What if we told you it’s possible—quite easy, even—to fill up a weekend in KC | OP with exciting adventures and keep your budget intact? Pack your bags (and save this list to your favorites) because these ten diverse outings won’t cost you a dime.

Quick Jump List

 

1. Arboretum and Botanical Gardens

Overland Park
{Free on Tuesdays}

Surround yourself with lush, natural scenery at this 300-acre ecological sanctuary. Stroll through 13 scenic gardens and then take in the mesmerizing kinetic art sculptures that make up the Whirlwind: Art in Motion exhibit.

Arboretum-Botanical-Gardens

2. Overland Park Farmers’ Market

Overland Park

Named “Best Farmers’ Market in Kansas” by Cooking Light Magazine, this Downtown Overland Park staple features farm-fresh produce and locally-made products from more than 80 vendors. The Market, open Saturdays and Wednesdays until 1 p.m., offers visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in the authentic community energy that makes this district a hotspot among locals.

3. Aubrey Vineyards Tasting Room

Overland Park

Delight your palate with a complimentary tasting experience at this quaint tasting room in Downtown Overland Park. All Aubrey wines, from the Chardonnay to the Chambourcin are fermented in Overland Park, and a majority of the grapes come from Kansas vineyards.

Free_Wine_Tasting_Aubrey_Vineyards_Overland_Park

4. Prairiefire

Overland Park

With its trendy boutiques, family-friendly attractions and variety of dining options, the Prairiefire district is a must-do when in KC | OP. Swing by the Museum at Prairiefire and take a selfie in front of the stunning dichroic glass exterior. Then venture inside to the Great Hall where the first-ever complete T-rex skeleton awaits. (Entry to the Great Hall is free; other exhibits require tickets.)

Prairiefire_Entertainment_District_Free_Activity_in_Overland_Park

5. First Fridays in the Crossroads Arts District

Kansas City

Culture comes alive the first Friday of every month in the Crossroads Arts District when thousands of people browse art at more than 40 nearby galleries. And outside on the streets there’s a party-like atmosphere with live entertainment, food trucks and sidewalk vendors for all to enjoy.

6. Murals

Overland Park

Local artists have turned blank walls into must-see places around town. Larger than life colors jump off of bricks and tell a story worth reading. Take your family on a driving tour around town to explore the different paintings, hop out for pictures and enjoy activities nearby along the way. 

Murals

7. Thompson Park

Overland Park

Park isn't in our city's name for nothing. There's a park for everyone in our city with green space to stretch your legs and be close to nature. Thompson Park is the newest addition and is located in Downtown Overland Park, just off the main strip. Kids can play at the playground, splash pad, and musical installations. There are modern shelters with picnic areas and grills, a gathering space that looks like a giant paper airplane, a work station area with free wifi, and plenty of green space and shade.

Thompson-Park-Plaza

8. Indian Creek Hiking & Bike Trails

Overland Park

Indian Creek Hiking & Biking Trails are like the connecting arteries to the various green spaces around town and in the metro. The 10-mile portion of trails in Overland Park are paved and wind through woods, open green space and are relatively flat for an easy way to get your steps in for the day.

9. Roe Park

Overland Park

Visit Roe Park to keep the kids busy on the large playground and one of the city's best splash pads. Picnic areas and ball fields give the whole family ways to stay active outside, and access points to biking and hiking trails can take up an entire afternoon.

10. South Lake Park

Overland Park

South Lake Park is a relaxing outdoor escape with a stocked small lake for fishing, a newly updated playground area, basketball courts, paved trails, picnic areas and plenty of green space. 

 

Still want more? We have you covered. Here are some cheap things to do in Overland Park.