If you're looking for a family-friendly getaway just a few hours from St. Louis, let us introduce you to Overland Park, Kansas. We recently spent a weekend there, and honestly—it blew us away. From interactive museums and farm animals to pancake flights and bowling while eating dinner, this charming city situated right outside of Kansas City packs in way more fun than we ever expected.
Overland Park is just under four hours from St. Louis, making it the perfect weekend road trip. You can leave after school on a Friday or first thing Saturday morning, either way you'll have plenty of time to explore without feeling rushed.
Here’s how we spent a memorable 48 hours in Overland Park with kids (and why your family should plan a trip, too)!
Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3
Where We Stayed: Drury Inn & Suites Kansas City Overland Park
We stayed at the Drury Inn & Suites Kansas City Overland Park, and it was the perfect home base for our weekend. The location made it easy to get to all the attractions on our list, and the amenities made traveling with kids feel so much easier.
They have complimentary hot breakfasts, and the 5:30 Kickback® with free evening snacks and drinks is a welcome treat after hours of adventures. The indoor/outdoor pool gave the kids a chance to splash and unwind, and we appreciated the clean, spacious suite-style rooms and friendly staff. For families looking for convenience, comfort, and value, this spot checks all the boxes.
We kicked things off with a visit to Wonderscope, and this is not your average children’s museum. Every exhibit is hands-on, immersive, and built to keep kids moving and learning. Water play, climbing structures, imaginative grocery stores, and an interactive gym kept our kids so engaged they didn’t want to leave. It was the perfect way to burn off that car ride energy!
Before checking into the hotel, we went to Strang Park, a beautifully designed and inclusive playground. There’s a nature play area, climbing structures, musical instruments, and plenty of shaded seating. It also includes a toddler playground, sensory tunnel and in-ground trampolines. It’s a great place to relax while the kids keep the adventure going.
We headed to Pinstripes for dinner, and it was a hit with the whole crew. Think upscale bowling and bocce paired with delicious flatbreads, pasta, and kid-friendly options. The lobster pizza was phenomenal, and the boys enjoyed their first ever root beer floats. We bowled a few frames while waiting for our food and then taught the kids how to play bocce. They’ve both said bowling and bocce have become their favorite sports after that wonderful experience.
To fuel up for the day, we went to McLain’s Market. Their iced coffee is top notch, and the kids are still talking about the donuts. It’s a cozy place to recharge before hours of exploring.
Visiting Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead is like stepping into a storybook. With goats to feed, cows to pet, wagon rides, a Native American encampment and even a one-room schoolhouse, this place is an absolute gem. The highlights for our kids were fishing and feeding the goats, which are both a small additional cost, but they are well worth it. There are also playgrounds, milking demonstrations, and a variety of animals. It's one of those rare attractions that’s just as engaging for toddlers as it is for tweens.
We had a nice lunch break at Nick and Jake’s. We were greeted with dinosaur coloring sheets/kid menus for the boys, which were a huge hit and kept them entertained until the food came. There is an extensive menu for both kids and adults, and it is all absolutely delicious. The service and quality of this kid-friendly restaurant were unmatched.
Even if you’re not typically into sporting goods, SCHEELS is an experience. It’s part store, part-indoor amusement park, complete with a Ferris wheel, aquarium, and arcade games – with an in-store cafe. Since the Ferris wheel was only $1 per person, we had to go for a ride before heading to our next stop.
Next, we stopped at KidScape at the Johnson County Museum. This interactive town is designed for play-based learning, and it’s free with museum admission. Our kids “worked” at a hospital, grocery store, school and city hall while we enjoyed learning about the area’s history. It serves as a great mix of fun and education.
Sweet Caroline’s Ice Cream & Treats was a welcome treat to slow down and enjoy some yummy sweets! Everything is made in-house, and they’ve got just enough quirky options to keep everyone excited. It’s a sugar rush in the best possible way.
SERV is one of the coolest spots for dinner. Picture a food hall-meets-pickleball-meets-yard games hangout. The kids loved the food but enjoyed watching pickleball games even more, and we tried a few global dishes from the food stalls. It’s fun, casual, and a great way to enjoy food and games as a family.
Urban Egg might just win the prize for best breakfast on the road. Creative pancakes, fresh-squeezed juices, and eggs every way you can imagine made it a great way to start our day. They had a great kids’ menu for breakfast, gave each of our boys drawing pads and even offered a family pack with games and conversation cards. The pancake flight is a must here!
Between breakfast and lunch, we walked around the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens. There’s a children’s garden, train garden, walking trails, and beautiful sculptures tucked throughout the landscape. Our kids really liked playing in the children’s garden and admiring the trains in the train garden. It’s a great way to get fresh air and unwind before the drive home—or the final lunch stop.
Q39 is where you want to end a Kansas City-area weekend – with some of the best BBQ around. Burnt ends, ribs, brisket... everything was juicy and flavorful and felt like an authentic KC experience. The boys devoured their ribs and were just full enough to take a nice nap on the easy drive home.
Why Overland Park Should Be Your Next Family Getaway
Overland Park has all the charm of a small town, with the attractions and convenience of a much bigger city. Everything is close together, the people are welcoming, and there's truly something for every member of the family—from toddlers to grandparents.
Whether you're chasing adventure, looking for hands-on learning, or just want to eat and play your way through a new town, Overland Park makes it so easy.
Trust us—this little corner of Kansas is worth the drive.
