on. With an NHL-regulation ice rink, a family entertainment center with an arcade, indoor zipline, boutique bowling, laser tag and more, there’s plenty of active activities to choose from.

Prefer the outdoors? Local parks are perfect for a post-feast stroll, a quick soccer match, or even a game of touch football. These shared moments of play and adventure create lasting memories—and might even start a new Thanksgiving tradition!